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

Seoul Travel Guide Video

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
Gwangjang Traditional Market featuring signage

Jongno-gu

4.5/5(380 area reviews)

Historic center of Seoul, Jongno District boasts palaces like Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, museums such as Art Center Nabi, and the vibrant Gwangjang Market. Explore Insa-dong, Cheonggyecheon stream, and Jogyesa temple for a rich cultural experience.

Jongno-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
The Shilla Seoul
The Shilla Seoul
5 out of 5
249, Dongho-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
The price is ¥43,028 per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
¥43,028
¥47,394 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,004 reviews)
Amazing Hotel/Excellent Service in Seoul
"By far and away the best service I have ever received at a hotel, and I have traveled extensively. We had two different people greet us before even making it near the entrance, then a single person made sure we were guided and immediately attended to. We were graciously given a free upgrade and when ..."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

The Shilla Seoul
Sotetsu Hotels The Splaisir Seoul Myeongdong
Sotetsu Hotels The Splaisir Seoul Myeongdong
4 out of 5
15, Namdaemun-ro 5-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
The price is ¥10,218 per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
¥10,218
¥11,447 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,564 reviews)
"Hotel muy confortable, limpio, bien ubicado, buena atención"

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2025

Sotetsu Hotels The Splaisir Seoul Myeongdong
Toyoko Inn Seoul Gangnam
Toyoko Inn Seoul Gangnam
3 out of 5
323 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul
Fully refundable
The price is ¥9,925 per night from Jul 30 to Jul 31
¥9,925
¥11,066 total
Jul 30 - Jul 31
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,644 reviews)
"Located in the heart of K-Culture. Lots of dining options available at the walking range."

Reviewed on Jun 21, 2025

Toyoko Inn Seoul Gangnam
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! (1,353 reviews)
Spacious and family friendly
"The suite was spacious and perfect for my small family. Kitchen had all basic necessities and bathrooms offered different options for bathing/showering the kids. Bedrooms were just as pictured. Hotel was clean and staff was friendly. The spa/pool was great for moments of relaxation and for the kids ..."

Reviewed on Jun 25, 2025

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! (1,394 reviews)
"Oakwood Premier Coex is at a prime location in Seoul. It connects to the STARFIELD mall and Hyundai department store for ease of access to dining options and shopping. It also is a complex that connects to Samseong station and Bongeunsa subway stations for ease of transportation. An added plus is ..."

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2025

Oakwood Premier Coex Center
Only for woman - Sadang House
Only for woman - Sadang House
2.5 out of 5
256 Sadang-ro Dongjak District, Seoul, Seoul
Stay at this aparthotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and slippers. Popular attractions Starfield COEX Mall and Namdaemun Market are located ...
7.6/10 Good! (6 reviews)
"Great budget inn . It take 5-7 minutes to walk to Isu station which is 3&7 subway line , also you can walk to to Sadang station (2 line). I will stay this place next time. BUT, this room is extremely small and inside bathroom is too tiny. If you are tall or not thin, this inn is not yours."

Reviewed on Jun 22, 2025

Only for woman - Sadang House
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

Things to do

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