Seoul Travel Guide: Things You Need to Know
Seoul always finds a way to draw you in - spend your days visiting traditional palaces and the interesting Lotte World amusement park, then lose yourself in the lively nightlife. Journey with us, from city exploration to day trips, and have a colorful and surprising Seoul adventure.
Why is Seoul Worth Visiting
As the capital of South Korea, Seoul is always the first stop for tourists from all over the world. If you're into K-pop, you're lucky! Since the K-pop vibe is everywhere in Seoul, you might even spot your idol on the street. But it's not just K-pop; you'll also find ancient palaces, fashionable shopping areas, and colorful nightlife. The K-beauty experience is another reason Seoul is worth visiting. You can feel the power of Korean makeup, allowing your skin to glow as you enjoy Seoul's charm.
Best Time to Visit Seoul
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit Seoul.
In spring, the temperature ranges from about 7℃ to 16℃, with cherry blossoms blooming under warm sunshine, ideal for leisurely walks and flower appreciation. Autumn brings refreshing weather, with temperatures ranging from 10℃ to 18℃, and the city is filled with beautiful autumn leaves, making it excellent for hiking and enjoying nature.
Traveling in summer or winter is also an option; summer is for enjoying the sun and beaches, while winter typically has fewer tourists and more budget-friendly travel deals.
Top Things to Do in Seoul
Admire the Cherry Blossoms in Spring
Every year, when spring comes, the cherry blossoms in Seoul bloom all over the place - along the streets, in the parks, and by the lakes. And when the wind blows, the petals float down just like snow. Cherry blossoms typically bloom from late March to mid-April, and popular viewing spots include Seoul's Forest Park, Yeouido Han River Park, and Kyung Hee University. Apart from admiring the cherry blossoms, you will also have the chance to enjoy traditional performances and taste the delicious local food around the viewing areas.
Explore Traditional Palaces
Gyeongbokgung Palace
When visiting a new place, you won't want to miss its history and traditional architecture. Seoul has five well-preserved royal palaces, and they are Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, and Gyeonghuigung Palace. These palaces are located relatively close to each other, so you can easily visit all of them.
For an even more memorable experience, why not rent a traditional hanbok to wear as you explore the palaces? You'll probably encounter others in hanbok as well as those in modern dress, and this combination of ancient and contemporary styles will give your palace visits a charmingly surreal feeling.
Take the K-Beauty Experience
You might have heard of the K-beauty experience even though you haven't been to South Korea. Treat yourself to a facial, head, and shoulder massage, and all your fatigue will be swept away. You can also try a professional color analysis, which helps identify your skin undertone to find the best colors for your makeup and clothes, making it easy to choose your style every day. Or perhaps you'd like to join a K-pop makeup class? Book in advance to learn natural makeup skills and take your skills to the next level.
You can generally find these experiences all over Seoul, with the Myeongdong and Gangnam districts being highly recommended.
Have Fun in Lotte World
There's a part of everyone, young or old, that dreams of amusement parks. Maybe Lotte World is your dream place; it is one of the world's largest indoor amusement parks. With both indoor and outdoor areas, there are lots of attractions for you to choose from, and you can enjoy yourself to the fullest regardless of the weather.
Enjoy Night Life
Bibimbap, South Korean Food
Actually, South Korea is famous for its nightlife, and the night in Seoul is never boring. You can feast at the night markets, try all sorts of authentic late-night Korean food, or have a drink and dance with friends at a bar. Hongdae, Gangnam, and Apgujeong are all lively spots at night.
For a more tranquil evening, consider a stroll along the Han River, or take a cable car up to N Seoul Tower for a panoramic view of the city.
How Many Days to Spend in Seoul
The ideal time to spend in Seoul is about 3 days. During this time, you can enjoy shopping, explore the main attractions, or visit popular K-pop spots (Seoul is the center of Hallyu). If you feel like you haven't had enough fun, extend your trip to 5 days so you can enjoy Seoul at a more relaxed pace.
Where to Stay in Seoul
It is recommended to stay in the Jung District since it's the central district of Seoul. Jung District has convenient transportation, which means it has easy access to all popular attractions. Plus, you can take the subway to Hongdae for nightlife in just about 16 minutes, allowing you to enjoy the night and still get enough rest.
How to Get to Seoul & Get Around
There are two airports in Seoul: Incheon International Airport (ICN) and Gimpo International Airport (GMP). The former one is Seoul's main international airport, while the latter one handles domestic flights and some short-haul international routes.
When traveling to Seoul, you'll typically fly into Incheon International Airport. From there, you can take the AREX express train, which gets you to central Seoul in about 45 minutes. Or, you can choose to travel with Odynovo, and your private driver will meet you at the airport.
To get around Seoul, the subway is the quickest and most convenient option. If you're not in a rush and want to enjoy the scenery, buses are a good choice. Shared bikes and walking offer more flexibility, allowing you to explore at your own pace, particularly handy for attractions close to each other, such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace.
Day Trip From Seoul
After spending some time in Seoul, consider taking a day trip to another city to experience a different rhythm. These excursions can give you a different perspective on South Korea.
From Seoul to Gyeongju
Gyeongju is a historic city in South Korea. There are lots of historical sites waiting for you to explore, such as the Bulguksa Temple, the Cheomseongdae Observatory, and the Seokguram Grotto.
At the Bulguksa Temple, you can learn about Korean Buddhist culture and practice meditation. Discover how ancient people observed stars at the Cheomseongdae Observatory, and if you're there at night, you might even get a chance to view the stars through a telescope. At the Seokguram Grotto, admire the massive Buddha statue at the center of the temple, and at sunset, enjoy a beautiful view of the setting sun near the statue.
Many places are within walking distance, making a day trip here entirely worthwhile.
Recommended Transportation: KTX Train (about 2 hours)
From Seoul to Suwon
Suwon Hwaseong Fortress
Suwon is famous for the Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This fortress was used for defense and was an important military structure during the late Joseon Dynasty. You can walk along the walls and enjoy the surrounding views from above. After all that sightseeing, treat yourself to a meal at Chicken Street behind the fortress. You can try local specialties like Galbi (Grilled Ribs) and Bibimbap (Mixed Rice Bowl).
Recommended Transportation: KTX Train (around 33 minutes )
From Seoul to Incheon
An interesting fact about Incheon is that it has South Korea's only Chinatown, allowing you to experience a blend of Chinese and Korean cultures in one country. Be sure to try the famous food Jajangmyeon (noodles in black bean sauce) there. You can also head to Wolmido to enjoy the sea breeze, take a sea train and admire the magnificent ocean views. A smart tip is to put Incheon on your last day because it makes getting to Incheon International Airport for your next flight.
Recommended Transportation: By car (about 29 minutes)
Travel Tips to Seoul
• For easier internet access and phone calls, it's advised to get a local SIM card.
• It's a good idea to carry some Korean Won with you. While card payments are common, many smaller shops still prefer cash.
• Download Naver Maps or Kakao Maps. These are the preferred map apps for Koreans and will give you more accurate directions in Seoul than Google Maps.
• If you're looking for a more relaxed itinerary, consider Odynovo. We provide private drivers, guides, and flexible arrangements. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.
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