Seoul Travel Guide
Seoul is a thrilling blend of 600-year-old palaces and cutting-edge technology, wrapped around the winding Han River. Here, Buddhist temples share the skyline with soaring towers, while street-food alleys and glossy shopping districts pulse until dawn. It is the beating heart of K-pop, Korean cuisine, and a culture that honours both tradition and the future.
Seoul — Highlights in photos
Top things to do
Gyeongbokgung Palace
The grandest of Seoul's five royal palaces, with sweeping courtyards, a scenic pavilion, and a colourful changing-of-the-guard ceremony. Entry is around 3,000 won, or free if you wear traditional hanbok. Time your visit for the guard ceremony held twice daily.
Bukchon Hanok Village
Wander steep lanes of beautifully preserved traditional wooden houses between the two main palaces. Many are private homes, so keep your voice low and be respectful. Come early morning for empty streets and soft light for photos.
N Seoul Tower
Ride the cable car up Namsan mountain to this landmark tower for sweeping 360-degree views of the sprawling city. The observation deck costs around 21,000 won. Visit at sunset to watch the city light up beneath you.
Myeongdong Shopping District
Dive into Korea's cosmetics and street-food mecca, a dense grid of beauty shops and sizzling food carts. It is best explored on foot in the early evening when the stalls fire up. Bring cash for the street snacks and haggle-free browsing.
Bukhansan National Park
Escape the city on a day hike up granite peaks with panoramic views over the metropolis, all reachable by metro. Trails range from gentle to strenuous, so pick one to match your fitness. Go on a weekday to avoid the busy weekend crowds.
Insadong
Browse this artsy district for traditional crafts, tea houses, galleries, and calligraphy shops. Duck into a hidden courtyard cafe for a pot of Korean tea. Saturdays and Sundays bring street performers and the liveliest atmosphere.
Museums & entry info
National Museum of Korea
A sprawling, world-class museum tracing Korean history from prehistory to the modern era, including a stunning ten-story pagoda. General admission is free, with fees only for special exhibitions. Check official hours, as it closes on Mondays.
War Memorial of Korea
A moving museum and outdoor display chronicling Korea's military history and the Korean War. Entry is free. Confirm current hours online and allow time for the extensive outdoor tank and aircraft exhibits.
Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art
An architecturally striking museum blending Korean antiquities with international contemporary art in Itaewon. General admission is free, with charges for special shows. Verify opening hours and reservation requirements online.
National Folk Museum of Korea
Located within the Gyeongbokgung grounds, it recreates daily Korean life across the centuries. Admission is free. Check hours as it shares the palace's schedule and closes periodically.
Signature experiences
Korean BBQ Feast
Grill marinated beef or pork at your table with a spread of side dishes and lettuce wraps. Expect to pay around 15,000 to 30,000 won per person. Ask the staff to help with the grill if it is your first time.
Jjimjilbang Spa
Unwind in a Korean bathhouse and sauna complex, soaking in hot pools and lounging in heated rooms. Entry typically costs around 10,000 to 15,000 won. Follow the strict bathing etiquette and rent the house pyjamas for the common areas.
Hanbok Palace Photoshoot
Rent a colourful traditional hanbok near the palaces and stroll the historic grounds in period dress. Rentals run around 15,000 to 30,000 won for a few hours and grant free palace entry. Book online in advance during peak seasons.
Han River Night Picnic
Join locals along the riverbanks for evening picnics, cycling, and fried chicken with beer delivered right to the grass. It is free apart from your food and drink. Head to Yeouido or Banpo for the best atmosphere and the Banpo Bridge fountain show.
What to eat
Korean cuisine is bold, fermented, and communal, built around rice, an array of banchan side dishes, and fiery flavours. Seoul's food scene runs from humble market stalls to refined tasting menus.
Spring (April to May) for cherry blossoms and autumn (September to November) for crisp weather and vivid foliage are the ideal times to visit. Avoid the humid, rainy monsoon of July and the bitterly cold deep winter.
Seoul's clean, cheap, and extensive metro is the easiest way around, best used with a rechargeable T-money card that also works on buses and taxis. Signs and announcements are bilingual, making it simple for visitors.
Traveler tips
- Buy a T-money card at any convenience store for seamless metro, bus, and taxi travel.
- Download a local map app like Naver Map or KakaoMap, as Google Maps is limited in Korea.
- Carry a little cash for street food, though cards are widely accepted elsewhere.
- Remove your shoes when entering homes, temples, and some traditional restaurants.
- Use both hands when giving or receiving items to show respect, especially to elders.