Seoul

Travel Guide
Seoul featuring modern architecture and a city as well as a small group of people
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 withyouthful vibrancy. Art galleries, cinemas, bars and boutiques are dotted allover the city. Seoulites are also in touch with their past, and you’ll findplenty of instances of traditional Korean culture in palaces and theatres. 

Korea has suffered frommany conflicts, and some of the bruises still show in Seoul. The city’s FiveGrand Palaces are testament to this all of these complexes have been destroyedor badly damaged. Today they have largely been restored to their former glory andhouse national treasures, art and traditional architecture. For particularlyfine examples of these palaces, visit Gyeongbokgung, Deoksugungand Changgyeonggung. 

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

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

Soak up classic Koreanculture at venues like Chongdong Theatre. Here, you can marvel atspectaculars featuring traditional music, dance and costume. Sample localcuisine at well-priced stalls and restaurants that serve Korean classics suchas kalguksu (“knife noodles”) or donkas (deep-fried pork cutlets). Foodies willwant to pay homage to the Korean national dish (kimchi) at the PulmuoneKimchi Museum.  Kimchi is a fermented vegetable (cabbage, radish orcucumber) dish seasoned with spices. Finish your dining experience with a visitto one of Seoul’s excellent teahouses.

When you want some quiettime, escape to one of Seoul’s regenerated areas, such as CheonggyecheonStream. This stretch of water in the city center 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 andcold winters. The best time to visit is around March through May (spring), orSeptember through November (fall) . Navigate the city using the well-priced andefficient subway system, considered one of the best in the world.

Where to stay in Seoul

Myeongdong showing shopping, street scenes and a city

Myeong-dong

Major shopping and tourism hub, Myeongdong boasts mid-to-high priced retail stores, international brands, and Korean cosmetics. Explore pedestrian-friendly streets, visit Myeongdong Cathedral, and easily access Seoul Subway Lines 2 and 4.

Myeong-dong
Gangnam featuring outdoor art

Gangnam-gu

4.5/5(77 area reviews)

Heavily concentrated wealth and high-end shopping areas like Apgujeong, COEX Mall, and Garosugil define this district. Explore Bongeun Temple and savor modern Korean cuisine at upscale restaurants near Park Hyatt Hotel.

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

Hongdae

Urban arts and indie music thrive near Hongik University, with graffiti murals adorning Hongdae Mural Street and live music venues aplenty. Shop at independent clothing stalls, vintage shops, and visit quirky theme cafes.

Hongdae
Chegiil-tong which includes flowers

Dongdaemun-gu

4.5/5(5 area reviews)

Home to the University of Seoul and bustling Cheongnyangni Station, Dongdaemun District offers a lively atmosphere with Gyeongdong Market's herbal medicine and agricultural delights. Explore cultural sites like King Sejong Memorial and Seonnongdan.

Dongdaemun-gu
Dongdaemun Design Plaza featuring modern architecture as well as a couple

Jung-gu

4.5/5(207 area reviews)

Travelers love Jung-gu for its popular shops, and you can see more of Seoul by jumping on the metro at Euljiro 4-ga Station or Chungmuro Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Myeongdong Street and Namdaemun Market.

Jung-gu
War Memorial of Korea showing signage and modern architecture as well as a large group of people

Yongsan-gu

4/5(29 area reviews)

Central Seoul's Yongsan District boasts diverse shopping and nightlife in Itaewon, cultural attractions like the National Museum of Korea, and convenient transport via Seoul Subway Lines 1, 4, and 6.

Yongsan-gu
Grand Hyatt Seoul
Grand Hyatt Seoul
5 out of 5
322, Sowol-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Seoul
The price is CA $302 per night from Apr. 17 to Apr. 18
CA $302
CA $365 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 17 - Apr 18
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 6 restaurants. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Overall the staff is phenomenal but the property it’s lack lusting for the price. The staff is absolutely amazing! Young (concierge), in particular, was very helpful when I was in need of acquiring medication. She went above and beyond in finding me an open pharmacy on a Sunday!"

Reviewed on Mar. 18, 2024

Grand Hyatt Seoul
ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun
ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun
4 out of 5
36, Sejong-daero 11-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
The price is CA $165 per night from Mar. 20 to Mar. 21
CA $165
CA $182 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 20 - Mar 21
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, a children's pool, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,880 reviews)
"The location was very convenient, and the front desk staff were vey helped! Will definitely return!"

Reviewed on Mar. 18, 2024

ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun
The Shilla Seoul
The Shilla Seoul
5 out of 5
249, Dongho-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
The price is CA $377 per night from Apr. 1 to Apr. 2
CA $377
CA $415 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,003 reviews)
"Beautiful experience, 5 star and at the sametime friendly, kind and helpful staff. classic interior, classic hotel experience in all ways."

Reviewed on Mar. 18, 2024

The Shilla Seoul
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.
Brown Suites Hotel Sinchon Central
Brown Suites Hotel Sinchon Central
3.5 out of 5
137 Seogang-ro, Seoul, Seoul
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Namdaemun Market and ...
6.6/10 (4 reviews)
"ホテルというより雑居アパート。バスルームは狭くトイレと一体なのにシャワーカーテンが無くビショビショ。クレーム出して2日目に付けてもらった。清掃は素人が適当にやっただけで不潔。シーツ交換無し、2人利用なのに2日目のタオル類は1セット。スタッフがひとりしかいないのでフロントに取りに来てくれと。スタッフは午前9時出勤で、そこまでは不在。テレビは映らず、これまたクレーム出したら、どこからか持って来て交換。色々、驚かされました。日本語が話せるスタッフが申し訳なさそうにされてて、なんだかこちらも申し訳無い気分でした。"

Reviewed on Mar. 16, 2024

Brown Suites Hotel Sinchon Central
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 spacious rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,174 reviews)
"Excellent room conditions. Convenient location."

Reviewed on Feb. 6, 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 parking, breakfast, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (988 reviews)
"big condo with comfortable beds and full kitchenette. it didnt provide amenities like hotel but as a service apartment, it is sufficient. it also doesnt provide concierge service such as reservation for taxi (except airport transfer) or restaurants which ain't really necessary with its good location. ..."

Reviewed on Mar. 10, 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
181
" "5 - Excellent 55.864197530864196%
4 - Good
126
" "4 - Good 38.888888888888886%
3 - Okay
12
" "3 - Okay 3.7037037037037037%
2 - Disappointing
5
" "2 - Disappointing 1.5432098765432098%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Feb. 27, 2020

It was a good experience but hard to rate properly due to it being so quiet because of the coronavirus outbreak. Want to visit again when it's not like that.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Nov. 24, 2019

Seoul is a safe, vibrant city.There are endless restaurants and coffee shops.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Nov. 19, 2019

We love Seoul. The food and shopping are amazing with so many places to go and see. We would definitely come back.

5/5 - Excellent

someone
Nov. 14, 2019

clean city. easy subway all around city. cheap express bus line to all over korea.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Nov. 9, 2019

There are English speaking guides available at the museums whom are volunteers that enhance the experience.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Oct. 29, 2019

I loved Seoul

Cities near Seoul