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South Korea

Seoul

The complete 2026 travel guide

K-pop, 600-year-old palaces, 24-hour cafés, the world's fastest internet, and barbecue tables that make every dinner a performance.

16 top sights7-day itineraryBudget in KRW & USDUpdated April 20, 2026
Best time
Apr – Jun · Sep – Nov
Suggested stay
4 – 6 days
Subway stations
302
Peak summer
30°C + humidity
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About

Seoul in brief

Seoul is the most future-forward city on Earth that still has 600-year-old royal palaces in its centre. 9.7 million people, 302 subway stations, 24-hour convenience stores on every block, 10 Gbps residential internet. And yet Gyeongbokgung Palace opens at 09:00 with guards in Joseon-era costume right next to the Gangnam skyline. First-timers do 4-5 days here; add 1-2 for a DMZ tour + Busan high-speed-rail day trip.

Tourist Seoul divides into a handful of districts. Gwanghwamun + Insadong + Bukchon is the traditional north-central heart — 5 palaces, hanok villages, tea houses. Myeongdong is the shopping + street-food core (close to Seoul Station + many hotels). Hongdae + Itaewon are nightlife (Hongdae for K-indie + youth culture; Itaewon for internationals). Gangnam south of the river is upscale shopping + Korean beauty clinics + Lotte World Tower. Dongdaemun is the 24-hour fashion wholesale market + DDP modernist landmark.

Seoul runs on T-money — a ₩3,000 transit card from any convenience store (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, Ministop) that works on all 9 subway lines, buses, Lotte World, and even taxis. Base subway fare ₩1,400. Taxis are plentiful + honest; KakaoTaxi app (Korea's Uber) works without registration via credit card. Mid-range daily: ₩180,000-250,000 (~USD 135-190) including a 3-star hotel + three meals + subway + 1-2 paid attractions. Budget: ₩80,000-120,000/day with guesthouses + street food.

When to go

Best time to visit Seoul

April-June (cherry blossoms early April, mild 15-22°C) and September-November (crisp, autumn foliage peak late October). Avoid December-February (freezing, -10 to 0°C) and July-August (humid 30°C + monsoon).

Spring
Apr – Jun

Cherry blossoms, mild, ideal

Temp
10–20°C
Rain
70 mm
Crowds
Very high early April (sakura)
Summer
Jul – Aug

Hot + humid + monsoon rain

Temp
22–30°C
Rain
350 mm
Crowds
Medium
Autumn
Sep – Nov

Ideal — dry, sunny, autumn leaves peak late Oct

Temp
10–20°C
Rain
60 mm
Crowds
High
Winter
Dec – Mar

Cold + dry, occasional snow, ski season outside city

Temp
-4–4°C
Rain
30 mm
Crowds
Low (except Lunar New Year)
MonthHigh / Low (°C)Rain (mm)Notes
Jan2 / -525Coldest. Lunar New Year late Jan-Feb.
Feb4 / -330Still cold. Korean families travel.
Mar11 / 145Warming up.
Apr18 / 875Cherry blossoms — peak early April.
May23 / 13100Ideal.
Jun27 / 18135Warming; monsoon approaches.
Jul29 / 22400Monsoon peak. Heavy daily rain.
Aug30 / 23300Hottest + humid.
Sep26 / 17170Autumn starts. Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) mid-Sep.
Oct20 / 1050Perfect month. Autumn leaves peak late Oct.
Nov12 / 250Cool + dry.
Dec5 / -325First snow possible. Christmas illuminations.

Things to do

Top places to visit in Seoul

Palaces

Five Joseon dynasty palaces — visit 2-3 of the big ones.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Must see

Main Joseon dynasty palace (1395) + largest of the 5. Changing of the Royal Guard ceremony twice daily. 60% destroyed in Japanese occupation, restored 1990s-present.

Entry
₩3,000Adult. FREE if wearing hanbok (traditional Korean dress) — rentals ₩15,000-30,000 near gate.
Hours
Wed-Mon 09:00 – 17:00 (Nov-Feb); 09:00 – 18:00 (Mar-May + Sep-Oct); 09:00 – 18:30 (Jun-Aug). Closed Tuesdays.
Best
Opening 09:00 before tour groups + Changing of the Guard at 10:00 + 14:00.
Allow
150 min
Where
161 Sajik-ro, Jongno
  • ▸Royal Palace Pass ₩10,000 covers all 5 palaces + Jongmyo Shrine for 3 months — best value.
  • ▸Rent hanbok nearby for free palace entry + classic photos.
  • ▸Changing of the Guard ceremony 10:00 + 14:00 (20 min).

Changdeokgung Palace + Secret Garden

Must see

1405 UNESCO-listed palace preferred by many kings over Gyeongbokgung. The Secret Garden (Huwon) — 78-acre private royal garden — separate timed tour only (advance booking, limited tickets).

Entry
₩3,000Palace adult; Secret Garden tour ₩5,000 extra (separate booking, 10:30 + 14:00 + 15:30 slots).
Hours
Tue-Sun 09:00 – 18:00 (summer); 17:30 winter. Closed Mondays.
Best
Book Secret Garden tour 1 week ahead at cdg.go.kr.
Allow
180 min
Where
99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno

Bukchon Hanok Village

Hillside cluster of 900 traditional Korean hanok houses between Gyeongbokgung + Changdeokgung. Photogenic cobbled streets + teahouses + craft workshops. Still a working residential neighborhood — respect the locals.

Entry
Free
Hours
Village always open — residents ask quiet after 17:00.
Best
Weekday 08:00-10:00 for empty streets.
Allow
120 min
Where
Jongno-gu
  • ▸Signs in Korean + English ask tourists to be quiet — residents fined tourism groups for noise.
  • ▸Best photo spot: 11th alley (Bukchon-ro 11-gil) looking down toward N Seoul Tower.

Jogyesa Temple

Main temple of Korean Jogye Buddhist Order in central Seoul — 500-year-old pine tree, dharma hall, cherry blossom during Buddha's Birthday (May — thousands of lanterns).

Entry
Free
Hours
Daily 04:00 – 21:00.
Allow
45 min
Where
55 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno
  • ▸Buddha's Birthday lantern festival (varies, typically early May) is spectacular.

Views + modern Seoul

Skyline observation + modern architecture.

N Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower)

Must see

236 m tower on Namsan peak — 360° views + love lock fence + revolving restaurant. Take the Namsan cable car up or the free shuttle bus + climb the stairs through Namsan Park.

Entry
₩18,400Observatory adult; cable car ₩14,000 round-trip separate.
Hours
Sun-Fri 10:00 – 23:00; Sat 10:00 – 00:00.
Best
Sunset — 18:00-19:00 depending on season.
Allow
120 min
Where
Namsan, Jung-gu
  • ▸Book combo ticket online — 20-30% off walk-up price.
  • ▸Cable car queue gets brutal sunset weekends; consider bus + walk.

Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky

555 m (5th-tallest building in the world) — observation decks on floors 117-123 including a glass-floor "Sky Deck" at 478 m. Opened 2017.

Entry
₩29,000Seoul Sky observatory adult.
Hours
Daily 10:30 – 22:00.
Allow
120 min
Where
300 Olympic-ro, Songpa

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

Silvery flowing-form Zaha Hadid building (2014) in the 24-hour fashion wholesale district — design exhibitions, LED rose garden (evenings), K-pop events + Seoul Fashion Week venue.

Entry
FreeFree to wander; exhibitions ₩5,000-15,000.
Hours
Daily 10:00 – 19:00; plaza 24h.
Allow
120 min
Where
281 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu

Markets + street food

Traditional markets + 24-hour trading.

Gwangjang Market

Must see

1905 traditional market — Seoul's oldest. Street-food row of Bindaetteok (mung bean pancake), yukhoe (Korean beef tartare), sundae, tteokbokki, mayak gimbap. Featured in Netflix's Street Food.

Entry
Free
Hours
Daily 09:00 – 23:00 (street food); shops 09:00 – 19:00.
Best
Lunch + dinner for maximum activity.
Allow
120 min
Where
88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno
  • ▸Most vendors cash-only — bring ₩30,000-50,000.
  • ▸Sujebi + makgeolli (milky rice wine) pair popular with locals.

Namdaemun Market

Korea's largest traditional market (600 years old) — 10,000 shops selling clothes, food, electronics, ginseng, hanbok. Cheaper than Dongdaemun. Classic Korean mandu at Kanemoto Kalguksu.

Entry
Free
Hours
Mostly 24h for night market; shops 08:00 – 21:00.
Allow
120 min
Where
Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu

Dongdaemun 24-hour Fashion Market

10 shopping malls around DDP — Doota, Migliore, Hello apM — opening 22:00 + running until 05:00 for wholesale buyers. Seoul never sleeps here.

Entry
Free
Hours
Wholesale 22:00 – 05:00; retail malls 10:00 – 22:00.
Best
Midnight to 02:00 for peak wholesale scene.
Allow
180 min
Where
Dongdaemun, Jung-gu

Districts + nightlife

Myeongdong, Hongdae, Itaewon, Gangnam.

Myeongdong

Must see

Tourist-central shopping + beauty district — Korean skincare flagship stores, street food (egg bread, tornado potato, hotteok), N Seoul Tower accessible from here. Stays open until 22:00.

Entry
Free
Hours
Shops 10:00 – 22:00; food 11:00 – 23:00.
Allow
180 min
Where
Myeongdong, Jung-gu
  • ▸Korean beauty + skincare prices 30-60% below Western retail — tax-free shopping for tourists over ₩30,000/receipt.
  • ▸Street food peak 17:00-22:00.

Hongdae

Youth + indie culture around Hongik University — K-indie clubs, street buskers, vintage shops, board-game cafes, PC bangs (gaming cafes). Peak alive 22:00-04:00 weekends.

Entry
Free
Hours
Street life peaks 18:00 – 04:00.
Allow
240 min
Where
Mapo-gu

Itaewon

International district — most non-Korean food in Seoul, global bar scene, halal restaurants, LGBTQ+ friendly zones, proximity to US military Yongsan base (now mostly closed).

Entry
Free
Hours
18:00 – 02:00 for bars; restaurants 11:00 – 24:00.
Allow
180 min
Where
Yongsan-gu
  • ▸Itaewon saw a tragic crowd crush in 2022 — area is safe now + heavily policed but expect large Halloween crowds.

Gangnam

Upscale south-of-river district — K-pop entertainment agencies (HYBE, SM, JYP headquarters), Korean plastic surgery clinics, COEX Mall (largest underground mall), Bongeunsa Temple opposite COEX.

Entry
Free
Hours
Shopping 10:00 – 22:00.
Allow
240 min
Where
Gangnam-gu
  • ▸K-pop fans: Starfield COEX Library, HYBE INSIGHT museum (by SM), fan-meeting cafes around Apgujeong Rodeo Street.

Day trip essentials

DMZ + Busan + mountain hikes.

DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) Tour

Must see

50-km border between North + South Korea — guided bus tour from Seoul includes Dora Observatory, Third Infiltration Tunnel, Imjingak Park, Freedom Bridge. Half-day or full-day options.

Entry
₩70,000Half-day tour; full-day including JSA (Joint Security Area) ₩180,000 when JSA tours resume.
Hours
Tours depart 07:30-08:30 from central Seoul; returns 14:00-18:00.
Allow
480 min
Where
Paju border, 55 km N of Seoul
  • ▸JSA (Joint Security Area) tour currently suspended (since 2023) due to North-South tensions; check availability.
  • ▸Passport required on tour — leave passport copy at hotel + bring original.

Bukhansan National Park

836 m mountain on Seoul's northern edge — Baegundae summit hike (4-5 hours round trip) rewards with panoramic city + granite ridge views. Subway access.

Entry
Free
Hours
Trails 04:00 – 18:00 (winter earlier close).
Best
Oct for autumn colors; Apr for cherry blossoms.
Allow
360 min
Where
North Seoul

Food & drink

What to eat in Seoul

Must-try dishes

  • Korean BBQ (Samgyeopsal)
    ₩40,000

    Grill pork belly at your table + wrap in lettuce leaves with garlic, kimchi, and ssamjang sauce. 30,000-50,000 per person including drinks.

  • Bibimbap
    ₩12,000

    Mixed rice bowl with vegetables, beef, egg, gochujang (chili paste). Jeonju-style stone bowl is traditional.

  • Kimchi jjigae
    ₩11,000

    Stewed kimchi soup with pork + tofu + rice. Ultimate comfort food.

  • Tteokbokki
    ₩6,000

    Spicy rice cakes in gochujang sauce. Street food staple ₩4,000-8,000 per serving.

  • Korean fried chicken (chimaek)
    ₩25,000

    Twice-fried crispy chicken + beer pairing ("chimaek" = chicken+maekju beer). Kyochon, BBQ Chicken, BHC are national chains.

  • Bingsu
    ₩12,000

    Shaved milk ice topped with red beans, fruit, condensed milk, ice cream. Summer essential.

  • Japchae
    ₩13,000

    Sweet potato glass noodles + vegetables + beef stir-fried with soy + sesame oil.

  • Jajangmyeon
    ₩8,000

    Chinese-Korean noodles in black bean sauce with pork + onions.

  • Soju + makgeolli
    ₩2,000

    Soju (distilled rice spirit, 17-20% ABV, ₩2,000/bottle at convenience store). Makgeolli (cloudy rice wine, 6% ABV).

Top restaurants

  • Yeongdong Seolleongtang
    $
    Ox-bone soup · Myeongdong

    Signature: Seolleongtang — milky ox bone broth with rice

    ~₩13,000 per person

  • Mapo Mandu
    $
    Kimchi dumplings · Mapo-gu

    Signature: Mandu set + kalguksu noodle

    ~₩8,000 per person

  • Myeongdong Kyoja
    $
    Kalguksu noodle soup · Myeongdong

    Signature: Kalguksu — handcut knife noodles in chicken broth; mandu on side

    ~₩12,000 per person

  • Gwangjang Market street food
    $
    Open-air stalls · Jongno

    Signature: Bindaetteok + yukhoe + mayak gimbap + makgeolli

    ~₩15,000 per person

  • Maple Tree House
    $$$
    Korean BBQ (galbi) · Itaewon (+ multiple)

    Signature: Wagyu galbi BBQ; popular with expats

    ~₩75,000 per person

  • Kyochon Chicken
    $
    Korean fried chicken · Multiple

    Signature: Honey + soy garlic + spicy red — chicken + beer combo

    ~₩25,000 per person

  • Jungsik
    $$$$
    Modern Korean tasting · Gangnam

    Signature: 2-Michelin-star; Korean kaiseki tasting; book 2+ months ahead.

    ~₩250,000 per person

  • Mingles
    $$$$
    Contemporary Korean · Gangnam

    Signature: 3-Michelin-star; Chef Mingoo Kang.

    ~₩220,000 per person

Dietary notes

Vegetarian difficult at traditional restaurants — dashi (anchovy broth), fish sauce, meat are in most sauces. Dedicated vegan spots in Itaewon + Hongdae (Plant, Hangari Oksu). Halal: growing in Itaewon — Eid Halal, Yemen Al-Hayat, Murree Kebab reliable. Gluten-free harder; most Korean food is rice-based but soy sauce contains wheat. Chuck-based Korean BBQ naturally gluten-free-adjacent. K-food has natural fermentation (kimchi, doenjang) — hard no for strict food-allergy travelers.

Tipping

DO NOT TIP. Korea has no tipping culture — at restaurants, taxis, hotels, salons. Attempting to tip can cause confusion or refusal. Service included.

Plan your days

Seoul itineraries

One perfect day

Seoul in one day
Palace + Hanok + food + view
  1. 08:30
    Korean breakfast — Myeongdong Kyoja for kalguksu or seolleongtang
  2. 09:30
    Gyeongbokgung Palace opening + Changing of the Guard 10:00
  3. 12:00
    Bukchon Hanok Village walk
  4. 13:30
    Lunch at Gwangjang Market street food
  5. 15:30
    Insadong tea shops + cultural street
  6. 17:00
    Myeongdong shopping + beauty stores + street food
  7. 19:00
    N Seoul Tower sunset (cable car or bus up)
  8. 21:00
    Korean BBQ dinner in Itaewon or Hongdae
  9. 23:00
    Hongdae nightlife or Dongdaemun 24h shopping

Two-day plan

Day 1 — Central palaces + markets
Traditional Seoul
  1. 09:00
    Gyeongbokgung Palace + Changing of the Guard
  2. 11:00
    Bukchon Hanok Village
  3. 13:00
    Gwangjang Market lunch
  4. 15:00
    Insadong + Jogyesa Temple
  5. 17:00
    Myeongdong shopping + street food
  6. 19:00
    N Seoul Tower sunset
  7. 21:00
    Korean BBQ dinner
Day 2 — Modern + nightlife
Hongdae + DDP + Gangnam
  1. 10:00
    Changdeokgung + Secret Garden tour
  2. 13:00
    Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky
  3. 15:00
    COEX Starfield Library + Bongeunsa Temple
  4. 18:00
    Gangnam dinner
  5. 20:00
    Hongdae nightlife + buskers
  6. 23:00
    Dongdaemun 24-hour market

One week at a glance

  1. Day 1
    Arrive, Myeongdong + N Seoul Tower sunset
  2. Day 2
    Gyeongbokgung + Bukchon + Gwangjang Market
  3. Day 3
    Changdeokgung + Secret Garden + Insadong
  4. Day 4
    DMZ tour full day
  5. Day 5
    Gangnam + COEX + Lotte World (kids) or HYBE tour
  6. Day 6
    Hongdae + Itaewon + Dongdaemun night shopping
  7. Day 7
    Bukhansan hike + last Korean BBQ + departure

A perfect day

Hour-by-hour in Seoul

How a local actually plans 24 hours here — not a generic tourist template.

  1. 07:30

    Korean breakfast

    Seolleongtang (ox-bone soup, ₩13,000) or kimbap roll at a convenience store (₩4,000). 7-Eleven quality is better than tourist expectation.

    ₩10,000
  2. 09:00

    Palace opening

    Gyeongbokgung or Changdeokgung — empty galleries + Changing of the Guard.

  3. 12:30

    Street food lunch

    Gwangjang Market bindaetteok + tteokbokki, or Myeongdong hotteok. ₩10,000-15,000.

    ₩12,000
  4. 14:00

    Neighbourhood wander

    Bukchon, Insadong, or Gangnam. Korean tea house for 30-min break.

  5. 16:30

    Coffee culture

    Korea has more cafés per capita than anywhere. Café Bene, Twosome Place, artisan cafés everywhere. ₩5,000-8,000 latte.

    ₩6,000
  6. 18:00

    Sunset observation

    N Seoul Tower (₩18,400) or free Namsan Park hike.

  7. 20:00

    Korean BBQ dinner

    Samgyeopsal + banchan + soju + beer. ₩40,000-60,000 per person.

    ₩50,000
  8. 22:00

    Night market or nightlife

    Dongdaemun 24-hour fashion market or Hongdae clubs + PC bangs.

  9. 02:00

    Chimaek + late-night snack

    Korean fried chicken + beer at a 24h joint. Or convenience store cup ramyun ₩1,500.

    ₩15,000

Getting around

Transport in Seoul

Seoul has one of the world's best subway systems — 9 lines, 302 stations, clean, on-time, safe. Pay via T-money card (₩3,000 + reload at convenience stores) or contactless credit card (from 2023). Base fare ₩1,400. Taxis + KakaoTaxi (app) are honest + cheap. AREX Express from Incheon airport to Seoul Station in 43 min.

Seoul Metro + T-money

₩1,400 · Base; distance-based up to ₩3,000.

Everything

Pros
  • + 9 lines, 302 stations
  • + English signage + announcements
  • + Free transfers within 30 min
Cons
  • – Busy 07:30-09:30 + 17:30-19:30 rush hour

KakaoTaxi (app)

₩8,000 · Typical 5 km ₩8,000-12,000.

Ride-hailing

Pros
  • + Fixed price
  • + English UI available
Cons
  • – Surge during rain + peak

Taxi (street hail)

₩4,800 · Flag-fall ₩4,800; ₩100 per 131m.

Traditional cab

Pros
  • + Abundant + metered + honest
  • + Card payment accepted
Cons
  • – Late-night (00:00-04:00) 20% surcharge

Seoul City Bus

₩1,500

Off-subway routes

Pros
  • + Covers spots metro doesn't
  • + T-money works
Cons
  • – Less English-friendly

AREX Airport Express

₩13,000 · Express direct; All Stop ₩4,150-4,750.

Incheon airport

Pros
  • + 43 min express non-stop
  • + Every 20-30 min
Cons
  • – Must book seat for express

From the airport

  • AREX Express to Seoul Station43 min · ₩13,000
  • AREX All Stop to Seoul Station65 min · ₩4,750
  • Airport Limousine Bus 6001 to Myeongdong75 min · ₩17,000
  • KakaoTaxi from Incheon to Myeongdong70 min · ₩85,000
FromToDistanceBy carBy transit
Incheon (ICN)Myeongdong52 km60-90 min (₩85,000 taxi)AREX + Metro 60 min, ₩13,000 express
Gimpo (GMP)Seoul Station18 km30 minAREX 20 min, ₩1,400
MyeongdongHongdae8 km25 minLine 2 subway 25 min, ₩1,400
MyeongdongGangnam9 km20-30 minLine 4 → 2, 30 min
SeoulBusan330 km4hKTX high-speed train 2h 30m, ₩60,000

Budget

How much Seoul costs per day

Backpacker
₩90,000
per person · per day

Guesthouse + convenience store + street food + subway + free palaces.

Stay
₩45,000
Food
₩25,000
Transport
₩10,000
Activities
₩10,000
Most common
Mid-range
₩230,000
per person · per day

3-star hotel in Myeongdong/Hongdae + 2 restaurant meals + BBQ + subway + 1-2 attractions.

Stay
₩130,000
Food
₩60,000
Transport
₩15,000
Activities
₩25,000
Luxury
₩1,000,000
per person · per day

The Shilla / Four Seasons / Signiel + Jungsik or Mingles tasting + private guide.

Stay
₩650,000
Food
₩250,000
Transport
₩50,000
Activities
₩50,000

Fair prices

What things should cost

Haggling is common in many parts of South Korea. Here's what locals actually pay vs. what tourists get quoted first.

ItemFair priceTourist trapNotes
Subway base fare₩1,400₩0
Korean BBQ samgyeopsal per person₩35,000₩80,000
Street food tteokbokki₩6,000₩15,000
Taxi ICN to Myeongdong₩85,000₩150,000
Hanbok 4-hour rental₩20,000₩50,000
N Seoul Tower ticket₩18,400₩30,000
Korean skincare premium set₩50,000Direct at Olive Young or Innisfree.₩120,000

Where to stay

Seoul neighborhoods

Myeongdong

Shopping + food central, subway, Seoul Tower close

Best for: First-timers, shopping, sightseeing base
From ₩160,000 / night

Insadong / Jongno

Palaces + traditional culture + tea houses

Best for: Cultural travellers, quieter evenings
From ₩140,000 / night

Hongdae / Mapo

Youth culture + nightlife + cafés

Best for: Under-35s, nightlife focus
From ₩130,000 / night

Gangnam

Upscale + K-pop + shopping + business

Best for: Luxury, K-pop fans, business
From ₩220,000 / night

Itaewon

International dining + bars

Best for: Foodies + English-speakers
From ₩170,000 / night

Dongdaemun

24-hour fashion wholesale district

Best for: Night-owls + shoppers
From ₩150,000 / night
  • ▸Book 2-3 months ahead for cherry blossom (early April) + autumn (October)
  • ▸Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving, mid-September) + Lunar New Year (Jan-Feb) local travel spike
  • ▸Monsoon (July-August) = cheapest — 30-40% off
  • ▸Airbnb heavily restricted in Seoul — licensed "hanok stays" in Bukchon are the authentic option
  • ▸Hotels with "Tourist Hotel" designation qualify for VAT tax refund on accommodation

If something goes wrong

Emergency information

General
112 (police) / 119 (fire + ambulance)
Tap to call
Police
112
Tap to call
Fire
119
Tap to call
Medical
119
Tap to call
Tourist helpline
1330 (Korean Tourism Helpline, 24h, English)
Tap to call

Hospitals

  • Severance Hospital (English, Yonsei University)
    50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun
    +82 2 2228 5800
    24/7
  • Seoul National University Hospital
    101 Daehak-ro, Jongno
    +82 2 2072 2114
    24/7
  • Samsung Medical Center (international clinic)
    81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu
    +82 2 3410 0200
    24/7

Culture

Seoul etiquette & payments

Etiquette

  • ✓Bow slightly when greeting or thanking someone — even small nod works.
  • ✓Two hands for giving or receiving things (money, gifts, business cards) — especially with older people.
  • ✓Remove shoes at homes + traditional restaurants + temples. Watch for step-up cues or shoe lockers.
  • ✓Pour drinks for others with both hands (right hand pouring, left hand supporting the right forearm). Never pour your own soju.
  • ✓Queue — Korean queues are orderly. Don't cut.
  • ✓Respect elders — give up seats on subway, let them eat first at meals, use formal Korean to address.

Avoid

  • ✗Don't write names in red ink (funereal).
  • ✗Don't leave chopsticks upright in rice (funeral offering).
  • ✗Don't touch the head of Buddha statues or monks.
  • ✗Don't photograph military installations or DMZ without permission.
  • ✗Don't blow your nose loudly in public — step to a bathroom.
Tipping

NO TIPPING. Not expected anywhere — restaurants, taxis, hotels, salons. Attempting to tip can cause refusal or confusion. Service always included.

Payments accepted
  • · T-money card or contactless bank card for transit
  • · Visa/Mastercard universally accepted even at street food carts + convenience stores
  • · Samsung Pay widely used by locals
  • · Naver Pay + KakaoPay are local QR-based (foreign tourists can't always use)
  • · Cash (KRW) useful at traditional markets + some older restaurants — carry ₩50,000
Connectivity

Korea has world's fastest average internet. SK Telecom, KT, LG U+ are 5G carriers. Prepaid tourist SIM at ICN Airport: ₩40,000-60,000 for 30-day 20GB. Free WiFi at every subway station + café + hotel.

Phrasebook

Useful Korean phrases

Hello
안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo)
ahn-nyong-ha-SEH-yo
Thank you
감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida)
kam-sah-HAM-nida
Excuse me (to get attention)
저기요 (Jeogiyo)
JEO-gi-yo
Yes / No
네 / 아니요 (Ne / Aniyo)
NEH / ah-NI-yo
Sorry
죄송합니다 (Joesonghamnida)
cheh-SONG-ham-nida
How much?
얼마예요? (Eolmayeyo?)
OL-ma-yay-yo
Delicious!
맛있어요! (Masisseoyo!)
MA-shi-suh-yo
Not spicy, please
안 매워요 (An maewoyo)
AN MEH-wo-yo
Water, please
물 주세요 (Mul juseyo)
MOOL ju-SEH-yo
Where is...?
... 어디예요? (... eodiyeyo?)
OH-di-yeh-yo
Cheers!
건배! (Geonbae!)
GUN-beh

Stay safe

Safety in Seoul

  • ⚠Seoul is one of the world's safest cities — violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. Walk at 02:00 confidently.
  • ⚠Sudden demonstrations in central districts (Gwanghwamun, Seoul Square) can cause subway closures — check local news.
  • ⚠Avoid DMZ area discussion of North Korea publicly — can cause awkwardness.
  • ⚠Drug possession = severe prison penalty. Zero tolerance; don't even attempt soft drugs.
  • ⚠Drink spiking at Hongdae + Itaewon clubs — rare but happens. Never leave drinks unattended.
  • ⚠Scooter + e-scooter thieves on sidewalks increasing — walk with awareness.
  • ⚠Summer heat (July-August) can exceed 35°C with humidity — hydrate + shade.
  • ⚠Subway groping on crowded lines exists — women's cars available on some lines during rush hour.

Packing

What to pack for Seoul

Essentials
  • ☐Comfortable walking shoes (Seoul is hilly + you'll walk a lot)
  • ☐Warm layers (indoor AC aggressive + evenings cool)
  • ☐Breathable clothing summer
  • ☐Reusable water bottle
  • ☐Portable charger
Climate-specific
  • ☐Apr-Jun: light jacket for evenings
  • ☐Jul-Aug: breathable + quick-dry + umbrella for monsoon
  • ☐Dec-Feb: warm coat + hat + gloves — can hit -10°C
Cultural
  • ☐Smart-casual for fine dining or Korean restaurants
  • ☐Sock-friendly (shoes-off culture)
  • ☐Modest clothing for temples
Electronics
  • ☐Type C or F plug (220V, EU-style)
  • ☐Portable charger
  • ☐eSIM or ICN Airport prepaid SIM

Insider knowledge

What locals know

  1. 01

    Rent hanbok (traditional Korean dress) near Gyeongbokgung for ₩15,000-30,000 — you get FREE palace entry + amazing photos + everyone smiles at you.

  2. 02

    Royal Palace Pass ₩10,000 covers all 5 palaces + Jongmyo Shrine for 3 months — best single-ticket value in Seoul if you want to visit 2+ palaces.

  3. 03

    Secret Garden at Changdeokgung must be booked ONLINE 1 week ahead at cdg.go.kr — limited timed tickets, English available.

  4. 04

    Korean convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, Ministop) sell kimbap, tteokbokki, fried chicken, makgeolli, and heat-in-store meals for ₩3,000-6,000 — genuinely good quality.

  5. 05

    Dongdaemun market after midnight is the real wholesale scene — most tourists miss it. Quieter + weirder than Myeongdong street food.

  6. 06

    N Seoul Tower combo tickets online save 30% vs walk-up. Cable car queue is brutal at sunset; take bus + walk up Namsan Park.

  7. 07

    Korean skincare (Olive Young, Innisfree flagship Myeongdong) is 30-50% cheaper than Western retail. VAT refund on purchases over ₩30,000 per store at airport.

  8. 08

    Gwangjang Market food street lunch (11:00-14:00) is quieter + better priced than evening tourist surge.

Off the beaten path

Hidden gems

Ihwa Mural Village

Hillside neighborhood in Jongno painted with murals by Korean artists — quiet, residential, 180° Seoul views. Go early morning.

▸ Hyehwa subway station, 15-min walk east.

Seoul Forest

New (2005) 116-hectare park in northeast Seoul — deer park, cherry blossoms, running trails, less touristy than Namsan.

▸ Seoul Forest subway station.

Ssamziegil

Spiral-shaped craft mall in Insadong — 70+ shops over 4 floors, local artisan + student work. Cheaper + more authentic than department stores.

▸ Insadong, Anguk station.

Noryangjin Fish Market

24-hour fish wholesale market — pick live seafood downstairs + take to an upstairs restaurant to cook. Cheaper than Jagalchi Busan + cult experience.

▸ Noryangjin subway station.

Hiking Inwangsan

Granite mountain in western Seoul — 338 m peak, old Seoul fortress wall, shaman rituals at Guksadang. Locals-only vibe.

▸ Dongnimmun subway station.

FAQ

Frequently asked about Seoul

What is the best time to visit Seoul?

April-early May for cherry blossoms + mild weather. Late September-October for autumn foliage + crisp dry days. Avoid July-August (monsoon + 30°C+ humid). December-February is cold + quiet but cheap (hotels 30-40% off); winter sports enthusiasts can combine Seoul with ski trips to Pyeongchang.

How many days do I need in Seoul?

Four days for essentials: one day palaces + Bukchon, one day Myeongdong + N Seoul Tower, one day Hongdae/Gangnam, one day DMZ tour. Five-six days adds Gwangjang Market, Lotte Tower, and a day trip to Busan or Suwon. Seven days lets you add the K-pop company tour or hiking Bukhansan.

Do I need a visa for South Korea?

US/UK/Canada/Australia/Japan/Singapore citizens get 90-day visa-free entry. K-ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) temporarily exempt for many visa-free nationalities through end 2025 (₩10,000 when required, 3-day approval online). Indian + Chinese + Vietnamese passports need a tourist visa — submit through Korean embassy/consulate. All arrivals need K-ETA (if applicable) or visa BEFORE boarding flight.

Is Seoul expensive?

Mid-range daily: ₩180,000-250,000 (~USD 135-190). Budget: ₩90,000-120,000/day. Luxury: ₩800,000+. Seoul is cheaper than Tokyo, roughly on par with Singapore, more expensive than Bangkok. Korean BBQ + street food are incredibly affordable; cafes + alcohol + Korean beauty products hit Western prices. VAT refund for tourists on purchases ₩30,000+ per store.

Is Seoul safe for tourists?

One of the world's safest cities. Violent crime against tourists is vanishingly rare. Solo night walks are genuinely safe. Drug laws strict (zero tolerance). Main risks: (1) scooter/e-scooter accidents in pedestrian zones (2) drink spiking in Hongdae/Itaewon clubs (3) occasional subway groping on crowded lines (women's cars exist). 1330 Korean Tourism Helpline is 24h English support.

Do I need to learn Korean?

Not essential. Subway signage + announcements + major tourist areas have English. Smaller restaurants + taxis outside tourist zones have limited English. Google Translate camera mode reads Korean menus reliably. Learn 5 phrases: annyeonghaseyo (hello), gamsahamnida (thanks), jogiyo (excuse me), eolmayeyo (how much), masisseoyo (delicious).

What food should I try in Seoul?

Korean BBQ (samgyeopsal pork belly or galbi short ribs at the table); bibimbap; kimchi jjigae; Korean fried chicken (chimaek); tteokbokki street food; gwangjang market bindaetteok + yukhoe; bingsu shaved ice (summer); jajangmyeon noodles; japchae. For the highest end: Jungsik or Mingles tasting menus (2-3 Michelin stars).

Is Seoul good for K-pop fans?

Yes — pilgrimage city. HYBE INSIGHT museum (BTS merchandise + company), SM Entertainment HQ tours, JYP Building, KPOP Culture Museum. Fan-meeting cafés around Apgujeong Rodeo + Gangnam. K-pop concerts regularly at Olympic Park KSPO Dome + Jamsil Arena. Myeongdong flagship stores for Big Hit, HYBE, SM idol merchandise.

Should I do a DMZ tour?

Yes — it's a unique geopolitical experience only accessible via tour operators licensed by Korean government. Full DMZ tour: Dora Observatory, Third Infiltration Tunnel, Imjingak Park, Freedom Bridge. JSA (Joint Security Area — Panmunjom) tour currently suspended since 2023 due to N-S tensions; check availability. Book 3-7 days ahead. Passport required on tour day.

Is tap water safe in Seoul?

Technically yes — Seoul tap water meets WHO standards + is heavily filtered. However, most Seoul residents drink filtered or bottled water due to aging building plumbing. Restaurants provide free filtered water. Bottled water ₩800-1,500 at convenience stores.

Seoul vs Tokyo — which should I visit first?

Both excellent for different reasons. Tokyo: older urban history + world-best food scene + more refined. Seoul: more energetic + cheaper (~30-40%) + better nightlife + K-pop culture. First-time Asia: Tokyo is easier for Western visitors (more English, less cultural difference). First time wanting unique cultural experience: Seoul. Ideal: both on a 10-14 day trip via 2h Seoul-to-Tokyo flight.

Can I travel from Seoul to Busan easily?

Yes — KTX high-speed train from Seoul Station to Busan in 2h 30m, ₩60,000 one-way. Daily flights also (1h flight, ₩80,000-120,000). Day trip is feasible but rushed; 2 days + overnight is ideal to see Jagalchi fish market, Gamcheon village, Haeundae beach. Many Seoul itineraries include 2-3 days in Busan.

What's Korean skincare and is it cheaper in Seoul?

Yes — Seoul is the global center of Korean beauty (K-beauty). Olive Young (Korea's Sephora), Innisfree flagship, Nature Republic, LANEIGE, Dr Jart+ all have flagship stores in Myeongdong with 30-50% below Western retail prices. VAT refund at airport on purchases over ₩30,000 per store. Popular: sheet masks, BB creams, sunscreens, lip balm.

Is Seoul kid-friendly?

Yes — Lotte World (amusement park), Everland (Korea's biggest theme park, 40 min from Seoul), Seoul Children's Grand Park, COEX Aquarium, N Seoul Tower, Trick Eye 3D Museum Hongdae. Subway has stroller lifts at major stations. Every restaurant has kid-friendly menus + high chairs. Korean families are enthusiastic about kids; locals will be patient.

What about K-drama filming sites?

Many! Nami Island (60 min outside Seoul — Winter Sonata); Garden of Morning Calm (Pyeongchang); Bukchon Hanok Village; Namsan Tower (lots of dramas); Gangnam-gu; Seoul Forest; Ihwa Mural Village. K-drama tour packages from Seoul include transport + guide to popular sites. Search "Seoul K-drama tour" for current options.

What should I avoid in Seoul?

Avoid: buying North Korean imitation currency/passport at markets (illegal); taking photos of DMZ soldiers without permission; drinking on Namsan summit (banned); aggressive Myeongdong skincare vendors (30-60% markup); late-night Hongdae bars pushing unlicensed alcohol (drink-spike risk); Itaewon Halloween crowds (2022 tragedy); ride-hail drivers who insist on cash-only (tax-avoidance scam).

Is the night subway worth it?

Seoul Metro runs until 00:00-01:00 depending on line. After 23:00 some stations close early. Weekends have extended hours on certain lines. If you're partying past subway hours in Hongdae/Itaewon/Gangnam, KakaoTaxi is reliable + metered. Night buses (yellow) also run 00:00-05:00 on selected routes — ₩2,500 with T-money.

How much do I tip in Seoul?

NOTHING. Korea has no tipping culture. Restaurants, taxis, hotels, salons, guides — don't tip. Service is included. Attempting to tip may be refused or cause confusion. This is liberating after Western or US travel.

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