Travel Guide For Seoul
Seoul Travel guide 2022
Nearly everybody we recognise is captivated with Seoul and South Korea. Some are into the cosmetics. Many are hooked on the song and tv dramas. And almost everyone, along with us, is in love with the food.
South Korean era and pop culture has exploded into the worldwide mainstream in recent years. This “Korean Wave” has became Seoul into one of the hottest locations in Asia, bringing in over 17.5 million international vacationers in 2019.
Unfortunately, the journey slowdown has added this tourism wave to a halt, however anticipate it to surge with a vengeance when borders open up. Until then, you can plan your destiny ride with the modern-day version of our Seoul tour manual.
Read approximately the quality activities, the coolest neighborhoods to visit, and the tastiest dishes to consume to get you even extra excited about journeying the land of kimchee, K-pop, and Korean cosmetics!
SEOUL TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS
Because of the contemporary global situation, Seoul journey recommendations appear to change on a every day foundation. Our buddies at Booking.Com and airheart created websites that list unique records on travel regulations around the globe.
Before planning a ride to Seoul, make certain to test Booking.Com or airheart for information on tour regulations to South Korea. If you do determine to visit Seoul, then you may need to seriously don't forget getting travel coverage with COVID insurance.
SOUTH KOREA VISA
You may additionally need a visa and different journey documents to go to South Korea depending on your passport. Check out iVisa.Com to study the necessities and to apply for a visa (if important).
If you’re a Philippine passport holder residing in Manila, then check out our guide on the way to apply for a South Korea visa for a step-via-step technique.
SEOUL AT A GLANCE
Seoul is the capital of South Korea (Republic of Korea) and its largest town. The envisioned population inside its city limits is 10.29 million human beings, however factor in its surrounding areas and that quantity jumps to twenty-five.6 million, making it the second largest metropolitan area inside the world.
With a personnel that huge driving its financial system, it’s no wonder Seoul is now the 4th maximum economically effective town, at the back of most effective Tokyo, New York City, and Los Angeles (as measured by way of GDP).
South Korea has been making headlines in latest years in the tech, automobile, and leisure sectors. Korean manufacturers like Samsung and Hyundai are globally recognized brands.
People worldwide watch K-dramas and pay attention to K-pop. Myeongdong has become a hotbed for cosmetics and almost every person I understand loves Korean meals! Needless to say, South Korea is booming, and on the center of all that pleasure, is Seoul.
BEST TIME TO VISIT SEOUL
Like Japan, South Korea has 4 awesome seasons — Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. The most famous times to visit Seoul are throughout the spring (March-May) and autumn (Mid-September – Early November) months whilst the weather is good and the panorama is at its maximum putting.
Both seasons are characterized by a dramatic alternate in shade – Spring for its cherry blossom pinks and whites, and Autumn for its fiery reds, oranges, and yellows. Here’s what you may assume in the course of every season.
MAR-MAY: Spring is one of the first-rate instances to go to Seoul. The climate is right and the town erupts with flora. If you need to capture the cherry blossoms, you then need to plan on being in Seoul round the second one week of April (round April nine-10). That will give you the best risk to look the cherry blossoms. With that said, preserve in mind that the blossoms are largely dependent on the weather so it’s nevertheless no guarantee they’ll be blooming then, that is why I assume it’s a good idea to head around that point or a little in advance. If they aren’t blooming yet in Seoul, then you definitely’ll have the option of taking an afternoon ride to Jinhae, home of Korea’s biggest cherry blossom festival. Be positive to bookmark the Visit Korea internet site for updates at the pageant.
JUN-AUG: Summer isn’t a great time to visit Seoul. It’s hot, it’s humid, it rains lots, and prices are at their maximum with summertime being the peak of home tourism. Avoid these months if you could.
SEPT-NOV: Unless you’re chasing after the cherry blossoms, then the fall is arguably the excellent time to visit Seoul. Like spring, the weather is good and the foliage is at its most putting. Shoot for past due October or early November if you may.
DEC-FEB: If you need to move snowboarding, skiing, or simply experience snow, then iciness is glaringly the time to head. However, winter in Korea is freezing. We went in early November and we had been surprised via how cold it already changed into. If you can stand the cold, then there are numerous ski hotels you may go to from Seoul.
Climate: Annual Monthly Weather in Seoul
Check out climate-and-climate.Com for greater at the climate in Seoul. For your convenience, I’ve additionally created the average temperature and annual rainfall graphs under. Suggested months to visit are highlighted in orange.
Average Temperature
Average Temperature in Seoul, South Korea
Annual Rainfall
Annual Rainfall in Seoul, South Korea
TRAVELING TO SEOUL
Almost all worldwide flights land at Incheon International Airport. There are numerous methods to get to downtown Seoul from Incheon. You can talk over with this website for extra facts on airport transfers.
BY AIRPORT EXPRESS (AREX): This is the fastest way to get to the city from the airport. It runs like clockwork and it’ll get you into Seoul Station in exactly 43 minutes. The trains are comfortable with unfastened wifi onboard. You can buy tickets on the gate (KRW 9,500) but you could get a discount if you get them earlier via Klook.
BY ALL-STOP TRAIN: This is the second one-quickest manner to get into Seoul from Incheon. It’ll get you to Seoul Station in about 58 minutes and costs round half the fee of the AREX (KRW four,one hundred fifty-four,750). Trains run from five:23AM till 11:40PM. This is the educate we generally take.
BY BUS: A one-way bus price tag fees KRW 5,000-15,000 and takes longer than the subway (round eighty minutes), so I suggest taking it most effective if you’re arriving at Incheon during off hours. Late night time airport buses to Seoul Station run from 12MN-4:40AM, whilst buses to Gangnam Express Bus Terminal perform from eleven:40PM-4:20AM. Detailed inquiries on bus routes and bus stops may be made at the Airport Information Desk on the 1st ground. Click at the link for more records on late night time airport buses.
BY TAXI: Going by taxi is convenient but additionally luxurious. A taxi gets you into the town in about an hour and will fee you anywhere between KRW fifty five,000-75,000.
BY PRIVATE TRANSFER: This is the pleasant and maximum handy choice but additionally extra steeply-priced. Click at the links to e-book personal airport transfers thru Klook or Get Your Guide.
WHERE TO EXCHANGE CURRENCY
The unit of foreign money in Seoul is the Korean Won (KRW).
Myeongdong is the nice location to alternate your foreign money. There are plenty of cash changers in the place and that they’re regarded to give the best charges inside the town. We scoped out a few other regions and the prices were never as correct.
I advocate changing a small quantity at the airport, no extra than USD one hundred, just to get you into the metropolis. You can then trade the relaxation in Myeongdong.
A higher alternative nowadays is to withdraw KRW from an ATM. The costs are competitive, every so often even higher. Just make sure to permit your financial institution know which you’ll be using your ATM card abroad so you don’t run into any troubles. In my revel in, my ATM card works in a few machines but no longer in others. I didn’t have any troubles the usage of it in Seoul.
TIP: Some ATM machines can also ask you in case you’d like to proceed “with or without conversion”. Always select WITHOUT conversion. Proceeding “with conversion” lets in the overseas financial institution operating the ATM to carry out the conversion at quotes favorable to them. According to this article, the difference in quotes may be as excessive as 10%.
BEST AREAS TO STAY IN SEOUL
Based on our very own reviews and what I’ve study on-line, Myeongdong, Insadong, Hongdae, and Itaewon are the quality locations to stay in Seoul. They provide different things so it all relies upon on what you want.
Myeongdong is ideal for purchasing, Insadong for way of life and the humanities. Hongdae is younger and hip even as Itaewon is Seoul’s global district. We’ve visited all four regions but we’ve most effective stayed in Myeongdong and Hongdae. Personally, we decide upon Hongdae.
I’ll go through every region in more detail under however you may search for lodges in Seoul on Booking.Com and Agoda.
To make it less difficult, I’ve created the color-coded map below so that you can see in which a lot of these endorsed regions are. Click at the hyperlink for a live model of the map. (Please word that marked areas are approximations simplest)
RED – Myeongdong
ORANGE – Hongdae
PURPLE – Insadong
AQUA – Itaewon
MYEONGDONG
If you’re making plans on doing loads of buying in Seoul, then Myeongdong is clearly wherein you want to stay. It’s a hyper buying district full of huge name manufacturers and boutique stores, as well as many restaurants, cafes, and road food stalls. If you like Korean cosmetics, then there’s an excellent chance you’re in no way leaving this region.
The place we stayed at doesn’t appear to be to be had anymore however you may seek through Booking.Com and Agoda for motels in Myeongdong. Check out some of the top-rated resorts within the vicinity:
Luxury: Lotte Hotel Seoul Executive Tower
Midrange: L7 Myeongdong by way of LOTTE
Budget: Hotel MIDO Myeongdong
INSADONG
We haven’t stayed in Insadong however we’ve spent many days exploring its wealth of conventional shops, boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and teahouses. It’s additionally taking walks distance to several key attractions like Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Bukchon Hanok Village.
You can search via Booking.Com and Agoda for accommodation listings in Insadong. Check out some of the pinnacle-rated hotels in the vicinity:
Luxury: Orakai Insadong Suites
Midrange: Sunbee Hotel Insadong Seoul
Budget: Hotel Factory Insadong
HONGDAE
Ren and I aren’t into buying so we preferred staying in Hongdae. It refers back to the region round Hongik University. It’s a fun and younger vicinity with an easygoing university town vibe. This become our favourite neighborhood within the town so we’ll probably stay here on each go back trip to Seoul.
Bingo House is a small 5-room guesthouse just a short walk from Exit 6 of Hongik University Station. There’s a 7-Eleven and a GS25 convenience save nearby, as well as a few eating places and cafes. There’s a not unusual location with unfastened water and kitchen elements however no breakfast. You can book a room right here via Agoda.
If you want Hongdae however don’t assume Bingo House is the right place for you, then you may check these sites for exchange listings: Booking.Com among the pinnacle-rated accommodations in Hongdae:
Luxury: RYSE, Autograph Collection Marriott
Midrange: Daol Guesthouse
Budget: High Street Guest House
ITAEWON
Among those four areas, Itaewon is the vicinity we’re least familiar with. It’s one of the town’s maximum diverse neighborhoods boasting plenty of shops and international restaurants. It has a bustling nightlife as well that's one of the reasons why it’s a famous hotspot among expats. You can seek thru Booking.Com and Agoda for lodging listings in Itaewon. Here are some pinnacle-rated accommodations within the region:
Luxury: Hamilton Hotel
Midrange: Imperial Palace Boutique Hotel
Budget: G Guesthouse Itaewon In Seoul
You also can ebook lodges and home remains in Seoul the usage of the accessible map below.
PLACES TO VISIT IN SEOUL
1. The Five Grand Palaces
There are five Joseon Royal Palaces in Seoul – Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Gyeonghuigung, and Deoksugung. We visited simplest the first two but you could without difficulty visit all 5 if you want.
Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung are the biggest and arguably the maximum beautiful of the five. Gyeongbokgung become the number one palace and one of just two (the opposite being Deoksugung) where you can watch the converting of the Royal Guard. Equally magnificent is Changdeokgung that's a UNESCO Heritage Site and domestic to the Huwon or “Secret Garden”.
Check out my article on Changdeokgung and Gyeongbokgung palaces for more photographs and records. You can go to to your own or cross on a guided excursion (Klook a few of the most famous locations in Seoul to rent a hanbok.
If you propose on visiting more than one palaces on your personal, then you could want to spend money on an Integrated Palace Ticket.
Changdeokgung & Gyeongbokgung Palaces in Seoul, South Korea
Suggested Length of Visit: 1-3 hrs according to palace
Admission: KRW 1,000-three,000 consistent with palace
2. Bukchon Hanok Village
As ultramodern a city as Seoul is, it’s first-class to find an area like this right inside the middle of the city. Bukchon Hanok Village is an atmospheric labyrinth of narrow alleyways and traditional Korean houses referred to as hanoks.
Exploring its community of streets will take you lower back in time and give you a glimpse of what Seoul was like six hundred years ago. Like the royal palaces, it’s one of the pleasant locations in Seoul to lease a hanbok and level up your Instagram game.
Check out my article on Bukchon Hanok Village for more photographs and facts. If you’d like to examine greater about Bukchon Hanok Village, then you may be interested in becoming a member of this loose strolling excursion or going with a guide.
Bukchon Hanok Village, Seoul, South Korea
Suggested Length of Visit: 1-2 hrs
Admission: FREE
three. N Seoul Tower
When it comes to outstanding perspectives, this vicinity towers above the competition. Standing 480 meters (1,575 ft) above sea stage, N Seoul Tower’s commentary deck is the fine area to get bird’s eye perspectives of the town.
N Seoul Tower is placed on Mt. Namsan and accessible via road or cable automobile, even though most vacationers will choose the latter. You can buy tickets to the observatory on the gate.
N Seoul Tower, Seoul, South Korea
Suggested Length of Visit: 1-2 hrs
Admission: KRW 16,000
4. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
This area is tremendous. If you like design, any type of design, you then want to position Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) on your itinerary. It’s like a museum, layout supermarket, and space deliver all rolled into one.
DDP turned into designed via the late Zaha Hadid, the renowned architect who created the 2012 Olympic aquatic centre in London and the Guangzhou Opera House in China.
I endorse devoting several hours to this area if you may. Be sure to come lower back at night as nicely while the constructing truely involves lifestyles. Check out my article on Dongdaemun Design Plaza for greater pix and statistics.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza, Seoul, South Korea
Suggested Length of Visit: 2-3 hrs
Admission: FREE but some reveals may additionally fee for admission
5. Jogyesa Temple
Jogyesa Temple is one of the maximum vital Buddhist temples in Korea. It’s the top temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and serves as the principle venue for plenty Buddhist activities, rituals, lectures, and ceremonies.
Suggested Length of Visit: 30 minutes – 1 hr
Admission: FREE
6. COEX Mall Library
COEX Mall within the Gangnam district has emerge as Insta-well-known in latest years, all because of this stunning library positioned inside the center of the mall.
Starfield Library is an open-air public library that capabilities hundreds of books and magazines. It’s beautiful architectural shelf of books has made it into one of the maximum famous photo-taking spots in Seoul.
Starfield Library in COEX Mall
Suggested Length of Visit: 2-three hrs
Admission: FREE
THINGS TO DO IN SEOUL
1. Dress Up in a Hanbok
If you’re a fan of Korean length dramas or just the lifestyle in fashionable, then you definately’ll in all likelihood want a selfie wearing a hanbok. It’s the conventional Korean form of dress worn through both women and men at some point of fairs and celebrations.
Bukchon Hanok Village and any of the five royal palaces make for top notch picture backdrops. You’ll find a few hanbok condo shops around those areas but you can also lease one in advance through Klook.
Hanbok Rental, Seoul, South Korea
2. Visit a Traditional Korean Market
We love travelling markets on trips due to the fact they’re frequently the exceptional places to discover exquisite street food in any city. Seoul isn't any exception with its many thrilling markets like Noryangjin Fish Market, Gwangjang Market (pictured beneath), and Nandaemun Market. Check them out in case you’re seeking out reasonably-priced and real street food in Seoul.
Inside Gwangjang Market
3. Explore Seoul’s Neighborhoods
Seoul is a massive city with many exciting neighborhoods. Four of its maximum popular consist of Insadong, Myeongdong, Hongdae, and Itaewon, each with its personal distinct character.
Insadong is thought for its conventional arts and crafts, Myeongdong for its logo names and cosmetics, Hongdae for its modern-day college town ecosystem, and Itaeown for its international vibe. All have great food.
Check out my article on Seoul’s neighborhoods for extra images and information.
Insadong, Myeongdong, and Hongdae in Seoul, South Korea
four. Take a Stroll Along Cheonggyecheon Stream
Cheonggyecheon Stream is an 11 km flow that runs via the heart of downtown Seoul. It passes below 22 bridges and via some of city landmarks before establishing up into the Han River. It’s a popular photo-taking spot in Seoul and a great vicinity to cool off in the summer season.
You can walk alongside the stream to your very own, however in case you’d like to analyze extra approximately it and the places you’ll be passing alongside the manner, then you may be inquisitive about becoming a member of this free walking excursion.
five. Go on a K-pop/Kdrama Tour
As defined, many humans have been turned on to South Korea due to the recognition of Korean pop tune and its film and television enterprise. In fact, we recognise of some diehard fanatics who automatically fly to Seoul just to attend tune live shows!
If you have a fascination for Korean popular culture, then you'll be interested by reserving a K-Pop photoshoot or taking a K-Pop dance magnificence. Aspiring singers may even get a K-Pop recording studio enjoy!
6. Watch the Cookin’ Nanta Show
If you’d like to watch a show or overall performance in Seoul, then the Cookin’ Nanta Show is one to recall. It’s exciting and humorous and strikes a chord in my memory of a Korean model of Stomp, however with meals.
There are Nanta theaters – one in Myeongdong and some other in Hongdae. You can purchase tickets on the gate however you may occasionally get a discount if you buy them in advance through Klook.
7. Take a Cooking Class
We haven’t achieved this in Korea however taking a cooking elegance is something we attempt to do on each journey. It’s a fun, arms-on way of gaining knowledge of the nearby cuisine.
If you’re interested in taking a cooking elegance in Seoul, then I propose attempting to find one on Cookly. Cookly is an online reserving platform that offers cooking training in many cities round the world, which includes Seoul.
DAY TOURS FROM SEOUL
If you’re staying lengthy sufficient in Seoul, then you could want to explore beyond the city and go on a day ride. Listed beneath are 4 of the most famous but you can check our article on 18 of the first-rate day journeys from Seoul for more pointers.
1. Nami Island
We skipped out on Nami Island on our first trip to Korea due to the fact we idea it may handiest be liked through enthusiasts of the television drama Winter Sonata. We had been incorrect.
Nami Island is achingly stunning and a need to-visit for absolutely everyone touring to Seoul. We went in iciness while there has been a thin sheet of fresh powder blanketing the island. It was lovely, though possibly now not as magical because the fall while the leaves flip fiery sun shades of red, orange, and yellow.
You can visit Nami Island on your personal however it may be simplest to head on a guided excursion (Klook confer with my article on Nami Island, Gangchon Rail Park, and Petite France for greater photographs and facts.
Nami Island, Gangchon Rail Park, and Petite France from Seoul, South Korea
2. The DMZ
This changed into one of the most thrilling tours I’ve ever been on. DMZ stands for Demilitarized Zone and refers back to the four km extensive buffer quarter that divides North and South Korea.
When I went, they had been nonetheless imparting visits to the JSA or Joint Security Area. Nicknamed “the maximum risky area in Korea”, it’s the most effective part of the DMZ wherein North and South Korean squaddies can stand face to face. Check out my article on the JSA and DMZ tour for more pictures and statistics.
I checked and the JSA tour doesn’t seem to be available anymore, possibly because of the cooling members of the family among north and south, but you can still ebook a DMZ excursion on Klook or Get Your Guide. It isn’t as extreme because the JSA tour but it’s nevertheless really worth doing, specifically if you have an hobby in Korean records.
JSA & DMZ Tour from Seoul, South Korea
3. Everland Resort
Many vacationers, especially the ones visiting to Seoul with young children, will in all likelihood want to go to one (or each) of South Korea’s largest topic parks – Everland and Lotte World.
Lotte World is located in crucial Seoul at the same time as Everland is set an hour away. We visited Everland and it made for a a laugh day ride from Seoul. You can take a look at out my article on Everland Resort for more pics and data.
If you don’t have time to go to both and might’t decide between the two, then you may consult with this Everland or Lotte World assessment publish to help you decide. You should purchase a one-day pass to Lotte World or an Everland complete day ride with admission and transfers via Klook.
Everland Resort or Lotte World from Seoul, South Korea
4. Hwaseong Fortress
Hwaseong Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site positioned approximately an hour south of Seoul via metro. It’s name method “Brilliant Castle” and it changed into built in 1796 by using King Jeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty to house and honor the remains of his father, Prince Sado.
Hwaseong Fortress gives extraordinary views of Suwon and is a excellent area to perform a little hiking, perhaps even trying your hand in conventional Korean archery. Check out my article on Hwaseong Fortress for greater pics and records.
I visited Hwaseong Fortress on my own however you could additionally cross by means of guided excursion through Klook.
Hwaseong Fortress, Suwon, South Korea
KOREAN FOOD GUIDE
There is a lot desirable food to be had in Seoul. From Korean delicacies like ganjang gejang, galbi, and gomtang to famous road meals staples like tteokbokki and gyeranppang, Seoul will have you counting down the minutes for your next meal.
If you’re questioning what to consume in this food lover’s Shangri-La, then take a look at out our article at the first-class dishes to devour in South Korea.
Korean avenue food
WHERE TO EAT IN SEOUL
1. Yeontabal BBQ Restaurant
Gogigui or Korean BBQ is one in all our favourite things about Korean food. Marinated meats like bulgogi and galbi barbecued over a charcoal grill are virtually scrumptious.
These grilled king red meat ribs at Yeontabal were a number of the great we’ve ever had. Smokey, savory-candy, and top notch smooth, they have been to die for, specifically when eaten with steamed white rice and kimchi.
Keep in thoughts that meat is usually expensive in Korea, so count on Korean BBQ to be considered one of your extra pricey food. You can get a small cut price at Yeontabal if you buy a voucher through Klook.
Yeontabal BBQ Restaurant, Seoul, South Korea
2. Woo Lae Oak
I’ve been trying to attempt naengmyeon (buckwheat noodles served in bloodless broth) ever due to the fact that I saw a documentary approximately North Korea. It’s at the start a North Korean delicacy that became popular throughout the peninsula after the Korean War.
I looked for the quality places to strive naengmyeon and Woo Lae Oak, one of Seoul’s oldest eating places, regularly got here up. They’re a Korean BBQ restaurant that’s similarly well-known for his or her naengmyeon.
Woo Lae Oak, Seoul, South Korea
3. Myeongdong Kyoja
Myeongdong Kyoja is broadly appeared as having the excellent kalguksu inside the metropolis. Kalguksu is a noodle dish along with handmade, knife-cut wheat flour noodles served in a huge bowl with broth and other substances.
Myeongdong Kyoja has been in business for over 50 years and is placed within the coronary heart of Myeongdong. It’s a tremendous place to have lunch or dinner when purchasing inside the area.
Myeongdong Kyoja, Seoul, South Korea
four. Manjok Ohyang Jokbal
I requested my Korean sister-in-law (who’s a former chef from Seoul) which dishes we need to strive, and jokbal changed into one of the matters she advocated. Jokbal is a scrumptious dish of the most smooth pig’s trotters cooked in soy sauce and spices.
I did a google look for “first-class jokbal in seoul” and Manjok Ohyang Jokbal become often mentioned. They’re a TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice awardee with a stellar four.5 big name score. Serious yum.
We sold a voucher for this medium part of the spiced pig’s trotters bossam set menu from Klook. It’s precise for 2-3 human beings and is derived with jokbal, bossam (pork stomach boiled in spices), dumpling soup, and a slew of facets.
Manjok Ohyang Jokbal, Seoul, South Korea
five. Oksang Dalbit – CLOSED
If you like Korean fried fowl, then you could’t go to Seoul without ingesting at a chimaek restaurant. Chimaek is a compound word for chi-cken and maek-ju – the Korean word for “beer” – so it refers back to the famous duo of Korean fried bird and beer.
What makes Korean fried fowl so suitable is that it’s double-fried, ensuing in crunchier and less greasy pores and skin. There are many endorsed chimaek eating places in Seoul, considered one of them being Oksang Dalbit in Hongdae.
Oksang Dalbit, Seoul, South Korea
6. Wonjo Masan Halmae Agujjim
We skipped out on ganjang gejang on our first go to to Korea so I made positive to try it on our subsequent trip.
Ganjang gejang is raw crab marinated in soy sauce. Considered by means of many to be the remaining Korean dish, I waited over two years to attempt it and the enjoy blew me away. It’s so exact and unlike something we’ve ever attempted.
If you want crab, then you have to do that dish. Like Korean bbq, ganjang gejang is highly-priced so count on to pay at the least KRW 30,000 in line with small crab.
We had it at Wonjo Masan Halmae Agujjim. It’s certainly one of numerous eating places in Ganjang Gejang Alley that specializes in this thrilling and supremely delicious crab dish.
Wonjo Masan Halmae Agujjim, Seoul, South Korea
7. Myeongdong Food Street
As a lot as we love touring eating places, there’s some thing uniquely thrilling about consuming street meals. It’s like having a degustation enjoy proper there on the road!
No first-time vacationer’s trip to Seoul may be entire without consuming road food in Myeongdong. With mouthwatering cuisine like grilled lobster tails, bird and scallion skewers, and tteokbokki, Myeongdong is a Korean avenue food lover’s paradise.
Myeongdong Food Street
The restaurants above had been a number of our favorites, however if seven isn’t enough to fulfill your urge for food, then you can take a look at out our article on 25 need to-devour eating places in Seoul.
It consists of masses of different restaurant suggestions like where to discover the satisfactory gomtang (red meat bone soup), the most true Jeonju bibimbap, and cheap but scrumptious Korean BBQ. It’ll even inform you wherein to discover Seoul’s oldest eating place, a one hundred ten+ year vintage institution that specialize in seolnongtang or ox bone soup.
Korean bbq in Seoul, South Korea
POINTS OF INTEREST IN SEOUL
For your comfort, I created a map so you get a higher feel of in which the whole lot is. All the places recommended on this guide are pinned in this map. Click at the link to open a live model of the map in a brand new window.
Map with pins
HOW TO GET AROUND IN SEOUL
Seoul’s subway system may be very efficient, so much so you likely won’t want another form of transportation when you’re there. We never took a taxi and the only instances we ever were given on a bus became to visit places outside of Seoul like Paju, Suwon, and Jinhae.
It can be a little perplexing in the beginning however so long as you take into account your vacation spot’s subway stop and the line quantity that it’s on, then you definitely shouldn’t have any issues.
You occasionally should stroll a ways to switch among strains so it’s vital to realize the road range of your forestall. Otherwise, you gained’t recognise which manner to visit switch strains. Whenever I consist of guidelines in our Seoul journey courses, I always try to signify Line and Exit numbers.
It’s an amazing idea to spend money on a T-money card. It’s a transportation card that removes the problem of buying unmarried adventure tokens, plus it saves you KRW 100 in step with adventure. It can be used to switch among subway traces, buses, or from subway to bus and vice versa (inside a switch time restriction) at no extra rate.
The card itself prices KRW 2,500 and it is able to be bought at maximum convenience stores and subway stations. You can pinnacle it up with any amount at recharge stations determined at each subway prevent. If there’s any amount left over at the stop of your ride, then you could have it refunded at a comfort save or refund station (minus a KRW 500 provider charge).
Another option is to get a Korea Tour Card which is a variation of the T-money card. It has the identical blessings as the T-cash card, plus it gives you small reductions at a few traveler spots, shopping centers, restaurants, and theaters.
We commonly navigate with Google Maps but it doesn’t paintings as nicely in Seoul. It has some thing to do with avenue names being changed these days (or some thing like that) so it’s quality to navigate with the NAVER Map rather Android).
HOW MANY DAYS TO STAY / SEOUL ITINERARY
Seoul is a massive town with much to peer. We don’t like to hurry so we stayed over every week on every of our 3 journeys to Korea. I assume staying a week in Seoul is top notch, however if you’re pressed for time, then 5 complete days may be sufficient for most first-time traffic to the city.
Here’s a brief 5D/6N Seoul itinerary I put together that will help you plan your journey. Be positive to click thru to our complete 5-day Seoul itinerary for greater details.
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 Shopping Street
DAY FOUR
• Cheonggyecheon Stream
• Gwangjang Market
• Ihwa Mural Village
• Dongdaemun Design Plaza
• Itaewon
DAY FIVE
• Nami Island
TRIP TO SEOUL BUDGET / SUMMARY OF EXPENSES
I became a bit surprised after our first experience to Seoul in 2015 because the town grew to become out to be less costly than I idea. But that was probable due to the fact we ate street meals most of the time and best visited a handful of restaurants. In reality, Seoul is greater like Osaka with regards to journey prices.
Assuming you’ll be staying in Seoul for five full days and sharing inexpensive hotels with yet another individual, then a beginning each day price range of round KRW 65,000-70,000 in step with character ought to be right. This takes under consideration your inns, transportation, modest food, and pocket wifi condo. Here’s a brief breakdown of expenses:
ACCOMMODATIONS
Everyone has their alternatives but you may e book a decent hotel room in Myeongdong for as little as KRW 50,000 consistent with night time. This is the room rate for two humans for a room with a non-public lavatory. Expect to pay significantly much less if you’re staying at a hostel.
MEALS
This is likewise subjective however based totally on our enjoy, I’d say round KRW 30,000-40,000 an afternoon in keeping with character. Inexpensive but filling dishes like gomtang or seolnongtang generally price among KRW 10,000-15,000. Add more on your budget if you plan on consuming Korean BBQ.
POCKET WIFI RENTAL
If you’re sharing the fee with yet another man or woman, then you definitely’ll each be paying round KRW 1,500 in line with day.
TRANSPORTATION
If you have a T-cash card and use the subway, then you definitely’ll be paying at the least KRW 1,250 consistent with journey. Assuming you’ll be taking around three subway journeys in line with day, expect to spend about KRW four,000 an afternoon for transportation.
TOTAL
This comes out to round KRW 60,000 a day in line with character. Keep in mind that this baseline estimate doesn’t consist of excursion fees, entrance charges, or buying. Be sure to add the value of any excursions you want to do to this quantity. Ren and I are center of the road vacationers who enjoy appropriate food and drink, so the recommended price range is a great baseline for tourists like us. Adjust thus based in your very own travel habits.
SEOUL TRAVEL TIPS
1. Plan your Trip with Sygic Travel
Some humans may additionally locate trip planning a touch tedious or daunting. This unfastened ride making plans could make it less complicated and extra a laugh.
What Sygic Travel does is let you visualize everything on a map, so you can effortlessly institution locations of hobby by location and placed all of them together in an efficient itinerary. Check out my article on the Sygic Travel app for extra information.
2. Rent a Pocket Wifi Device
A regular wifi connection is a need these days, especially when you’re away on a experience. You’ll need it to translate, do research, use experience-sharing apps, and find your favorite K-drama filming places. We in no way cross anywhere now without renting a pocket wifi tool first.
You can live connected in Seoul by way of renting a pocket wifi device or buying a sim card. We always hire pocket wifi gadgets however sim playing cards are perfectly excellent too. They’re even inexpensive.
Regardless of your preference, you could rent a pocket wifi tool or buy a sim card thru Klook. If you’re in Asia, then make sure to undergo the listing as it could be less expensive to select it up from your origin country.
Three. Get an Integrated Palace Ticket
If you want to go to as many palaces as you could in Seoul, then you ought to genuinely get an integrated palace price tag. Entrance to four important palaces — Changdeokgung (together with Huwon), Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, Gyeongbokgung — plus Jongmyo Shrine will usually cost you a complete of KRW 17,000 for adults. With the incorporated palace price ticket, you’ll have access to all 5 for simply KRW 10,000.
4. Get a Discover Seoul Pass
If you intend on travelling most of the attractions endorsed on this Seoul journey guide, then I pretty endorse getting a Discover Seoul Pass. It’s a tourist card that gives overseas traffic unfastened admission to lots of Seoul’s pinnacle visitor attractions. If you get a Discover Seoul Pass, then you won’t want to get an incorporated palace price ticket considering loose admission to all five historic points of interest are already protected.
Aside from loose admission to vacationer points of interest, the Discover Seoul Pass gives you T-cash characteristic and reductions to diverse shopping and entertainment centers in Seoul. You can get a 24, forty eight, or seventy two hour Discover Seoul Pass on Klook.
Five. Check for Discount Passes
I love going thru e-trade web sites to locate tour offers. I’ve sold vouchers from numerous distinct web sites but for Seoul, my favorites are Klook and Get Your Guide. They have the widest selection at the exceptional charges.
If you’re searching out deals on excursions, suggests, theme parks, and airport transfers in Seoul, then be sure to check out Klook and Get Your Guide. Even if I don’t purchase anything, I often discover exciting sports that I might not think about myself so it’s always well worth a glance.
6. Get Travel Insurance
Whether or no longer to get tour insurance depends on in which we’re going, how long we’re staying there, and most importantly, what we’ll be doing. If all we’re doing is visiting Hong Kong and feasting on street food for some days, then we won't get it. But if we plan on doing greater physical things, matters that might get us hurt, then we’ll actually get journey coverage.
We buy coverage from World Nomads or SafetyWing. They’re both reliable journey health insurance carriers utilized by many long-term tourists. Check out my article on why we buy tour coverage for greater facts. You can comply with the hyperlinks to get a unfastened quote from World Nomads or SafetyWing.
7. Bring the Right Power Adapter
Electrical stores in South Korea are round so plugs are normally Type C or Type F. Be positive to convey the proper energy adapters for your devices. Electrical voltage is 220/230V.