Seoul pulses with a dynamic blend of cutting-edge technology, centuries-old palaces, and vibrant street life. From the neon bazaars of Myeongdong to the tranquil pavilions of Gyeongbokgung, each corner tells a story. In this guide, you’ll find in‐depth recommendations on the best areas to stay, immersive tours to book, and must-do experiences that capture the essence of Korea’s capital.
Where to Stay
Choosing the right neighborhood will shape your Seoul experience. Here are three distinct districts, each with detailed lodging options and local insights:
Myeongdong & City Center
Vibe: Bustling shopping streets, cosmetics boutiques, street-food stalls, and easy metro access.
- Luxury: The Westin Josun Seoul – grand rooms overlooking the Seoul Theater and Namdaemun Gate, plus an acclaimed spa.
- Mid-Range: Lotte Hotel Seoul – classic elegance, underground access to Myeongdong Station, and rooftop pool.
- Budget: Staz Hotel Myeongdong – simple, soundproofed rooms steps from endless street-food vendors.
Insider Tip: Book a room on the 20th floor or higher to catch city-lights views when the neon signs glow at night.
Gangnam & Apgujeong
Vibe: Trendy cafés, designer shopping, K-pop entertainment agencies, and sleek high-rises.
- Luxury: Park Hyatt Seoul – floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Han River and COEX Convention Center.
- Mid-Range: Shilla Stay Yeoksam – modern décor, fitness center, and walking distance to local eateries.
- Budget: Kimchee Gangnam Guesthouse – social dorms and private rooms near Gangnam Station.
Insider Tip: Wander down the back alleys of Apgujeong for hidden speakeasy bars and boutique art galleries away from the crowds.
Insadong & Bukchon Hanok Village
Vibe: Traditional tea houses, antique shops, artisans’ studios, and hanok (wooden-roofed house) stays overlooking ancient alleys.
- Luxury: Rakkojae Seoul – restored 100-year-old hanok with personalized service and garden views.
- Mid-Range: CenterMark Hotel Myeongdong – a modern property just a short walk from the Jogyesa Temple.
- Budget: Bukchon Hanok Guesthouse – community dorms and private rooms in authentic hanok settings.
Insider Tip: Rise early to explore the narrow stone lanes of Bukchon before tour groups arrive—light filters beautifully through the tiled roofs.
Best Tours
Guided experiences bring Seoul’s layers of culture and history vividly to life:
Royal Palaces & Hanbok Experience
Highlights: Gyeongbokgung’s Changing of the Guard, a private hanbok dress-up session, and a walking tour of the Secret Garden at Changdeokgung.
- Duration: ~5 hours
- Cost: ₩70,000–₩90,000 per person (includes hanbok rental and palace fees)
- Tip: Wear your hanbok for discounted palace entry and endless photo opportunities against palace gates.
DMZ & JSA Discovery
Highlights: Panmunjom’s Military Demarcation Line, Third Tunnel, Dora Observatory views of North Korea, and Korean War history exhibits.
- Duration: Full day (~9 hours)
- Cost: ₩120,000–₩150,000 per person (government permit and transport included)
- Tip: Book at least two weeks in advance; carry your passport for checkpoint clearance.
Foodie Walking Tour of Gwangjang & Namdaemun Markets
Highlights: Bindaetteok (mung-bean pancake), mayak kimbap (“addictive” mini rolls), tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), and makgeolli (rice wine) tastings.
- Duration: ~3 hours
- Cost: ₩50,000–₩70,000 per person (includes tastings)
- Tip: Go mid-morning to avoid the lunch-rush crowds and chat with stall owners about secret recipes.
N Seoul Tower & Itaewon Nightlife
Highlights: Cable-car ride up Namsan, panoramic sunset views, love-padlock terrace, then a guided bar crawl in Itaewon’s eclectic nightlife district.
- Duration: ~6 hours
- Cost: ₩80,000–₩100,000 per person (tower entry and bar fees included)
- Tip: Time your tower visit 30 minutes before sunset—watch day fade into night as city lights blink on.
Where Is Seoul?
Seoul sits in the northwest of South Korea, straddling the Han River. The city’s metropolitan area sprawl covers 605 km², with surrounding mountains (Bukhansan, Namsan) offering green escapes just minutes from urban hustle.
How to Get There
- By Air: Incheon International Airport (ICN) is 48 km west, connected by AREX express train (43 m, ₩9,000) and airport limousine buses.
- By Bus: Overnight buses from Busan (4–5 hours) and Gyeongju (6–7 hours) arrive at Seoul Express Bus Terminal.
- By Train: KTX high-speed trains link Seoul Station with Busan (2 h 40 m) and Daejeon (1 h).
Transport
- Subway & Buses: 23 subway lines plus extensive bus network. T-money card (₩2,500 deposit) offers seamless tap-and-go on all services.
- Taxis & Ride-Hailing: Standard taxis start at ₩3,800; Kakao T app covers taxis, black limos, and bike-taxis.
- Walking & Cycling: Central neighborhoods are walkable; Seoul Bike “Ddareungi” rental stations (₩1,000/day) scatter riverfront and park areas.
Best Things to Do
Gyeongbokgung & National Folk Museum
Arrive at 9 AM for the guard ceremony; explore throne halls and learn daily palace life at the Folk Museum’s interactive exhibits.
Bukchon Hanok Village Stroll
Meander the 600-year-old neighborhood, peeking into hidden galleries, tea houses, and Upcycled Crafts cafes.
Insadong Antique & Tea House Crawl
Browse hanji (traditional paper), calligraphy shops, then sip omija (five-flavor berry tea) in a hanok-style tearoom.
Myeongdong Shopping & Street Eats
Sample hotteok (sweet pancakes) and gyeranppang (egg bread), then discover K-beauty brands in flagship stores.
Hongdae Youth Culture
Enjoy busking performances in the pedestrian zone, shop vintage finds in alleyway boutiques, and dance the night away in themed clubs.
Noryangjin Fish Market Breakfast
Buy fresh sashimi at wholesale prices, then have it prepared sashimi-style at a second-floor eatery overlooking the tanks.
Hike Bukhansan National Park
Tackle the Baegundae peak trail for 360° Seoul panoramas; pack water and sturdy shoes for the rocky ascent.
DMZ Half-Day Excursion
Visit the Freedom Bridge, Third Tunnel, and Odusan Unification Observatory—gaining perspective on the Korean Peninsula’s division.
Evening Hangang River Cruise
Board near Yeouido for a 1-hour nighttime boat ride; admire illuminated skyscrapers and iconic bridges.
Explore COEX Aquarium & Starfield Library
Get lost among 40,000 books in the two-story library, then wander the themed aquarium zones with 40,000 marine creatures.
Best Sunrise & Sunset Spots
- Sunrise at Naksan Park: Overlooking Ihwa Mural Village and city rooftops.
- Sunset from N Seoul Tower: Incredible 360° views of Seoul’s skyline aglow.
- Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain: Evening water-and-light show along the Han River.
Map & Navigation Tip
Use the “Subway Korea” and “KakaoMap” apps offline. Save key stops (e.g., Gyeongbokgung, Myeongdong, Hongdae) to favorites for one-tap directions.
Other Tips
- Wi-Fi & SIM Cards: Rent pocket Wi-Fi at Incheon; purchase prepaid SIMs for data coverage.
- Cash & Card: Credit cards widely accepted; carry small change for street-food stalls and vending machines.
- Etiquette: Stand on right in escalators, bow slightly when thanking locals, and avoid loud phone calls on public transport.
- Seasonal Clothing: Pack layers—spring/fall can be crisp; summers are hot and humid; winters bring sub-zero temps and occasional snow.
Is Seoul Safe?
Seoul ranks among the world’s safest megacities. Exercise standard precautions—watch your belongings in crowded markets and late-night subway platforms.
Seoul on a Budget
- Accommodation: Guesthouses from ₩20,000/night; capsule hotels from ₩30,000.
- Transport: T-money day cap (~₩6,000) and free transfers within 30 minutes.
- Food: Street-food meals from ₩2,000; kimbap and ramen shops at ₩3,000–₩5,000.
- Attractions: Many palaces and museums offer free entry on the last Wednesday of each month.
How Long to Stay
Four to six days lets you cover historical sites, modern attractions, day trips to the DMZ, and cultural districts without rushing.
Sample 5-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Gyeongbokgung & Bukchon → Insadong tea houses → Jogyesa Temple
Day 2: DMZ half-day tour → Afternoon in Hongdae → Night cruise on Han River
Day 3: N Seoul Tower sunrise → Myeongdong street-food crawl → Chungmuro film district
Day 4: Mount Bukhansan hike → Relax at a jjimjilbang (Korean spa)
Day 5: COEX Mall & Aquarium → Gangnam shopping → Apgujeong nightlife
Best Time to Visit
- Spring (Apr–Jun): Cherry blossoms and mild weather—ideal for outdoor exploring.
- Summer (Jul–Aug): Hot, humid, with vibrant festivals like Seoul Lantern Festival.
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): Cooling temps, fiery foliage in palaces and parks.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Crisp air, potential snow, and cozy street-food markets.
Hotels
Luxury: Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, Signiel Seoul
Mid-Range: L7 Myeongdong by Lotte, GLAD Gangnam COEX Center
Budget: Zzzip Guesthouse in Hongdae, Kimchee Downtown Guesthouse
Explore More of Korea
- Jeju Island Nature & Beaches
- Busan Coastal & Market Guide
- DMZ & Panmunjom In-Depth Tour
- Gyeongju Historic City Essentials
