Seoul

Travel Guide
Seoul which includes a city and modern architecture 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 with youthful vibrancy. Art galleries, cinemas, bars and boutiques are dotted all over the city. Seoulites are also in touch with their past, and you’ll find plenty of instances of traditional Korean culture in palaces and theatres. 

Korea has suffered from many conflicts, and some of the bruises still show in Seoul. The city’s Five Grand Palaces are testament to this all of these complexes have been destroyed or badly damaged. Today they have largely been restored to their former glory and house national treasures, art and traditional architecture. For particularly fine examples of these palaces, visit Gyeongbokgung, Deoksugung and Changgyeonggung.

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

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

Soak up classic Korean culture at venues like Chongdong Theatre. Here, you can marvel at spectaculars featuring traditional music, dance and costume. Sample local cuisine at well-priced stalls and restaurants that serve Korean classics such as kalguksu (“knife noodles”) or donkas (deep-fried pork cutlets). Foodies will want to pay homage to the Korean national dish (kimchi) at the Pulmuone Kimchi Museum.  Kimchi is a fermented vegetable (cabbage, radish or cucumber) dish seasoned with spices. Finish your dining experience with a visit to one of Seoul’s excellent teahouses.

When you want some quiet time, escape to one of Seoul’s regenerated areas, such as Cheonggyecheon Stream. This stretch of water in the city centre 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 and cold winters. The best time to visit is around March through May (spring), or September through November (fall) . Navigate the city using the well-priced and efficient subway system, considered one of the best in the world.

Where to stay in Seoul

Myeongdong featuring shopping, street scenes and a city

Myeong-dong

Enjoy the popular shops in Myeong-dong. Myeongdong Street is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Myeong-dong Station or Euljiro 1-ga Station to see more of Seoul.

Myeong-dong
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Gangnam-gu

4.5/5(68 area reviews)

Gangnam-gu is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Bongeunsa Temple and Seonjeongneung Royal Tombs. See more of Seoul by jumping on the metro at Cheongdam Station or Gangnam-gu Office Station.

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

Hongdae

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Hongdae. Spend some time visiting top spots like Trickeye Museum, and catch the metro at Hongik University Station or Mangwon Station to see more of the area.

Hongdae
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Dongdaemun-gu

4/5(7 area reviews)

You might enjoy the shopping while in Dongdaemun-gu. Gyeongdong Market is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Yongdu Station or Jegi-dong Station to see more of the city.

Dongdaemun-gu
Dongdaemun Design Plaza which includes modern architecture as well as a couple

Jung-gu

4.5/5(263 area reviews)

Myeongdong Street and Namdaemun Market are top sights in Jung-gu, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Euljiro 4-ga Station or Chungmuro Station to see more sights in the area.

Jung-gu
Gwangjang Traditional Market which includes signage

Jongno-gu

4.5/5(86 area reviews)

Jongno-gu is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Gwanghwamun and Gyeongbokgung Palace. See more of Seoul by jumping on the metro at Gwanghwamun Station or Jonggak Station.

Jongno-gu
LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong
LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong
4 out of 5
362, Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
The price is S$186 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
S$186
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
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! (2,085 reviews)
"Keep up your good work"

Reviewed on 23 Oct,2024

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
The price is S$176 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
S$176
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
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! (2,552 reviews)
"We stayed at this hotel for 9 nights. It’s in a great location, close to buses and the subway. Staff were helpful and friendly. Rooms were clean and comfortable. Lots of places to eat close by. Would definitely stay here again. Thank you"

Reviewed on 28 Oct,2024

ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun
Toyoko Inn Seoul Gangnam
Toyoko Inn Seoul Gangnam
3 out of 5
323 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul
The price is S$99 per night from 18 Nov to 19 Nov
S$99
includes taxes & fees
18 Nov - 19 Nov
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! (1,298 reviews)
"Nice staff Clean room condition"

Reviewed on 25 Oct,2024

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.
Uljiro Co-Op Residence
Uljiro Co-Op Residence
3 out of 5
246, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and a 24-hour business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,381 reviews)
"All staffs was very kind and good service."

Reviewed on 10 Oct,2024

Uljiro Co-Op Residence
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! (1,224 reviews)
"Amazing location for tourist. The room itself was fantastic and had all the amenities one would need on business or leisure travel. Easy access to the mall for any shopping, entertainment, or dining. Subway station directed located by the area. The staff were welcoming and helpful. Highly recommend ..."

Reviewed on 24 Oct,2024

Oakwood Premier Coex Center
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! (1,140 reviews)
"The facility is old."

Reviewed on 28 Oct,2024

Orakai Insadong Suites
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Seoul

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
237
" "5 - Excellent 57.2463768115942%
4 - Good
151
" "4 - Good 36.47342995169082%
3 - Okay
25
" "3 - Okay 6.038647342995169%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 0.24154589371980675%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Seoul is the best holiday I've ever had and plan to go back as much as possible

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Unfortunately the Covina-19 virus meant, understandably, many things we had planned did not happen. However, Seoul seemed like a wonderful city that I would very much like to return to at some time in the future.

5/5 - Excellent

Arparus(penny)

Great City

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

I love to go to korean many time. There are many attactive thing to do there every season. Nice wheather, food and shopping places

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

It's a regular business location for me. A unique city, very westernised with friendly people and good attitude towards service.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Good and kind people, they are trying to help me when I need help in walking direction and also good transportation.