Seoul, the beautiful city of South Korea, is where old palaces and new skyscrapers mix, where street food carts and K-pop billboards are right next to each other. It’s a city that never sleeps, is full of activity, has a lot of history, and is always interesting.
People: about 9.9 million Time Zone: KST (Korean Standard Time)
Language: Korean (Hangul) South Korean Won (₩) is the currency.
The best times to go are in the spring (March to May) when the cherry blossoms are in bloom and in the fall (September to November) when the colors are changing.
Where it is and how to get Seoul
Located in the northwest of South Korea along the Han River. By Air: Incheon International Airport (ICN) is an hour away from the city center by the AREX Express Train. By train: KTX high-speed rail connects to other cities. Public Transportation: The Seoul Metro is one of the greatest in the world because it is clean, on time, and easy to use for English speakers.
Main Attractions of Seoul
Gyeongbokgung Palace is grand and has ceremonies for changing the guard.
N Seoul Tower has views of the whole city.
Bukchon Hanok Village is a place with traditional Korean dwellings.
Myeongdong is a utopia for skin care, K-beauty, and street cuisine.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza is a place for futuristic architecture and fashion.
5 Things You Shouldn’t Miss
At Gwangjang Market, you can try spicy tteokbokki. Put on a hanbok to a royal palace 🌸 Go to Yeouido when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. Watch a K-pop dancing show in Hongdae Take it easy in a jjimjilbang, a Korean sauna.
Unique Qualities or Special Attractions of Seoul
Seoul is unique because it has both old and new parts that work together. You’ll go by a temple that has been around for hundreds of years and then into a gadget store with neon lights. It’s one of the safest cities in the world, and it’s famed for its 24-hour culture, which includes late-night shopping and karaoke at 3 AM.
Who Seoul Is Best For
Fans of K-pop and K-drama 🌸 Nature and culture lovers 👩💻 Digital nomads 🍲 Foodies 🛍 Fashion-forward travelers 👨👩👧👦 Families
Where to Stay Close By Seoul
🏨 L7 Hongdae by Lotte is trendy and stylish. Rakkojae Hanok Stay is a typical Korean experience. Four Points by Sheraton Seoul Station: business and comfort Zzzip Guesthouse in Hongdae is a cheap place to stay with a sociable ambiance.
What to Eat and Where to Eat in Seoul :
Korean BBQ Bibimbap
Ginseng chicken soup, or samgyetang
Bungeoppang is a fish-shaped pastry.
Where to Eat in Seoul :
Gwangjang Market—real and rough
Tongin Market: lunch baskets on trays with tokens
Janguhjin BBQ has the best meat and atmosphere.
Isaac Toast is a well-known Korean breakfast sandwich.
Best Places to Take Pictures and Instagrammable Corners
Gyeongbokgung Palace in hanbok Starfield Library in the COEX Mall Namsan Tower at dusk DDP LED Rose Garden Ikseon-dong’s streets and cafes
What locals say and what they think About Seoul
“Seoul moves quickly, but don’t rush.” Take it easy in the tea houses and palaces. Take a walk along the Han River for a while. That’s when you really get to know Seoul. — A student at a local university
How to Avoid Common Tourist Mistakes
🚫 Not following local customs: When you meet older people, bow slightly. Don’t underestimate the metro; it’s huge. Download KakaoMetro to help you get about. Jaywalking is not a good idea and might get you in trouble. Use the crosswalks!
🚫 Not booking palace hanbok rentals ahead of time during busy times.
Tips for smart budgeting for Seoul 💸
Get a T-money card for public transportation and businesses. Eat like a local at traditional markets for only $5! To save money on transportation, book a place to stay near subway lines. If you want to go into more than 35 attractions, think about getting the Discover Seoul Pass.
Packing Tips for Seoul
👟 Shoes that are easy to stroll in—lots of walking Sunscreen, even in the spring and fall Layered clothes are a good idea because the weather can change. International credit cards are widely accepted, however you should bring some cash for street booths. SIM cards or portable Wi-Fi are important for finding your way and translating.
Friendly for remote work and content creators
Seoul is a great place for digital nomads. Even at parks and cafés, the internet is always very fast. There are a lot of cafés where you may work (particularly in Gangnam and Hongdae). Content creators will adore the limitless backgrounds, from royal gates to rainbow cafés.
Experiences you may add on nearby Seoul :
🛍 A day trip to Incheon Chinatown, 🌄 A hike in Bukhansan National Park, and 🎢 Lotte World is an indoor entertainment park. Visit Suwon Fortress, an old city near Seoul.
Respect Checklist (Cultural & Environmental Etiquette)
✅ When you go inside a home or a traditional guesthouse, take off your shoes. ✅ Speak gently on public transportation. ✅ Don’t tip; it’s not expected. Don’t scribble on walls or ancient monuments Sort your rubbish (Seoul is big on recycling!)
How Seoul Has Changed Over the Years
Seoul has changed from a city torn apart by war to a global center for technology and pop culture. It’s an amazing change. The city has kept its palaces and traditions while also welcoming new ideas. It is currently a leader in smart cities, fashion, and digital culture.
My own experience and final thoughts About Seoul
My first day in Seoul was a blur. I ate spicy tteokbokki beside the Han River, walked under cherry blossoms at Gyeongbokgung, and watched youths dance to BTS songs in Hongdae. It was like a movie come to reality.
Seoul isn’t just a city; it’s a feeling. A city that is always buzzing, poetic, and full of unique ideas that will make you want to come back before you even leave.
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