Practically everybody we all know is obsessive about Seoul and South Korea. Some are into the cosmetics. Many are hooked on the music and tv dramas. And nearly everybody, together with us, is in love with the meals.
South Korean expertise and popular culture has exploded into the worldwide mainstream lately. This “Korean Wave” has turned Seoul into one of many hottest locations in Asia, bringing in over 17.5 million worldwide vacationers in 2019.
Sadly, the journey slowdown has introduced this tourism wave to a halt, however anticipate it to surge with a vengeance when borders open up. Till then, you’ll be able to plan your future journey with the most recent version of our Seoul journey information.
Examine the most effective issues to do, the good neighborhoods to go to, and the tastiest dishes to eat to get you much more enthusiastic about visiting the land of kimchee, Okay-pop, and Korean cosmetics!
VISIT SEOUL QUICK LINKS
This journey information to Seoul is lengthy. To your comfort, I’ve compiled hyperlinks to lodges, excursions, and different companies right here.
HOTELS
High-rated lodges in Myeongdong, the most effective space to remain for first-time guests to Seoul.
TOURS
OTHER SERVICES
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GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS
SEOUL TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS
Due to the present international state of affairs, Seoul journey tips appear to vary every day. Our pals at Reserving.com created an internet site that lists detailed data on journey restrictions across the globe.
Earlier than planning a visit to Seoul, make sure to test Reserving.com for data on journey restrictions to South Korea. Should you do determine to go to Seoul, then it’s possible you’ll wish to severely contemplate getting journey insurance coverage with COVID protection.
SOUTH KOREA VISA
You could want a visa and different journey paperwork to go to South Korea relying in your passport. Try iVisa.com to study concerning the necessities and to use for a visa (if crucial).
Should you’re a Philippine passport holder dwelling in Manila, then try our information on how you can apply for a South Korea visa for a step-by-step course of.
SEOUL AT A GLANCE
Seoul is the capital of South Korea (Republic of Korea) and its greatest metropolis. The estimated inhabitants inside its metropolis limits is 10.29 million folks, however think about its surrounding areas and that quantity jumps to 25.6 million, making it the second largest metropolitan space on this planet.
With a workforce that enormous driving its economic system, it’s no surprise Seoul is now the 4th most economically highly effective metropolis, behind solely Tokyo, New York Metropolis, and Los Angeles (as measured by GDP).
South Korea has been making headlines lately within the tech, automotive, and leisure sectors. Korean manufacturers like Samsung and Hyundai are globally acknowledged manufacturers.
Individuals worldwide watch Okay-dramas and take heed to Okay-pop. Myeongdong has turn into a hotbed for cosmetics and practically everybody I do know loves Korean meals! Evidently, South Korea is booming, and on the heart of all that pleasure, is Seoul.
BEST TIME TO VISIT SEOUL
Like Japan, South Korea has 4 distinct seasons — Spring, Summer time, Fall, and Winter. The most well-liked occasions to go to Seoul are throughout the spring (March-Might) and autumn (Mid-September – Early November) months when the climate is right and the panorama is at its most putting.
Each seasons are characterised by a dramatic change in coloration – Spring for its cherry blossom pinks and whites, and Autumn for its fiery reds, oranges, and yellows. Right here’s what you’ll be able to anticipate throughout each season.
MAR-MAY: Spring is among the finest occasions to go to Seoul. The climate is right and town erupts with flowers. If you wish to catch the cherry blossoms, then it is best to plan on being in Seoul across the second week of April (round April 9-10). That gives you the most effective likelihood to see the cherry blossoms. With that mentioned, remember that the blossoms are largely depending on the climate so it’s nonetheless no assure they’ll be blooming then, which is why I believe it’s a good suggestion to go round that point or slightly earlier. In the event that they aren’t blooming but in Seoul, you then’ll have the choice of taking a day journey to Jinhae, house of Korea’s greatest cherry blossom competition. You should definitely bookmark the Go to Korea web site for updates on the competition.
JUN-AUG: Summer time isn’t a great time to go to Seoul. It’s sizzling, it’s humid, it rains rather a lot, and costs are at their highest with summertime being the height of home tourism. Keep away from these months when you can.
SEPT-NOV: Until you’re chasing after the cherry blossoms, then the autumn is arguably the most effective time to go to Seoul. Like spring, the climate is right and the foliage is at its most putting. Shoot for late October or early November when you can.
DEC-FEB: If you wish to go snowboarding, snowboarding, or simply expertise snow, then winter is clearly the time to go. Nevertheless, winter in Korea is freezing. We went in early November and we have been stunned by how chilly it already was. Should you can stand the chilly, then there are a number of ski resorts you’ll be able to go to from Seoul.
Local weather: Annual Month-to-month Climate in Seoul
Try weather-and-climate.com for extra on the climate in Seoul. To your comfort, I’ve additionally created the common temperature and annual rainfall graphs under. Instructed months to go to are highlighted in orange.
Common Temperature
Annual Rainfall
TRAVELING TO SEOUL
There are a lot of alternative ways you’ll be able to journey to Seoul relying on the place you’re. You may test Bookaway or use the widget under to search out route choices accessible to you.
Virtually all worldwide flights land at Incheon Worldwide Airport. There are a number of methods to get to downtown Seoul from Incheon. You may seek advice from this web site for extra data on airport transfers.
BY AIRPORT EXPRESS (AREX): That is the quickest method to get to town from the airport. It runs like clockwork and it’ll get you into Seoul Station in precisely 43 minutes. The trains are comfy with free wifi onboard. You should buy tickets on the gate (KRW 9,500) however you may get a reduction when you get them prematurely by way of Klook.
BY ALL-STOP TRAIN: That is the second-fastest method to get into Seoul from Incheon. It’ll get you to Seoul Station in about 58 minutes and prices round half the value of the AREX (KRW 4,150-4,750). Trains run from 5:23AM until 11:40PM. That is the practice we normally take.
BY BUS: A one-way bus ticket prices KRW 5,000-15,000 and takes longer than the subway (round 80 minutes), so I recommend taking it provided that you’re arriving at Incheon throughout off hours. Late night time airport buses to Seoul Station run from 12MN-4:40AM, whereas buses to Gangnam Specific Bus Terminal function from 11:40PM-4:20AM. Detailed inquiries on bus routes and bus stops could be made on the Airport Info Desk on the first ground. Click on on the hyperlink for extra data on late night time airport buses.
BY TAXI: Going by taxi is handy but additionally costly. A taxi will get you into town in about an hour and can value you anyplace between KRW 65,000-90,000.
BY PRIVATE TRANSFER: That is the most effective and most handy choice but additionally dearer. Click on on the hyperlinks to e book non-public airport transfers by way of Klook or Get Your Information.
Try the Go to Korea web site for extra data on airport transfers.
WHERE TO EXCHANGE CURRENCY
The unit of forex in Seoul is the Korean Received (KRW).
Myeongdong is the most effective place to alternate your forex. There are many cash changers within the space and so they’re recognized to present the most effective charges within the metropolis. We scoped out just a few different areas and the charges have been by no means pretty much as good.
I recommend altering a small quantity on the airport, not more than USD 100, simply to get you into town. You may then change the remainder in Myeongdong.
A greater choice nowadays is to withdraw KRW from an ATM. The charges are aggressive, typically even higher. Simply make sure to let your financial institution know that you simply’ll be utilizing your ATM card overseas so that you don’t run into any issues. In my expertise, my ATM card works in some machines however not in others. I didn’t have any issues utilizing it in Seoul.
TIP: Some ATM machines might ask you when you’d wish to proceed “with or with out conversion”. All the time select WITHOUT conversion. Continuing “with conversion” permits the overseas financial institution working the ATM to carry out the conversion at charges favorable to them. In line with this text, the distinction in charges could be as excessive as 10%.
BEST AREAS TO STAY IN SEOUL
Based mostly on our personal experiences and what I’ve learn on-line, Myeongdong, Insadong, Hongdae, and Itaewon are the most effective locations to remain in Seoul. They provide various things so all of it depends upon what you need.
Myeongdong is right for purchasing, Insadong for tradition and the humanities. Hongdae is younger and hip whereas Itaewon is Seoul’s worldwide district. We’ve visited all 4 areas however we’ve solely stayed in Myeongdong and Hongdae. Personally, we choose Hongdae.
I’ll undergo every space in additional element under however you’ll be able to seek for lodges in Seoul on Reserving.com and Agoda.
To make it simpler, I’ve created the color-coded map under so you’ll be able to see the place all these really helpful areas are. Click on on the hyperlink for a stay model of the map. (Please be aware that marked areas are approximations solely)
RED – Myeongdong
ORANGE – Hongdae
PURPLE – Insadong
AQUA – Itaewon
MYEONGDONG
Should you’re planning on doing a number of purchasing in Seoul, then Myeongdong is unquestionably the place you might want to keep. It’s a hyper purchasing district stuffed with huge title manufacturers and boutique outlets, in addition to many eating places, cafes, and avenue meals stalls. Should you like Korean cosmetics, then there’s a very good likelihood you’re by no means leaving this place.
The place we stayed at doesn’t appear to be accessible anymore however you’ll be able to search by way of Reserving.com and Agoda for lodges in Myeongdong. Try a number of the top-rated lodges within the space:
INSADONG
We haven’t stayed in Insadong however we’ve spent many days exploring its wealth of conventional outlets, boutiques, eating places, cafes, and teahouses. It’s additionally strolling distance to a number of key sights like Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Bukchon Hanok Village.
You may search by way of Reserving.com and Agoda for lodging listings in Insadong. Try a number of the top-rated lodges within the space:
HONGDAE
Ren and I aren’t into purchasing so we most well-liked staying in Hongdae. It refers back to the space round Hongik College. It’s a enjoyable and youthful space with an easygoing faculty city vibe. This was our favourite neighborhood within the metropolis so we’ll most likely keep right here on each return journey to Seoul.
Bingo Home is a small 5-room guesthouse only a brief stroll from Exit 6 of Hongik College Station. There’s a 7-Eleven and a GS25 comfort retailer close by, in addition to just a few eating places and cafes. There’s a typical space with free water and kitchen provides however no breakfast. You may e book a room right here by way of Agoda.
Should you like Hongdae however don’t suppose Bingo Home is the suitable place for you, then you’ll be able to test these websites for alternate listings: Reserving.com | Agoda. Listed here are just a few of the top-rated lodges in Hongdae:
ITAEWON
Amongst these 4 areas, Itaewon is the place we’re least acquainted with. It’s one of many metropolis’s most numerous neighborhoods boasting loads of outlets and worldwide eating places. It has a bustling nightlife as properly which is among the the reason why it’s a preferred hotspot amongst expats. You may search by way of Reserving.com and Agoda for lodging listings in Itaewon. Listed here are just a few top-rated lodges within the space:
You too can e book lodges and residential stays in Seoul utilizing the useful map under.
PLACES TO VISIT IN SEOUL
1. The 5 Grand Palaces
There are 5 Joseon Royal Palaces in Seoul – Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Gyeonghuigung, and Deoksugung. We visited solely the primary two however you’ll be able to simply go to all 5 when you like.
Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung are the most important and arguably essentially the most lovely of the 5. Gyeongbokgung was the first palace and considered one of simply two (the opposite being Deoksugung) the place you’ll be able to watch the altering of the Royal Guard. Equally spectacular is Changdeokgung which is a UNESCO Heritage Website and residential to the Huwon or “Secret Backyard”.
Try my article on Changdeokgung and Gyeongbokgung palaces for extra footage and data. You may go to by yourself or go on a guided tour (Klook | Get Your Information). Changdeokgung and Gyeongbokgungare among the many hottest locations in Seoul to hire a hanbok.
Should you plan on visiting a number of palaces by yourself, then it’s possible you’ll wish to spend money on an Built-in Palace Ticket.
Instructed Size of Go to: 1-3 hrs per palace
Admission: KRW 1,000-3,000 per palace
2. Bukchon Hanok Village
As ultramodern a metropolis as Seoul is, it’s good to discover a place like this proper in the midst of town. Bukchon Hanok Village is an atmospheric labyrinth of slim alleyways and conventional Korean homes known as hanoks.
Exploring its community of streets will take you again in time and offer you a glimpse of what Seoul was like 600 years in the past. Just like the royal palaces, it’s among the finest locations in Seoul to hire a hanbok and degree up your Instagram recreation.
Try my article on Bukchon Hanok Village for extra footage and data. Should you’d wish to study extra about Bukchon Hanok Village, then it’s possible you’ll be excited about becoming a member of this free strolling tour or going with a information.
Instructed Size of Go to: 1-2 hrs
Admission: FREE
3. N Seoul Tower
With regards to nice views, this place towers above the competitors. Standing 480 meters (1,575 ft) above sea degree, N Seoul Tower’s statement deck is the most effective place to get fowl’s eye views of town.
N Seoul Tower is positioned on Mt. Namsan and accessible through street or cable automobile, although most vacationers will go for the latter. You should buy tickets to the observatory on the gate.
Instructed Size of Go to: 1-2 hrs
Admission: KRW 16,000
4. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
This place is unbelievable. Should you like design, any form of design, then you might want to put Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in your itinerary. It’s like a museum, design grocery store, and house ship all rolled into one.
DDP was designed by the late Zaha Hadid, the famend architect who created the 2012 Olympic aquatic centre in London and the Guangzhou Opera Home in China.
I recommend devoting a number of hours to this place when you can. You should definitely come again at night time as properly when the constructing actually involves life. Try my article on Dongdaemun Design Plaza for extra footage and data.
Instructed Size of Go to: 2-3 hrs
Admission: FREE however some displays might cost for admission
5. Jogyesa Temple
Jogyesa Temple is among the most vital Buddhist temples in Korea. It’s the pinnacle temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and serves as the primary venue for a lot of Buddhist occasions, rituals, lectures, and ceremonies.
Photograph by Numerous pictures through Shutterstock
Instructed Size of Go to: 30 minutes – 1 hr
Admission: FREE
6. COEX Mall Library
COEX Mall within the Gangnam district has turn into Insta-famous lately, all due to this lovely library positioned in the midst of the mall.
Starfield Library is an open-air public library that options tons of of books and magazines. It’s gorgeous architectural shelf of books has made it into one of the crucial well-liked picture-taking spots in Seoul.
Instructed Size of Go to: 2-3 hrs
Admission: FREE
THINGS TO DO IN SEOUL
1. Costume Up in a Hanbok
Should you’re a fan of Korean interval dramas or simply the tradition generally, you then’ll most likely need a selfie sporting a hanbok. It’s the standard Korean type of costume worn by each women and men throughout festivals and celebrations.
Bukchon Hanok Village and any of the 5 royal palaces make for nice picture backdrops. You’ll discover just a few hanbok rental outlets round these areas however you may also hire one prematurely by way of Klook.
2. Go to a Conventional Korean Market
We love visiting markets on journeys as a result of they’re typically the most effective locations to search out nice avenue meals in any metropolis. Seoul is not any exception with its many fascinating markets like Noryangjin Fish Market, Gwangjang Market (pictured under), and Nandaemun Market. Verify them out when you’re in search of low-cost and genuine avenue meals in Seoul.
3. Discover Seoul’s Neighborhoods
Seoul is a large metropolis with many fascinating neighborhoods. 4 of its hottest embrace Insadong, Myeongdong, Hongdae, and Itaewon, every with its personal distinct persona.
Insadong is thought for its conventional arts and crafts, Myeongdong for its model names and cosmetics, Hongdae for its stylish faculty city ambiance, and Itaeown for its worldwide vibe. All have terrific meals.
Try my article on Seoul’s neighborhoods for extra footage and data.
4. Take a Stroll Alongside Cheonggyecheon Stream
Cheonggyecheon Stream is an 11 km stream that runs by way of the center of downtown Seoul. It passes beneath 22 bridges and thru quite a lot of metropolis landmarks earlier than opening up into the Han River. It’s a preferred picture-taking spot in Seoul and an awesome place to chill off in the summertime.
You may stroll alongside the stream by yourself, however when you’d wish to study extra about it and the locations you’ll be passing alongside the best way, then it’s possible you’ll be excited about becoming a member of this free strolling tour.
Photograph by SS pixels through Shutterstock
5. Go on a Okay-pop/Kdrama Tour
As described, many individuals have been turned on to South Korea due to the recognition of Korean pop music and its movie and tv trade. The truth is, we all know of some diehard followers who routinely fly to Seoul simply to attend music concert events!
When you have a fascination for Korean popular culture, then it’s possible you’ll be excited about reserving a Okay-Pop tour or taking a Okay-Pop dance class. Aspiring singers may even get a Okay-Pop recording studio expertise!
6. Watch the Cookin’ Nanta Present
Should you’d like to observe a present or efficiency in Seoul, then the Cookin’ Nanta Present is one to think about. It’s entertaining and humorous and jogs my memory of a Korean model of Stomp, however with meals.
There are two Nanta theaters – one in Myeongdong and one other in Hongdae. You should buy tickets on the gate however you’ll be able to typically get a reduction when you purchase them prematurely by way of Klook.
7. Take a Cooking Class
We haven’t performed this in Korea however taking a cooking class is one thing we attempt to do on each journey. It’s a enjoyable, hands-on manner of attending to know the native delicacies.
Should you’re excited about taking a cooking class in Seoul, then I recommend looking for one on Cookly. Cookly is a web based reserving platform that gives cooking courses in lots of cities around the globe, together with Seoul.
Photograph by Smiallaan through Shutterstock
DAY TOURS FROM SEOUL
Should you’re staying lengthy sufficient in Seoul, then it’s possible you’ll wish to discover past town and go on a day journey. Listed under are 4 of the most well-liked however you’ll be able to test our article on 18 of the most effective day journeys from Seoul for extra solutions.
1. Nami Island
We skipped out on Nami Island on our first journey to Korea as a result of we thought it might solely be appreciated by followers of the tv drama Winter Sonata. We have been mistaken.
Nami Island is achingly lovely and a must-visit for anybody touring to Seoul. We went in winter when there was a skinny sheet of recent powder blanketing the island. It was lovely, although maybe not as magical as the autumn when the leaves flip fiery shades of purple, orange, and yellow.
You may go to Nami Island by yourself however it might be best to go on a guided tour (Klook | Get Your Information). You may seek advice from my article on Nami Island, Gangchon Rail Park, and Petite France for extra footage and data.
2. The DMZ
This was one of the crucial fascinating excursions I’ve ever been on. DMZ stands for Demilitarized Zone and refers back to the 4 km vast buffer zone that divides North and South Korea.
Once I went, they have been nonetheless providing visits to the JSA or Joint Safety Space. Nicknamed “essentially the most harmful place in Korea”, it’s the one portion of the DMZ the place North and South Korean troopers can stand nose to nose. Try my article on the JSA and DMZ tour for extra footage and data.
I checked and the JSA tour doesn’t appear to be accessible anymore, maybe because of the cooling relations between north and south, however you’ll be able to nonetheless e book a DMZ tour on Klook or Get Your Information. It isn’t as intense because the JSA tour but it surely’s nonetheless value doing, particularly if you are interested in Korean historical past.
3. Everland Resort
Many vacationers, particularly these touring to Seoul with younger youngsters, will most likely wish to go to one (or each) of South Korea’s greatest theme parks – Everland and Lotte World.
Lotte World is positioned in central Seoul whereas Everland is about an hour away. We visited Everland and it made for a enjoyable day journey from Seoul. You may try my article on Everland Resort for extra footage and data.
Should you don’t have time to go to each and may’t determine between the 2, then you’ll be able to seek advice from this Everland or Lotte World comparability publish that can assist you determine. You should buy a one-day go to Lotte World or an Everland full day journey with admission and transfers by way of Klook.
4. Hwaseong Fortress
Hwaseong Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Website positioned about an hour south of Seoul by metro. It’s title means “Sensible Fortress” and it was in-built 1796 by King Jeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty to accommodate and honor the stays of his father, Prince Sado.
Hwaseong Fortress provides terrific views of Suwon and is a superb place to do some mountaineering, even perhaps making an attempt your hand in conventional Korean archery. Try my article on Hwaseong Fortress for extra footage and data.
I visited Hwaseong Fortress by myself however you may also go by guided tour by way of Klook.
KOREAN FOOD GUIDES
There’s a lot good meals available in Seoul. From Korean delicacies like ganjang gejang, galbi, and gomtang to well-liked avenue meals staples like tteokbokki and gyeranppang, Seoul can have you counting down the minutes to your subsequent meal.
Should you’re questioning what to eat on this meals lover’s Shangri-La, then you’ll be able to seek advice from our article on the most effective dishes to eat in South Korea. When you have a keenness for avenue meals or sweets, then make sure to try our Korean avenue meals and Korean dessert guides as properly.
WHERE TO EAT IN SEOUL
1. Yeontabal BBQ Restaurant
Gogigui or Korean BBQ is considered one of our favourite issues about Korean meals. Marinated meats like bulgogi and galbi barbecued over a charcoal grill are completely scrumptious.
These grilled king beef ribs at Yeontabal have been a number of the finest we’ve ever had. Smokey, savory-sweet, and tremendous tender, they have been to die for, particularly when eaten with steamed white rice and kimchi.
Remember that meat is often costly in Korea, so anticipate Korean BBQ to be considered one of your dearer meals. You will get a small low cost at Yeontabal if you are going to buy a voucher by way of Klook.
2. Woo Lae Oak
I’ve been desirous to strive naengmyeon (buckwheat noodles served in chilly broth) ever since I noticed a documentary about North Korea. It’s initially a North Korean delicacy that turned well-liked all through the peninsula after the Korean Struggle.
I looked for the most effective locations to strive naengmyeon and Woo Lae Oak, considered one of Seoul’s oldest eating places, typically got here up. They’re a Korean BBQ restaurant that’s equally well-known for his or her naengmyeon.
3. Myeongdong Kyoja
Myeongdong Kyoja is extensively thought to be having the most effective kalguksu within the metropolis. Kalguksu is a noodle dish consisting of handmade, knife-cut wheat flour noodles served in a big bowl with broth and different elements.
Myeongdong Kyoja has been in enterprise for over 50 years and is positioned within the coronary heart of Myeongdong. It’s an awesome place to have lunch or dinner when purchasing within the space.
4. Manjok Ohyang Jokbal
I requested my Korean sister-in-law (who’s a former chef from Seoul) which dishes we should always strive, and jokbal was one of many issues she really helpful. Jokbal is a scrumptious dish of essentially the most tender pig’s trotters cooked in soy sauce and spices.
I did a google seek for “finest jokbal in seoul” and Manjok Ohyang Jokbal was steadily cited. They’re a TripAdvisor Traveller’s Alternative awardee with a stellar 4.5 star ranking. Critical yum.
We purchased a voucher for this medium portion of the spiced pig’s trotters bossam set menu from Klook. It’s good for 2-3 folks and comes with jokbal, bossam (pork stomach boiled in spices), dumpling soup, and a slew of sides.
5. Wonjo Masan Halmae Agujjim
We skipped out on ganjang gejang on our first go to to Korea so I made certain to strive it on our subsequent journey.
Ganjang gejang is uncooked crab marinated in soy sauce. Thought-about by many to be the last word Korean dish, I waited over two years to strive it and the expertise blew me away. It’s so good and in contrast to something we’ve ever tried.
Should you like crab, then it’s a must to do this dish. Like Korean bbq, ganjang gejang is pricey so anticipate to pay at the very least KRW 30,000 per small crab.
We had it at Wonjo Masan Halmae Agujjim. It’s considered one of a number of eating places in Ganjang Gejang Alley that makes a speciality of this fascinating and supremely scrumptious crab dish.
6. Myeongdong Meals Avenue
As a lot as we love visiting eating places, there’s one thing uniquely thrilling about consuming avenue meals. It’s like having a degustation expertise proper there on the road!
No first-time customer’s journey to Seoul will likely be full with out consuming avenue meals in Myeongdong. With mouthwatering delicacies like grilled lobster tails, rooster and scallion skewers, and tteokbokki, Myeongdong is a Korean avenue meals lover’s paradise.
The eating places above have been a few of our favorites, but when seven isn’t sufficient to fulfill your urge for food, then you’ll be able to try our article on 25 must-eat eating places in Seoul.
It consists of loads of different restaurant suggestions like the place to search out the most effective gomtang (beef bone soup), essentially the most genuine Jeonju bibimbap, and low-cost however scrumptious Korean BBQ. It’ll even inform you the place to search out Seoul’s oldest restaurant, a 110+ 12 months outdated establishment specializing in seolnongtang or ox bone soup.
POINTS OF INTEREST IN SEOUL
To your comfort, I created a map so that you get a greater sense of the place every thing is. All of the locations really helpful on this information are pinned on this map. Click on on the hyperlink to open a stay model of the map in a brand new window.
HOW TO GET AROUND IN SEOUL
Seoul’s subway system could be very environment friendly, a lot so that you simply most likely received’t want some other type of transportation if you’re there. We by no means took a taxi and the one occasions we ever acquired on a bus was to go to locations exterior of Seoul like Paju, Suwon, and Jinhae.
It may be slightly complicated at first however so long as you bear in mind your vacation spot’s subway cease and the road quantity that it’s on, you then shouldn’t have any issues.
You typically must stroll far to switch between traces so it’s vital to know the road variety of your cease. In any other case, you received’t know which method to go to switch traces. At any time when I embrace instructions in our Seoul journey guides, I at all times attempt to point out Line and Exit numbers.
It’s a good suggestion to spend money on a T-money card. It’s a transportation card that eliminates the effort of shopping for single journey tokens, plus it saves you KRW 100 per journey. It may be used to switch between subway traces, buses, or from subway to bus and vice versa (inside a switch time restrict) at no additional cost.
The cardboard itself prices KRW 2,500 and it may be bought at most comfort shops and subway stations. You may prime it up with any quantity at recharge stations discovered at each subway cease. If there’s any quantity left over on the finish of your journey, then you’ll be able to have it refunded at a comfort retailer or refund station (minus a KRW 500 service cost).
An alternative choice is to get a Korea Tour Card which is a variation of the T-money card. It has the identical advantages because the T-money card, plus it provides you small reductions at some vacationer spots, purchasing facilities, eating places, and theaters.
We normally navigate with Google Maps but it surely doesn’t work as properly in Seoul. It has one thing to do with avenue names being modified lately (or one thing like that) so it’s finest to navigate with the NAVER Map as an alternative (iOS | Android).
HOW MANY DAYS TO STAY / SEOUL ITINERARY
Seoul is a large metropolis with a lot to see. We don’t wish to rush so we stayed over per week on every of our three journeys to Korea. I believe staying per week in Seoul is nice, however when you’re pressed for time, then 5 full days will likely be sufficient for many first-time guests to town.
Right here’s a fast 5D/6N Seoul itinerary I put collectively that can assist you plan your journey. You should definitely click on by way of to our full 5-day Seoul itinerary for extra particulars.
| DAY ONE • Gyeongbokgung Palace • Bukchon Hanok Village • Changdeokgung Palace • Changgyeonggung Palace • Jongmyo Shrine • Ikseondong Hanok Village • Insadong • Jogyesa Temple |
| DAY TWO • Gyeonghuigung Palace • Deoksugung Palace • Namdaemun Market • N Seoul Tower • Myeongdong |
| DAY THREE • Noryangjin Fish Market • Hongdae • Bongeunsa Temple • COEX Mall • Gangnam Buying Avenue |
| DAY FOUR • Cheonggyecheon Stream • Gwangjang Market • Ihwa Mural Village • Dongdaemun Design Plaza • Itaewon |
| DAY FIVE • Nami Island |
SEOUL TRAVEL TIPS
1. Plan your Journey with Sygic Journey
Some folks might discover journey planning slightly tedious or daunting. This free journey planning could make it simpler and extra enjoyable.
What Sygic Journey does is will let you visualize every thing on a map, so you’ll be able to simply group locations of curiosity by location and put all of them collectively in an environment friendly itinerary. Try my article on the Sygic Journey app for extra data.
DOWNLOAD: iOS / Android
2. Hire a Pocket Wifi Machine
A continuing wifi connection is a necessity nowadays, particularly if you’re away on a visit. You’ll want it to translate, do analysis, use ride-sharing apps, and discover your favourite Okay-drama filming places. We by no means go anyplace now with out renting a pocket wifi machine first.
You may keep related in Seoul by renting a pocket wifi machine or shopping for a sim card. We at all times hire pocket wifi gadgets however sim playing cards are completely effective too. They’re even cheaper.
No matter your desire, you’ll be able to hire a pocket wifi machine or purchase a sim card by way of Klook. Should you’re in Asia, then make sure to undergo the checklist as it might be cheaper to select it up out of your origin nation.
3. Get an Built-in Palace Ticket
If you wish to go to as many palaces as you’ll be able to in Seoul, then it is best to positively get an built-in palace ticket. Entrance to 4 main palaces — Changdeokgung (together with Huwon), Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, Gyeongbokgung — plus Jongmyo Shrine will usually value you a complete of KRW 17,000 for adults. With the built-in palace ticket, you’ll have entry to all 5 for simply KRW 10,000.
4. Get a Uncover Seoul Move
Should you plan on visiting a lot of the sights really helpful on this Seoul journey information, then I extremely advocate getting a Uncover Seoul Move. It’s a vacationer card that offers overseas guests free admission to lots of Seoul’s prime vacationer sights. Should you get a Uncover Seoul Move, you then received’t have to get an built-in palace ticket since free admission to all 5 historic sights are already included.
Except for free admission to vacationer sights, the Uncover Seoul Move provides you T-money perform and reductions to varied purchasing and leisure services in Seoul. You will get a 24, 48, or 72 hour Uncover Seoul Move on Klook.
5. Verify for Low cost Passes
I like going by way of e-commerce websites to search out journey offers. I’ve purchased vouchers from a number of completely different web sites however for Seoul, my favorites are Klook and Get Your Information. They’ve the widest choice at the most effective costs.
Should you’re in search of offers on excursions, reveals, theme parks, and airport transfers in Seoul, then make sure to try Klook and Get Your Information. Even when I don’t purchase something, I typically discover fascinating actions that I’ll not consider myself so it’s at all times value a glance.
6. Get Journey Insurance coverage
Whether or not or to not get journey insurance coverage depends upon the place we’re going, how lengthy we’re staying there, and most significantly, what we’ll be doing. If all we’re doing is visiting Hong Kong and feasting on avenue meals for just a few days, then we might not get it. But when we plan on doing extra bodily issues, issues that would get us damage, then we’ll positively get journey insurance coverage.
We purchase journey insurance coverage from SafetyWing or Heymondo. They’re well-liked journey insurance coverage suppliers utilized by many long-term vacationers. Comply with the hyperlinks to get a free quote from SafetyWing or Heymondo. Get 5% off on Heymondo if you use our hyperlink.
7. Carry the Proper Energy Adapter
Electrical shops in South Korea are spherical so plugs are sometimes Sort C or Sort F. You should definitely carry the suitable energy adapters on your gadgets. Electrical voltage is 220/230V.
Have Enjoyable!
Under no circumstances am I an skilled on Seoul however I do hope that you simply discover this information useful. I’m solely sharing a number of the issues I’ve realized from our journeys. When you have any questions, then please be happy to ask us within the remark part under. You’re welcome to hitch our Fb Journey Group as properly.
Thanks for stopping by and have enjoyable within the land of Okay-pop and kimchi!
OUR GEAR
These are a number of the issues we introduced with us to Seoul. Should you’d wish to see what different gear we carry with us on journeys, you then’re welcome to take a look inside our backpack. (NOTE: The next hyperlinks are Amazon and different affiliate hyperlinks.)
Disclosure
This journey information comprises affiliate hyperlinks, which suggests we’ll earn a small fee when you make a reserving at no additional value to you. We solely advocate services that we use ourselves and firmly consider in. We actually respect your help as this helps us make extra of those free journey guides. Thanks!
