Seoul

Travel Guide

Seoul featuring a city and modern architecture as well as a small group of people
Myeongdong featuring shopping as well as a small group of people
Seocho-gu which includes a city, a river or creek and modern architecture
Lotte World Tower showing landscape views, a city and a bay or harbor
Myeongdong showing central business district and a city as well as a small group of people

Seoul Travel Guide Video

The South Korean metropolis has some of Asia’s busiest markets and nightlife districts alongside tranquil teahouses and palaces surrounded by gardens.

Seoul is brimming withyouthful vibrancy. Art galleries, cinemas, bars and boutiques are dotted allover the city. Seoulites are also in touch with their past, and you’ll findplenty of instances of traditional Korean culture in palaces and theatres.

Korea has suffered frommany conflicts, and some of the bruises still show in Seoul. The city’s FiveGrand Palaces are testament to this all of these complexes have been destroyedor badly damaged. Today they have largely been restored to their former glory andhouse national treasures, art and traditional architecture. For particularlyfine examples of these palaces, visit Gyeongbokgung, Deoksugungand Changgyeonggung.

Locals possess optimismand friendliness in abundance. Younger Seoulites will be eager to use theirlanguage skills to help you out, and older residents, although not asproficient with their English, are still overwhelmingly warm.

Shopping opportunities inSeoul are boundless. Choose from designer outlets in Myeongdong,traditional craft shops at Insadong and bargain malls at the huge DongdaemunMarket. Wear your new attire while exploring the city’s nightlife. HongdaeYoung Street has an eclectic collection of bars, clubs, live music andindependent cinema.

Soak up classic Koreanculture at venues like Chongdong Theatre. Here, you can marvel atspectaculars featuring traditional music, dance and costume. Sample localcuisine at well-priced stalls and restaurants that serve Korean classics suchas kalguksu (“knife noodles”) or donkas (deep-fried pork cutlets). Foodies willwant to pay homage to the Korean national dish (kimchi) at the PulmuoneKimchi Museum. Kimchi is a fermented vegetable (cabbage, radish orcucumber) dish seasoned with spices. Finish your dining experience with a visitto one of Seoul’s excellent teahouses.

When you want some quiettime, escape to one of Seoul’s regenerated areas, such as CheonggyecheonStream. This stretch of water in the city center features greenery,wildlife and local art. It’s a great example of Seoul’s ability to innovate,educate and entertain all at once.

Seoul has hot summers andcold winters. The best time to visit is around March through May (spring), orSeptember through November (fall) . Navigate the city using the well-priced andefficient subway system, considered one of the best in the world.

Where to stay in Seoul

Myeongdong showing shopping, street scenes and a city

Myeong-dong

5/5(2 area reviews)

Major shopping and tourism hub, Myeongdong boasts mid-to-high priced retail stores, international brands, and Korean cosmetics. Explore pedestrian-friendly streets, visit Myeongdong Cathedral, and easily access Seoul Subway Lines 2 and 4.

Myeong-dong
Gangnam featuring outdoor art

Gangnam-gu

4.5/5(668 area reviews)

Heavily concentrated wealth and high-end shopping areas like Apgujeong, COEX Mall, and Garosugil define this district. Explore Bongeun Temple and savor modern Korean cuisine at upscale restaurants near Park Hyatt Hotel.

Gangnam-gu
Hongdae which includes street scenes, outdoor art and signage

Hongdae

Urban arts and indie music thrive near Hongik University, with graffiti murals adorning Hongdae Mural Street and live music venues aplenty. Shop at independent clothing stalls, vintage shops, and visit quirky theme cafes.

Hongdae
Chegiil-tong which includes flowers

Dongdaemun-gu

4/5(44 area reviews)

Home to the University of Seoul and bustling Cheongnyangni Station, Dongdaemun District offers a lively atmosphere with Gyeongdong Market's herbal medicine and agricultural delights. Explore cultural sites like King Sejong Memorial and Seonnongdan.

Dongdaemun-gu
Gwangjang Traditional Market featuring signage

Jongno-gu

4.5/5(380 area reviews)

Historic center of Seoul, Jongno District boasts palaces like Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, museums such as Art Center Nabi, and the vibrant Gwangjang Market. Explore Insa-dong, Cheonggyecheon stream, and Jogyesa temple for a rich cultural experience.

Jongno-gu
Dongdaemun Design Plaza featuring modern architecture as well as a couple

Jung-gu

4.5/5(1,180 area reviews)

Travelers love Jung-gu for its popular shops, and you can see more of Seoul by jumping on the metro at Euljiro 4-ga Station or Chungmuro Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Myeongdong Street and Namdaemun Market.

Jung-gu
LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong
LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong
4 out of 5
362, Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
$131 nightly
The price is $144 total per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
$144 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,569 reviews)
"close to lots of shops and food, trains and buses. good location, nice staff. room was fairly standard as was bathroom. clean"

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong
ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun
ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun
4 out of 5
36, Sejong-daero 11-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
$143 nightly
The price is $158 total per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
$158 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,802 reviews)
"Decent location and nice big rooms"

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun
Toyoko Inn Seoul Gangnam
Toyoko Inn Seoul Gangnam
3 out of 5
323 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul
$74 nightly
The price is $82 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$82 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,657 reviews)
"good location, easy access for checkin-out. I would like to stay there again overall"

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

Toyoko Inn Seoul Gangnam
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Orakai Insadong Suites
Orakai Insadong Suites
4 out of 5
18 Insadong 4-Gil Jongno-Gu, Seoul, Seoul
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,371 reviews)
My go-to hotel in Seoul
"I stay at the Orakai whenever I'm in Seoul. It's very comfortable, reasonably priced, with a nice pool and amazing views. It's perfect for longer stays since there's a kitchen and washing machine. I only wish it was more eco-friendly. The sign in the bathroom says that you can choose to keep your ..."

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Orakai Insadong Suites
Le Collective Gangnam SAC ROIUM
Le Collective Gangnam SAC ROIUM
3 out of 5
30 Banpo-daero 16-gil, Seoul, Seoul
Stay at this 3-star residence in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Starfield COEX Mall and Lotte World ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (125 reviews)
"Great for the price but our bathroom had really bad"

Reviewed on Jun 12, 2025

Le Collective Gangnam SAC ROIUM
Oakwood Premier Coex Center
Oakwood Premier Coex Center
5 out of 5
46, Teheran-ro 87-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Seoul
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a casino. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,397 reviews)
"Oakwood Premier Coex is at a prime location in Seoul. It connects to the STARFIELD mall and Hyundai department store for ease of access to dining options and shopping. It also is a complex that connects to Samseong station and Bongeunsa subway stations for ease of transportation. An added plus is ..."

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2025

Oakwood Premier Coex Center
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Getting around Seoul

Seoul has an extensive public transportation system and you will never have trouble getting to any corner of this sprawling city. Glance at the subway map and you might feel intimidated, but it is much easier to use than it looks, and the signs in English make a big difference. Buses are available too, but you will probably use these far less. Taxis come in regular, deluxe and limousine varieties. Visit the Seoul MetroOpens in a new window website.Browse Seoul rental cars.

Best time to visit

Each of Seoul’s seasons has its own charms. Cherry blossom season, which falls between mid March and mid April, transforms the city streets. Meanwhile, the colorful fall foliage in Seoul is so famous that many people deliberately pick this time to travel. Summers are hot and often sunny, but can bring heavy rains. Visit in winter and there’s a good chance of seeing the city blanketed in snow.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Seoul

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
1371
5 - Excellent 63%
4 - Good
678
4 - Good 31%
3 - Okay
125
3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
12
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
3
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I live in Seoul but sometimes it's nice to get away a bit so my stay in the hotel was great.

5/5 - Excellent

NICHOLAS

FULL OF GOOD PLACES TO EAT. LOTS OF ENTERTAINMENT. VERY SAFE CITY TO BE IN.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Safe and Clean city

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

One of the most underrated large cities in the world!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Very safe from the current Corona pandemic.

5/5 - Excellent

Mitch

Great city. Clean!

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