Seoul, South Korea: travel guide
South Korea's vibrant capital — the largest metropolis, seamlessly blending ancient Joseon palaces with futuristic architecture, cutting-edge technology, K-pop culture, and one of Asia's most efficient metro systems.
- Country
- South Korea
- Currency
- KRW
- Time zone
- Asia/Seoul
- Nearest airport
- SEL
Top places to visit in Seoul
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Heritage · 4.7 rating · about 2 h · entry KRW 3,000
The grandest of Seoul's Five Grand Palaces, built in 1395. The 40-hectare complex features the Geunjeongjeon throne hall, Hyangwonjeong pavilion, and the daily Changing of the Royal Guard ceremony at the main gate.
Namsan Seoul Tower (N Seoul Tower)
Viewpoint · 4.5 rating · about 1.5 h · entry KRW 20,000
Perched atop 262 m Namsan Mountain, N Seoul Tower soars 237 m higher offering 360° city panoramas. Famous for its "love locks" fence, rotating restaurant, and cable car. Spectacular day and night.
Lotte World Tower — Seoul Sky Observatory
Viewpoint · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h · entry KRW 42,000
At 555 m, Lotte World Tower is the 5th tallest building in the world. The Seoul Sky observatory (floors 117–123) features a glass-floor observation deck and the world's highest outdoor terrace.
Bukchon Hanok Village
Heritage · 4.4 rating · about 1.5 h
The best-preserved cluster of traditional Korean hanok houses in Seoul, on a hillside between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces. Over 900 hanok homes line the narrow alleys; many are still privately occupied.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
Cultural · 4.4 rating · about 1.5 h
Zaha Hadid's futuristic aluminium-clad landmark — a 86,574 m² convention, shopping, and cultural hub. World-class design exhibitions and pop-up markets run year-round. The surrounding 24-hour fashion market district is the best place in…
Hongdae Street Art & Club District
Nightlife · 4.3 rating · about 2 h
The beating heart of Seoul's youth culture, centred around Hongik University. Street artists perform by day; at night it transforms into Korea's most electric nightlife strip with live-music clubs, dance bars, and 24-hour fried chicken…
Things to do
- Gyeongbokgung Royal Guard Ceremony Cultural · 1 h
- Bukchon Hanok Village Walking Tour Cultural · 2 h · from KRW 15,500 per person
- Han River Sunset Cruise Leisure · 1.5 h · from KRW 35,900 per person
- K-Pop Dance Class in Hongdae Entertainment · 1.5 h · from KRW 41,100 per person
- Kimchi Making Class Food · 2 h · from KRW 61,600 per person
Where to stay in Seoul
- Myeongdong / Jongno about KRW 120,000 per night
Most central area for first-time Seoul visitors. Closest to Gyeongbokgung Palace, Insadong, and N Seoul Tower. Excellent subway links on Lines 2 and 4. Street food, shopping, and nightlife all within walking distance.
- Hongdae / Mapo about KRW 60,000 per night
Best area for younger travellers and K-Pop fans. Home to Hongik University, live music clubs, indie cafes, vintage fashion, and numerous budget hostels. Airport Rail Express (AREX) access 10 min away.
Hotels
- Lotte Hotel Seoul 5-star · KRW 350,000 to KRW 700,000 per night
- Myeongdong Guesthouse 2-star · KRW 35,000 to KRW 80,000 per night
- Ibis Ambassador Seoul Insadong 3-star · KRW 90,000 to KRW 160,000 per night
Where to eat
- Gwangjang Market Bindaetteok Korean Street Food · about KRW 8,000 per person
- Tosokchon Samgyetang Korean · about KRW 15,000 per person
- Noryangjin Fish Market Seafood · about KRW 35,000 per person
- Maple Tree House Itaewon Korean BBQ · about KRW 80,000 per person
Getting around
- Bus main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Metro main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Transit Pass main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Walking
Every city has walking. 2.5 km ceiling is a placeholder default, not a researched per-city figure -- Singapore is sheltered and air-conditioned, Bangkok often has no pavement.
Safety and scams to avoid
Fake Monk Donation Request
Myeongdong, Insadong, palace gates
A person in Buddhist monk robes hands tourists a wooden bracelet as a "free gift" then demands cash. Becomes aggressive if refused.
How to avoid it: Do not accept unsolicited gifts. Real monks do not solicit tourists for money. Politely decline and walk away.
Overpriced Souvenir Pressure Selling
Insadong and Namdaemun market stalls
Vendors claim ordinary items are rare antiques and pressure tourists with guilt tactics to pay inflated prices.
How to avoid it: Compare prices across multiple stalls. Use Naver Map reviews to find trusted shops. Fixed-price shops do not pressure you.
Unofficial Taxi Overcharging
Myeongdong, Itaewon, Hongdae late night
Unlicensed taxis near nightlife districts overcharge foreigners or take long routes. Legal taxis are safe and metered.
How to avoid it: Use Kakao T app — it shows fare estimates before booking. If hailing on street, confirm the meter is running.