Complete Travel Guide for Visiting Seoul, South Korea
If you’re planning on visiting Seoul, South Korea, get ready for a city that perfectly blends ancient history with bold modern energy. From royal palaces to neon-lit streets, Seoul is a destination that never stops surprising.
As you wander through its neighborhoods, you’ll find traditional tea houses beside futuristic skyscrapers, street food markets near luxury malls, and peaceful temples just steps away from buzzing nightlife. There’s always something new to explore in this city, and we're sure you're going to love it!
Whether you’re traveling to Seoul, South Korea for culture, food, shopping, or technology, this guide will help you discover the very best of the Korean capital — and make the most out of every moment in this incredible city.
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An Intro to Visiting Seoul, South Korea
Visiting Seoul, South Korea is such a treat, and there is so much to learn before planning your trip there! But before we dive into the top activities, cuisine, and where to stay, let's talk a bit about where Seoul is, and what makes it so special.
What is Seoul Famous For?
Seoul is famous for its rich history, delicious Korean cuisine, K-Pop culture, K-beauty, high-tech experiences, and unique neighborhoods like Insadong and Myeongdong. When visiting Seoul, South Korea, travelers can enjoy everything from centuries-old palaces to trend-setting fashion and entertainment.
Is Seoul Good for Tourists?
Seoul is one of the most exciting capitals in Asia, and is great for tourists! From their incredible cafe culture and cool speakeasies to celebrating K-pop and indulging in K-beauty, there truly is something for everyone in South Korea's capital.
Whether you’re traveling for history, food, or nightlife, visiting Seoul, South Korea is definitely worth a visit, and this guide will help you with everything you need to know to have a unforgettable trip.
Where is Seoul in South Korea?
Seoul is located in the northwest part of South Korea, near the border with North Korea and along the Han River. The city is about 50 km (31 miles) from Incheon International Airport and 24 km (15 miles) from Gimpo Airport, making it an easy gateway for international travelers.
Seoul is well connected, making travel to and from the capital smooth and convenient for anyone visiting.
How to Get to Seoul, South Korea
By looking at the map, Seoul definitely doesn't seem like the easiest capital to visit. Its only shares a land border with North Korea (which we obviously know is not where you'd be coming from), and it's not very centrally located by any means. However, there are plenty of options for reaching Seoul!
Here are the different ways to get to Seoul, South Korea:
- Fly to one of Seoul's two airports
- Go on a train to Seoul from other cities in South Korea
- Take a bus to Seoul from other Korean cities
- Sail to Seoul from Japan or China
- Rent a car from another Korean city and drive to Seoul
- Hire a driver/guide from another Korean city
Want to learn more details about each option for getting to Seoul? We have a complete guide for how to get to Seoul, South Korea for you!
Visiting Seoul, South Korea: Entry Requirements
Now that you know how to get to Seoul in terms of transportation options, let's look at what else you'll need to enter the country.
Visa Requirements
The first time I visited Seoul was just on a stopover, and I was determined to step outside and see a bit of the city. At the time, I needed the K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization). It's pretty much a version of an E-visa, and gives short term visiting allowance to tourists.
Back then, the K-ETA was a major pain to get, and also costed me around $70, even with the short visit I had. Now, Americans don't need the K-ETA, and even Fede who needed one (as an Argentinian) only had to pay ₩10,000 (~$7 USD).
- Visa-free entry: Many countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, and most of Europe, can visit South Korea visa-free for 30–90 days. Canadians can stay for up to 6 months!
- K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization): Some nationalities have to apply for a K-ETA online before arrival - this takes around 72 hours, and is valid for 3 years for a period of 30-90 days depending on the country.
- Tourist visas: If you’re not eligible for visa-free entry or the K-ETA, you’ll need to apply for a tourist visa in advance.
Vaccine Requirements for South Korea
South Korea does not currently require proof of any vaccination for entry.
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Visiting Seoul, South Korea: Local Adjustments
If you're visiting Seoul, South Korea for the first time, there will certainly be things that are different than home such as the language, currency, and tipping culture. Here are a few things to know before you go.
What is the Main Language Spoken in Seoul?
The official language Seoul is Korean.
Do They Speak English in Seoul?
English is not as widely spoken as some other capitals around the world. You'll see most of the English-speaking people work in the tourist-driven spots like hotels, historical sites, and certain restaurants. Cab and bus drivers hardly speak English, so it's best to download Google Translate.
What is the Currency in Seoul?
The currency in Seoul is the South Korean Won (KRW). When visiting Seoul, South Korea, you will notice that cash is still commonly used for smaller purchases like street food and local markets. ATMs are widely available throughout the city, and many accept international cards.
Credit cards are also accepted almost everywhere, especially in restaurants, shops, and attractions. Just make sure to ask about extra charges though, because some establishments will tack on up to 10% extra!
Can I Use US Dollars in Seoul?
Please, for the love of God do not bring your US dollars with you! You will definitely need plenty of cash, so the best option is to simply take local money straight out of the ATM.
What Plugs Do They Use in Seoul?
Seoul uses Type C and Type F plugs, which are common throughout Europe. The standard voltage is 220V. If you are visiting Seoul, South Korea from the United States or another country with different outlets, you will need a universal adapter and possibly a voltage converter to charge your devices safely.
Is it Okay to Drink the Water in Seoul?
The tap water is perfectly safe to drink in the city. When visiting Seoul, South Korea, you can refill a reusable bottle from trusted sources to stay hydrated while exploring the city. It's also a great way to be a more eco-friendly traveler!
Is it Customary to Tip in Seoul?
Tipping is not a common practice in Seoul. Service charges are often already included in restaurant bills, and staff do not expect additional tips.
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Things to Do While Visiting Seoul, South Korea
Now that you know almost all of the basics for visiting Seoul, South Korea, let's get into the fun stuff! While we have a full guide of
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Top Tourist Sites in Seoul
- Gyeongbokgung Palace: The largest and most iconic palace in Seoul, known for its grand gates, royal architecture, and daily guard ceremony.
Changdeokgung Palace: A beautifully preserved royal palace famous for its UNESCO-listed Secret Garden.
Deoksugung Palace: A smaller historic palace with a unique mix of Korean and Western-style buildings right in the heart of the city.
Namsan Seoul Tower: A popular observation tower offering panoramic views of the entire Seoul skyline from atop Namsan Mountain.
Lotte World Tower: The tallest building in South Korea, featuring an observation deck, luxury shopping, and fine dining.
Bukchon Hanok Village: A charming neighborhood filled with traditional Korean houses where visitors can walk picturesque lanes and experience local culture.
Jogyesa Temple: A vibrant Buddhist temple known for its colorful lanterns and role as the center of Korean Zen Buddhism.
Starfield Library: A stunning public library inside COEX Mall, famous for its massive bookshelves that stretch multiple stories high.
The National Museum of Korea: The country’s premier museum showcasing Korea’s long and rich history through impressive artifacts and art collections.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza: A futuristic architectural landmark hosting exhibitions, design shops, and lively night markets.
Insa Central Museum: A small cultural museum in Insadong focused on traditional Korean crafts and heritage.
Unique Activities to Enjoy While Visiting Seoul, South Korea
Seoul is full of fun and unique activities that highlight what they're most famous for - K-pop and K-beauty. You can also watch traditional shows, see sporting events, and so much more! Here are some of our favorites though:
Local Food & Drink in Seoul
South Korea's capital is one of the best places to eat and drink your way around the city. From fun cafe culture to savory Korean bbq, you really can't go wrong in Seoul. It's where traditional flavors meet modern innovation, and you can find everything from humble eateries to gourmet multi-course tastings.
We go over delicious dishes, cool restaurants, and fun culinary activities in our Seoul food guide, so make sure you check it out!
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Getting Around While Visiting Seoul, South Korea
Visiting Seoul, South Korea can be overwhelming! It's a big city, with a variety of great neighborhoods to explore. Luckily, getting around Seoul is pretty easy though.
Here are the main options for moving around Seoul, South Korea:
- Walking (best for within neighborhoods)
- Using public transportation (subways & buses)
- Taking taxis (or ride-shares)
- Renting bikes or e-scooters
- Renting a car (best for day trips outside the city)
Want more information? Our Seoul transportation guide dives into all of details for moving around the city, and explains how the transportation cards work.
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Where to Stay While Visiting Seoul, South Korea
Now that you know how to get around Seoul, let's look at finding you a place to stay!
What is the Best Area for Tourists to Stay in Seoul?
Seoul is a really big city, with a variety of incredible neighborhoods to explore! If it's your first time visiting Seoul, South Korea, then we'd recommend you to stay in Insadong, or nearby.
It's walking distance to some of the top things to do in Seoul, and also is well-connected to the airport with plenty of dining options nearby. It also has some amazing cafes, making it ideal for digital nomads who are working while traveling.
Another great option is staying in Myeongdong, which has incredible shopping, K-beauty, and a night market to enjoy.
Myeongdong is great for shopping, food, & K-beauty.
Recommended Hotels in Seoul
Here are some of our carefully picked properties we've chosen for you to stay in Seoul:
＄ Good Budget-Friendly Stays in Seoul
- Sulla Stay: a conveniently located self-check-in hotel just minutes from some of the top sites in Seoul (this is where we stayed!)
- The Cube Hotel: a chic capsule hotel featuring a sun terrace, garden, bar, an outdoor fireplace, shared kitchen, coffee shop, outdoor seating area, picnic area, and full-day security
- Bluedot Poshtel: an excellent hotel for its price featuring a sauna, garden, terrace, restaurant, and bar.
＄＄ Great Mid-Range Stays in Seoul
- Hotel28 Myeongdong: A cinema-themed boutique hotel in central Myeongdong, offering stylish rooms and a complimentary mini bar.
- Lotte Hotel Seoul: A top pick in central Seoul, excellent service and amenities for your guide on visiting Seoul, South Korea.
- L7 Myeongdong by Lotte: A chic hotel featuring modern design and a rooftop lounge, situated in the heart of Myeongdong's shopping district.
＄＄＄ The Best Luxury Hotels in Seoul
- Le Méridien Seoul Myeongdong: Elegant 5-star stay near Myeongdong Shopping Street, great for visitors wanting premium comfort.
- Hotel Naru Seoul MGallery Ambassador: A stylish boutique hotel with river views and modern amenities, ranked among the top boutique stays in Seoul.
- L'Escape Hotel: An elegant boutique hotel offering luxurious rooms and a French-inspired ambiance, located near Myeongdong's shopping area.
Safety While Visiting Seoul, South Korea
One of our most important topics we like to cover in our guides is safety - because it's incredibly important to keep yourself safe and healthy when exploring in unknown destinations. Here's our input about safety in Seoul.
Is it Safe to Visit Seoul Now?
One thing we particularly love about visiting Seoul, South Korea is just how safe it is! Koreans are really peaceful and friendly towards tourists, making it an incredibly comfortable city to visit as a traveler.
Is it Safe to Walk in Seoul at Night?
Seoul truly comes alive at night, and is full of locals and tourists alike dining, drinking, and shopping. It's probably one of the best destinations to experience once the sun goes down, and is totally safe to walk around.
Seoul shines at night time!
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Other Things to Know About Visiting Seoul, South Korea
Now you know almost everything you need for visiting Seoul, South Korea! But don't go just yet - we have a few more helpful pieces of information to share with you.
Weather in Seoul
Seoul experiences four distinct seasons. Winters (December–February) can be cold with occasional snow, while summers (June–August) are hot and humid.
Spring and autumn are mild and very pleasant, and Spring is known for their incredible cherry blossoms, while Autumn brings colorful leaves, especially outside the city - you can even find Fall Foliage tours and day trips!
What is the Best Month to Visit Seoul?
Fall and Spring are definitely the best times for visiting Seoul, South Korea. The cherry blossoms are at their peak typically late March-early Aril, while peak foliage for Autumn is late October to early November. September and May are also great months in terms of weather, and aren't too expensive.
Packing For a Trip to Seoul, South Korea
- Insulated water bottle (you'll be walking a lot)
- Fan if you're visiting in summer (we recommend a battery-powered one)
- Sunscreen (although you'll see many people with umbrellas)
- Comfortable shoes to walk around
- Light clothing for the summer and layers for cool nights in the other seasons
- Mirrorless Camera (We use the Sony Alpha 7riii)
- Wide Lens for capturing wide views of the temples (We use the Sony GM 14" which is good for capturing a lot of light)
- Cash (many places do not accept credit card)
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Is Going to Seoul Worth it?
When I visited Seoul for the first time, I was pretty underwhelmed, and truthfully didn't think it was worth it. However, after coming back for several days, I have completely fallen in love with the city!
If you love beauty, then get ready to bring an extra piece of luggage and leave time for some unique K-beauty treatments like the viral scalp treatment or getting Korean nails. Foodies will be obsessed with Seoul, and anyone who loves a good blend of historic charm and modern innovation will be intrigued.
It's absolutely worth visiting Seoul, South Korea - just make sure you go for more than a layover!
Seoul is a great mix of food, culture, and K-beauty.
How Many Days are Enough for Seoul?
If you're looking to simply hit the highlights of the city then we'd recommend 3 days in Seoul. However, if you're ready to shop, do beauty treatments, or take some day trips, then we'd recommend another few days, with 5 being the sweet spot.
Travel Planning Tools
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So now that you know everything you need to know for visiting Seoul, South Korea, we're sure you're ready to plan your trip! We hope this guide has helped you greatly, and if you have any questions, please feel to drop them in the comments!
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