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Seoul

Seoul Travel Guide

Ancient royal capital where Gyeongbokgung meets Myeongdong trends — the Han River and N Seoul Tower shape the Hallyu capital.

📍 Destination Overview

Seoul is the capital and largest city of Korea, and a capital of the Joseon Dynasty for six centuries. The palaces of Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, along with the dark-tiled roofs of Bukchon Hanok Village, stand alongside the neon energy of Myeongdong, Gangnam and Hongdae. The Han River cuts through the city, and N Seoul Tower overlooks a sea of lights. Here you can wander palaces in hanbok, eat street food at Gwangjang Market, shop all night at Dongdaemun, and listen to indie bands in Hongdae. Spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage are the most beautiful seasons.

🏙️ Region
Korea · Seoul · Along the Han River, historic north and modern south
🕐 Travel Tips
+1 hour from Beijing
💰 Currency & Language
KRW / Korean
🕐 Travel Tips
3-4 days · one day each for palaces, shopping and suburbs
🔌 Plugs & Voltage
Type C/F · 220V · adapter needed
📶 Connectivity
Buy SIM/eSIM at airport · T-money card rechargeable at convenience stores (ref)

☀️ Best Time to Visit & Climate

🌸 Apr
Cherry blossom tunnels at Yeouido, Seokchon Lake and Namsan bloom for about a week.
Jan
❄️
2°/-6°
Feb
🌥️
4°/-4°
Mar
🌤️
11°/1°
Apr
🌸
18°/7°
Cherry
May
🌷
24°/13°
Jun
🌦️
28°/18°
Jul
🌧️
29°/22°
Aug
☀️
30°/22°
Sep
🌤️
26°/16°
Oct
🍁
20°/9°
Leaves
Nov
🍂
12°/2°
Dec
❄️
4°/-4°

📷 Top Attractions

More Attractions →

🎯 Seoul Experiences

Hanbok Palace Tour
Free entry to the five grand palaces in hanbok, photos feel like time travel.
Gwangjang Market Snacks
Bindaetteok, yukhoe and mayak kimbap.
Han River Picnic
Convenience store ramen with fried chicken and beer, watching the fountain show.
Jjimjilbang Experience
Traditional sauna and body scrub, Korean-style relaxation.
Dongdaemun Night Shopping
All-night wholesale market, still lively in the early hours.
Cherry blossoms around early-mid April, autumn leaves mid-Oct to early Nov, both peak seasons with crowds at palaces and popular spots. Jul-Aug is rainy and humid, winter is very cold so dress warmly.

🚌 Transport & Stays

City Transport
🚄
AREX Airport Express
Incheon Airport to Seoul Station about 43 min
Direct about 11,000 KRW (ref)
🚇
Subway
Lines 1-9 cover the whole city, easy transfers
Base fare from about 1,400 KRW (ref)
🚌
City Bus
Blue/green/yellow lines for trunk/branch routes
About 1,500 KRW with T-money (ref)
🚕
Taxi
Low starting fare, late-night surcharge
Starting fare about 4,800 KRW (ref)
Recommended Stay Areas
🛍️ Myeongdong (First Choice)
Shopping and dining center, airport bus direct
🎸 Hongdae / Hapjeong
Young nightlife, many guesthouses and hostels
🏙️ Gangnam / Samseong
Modern business district, near COEX and duty-free shops
🏯 Insadong / Jongno
Near palaces and hanok, strong traditional atmosphere
Free Consultation

Free Consultation

1-on-1 travel consultant customizes your Seoul trip for free based on your schedule and preferences.