Seoul

The Ultimate Guide to Traveling in Seoul

Introduction

Seoul, the vibrant capital of South Korea, is a city like no other. With its rich history, stunning architecture, delicious food, and world-class shopping, Seoul has something for everyone. As a traveler, you’ll find yourself immersed in a unique blend of traditional and modern culture that will leave you wanting more.

Places to Go

Palaces

  • Gyeongbokgung Palace: The largest and most iconic palace in Korea, Gyeongbokgung is a must-visit attraction. Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking!
  • Changdeokgung Palace: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Changdeokgung is known for its beautiful gardens and stunning architecture.
  • Deoksugung Palace: The smallest but most charming palace in Seoul, Deoksugung is famous for its beautiful changing of the guard ceremony.

Markets

  • Gwangjang Market: One of the oldest traditional markets in Seoul, Gwangjang offers a wide range of street food, souvenirs, and local products.
  • Myeong-dong Shopping District: A shopper’s paradise, Myeong-dong is home to everything from high-end designer boutiques to affordable fashion stores.
  • Hongdae Free Market: Every Saturday, the streets of Hongdae come alive with a bustling market selling handmade crafts, artwork, and indie music.

Museums

  • National Museum of Korea: With a collection of over 110,000 objects, this museum is a must-visit for history buffs and anyone interested in Korean culture.
  • Leeum Samsung Museum of Art: A stunning museum featuring an impressive collection of traditional Korean art and modern pieces.
  • Trick Eye Museum: An interactive museum with mind-bending optical illusions that will leave you questioning reality.

Parks

  • Namsan Park: A peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, Namsan offers beautiful walking trails, gardens, and stunning views of Seoul.
  • Bukhansan National Park: Just north of Seoul, Bukhansan is a beautiful national park with hiking trails, temples, and stunning scenery.
  • Yeouido Park: A scenic park on an island in the Han River, Yeouido offers beautiful walking paths, gardens, and picnic areas.

Activities

Hiking

  • Bukhansan National Park: With over 100 hiking trails, Bukhansan is a hiker’s paradise.
  • Seoul Fortress Wall: A historic fortress wall that offers stunning views of Seoul and a great workout.
  • Achasan Mountain: A smaller mountain with beautiful scenery and fewer crowds than Bukhansan.

Shopping

  • Myeong-dong Shopping District: From high-end designer boutiques to affordable fashion stores, Myeong-dong has it all.
  • Hongdae Shopping Street: A trendy shopping street lined with indie boutiques, vintage shops, and street food stalls.
  • Gwangjang Market: A traditional market selling everything from souvenirs to local products.

Food Tours

  • Seoul Food Tour: Explore the flavors of Seoul on a guided tour that takes you to hidden gems and local favorites.
  • Korean BBQ Tour: Learn how to grill like a pro on this interactive food tour.
  • Street Food Tour: Sample the best street food in Seoul, from tteokbokki to hotteok.

Day Trips

  • Suwon Hwaseong Fortress: A stunning fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site just south of Seoul.
  • Pyeongchang Ski Resort: Hit the slopes at this world-class ski resort, host of the 2018 Winter Olympics.
  • Demilitarized Zone (DMZ): Visit the buffer zone between North and South Korea for a unique glimpse into the country’s tumultuous history.

Where to Eat

Traditional Korean Cuisine

  • Gwangjang Market: Try traditional Korean dishes like bindaetteok (mung bean pancake) and hotteok (sweet pancakes).
  • Tosokchon Samgyetang: A famous restaurant serving samgyetang, a ginseng chicken soup that’s perfect for cold winter days.
  • Jongro Gyeranjjim: A cozy restaurant in the heart of Seoul serving traditional Korean comfort food.

Modern Korean Cuisine

  • Mingles: A trendy restaurant in Hongdae serving creative Korean fusion dishes.
  • Onjium: A modern Korean restaurant with a focus on seasonal ingredients and stunning presentation.
  • L’Impasse: A French-Korean bistro with a focus on using local ingredients in creative ways.

Cafes

  • Cafe Bunker: A quirky cafe in Hongdae with a military theme and delicious coffee.
  • Angel-in-Us Coffee: A popular coffee chain with multiple locations throughout Seoul.
  • Cafe Mignon: A charming cafe in the heart of Seoul serving high-quality coffee and desserts.

Where to Stay

Budget-Friendly Options

  • Namsan Guesthouse: A cozy guesthouse with dorms and private rooms near Namsan Park.
  • Hongdae Backpackers: A popular hostel in the heart of Hongdae with a lively atmosphere.
  • Itaewon Global Village Center: A budget-friendly option in Itaewon with dorms and private rooms.

Mid-Range Options

  • Ibis Ambassador Seoul Myeong-dong: A comfortable hotel in the heart of Myeong-dong shopping district.
  • Hotel PJ Myeong-dong: A stylish hotel with modern amenities near Myeong-dong station.
  • Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun: A mid-range hotel with stunning views of Seoul and a rooftop pool.

Luxury Options

  • Four Seasons Hotel Seoul: A 5-star luxury hotel in the heart of Gwanghwamun with world-class service and amenities.
  • The Ritz-Carlton, Seoul: A luxurious hotel with stunning views of Seoul and top-notch service.
  • Grand Hyatt Seoul: A modern luxury hotel with a rooftop pool and stunning views of the city.

Things to Know

Language

  • While many Koreans speak some English, it’s still a good idea to learn basic Korean phrases like "" (hello) and "" (thank you).
  • Download the Naver Translate app for easy translations on the go.

Currency

  • The Korean won is the local currency. You can exchange money at banks or withdraw from ATMs.
  • Many places in Seoul now accept credit cards, but it’s still a good idea to have some cash on hand.

Culture

  • Respect for elders is deeply ingrained in Korean culture. Show deference to older Koreans by using both hands when giving or receiving something and avoiding direct eye contact.
  • Table manners are also important. Wait for the oldest person at the table to start eating before you begin, and use your chopsticks correctly.

Safety

  • Seoul is generally a very safe city, but petty theft can still occur. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
  • Avoid traveling alone at night, especially if you’re not familiar with the area.

Transportation

Subway

  • The Seoul subway system is efficient and easy to navigate. Buy a T-Money card for convenient travel.
  • Download the Seoul Metro app for route planning and real-time updates.

Bus

  • The bus system in Seoul is extensive, but can be confusing for foreigners. Use Google Maps or Naver Maps to plan your route.
  • Show your T-Money card or pay with cash when boarding a bus.

Taxi

  • Taxis are widely available, but not all drivers speak English. Have your destination written down in Korean to show the driver.
  • The KakaoTaxi app allows you to hail a taxi and track your journey.

Tips

Learn Some Korean

  • While many Koreans speak some English, learning basic Korean phrases will go a long way in showing respect for the culture and people.

Download Useful Apps

  • Naver Maps: A GPS navigation app that’s more accurate than Google Maps in Korea.
  • KakaoTalk: A popular messaging app that’s essential for communicating with locals.
  • T-Money: A convenient payment system for public transportation and some vending machines.

Try New Foods

  • Korean cuisine is incredibly diverse and delicious. Be adventurous and try new dishes like tteokbokki, hotteok, or jeyuk bokkeum.

Respect Local Customs

  • Korea has a rich cultural heritage. Show respect for local customs by dressing modestly when visiting temples or palaces, and removing your shoes when entering traditional homes.

Stay Hydrated

  • Seoul can be hot and humid in the summer, so make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

Other Things of Interest

Festivals

  • Seoul Lantern Festival: A beautiful festival featuring stunning lanterns and traditional performances.
  • Boryeong Mud Festival: A fun and messy festival celebrating the health benefits of mud.
  • Jongmyo Jeryeak Festival: A traditional festival honoring the ancestors of Korea’s royal families.

Nightlife

  • Hongdae: A trendy nightlife district with everything from bars to clubs.
  • Itaewon: A popular nightlife area with a mix of bars, clubs, and lounges.
  • Gangnam: An upscale nightlife district with luxurious bars and clubs.

Day Trips

  • Suwon Hwaseong Fortress: A UNESCO World Heritage Site located just an hour outside Seoul.
  • Pyeongchang County: A scenic county in the Taebaek Mountains perfect for hiking and skiing.
  • Incheon Grand Park: A large park with a lake, walking trails, and a botanical garden.

This guide should give you a good starting point for planning your trip to Seoul. With its rich culture, delicious food, and vibrant nightlife, Seoul is a city that has something for everyone. Happy travels!