From the gilded Buddhas at Jogyesa Temple to the spectacular views from N Seoul Tower, ancient traditions and modern innovation coexist harmoniously in South Korea’s capital city. Travelers seeking an immersive sightseeing experience will find no shortage of things to do in Seoul. Bukchon Hanok Village and the Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palaces offer an illuminating look into the illustrious Joseon era. For the perfect souvenirs, head to Insadong, Myeongdong, and Gangnam. To savor the best of Korean bites, take a street food tour with visits to Gwangjang Market and Namdaemun Market.
Spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) are ideal for visiting Seoul. In spring, the city blooms with cherry blossoms and hosts festivals such as the Yeouido Spring Flower Festival and Lotus Lantern Festival. Fall offers stunning foliage, pleasant temperatures, and fewer tourists, perfect for exploring historic attractions and hiking trails. Winter (December to February) brings holiday displays, snowy evenings, and ice skating rinks. Avoid summer months (July to August) due to high humidity and occasional monsoon rains.
Seoul boasts an efficient and extensive public transportation system. The subway connects visitors to major attractions, and buses cover every other corner of the city. T-money cards are convenient for seamless travel across the subway, bus, and even taxis. Seoul also offers convenient ride-sharing apps, like Kakao T, for hassle-free travel. For a fun alternative, rent a bike from one of the city’s many rental stations or take a sightseeing cruise along the Han River.
Seoul is known for quirky themed coffee houses. Pop-culture themes range from the Hello Kitty Café in Hongdae to the Get & Show Café in Hapjeong, where patrons play with LEGO® bricks. In Mapo-gu, animal lovers can get cozy with free-roaming sheep at Thanks Nature Café and with dogs at Sunnyne Dog Café, or in Hongdae cuddle with kitties at Godabang Cat Café. Other fun coffee houses include the Ping Nanda Café, Insadong Poop Café, and 2D Black and White Café.
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Royal palaces, ancient temples, and vibrant nightlife are just a few reasons to visit South Korea’s capital. Topping the list of must-see sights are Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jogyesa Temple, and Namsan Tower. Seoul is also famous for the Bukchon Hanok Village and the eclectic shopping street, Myeongdong.
...MoreIt’s only natural that the country’s most popular attractions call Seoul—South Korea’s largest and most-visited city—home. The most visited places in Seoul are the high-octane Lotte World Theme Park; Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of the Five Grand Palaces; and the DMZ on the border of North Korea.
...MoreFirst time in Seoul on your first day? Visit the Five Grand Palaces, which include the UNESCO-listed Changdeokgung and 7,000-room Gyeongbokgung. Go cafe-hopping in Hongdae and sample Gangnam’s food culture. Head to the top of Namsan Tower. And wander the quaint Bukchon Hanok Village.
...MoreResidents of South Korea’s capital work hard, but they play hard too. Seoul boasts one of East Asia’s best nightlife scenes, making it ideal for party animals. Sip soju in Hongdae, where students from Seoul’s many universities flock or sing karaoke to K-pop in Itaewon, where you’ll find an international crowd.
...MoreYes. Three days in Seoul give you ample time to see the capital’s major classic and contemporary attractions, including the iconic Gyeongbokgung Palace, Myeongdong shopping district, Jogyesa Temple and Bukchon Hanok Village. You can also take a day trip to the DMZ or Nami Island.
...MoreYes. When it comes to the world’s most expensive cities, Seoul is in the top 30%. A trip to Seoul will likely cost more than most Asian capitals. Accommodations are generally expensive, but there are budget food and drinks options and the natural scenery is free to enjoy.
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