Things To Do
in Seoul
Seoul, the dynamic capital of South Korea, seamlessly blends ultramodern skyscrapers with centuries-old palaces and temples. The city bursts with vibrant street life, from bustling markets to trendy shopping districts and a diverse culinary scene. Surrounded by mountains and bisected by the Han River, Seoul offers both urban excitement and natural escapes.
High-speed connectivity and efficient transit make it a global tech hub and an accessible gateway for travelers.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a serene stroll through Gyeongbokgung Palace, marveling at the grand architecture and the changing of the guard ceremony. Wander through the secret gardens and ornate pavilions, absorbing the history of Korea’s Joseon Dynasty. Feel the calm energy as traditional melodies drift across the palace grounds.
Head to Bukchon Hanok Village to explore narrow alleys lined with centuries-old wooden homes. Visit artisan workshops and galleries set inside traditional hanoks, learning about ancient crafts still practiced today. Stop at a teahouse for a cup of fragrant local tea while admiring the tiled roofs against the modern city beyond.
Dine at a nearby restaurant offering royal court cuisine, sampling delicate flavors once reserved for the king. As dusk falls, join a guided lantern-lit tour around the palace walls. End the evening with panoramic views of the palace illuminated under the night sky.
Start in Insadong’s main street, weaving through shops selling handcrafted ceramics, calligraphy brushes, and hanji paper art. Engage in a short ink painting workshop to create your own piece of Korean art. Savor a traditional Korean breakfast of soybean stew and rice at a cozy local eatery.
Visit the Alive Museum for playful 3D art installations and interactive exhibits that challenge perception. Explore the nearby sidewalk galleries showcasing modern interpretations of folk art. Enjoy a bowl of ginseng chicken soup at a quaint bistro, recharging with nourishing flavors.
Attend a traditional Korean music performance at Jeongdong Theater, complete with drums and melodic flutes. Meander back to Insadong’s alleys where lantern-lit restaurants offer soju and savory pancakes. Cap the night by tasting street snacks like hotteok and twisted fries before returning to your hotel.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10–15 |
| ☕️Coffee at cafe | $3–5 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $60–80 |
| 🚇One-way subway ticket | $1.20–1.50 |
| 🚕Taxi start (day rate) | $3–4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- World-class public transportation
- Rich cultural heritage and modern amenities
- Diverse food scene from street stalls to Michelin-starred restaurants
- Summer monsoons and high humidity
- Language barrier outside tourist areas
- Can be crowded during peak travel seasons
- "안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo)" - Hello
- "감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida)" - Thank you
- "얼마예요? (Eolmayeyo?)" - How much is it?
- "~주세요 (~juseyo)" - Please give me ~
- "죄송합니다 (Joesonghamnida)" - Excuse me / Sorry
Places to Visit in Seoul
Visit one of these nice places.
Majestic palace gates with Mount Bugaksan backdrop.
360° city panoramas by day and colorful lights at night.
Art-adorned alleys on Naksan Park’s slopes.
Evening light and water show over the Han River.
Food in Seoul
Seoul Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Mixed rice with vegetables, egg, and gochujang; try it at Gogung in Myeongdong.
Must-Try!
Grill at your table with lettuce wraps and sauces; popular in Hongdae or Itaewon BBQ joints.
Spicy rice cakes sold at street stalls in Sindang-dong’s Tteokbokki Town.
Hearty kimchi stew with pork or tuna; find it in local neighborhood eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market famous for bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and mayak gimbap.
Try cheese corn dogs, hotteok (sweet pancakes), and grilled clams.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use two hands when giving or receiving items to elders.
Take off shoes when entering homes, some traditional restaurants, and temples.
Avoid loud phone calls on public transport; keep voices low.
Safety
Tipping in Seoul
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary; exceptional service can be rewarded but is never expected.
Credit/debit cards and mobile payments (Kakao Pay, Naver Pay) are widely accepted; carry some cash (₩).
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures (10–20°C) with cherry blossoms in March–April.
Hot (25–35°C) and humid, with monsoon rains in July.
Crisp air and vibrant foliage in October–November.
Cold (−5–5°C), occasional snow, good for festive markets.
Seoul at Night
Hiking in Seoul
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Multiple trails with scenic ridges and temple ruins.
Easy paths to N Seoul Tower through wooded areas.
Steeper climbs and rock faces favored by experienced hikers.
Airports
How to reach Seoul by plane.
Primary gateway 1 hour from downtown by AREX train or highway bus.
Closer airport (30 minutes away) handling domestic flights and limited international routes.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Tech and startup workers flock to Gangnam and Yeouido.
Universities in Sinchon and Hongdae bring a youthful vibe.
Concentrated in Itaewon, Hannam-dong, and Seorae Village.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) games at Jamsil Baseball Stadium draw enthusiastic crowds.
K League matches featuring FC Seoul at Seoul World Cup Stadium.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Seoul.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Limited options at traditional restaurants, but find veggie bibimbap and temple food in Insadong; several vegan cafes in Itaewon.
Request tamari instead of regular soy sauce; most Korean dishes are naturally rice-based.
Itaewon hosts halal Korean restaurants and nearby Seoul Central Mosque.