Things To Do
in Seoul
Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, is a bustling metropolis known for its modern skyscrapers, high-tech subways, and historic palaces. The city offers a harmonious blend of traditional Korean culture and contemporary trends, with vibrant street markets, trendy shopping districts, and world-class dining options. Visitors can explore iconic landmarks such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and N Seoul Tower, while also enjoying the city's dynamic nightlife scene and K-pop music culture.
Seoul's efficient public transportation system makes it easy to navigate the city and discover its many attractions.
- "안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo)" - Hello
- "고맙습니다 (gomapseumnida)" - Thank you
- "실례합니다 (sillyehamnida)" - Excuse me
- "죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida)" - I'm sorry
- "얼마예요? (eolmayeyo?)" - How much is it?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $7 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day at Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of the Five Grand Palaces. Don't forget to catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
Visit the National Folk Museum of Korea located within the palace grounds to learn about traditional Korean culture. Afterward, stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village to admire traditional Korean houses.
Head to Insadong for local crafts and tea houses, perfect for a cozy evening. Enjoy a traditional Korean dinner at one of the many restaurants in the area.
Start at Namsan Park and take the cable car up to N Seoul Tower for panoramic views of the city. Explore the surrounding hiking trails for a breath of fresh air.
Discover the vibrant Myeongdong shopping district, where you can enjoy street food and shop for cosmetics. Visit the Myeongdong Cathedral, a beautiful example of Gothic architecture.
Wind down by exploring Dongdaemun Design Plaza in the evening. The LED rose garden here is especially stunning at night.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant culture and rich history with numerous landmarks and traditional areas.
- Excellent public transportation system, making it easy to get around the city.
- A thriving economy with numerous job opportunities, particularly in technology and manufacturing.
- Diverse culinary scene offering a wide variety of delicious food, from street food to fine dining.
- Safety and low crime rates compared to many other major cities.
- Strong emphasis on education, with many quality universities and schools.
- High cost of living, particularly in terms of housing.
- Heavy traffic congestion can lead to long commuting times.
- Air pollution can be a concern, especially during certain seasons.
- Fast-paced lifestyle can be overwhelming for some individuals.
- Cultural pressure to succeed academically and professionally.
- Limited green spaces in the urban area can make it feel crowded.
Best Activities in Seoul
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Hiking and exploring the scenic mountains and beautiful landscapes.
Cycling, picnicking, and enjoying water sports along the river.
Strolling through the historic palace grounds and gardens.
Taking a scenic cable car ride and enjoying panoramic views of the city.
Walking, bird-watching, and enjoying the lush greenery in the heart of the city.
Places to Visit in Seoul
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers panoramic views of the city and is a popular spot for photos, especially at sunset or at night when the city lights up.
Provides stunning mountainous landscapes and hiking trails, offering numerous photo opportunities of the natural beauty surrounding Seoul.
Boasts traditional Korean architecture and beautiful gardens, providing scenic views and photo opportunities representative of Korea's historical and cultural heritage.
Food in Seoul
Seoul Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A signature Korean dish featuring mixed rice topped with an assortment of sautéed and seasoned vegetables, chili pepper paste, and often a raw or fried egg. It's commonly served in a hot stone bowl, creating a crispy layer of rice at the bottom.
Must-Try!
A traditional side dish made of fermented vegetables, commonly cabbage and radishes, seasoned with chili powder, scallions, garlic, and ginger. It's a staple of Korean cuisine, served with nearly every meal.
Korean BBQ encompasses a variety of grilled meat dishes, with galbi (marinated beef short ribs) and bulgogi (thinly sliced marinated beef) being the most popular choices. The meats are often grilled at the table and eaten with lettuce, perilla leaves, or rice.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
One of the oldest and largest traditional markets in Seoul, famous for its vibrant food alley offering a wide array of Korean street food such as bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), and mayak gimbap (mini seaweed rice rolls).
A bustling area filled with food stalls and vendors offering a diverse selection of street food including hotteok (sweet pancakes), kimbap (seaweed rice rolls), and odeng (fish cake skewers).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Seoul, it is customary to bow slightly when greeting someone as a sign of respect.
When entering a Korean home or certain traditional establishments, it is polite to remove your shoes as a sign of respect for the space.
When giving or receiving items, it is considered polite to use both hands as a sign of respect in Korean culture.
Safety
Tipping in Seoul
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in South Korea, including Seoul. It is not expected or required to tip at restaurants, hotels, or for other services.
In Seoul, cash is widely accepted for transactions, but credit and debit cards are also commonly used. Mobile payment and electronic funds transfer are becoming increasingly popular as well.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit for cherry blossoms and mild temperatures.
Warm and humid with occasional monsoon rains.
Ideal for colorful foliage and pleasant weather.
Cold with occasional snow, but great for winter activities and festivals.
Seoul at Night
Hiking in Seoul
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A vast national park featuring rugged mountains, scenic trails, and historic fortresses. Popular among both amateur and experienced hikers.
Located in the heart of Seoul, Namsan Park offers a network of trails leading to the iconic N Seoul Tower, providing beautiful views of the city.
A relatively short hike that rewards visitors with stunning panoramas of the city and a chance to explore ancient fortifications.
Known for its easy trails and gorgeous views of the Han River, making it a popular spot for families and beginners.
Features challenging routes and beautiful landscapes, including rocky cliffs and lush greenery. Perfect for adventurous hikers.
This popular hiking area offers various trails with different difficulty levels, as well as cultural sites like Seoul National University.
A mountain known for its dramatic cliffs and unique rock formations, it attracts hikers looking for more challenging and rewarding experiences.
Aiports
How to reach Seoul by plane.
The largest airport in South Korea, serving as the primary international airport for Seoul. It is located about 48 kilometers west of Seoul.
The second largest airport serving the Seoul area, mainly for domestic flights and some international flights. It is located about 15 kilometers west of downtown Seoul.
A smaller airport located in Wonju, approximately 130 kilometers east of Seoul. It provides a limited number of domestic flights and some international services.
Located about 140 kilometers south of Seoul, it serves as an international gateway for the central region of South Korea.
Located about 240 kilometers southeast of Seoul, this airport serves both domestic and international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group, comprising native citizens of South Korea.
Includes expatriates and immigrants from various countries living in Seoul.
Families that have members from both Korean and foreign backgrounds, often resulting from international marriages.
A significant number of domestic and international students attending Seoul's universities and educational institutions.
Elderly population, usually consisting of retirees and senior citizens in the community.
A demographic group of young adults who are starting their careers in various industries.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is one of the most popular sports in Seoul, with a passionate fanbase and numerous clubs participating in national and international competitions.
Baseball enjoys a significant following in Korea, and the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) league features several teams in Seoul, attracting large crowds.
Basketball is widely played and followed in Seoul, with professional leagues and a strong presence in schools and neighborhoods.
Volleyball, both indoor and beach, is popular in Korea, with many schools and clubs promoting the sport.
As Korea's national sport, Taekwondo has deep cultural significance and is widely practiced throughout Seoul.
Badminton is popular at both recreational and competitive levels, with numerous clubs and facilities available in Seoul.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Seoul.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Korean cuisine traditionally includes a lot of meat and seafood, many restaurants in Seoul now offer vegetarian and vegan options. Buddhist temples in the city also serve traditional vegan temple food (e.g., bibimbap, vegetable stews) to visitors.
It can be challenging to find explicitly gluten-free options in traditional Korean dishes due to the common use of soy sauce and other wheat-based ingredients. However, some modern cafes and restaurants are beginning to accommodate gluten-free diets.