Seoul

Travel Guide

Seoul featuring a city and modern architecture as well as a small group of people
Myeongdong featuring shopping as well as a small group of people
Seocho-gu which includes a city, a river or creek and modern architecture
Lotte World Tower showing landscape views, a city and a bay or harbor
Myeongdong showing central business district 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

5/5(2 area reviews)

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(668 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(44 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(1,180 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
Insadong which includes shopping as well as a small group of people

Insa-dong

5/5(1 area review)

Travelers come to Insa-dong for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Insa-dong and Cheonggyecheon while you're in town.

Insa-dong
HOTEL THE BOTANIK SEWOON MYEONGDONG
HOTEL THE BOTANIK SEWOON MYEONGDONG
3 out of 5
23-1 Eulji-ro 19-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
The price is NT$5,927 per night from Mar 19 to Mar 20
NT$5,927
NT$6,520 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 19 - Mar 20
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Myeongdong Street and Namdaemun Market are ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (50 reviews)
"Hotel is new, All the properties are very good. Inside of room has everything what we need, but all the properties such as oven, microwave, washer don’t have English label. I guess people who don’t speak Korean would be difficult for them to use all the properties."

Reviewed on 2025/3/16

HOTEL THE BOTANIK SEWOON MYEONGDONG
Mercure Ambassador Seoul Magok
Mercure Ambassador Seoul Magok
143 Magokjungang-ro, Gangseo-gu, Seoul
The price is NT$3,197 per night from Apr 6 to Apr 7
NT$3,197
NT$3,517 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 6 - Apr 7
Stay at this hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Lotte Mall Gimpo Airport and Hyundai Premium Outlet ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (69 reviews)
"Good location, Friendly helpful, Brand new hotel.Stay was enjoyable 5 night"

Reviewed on 2025/3/13

Mercure Ambassador Seoul Magok
LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong
LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong
4 out of 5
362, Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
The price is NT$3,883 per night from Mar 18 to Mar 19
NT$3,883
NT$4,272 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 18 - Mar 19
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,352 reviews)
"Convenient - close to subway station and friendly staff."

Reviewed on 2025/3/14

LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong
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.
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 WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,207 reviews)
"wonderfull location for a family!"

Reviewed on 2025/2/25

Orakai Insadong Suites
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 helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,308 reviews)
"Check-in process seemed a bit rigid... Elevators can be very slow. Suite was quite sound and light proof and included well equipped kitchen and washer/dryer so pretty useful if you want to diy it. Convenient location."

Reviewed on 2025/3/14

Oakwood Premier Coex Center
Somerset Palace Seoul
Somerset Palace Seoul
4 out of 5
7, Yulgok-ro 2-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Seoul
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (988 reviews)
"Great place to stay. Very clean and staff are very good."

Reviewed on 2025/3/12

Somerset Palace 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.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Seoul

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
1371
5 - Excellent 63%
4 - Good
678
4 - Good 31%
3 - Okay
125
3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
12
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
3
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I live in Seoul but sometimes it's nice to get away a bit so my stay in the hotel was great.

5/5 - Excellent

NICHOLAS

FULL OF GOOD PLACES TO EAT. LOTS OF ENTERTAINMENT. VERY SAFE CITY TO BE IN.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Safe and Clean city

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

One of the most underrated large cities in the world!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Very safe from the current Corona pandemic.

5/5 - Excellent

Mitch

Great city. Clean!

Cities near Seoul