Seoul

Seoul Never Stops Surprising You

Discover Seoul through its royal palaces, trendy neighborhoods, street food, stylish cafรฉs, K-pop, and breathtaking views between the mountains, the Han River and glittering skyscrapers.

Gyeongbokgung โ€ข Myeong-dong โ€ข Hongdae โ€ข Bukchon โ€ข N Seoul Tower

๐Ÿฏ Where Tradition Meets Modernity

Explore royal palaces, hanok villages, Buddhist temples and futuristic districts.

๐Ÿš‡ An Outstanding Metro System

Use the T-money card, Seoul Metro, AREX and practical tips to explore the city with ease.

๐ŸŒ† Must-See Highlights

Myeong-dong, Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon, N Seoul Tower and the Han River.

๐ŸŽค Culture & Trends

K-pop, designer cafรฉs, street food, shopping, e-sports and vibrant nightlife.

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท Seoul at a Glance

Seoul is a fascinating capital where royal palaces stand alongside towering skyscrapers, traditional markets, creative cafรฉs and one of Asia's most vibrant cultural scenes. Modern while proudly preserving its heritage, the city offers a unique experience with every visit.

From Myeong-dong to Hongdae, Gangnam to Seongsu-dong, and the charming Bukchon Hanok Village, every neighborhood has its own character. Shopping, authentic Korean cuisine, K-pop, rooftop bars, ancient temples and walks along the Han River create unforgettable experiences from morning until late at night.

Whether you're visiting for Korean food, Joseon Dynasty palaces, spectacular city views, unique cafรฉs or the excitement of the Korean Wave, Seoul is a captivating destination where tradition blends seamlessly with innovation, creativity and a remarkable way of life.

๐Ÿš‡ Understand Seoul at a Glance

Map of Seoul

The Essential Seoul Map

Myeong-dong, Hongdae, Gangnam, Bukchon Hanok Village, Gyeongbokgung, N Seoul Tower and the main subway lines to help you explore the South Korean capital with ease.

Explore the Map โ†’

โœจ Experiences That Make Seoul Unforgettable

Seoul is not simply a city to visit: it is a city to experience. From royal traditions and Korean cuisine to live performances, nightlife and sporting culture, these memorable activities reveal the South Korean capital from a unique perspective.

Traditional hanbok rental outside Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul

๐Ÿฏ Visit Seoul's Royal Palaces in a Hanbok

Wear a traditional hanbok while exploring Gyeongbokgung Palace and the former royal residences of the Joseon Dynasty for a memorable immersion into Korean history.

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Korean street food at a traditional market in Seoul

๐Ÿข Explore Seoul's Street Food Markets

Discover the essential flavors of Korean cuisine in Seoul's bustling markets, from tteokbokki and mandu to hotteok, Korean barbecue and local specialties.

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Illuminated Seoul skyline and N Seoul Tower at sunset

๐ŸŒ† Discover Seoul After Sunset

As night falls, Seoul transforms into a dazzling sea of lights. Admire the skyline from its finest viewpoints before exploring lively neighborhoods, night markets and the city's vibrant nightlife.

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NANTA performance in Seoul

๐ŸŽญ See the Famous NANTA Show

Combining comedy, cooking, acrobatics and percussion, NANTA is one of South Korea's most iconic performances and an essential cultural experience in Seoul.

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Korean cooking class in Seoul

๐Ÿฅข Learn How to Cook Korean Food

Visit a local market with your chef, prepare several traditional Korean dishes and enjoy the meal together in a welcoming and authentic atmosphere.

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Baseball game at Jamsil Stadium in Seoul

โšพ Experience a Korean Baseball Game

Experience the incredible atmosphere of Jamsil Stadium alongside Korean supporters, with energetic chants, entertainment, local food and an unforgettable passion for baseball.

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Drone light show above the Han River in Seoul

๐Ÿš Watch the Han River Drone Light Show

On selected dates throughout the year, hundreds of drones illuminate the sky above the Han River with spectacular light animations. This free event has become one of Seoul's most memorable evening experiences.

Check the Dates โ†’

๐Ÿš‡ Explore Seoul with Ease

๐Ÿ’ณ T-money Card & SIM Card

Everything You Need Upon Arrival

Pick up a rechargeable T-money card and a tourist SIM card as soon as you arrive at Incheon Airport. You'll be able to use the subway, buses and taxis immediately while enjoying Internet access throughout South Korea.

Book Your Card โ†’

๐Ÿš– Airport Transfer

Comfort from the Moment You Land

Reach your hotel with ease by booking a private transfer between Incheon International Airport and Seoul. An ideal solution for late arrivals, families and travelers carrying plenty of luggage.

Book Your Transfer โ†’

๐ŸŽซ Discover Seoul Pass

Attractions & Discounts

The Discover Seoul Pass includes free admission to many attractions while offering discounts at numerous tourist sites. The physical version can also be used as a T-money card after it has been topped up.

Discover the Pass โ†’

๐Ÿจ Where to Stay in Seoul

๐Ÿ›๏ธ Myeong-dong

The perfect neighborhood for a first visit. Shopping, street food, excellent subway connections and easy access to Seoul's main attractions make Myeong-dong one of the city's best places to stay.

๐ŸŽจ Hongdae

Seoul's liveliest neighborhood. Trendy cafรฉs, live music, independent boutiques, street art and vibrant nightlife attract a young and energetic crowd.

๐Ÿฏ Bukchon & Insadong

The best area to discover Seoul's royal palaces, traditional hanok villages, historic tea houses and the rich cultural heritage of the Korean capital.

๐Ÿ™๏ธ Gangnam

Modern and elegant, Gangnam is famous for its luxury hotels, shopping malls, restaurants, rooftop bars and cosmopolitan atmosphere.

๐ŸŒฟ Jamsil

Perfect for families and travelers looking for a quieter atmosphere. Home to Lotte World, Olympic Park, Seokchon Lake and plenty of green spaces.

Compare hotels across Seoul's main neighborhoods and find the perfect accommodation for your budget and travel style.

๐Ÿจ Book a Hotel in Seoul โ†’

๐Ÿฅข Taste the Real Seoul

From Korean barbecue and crispy fried chicken to traditional markets, fresh seafood and creative cafรฉs, Seoul offers one of Asia's most exciting and diverse food scenes.

Korean barbecue in Seoul

๐Ÿ”ฅ Korean Barbecue

Gather around a tabletop grill, cook a selection of premium meats yourself and enjoy this friendly dining experience alongside banchan, the famous Korean side dishes.

๐Ÿ“ Mapo โ€ข Hongdae โ€ข Gangnam
Discover This Experience โ†’
Korean fried chicken in Seoul

๐Ÿ— Korean Fried Chicken

Crispy, flavorful and served with a variety of sauces, Korean fried chicken is a true local institution. Paired with a cold beer, it becomes the famous chimaek, a favorite choice for evenings with friends.

๐Ÿ“ Hongdae โ€ข Myeong-dong โ€ข Gangnam
Noryangjin Fish Market in Seoul

๐ŸŸ Noryangjin Fish Market

Browse the stalls of one of Seoul's largest seafood markets, choose fresh fish, shellfish or seafood, then have it prepared in one of the restaurants located right inside the market.

๐Ÿ“ Noryangjin
Iconic cafรฉs in Seoul

โ˜• Seoul's Iconic Cafรฉs

Discover Greem Cafรฉ, Onion Cafรฉ and the must-visit coffee shops of Hongdae and Seongsu, where stylish interiors, artisan pastries and original concepts are part of everyday life in Seoul.

๐Ÿ“ Hongdae โ€ข Seongsu โ€ข Ikseon-dong

โœจ Iconic Seoul

From Joseon Dynasty palaces and futuristic skyscrapers to iconic neighborhoods and must-see attractions, Seoul blends centuries-old traditions with modernity in a remarkably elegant way.

Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul

๐Ÿฏ Gyeongbokgung Palace

Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace is the most prestigious palace in South Korea. With its royal pavilions, gardens and changing of the guard ceremony, it remains one of Seoul's most important historic landmarks.

Discover This Tour โ†’
N Seoul Tower

๐Ÿ—ผ N Seoul Tower

Perched on Namsan Mountain, N Seoul Tower offers one of the finest panoramic views over the capital, both during the day and at night, and can be reached by its famous cable car.

Book the Visit โ†’
Lotte World Tower in Seoul

๐ŸŒ† Lotte World Tower

Standing 555 meters tall, Lotte World Tower dominates Seoul's skyline. Its Seoul Sky observatory offers spectacular views across the entire metropolitan area.

Book the Ticket โ†’
Lotte World Adventure

๐ŸŽก Lotte World Adventure

One of the world's largest indoor amusement parks features roller coasters, live shows, an aquarium and attractions for the whole family.

Book the Ticket โ†’
Gangnam district in Seoul

๐Ÿ’œ Gangnam

Made famous worldwide by the hit song โ€œGangnam Style,โ€ Gangnam represents modern Seoul. With luxury boutiques, trendy cafรฉs, K-pop agencies, shopping malls and skyscrapers, it is one of the capital's most iconic districts.

๐Ÿ“ Gangnam โ€ข COEX โ€ข Bongeunsa
Explore Gangnam โ†’
Insadong district in Seoul

๐Ÿฅข Insadong

A true center of traditional Korean culture, Insadong is known for its art galleries, tea houses, craft shops and charming narrow streets.

๐Ÿ“ Insadong โ€ข Ssamziegil โ€ข Jogyesa
Discover the Experience โ†’
Tour of the MBC K-Drama filming studios near Seoul

๐ŸŽฌ Step into the World of K-Dramas

Go behind the scenes of Korean television series with a visit to the MBC studios. Explore filming sets, iconic locations and the production world that has made K-dramas famous around the globe.

Discover the Studios โ†’
Tour of northern Seoul and Gwangjang Market

๐Ÿ˜๏ธ Explore Historic Northern Seoul

Discover the traditional neighborhoods of northern Seoul, their historic streets, iconic landmarks and the lively atmosphere of Gwangjang Market, famous for its Korean street food.

Discover This Tour โ†’

โšฝ Experience Sports in Seoul

From the electric atmosphere of football and baseball stadiums to e-sports arenas and taekwondo, Seoul is one of Asia's most dynamic sporting capitals. Attending a sporting event is one of the must-have experiences during a trip to South Korea.

Sports in Seoul

A Capital Passionate About Sports

Football, baseball, taekwondo and e-sports are part of everyday life in Seoul. Stadiums, competition venues and PC bangs reflect a true sporting culture where tradition and modernity come together.

โšฝ Korean Football

Attend an FC Seoul match and discover the unique atmosphere of Korean stadiums. With chants, tifos, local specialties and pre-match Korean barbecue, it is an ideal way to experience the country's sporting culture.

Experience a Football Match โ†’

โšพ Korean-Style Baseball

Baseball is the country's most popular sport. Games at Jamsil Baseball Stadium combine chants, cheerleaders, entertainment, beer and local food in a spectacular atmosphere.

Book a Baseball Game โ†’

๐Ÿฅ‹ Taekwondo, the National Sport

Born in Korea, taekwondo is much more than a martial art. Discover its techniques and philosophy, and take part in a real training session alongside Korean instructors.

Try Taekwondo โ†’

๐ŸŽฎ The Global Capital of E-Sports

Seoul is considered the birthplace of modern e-sports. PC bangs, major arenas, international competitions and gaming culture are an integral part of everyday life in the South Korean capital.

๐ŸŒฟ The Best Day Trips from Seoul

Just a few hours from Seoul, discover another side of South Korea. From the Demilitarized Zone and dramatic mountains to traditional villages, historic fortresses and unspoiled islands, these are among the country's most memorable excursions.

Day trips from Seoul

The Best Places to Discover Around Seoul

DMZ, Nami Island, Mount Seorak, Suwon, Jeonju, Ganghwaโ€ฆ All of these destinations can be visited on a day trip and offer a deeper look at South Korea's landscapes and heritage.

๐Ÿช– The DMZ

Discover the famous Demilitarized Zone separating North and South Korea. From the Third Infiltration Tunnel and observation posts to the suspension bridge, this is one of the country's most memorable excursions.

Discover This Day Trip โ†’

๐Ÿฆ™ Nami Island & Alpaca World

Meet the adorable alpacas of Gangwon-do before visiting Nami Island, famous for its beautiful tree-lined paths that change color with the seasons.

Discover This Day Trip โ†’

โ›ฐ๏ธ Mount Seorak

Explore Seoraksan National Park, one of South Korea's most beautiful natural regions, with granite peaks, Buddhist temples and spectacular landscapes.

Discover This Day Trip โ†’

๐Ÿฐ Suwon & Hwaseong

Explore the majestic Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover one of South Korea's best-preserved historic cities.

Discover This Day Trip โ†’

๐Ÿก Jeonju

Wander through Korea's most famous hanok village, discover its traditional houses, picturesque streets and the authentic atmosphere of this former cultural capital.

Discover This Day Trip โ†’

๐ŸŒ… Ganghwa Island

With ancient temples, UNESCO-listed dolmens, fortifications and coastal landscapes, Ganghwa Island reveals a wilder side of Korea that remains little known to many travelers.

Discover This Day Trip โ†’

โš ๏ธ Mistakes to Avoid in Seoul

๐Ÿš‡ Underestimating the Distances

Seoul is a huge metropolis. Even with an excellent subway system, journeys can take time. Group your visits by neighborhood to make the most of each day.

๐Ÿฏ Only Visiting Modern Neighborhoods

Gangnam and Hongdae are must-see districts, but the royal palaces, Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong reveal the city's remarkable historical heritage.

๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Waiting Until the Last Minute

Some activities, guided tours and observation decks can sell out quickly, especially during holidays and cherry blossom season.

๐Ÿ’ณ Forgetting Your T-money Card

This rechargeable card makes traveling by subway, bus and certain taxis much easier. It also saves valuable time when making connections.

๐Ÿค Ignoring Local Etiquette

Speaking quietly on public transport, respecting queues and following a few local etiquette rules will make your interactions with residents more pleasant.

โœˆ๏ธ Before You Travel to Seoul

๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ Language

Korean is the official language. English is commonly used at major tourist attractions, but learning a few Korean words is always appreciated.

๐Ÿ’ด Currency

The local currency is the South Korean won (โ‚ฉ). Bank cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash remains useful at certain markets.

๐Ÿ”Œ Power Sockets

South Korea uses type C and F power sockets with a voltage of 220 V, the same as those used in France. An adapter is generally not required.

๐Ÿ“… Ideal Length of Stay

Four to five days are enough to discover Seoul's main neighborhoods. A week is ideal if you would also like to take one or two day trips.

๐ŸŒธ Best Time to Visit

Spring offers beautiful cherry blossoms, while autumn brings spectacular colors and some of the best conditions for exploring Seoul.

๐Ÿ’ฐ Average Budget

You should generally budget between โ‚ฌ100 and โ‚ฌ220 per day, depending on your accommodation, restaurants, activities and choice of transportation.

โ“ Seoul FAQ

How Many Days Do You Need to Visit Seoul?

Four to five days are enough to explore the main neighborhoods, royal palaces, markets, panoramic viewpoints and must-have experiences. A week is ideal if you would also like to take a day trip outside the capital.

What Is the Best Neighborhood for a First Visit?

Myeong-dong is often the best choice thanks to its central location, excellent subway connections and wide selection of hotels, restaurants and shops.

Can You Visit Seoul Without Speaking Korean?

Yes. Major subway stations, attractions and many businesses provide information in English. Translation apps also make communication much easier.

Is Korean Food Very Spicy?

Some Korean specialties are spicy, but many dishes are mildly seasoned or not spicy at all. Restaurants generally offer a wide selection to suit every taste.

What Is the Best Season to Visit Seoul?

Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons, with mild temperatures, colorful landscapes and numerous festivals and events.

What Is the Easiest Way to Get Around Seoul?

Seoul's subway system is one of the most efficient in the world. Combined with a T-money card, it provides easy access to all of the capital's main neighborhoods.

Panoramic view of Seoul

Seoul Never Stops Surprising You

From royal palaces and the neon lights of Hongdae to creative cafรฉs, mountains and the banks of the Han River, Seoul reveals a truly unique energy.

Explore the Destinations โ†’