Seoul Travel Guide (Gyeonggi/South Korea/East Asia/Asia)

Introduction to Seoul

Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, is a bustling metropolis that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. With a population of over 10 million, Seoul has a lot of hidden gems waiting to be explored. From museums and historical landmarks, to stunning natural beauty and exciting outdoor activities, Seoul is a traveler’s paradise. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you on a virtual journey through Seoul, and share with you the best things to see, do, eat, and experience.

List of Places to Visit in Seoul

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

If you’re interested in history and culture, Seoul has a wealth of museums and historical landmarks to explore. Some of the must-visit places include:

Gyeongbokgung Palace: Built in the 14th century, Gyeongbokgung Palace is a symbol of Korea’s rich history and cultural heritage. Don’t miss the hourly Changing of the Guard ceremony.
National Museum of Korea: This museum showcases the history and culture of Korea, featuring over 220,000 artifacts.
Changdeokgung Palace: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its stunning traditional Korean architecture and beautiful gardens.
Bukchon Hanok Village: Immerse yourself in traditional Korean culture by wandering the narrow alleyways and admiring the traditional hanok houses.

Natural Attractions of Seoul: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Seoul is surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery, and there are many outdoor adventure options available. Some of the most popular attractions include:

Namsan Park: Located in the heart of downtown Seoul, Namsan Park offers stunning panoramic views of the city, as well as hiking trails and a cable car ride to the top of Namsan Tower.
Han River: The Han River is a lifeline of Seoul, and offers many recreational opportunities, including kayaking and cycling.
Bukhansan National Park: Just outside the city, Bukhansan National Park is a hiker’s paradise, with stunning mountain views and miles of trails.
Seoul Forest: This urban park is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, and features a beautiful lake, playgrounds, and an eco-friendly visitor center.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Seoul

Seoul is a paradise for hikers and bikers, with a wide variety of trails and routes to choose from. Here are some of our top picks:

Seoul City Wall Trail: This 18.6-mile trail follows the ancient city wall that once encircled Seoul.
Dobongsan Trail: This challenging 5-mile trail takes you through lush forests up to the summit of Dobongsan Mountain.
Han River Bike Trail: Stretching over 30 miles along the Han River, this flat and scenic bike trail offers a great way to explore the city.
Bukhansan Mountain Fortress Trail: This 7.5-mile trail takes you through the beautiful Bukhansan National Park, with stunning views of the mountain fortress.

Best Things to Do in Seoul: Activities and Tours

There is no shortage of things to do in Seoul, from traditional cultural experiences to modern entertainment options. Here are some of the must-try activities and tours:

Korean Traditional Tea Ceremony: Experience the art of Korean tea making and enjoy a traditional tea set at a tea house.
K-POP Dance Class: Learn to dance like a K-POP star by attending a dance class in a professional studio.
DMZ Tour: Visit the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea, and learn about the history and current status of the region.
Nanta Show: Watch this high-energy Korean comedy show, featuring talented performers who use kitchen utensils as instruments.

Week-Long Itinerary for Seoul

A week is the perfect amount of time to explore Seoul and the surrounding areas. Here’s a sample itinerary to help you plan your trip:

Day	Activity
1	Gyeongbokgung Palace and National Museum of Korea
2	Bukchon Hanok Village and Changdeokgung Palace
3	Hike Bukhansan National Park
4	Visit the DMZ
5	Namsan Park and Namsan Tower
6	Explore Myeong-dong shopping district
7	Korean cooking class and farewell dinner

Food and Drink Scene of Seoul

Must-Try Dishes

Seoul is a food lover’s paradise, with a rich culinary culture and diverse selection of dishes to choose from. Here are some of the must-try dishes:

Bibimbap: A Korean rice bowl topped with a variety of seasoned vegetables and meat, served with gochujang sauce.
Korean Fried Chicken: Crispy fried chicken served with sweet and spicy sauce.
Tteokbokki: Spicy rice cakes served in a flavorful sauce.
Kimchi: A fermented cabbage side dish that’s a staple of Korean cuisine.

Local Beverages

Koreans love to drink, and there are many local beverages worth trying. Here are a few:

Soju: A clear, low-alcohol Korean liquor made from rice, wheat, or barley.
Makgeolli: A traditional Korean rice wine that’s slightly sweet and fizzy.
Bokbunja: A sweet, fruity black raspberry wine.

Where to Stay in Seoul: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Seoul has a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and tastes. Here are some of our top picks:

Lotte Hotel Seoul: A five-star luxury hotel located in the heart of downtown.
Seoul N Hotel Dongdaemun: A stylish and affordable hotel in the trendy Dongdaemun district.
Hostel Haru: A cozy and affordable guesthouse located in the hip Hongdae area.

What to Buy in Seoul: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Seoul is known for its unique and interesting souvenirs and local products. Here are some popular items to consider:

K-Beauty Products: Korean beauty products are renowned for their quality and effectiveness.
Hanbok: Traditional Korean clothing that makes a great gift or souvenir.
Ginseng: Known for its health benefits, Korean ginseng is a popular souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Seoul

Korean culture is rich in tradition and customs. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Respect for elders is very important in Korean culture.
Remove your shoes when entering someone’s home or a traditional Korean restaurant.
Bowing is a common form of greeting in Korea.

Best Time to Visit Seoul

The best time to visit Seoul is from March to May or from September to November. These months offer mild temperatures and beautiful fall foliage or cherry blossoms.

Do’s and Don’ts of Seoul

Do:

Try local food and drink.
Explore the city on foot or by bike.
Visit museums and historical landmarks.

Don’t:

Be loud and disruptive in public spaces.
Ignore Korean customs and etiquette.
Leave trash or litter in public areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Seoul

Seoul is a very safe city, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. However, it’s always a good idea to take precautions, such as avoiding flashing your valuables in public places and being aware of your surroundings.

Health in Seoul

Seoul has a high standard of healthcare, and there are many hospitals and clinics that offer world-class medical treatment. It’s recommended to have travel insurance when visiting Seoul.

Getting to Seoul: Transportation Options and Logistics

Seoul is well connected to the rest of the world, with two international airports and several bus and train stations. Here are some transportation options:

Incheon International Airport: The main international airport in Seoul, located about an hour away from the city center.
Gimpo International Airport: A smaller international airport located closer to the city center.
Express Bus Terminal: The largest bus station in Korea, with buses to destinations all over the country.
Seoul Station: The main train station in Seoul, with trains to cities in Korea and China.

How to Get Around in Seoul

Seoul has an excellent public transportation system, including buses, subways, and taxis. The T-money card is a convenient and cost-effective way to pay for public transportation.

Where to Go Next from Seoul: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Once you’ve explored Seoul, there are many nearby destinations worth visiting. Here are a few:

Busan: A vibrant coastal city with beautiful beaches and seafood.
Jeju Island: A tropical paradise with stunning natural scenery and a unique culture.
Gyeongju: A historical city with many UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Conclusion

We hope this comprehensive guide has given you a good idea of all the amazing things Seoul has to offer. From museums and historical landmarks, to outdoor adventures and delicious food, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. Plan your visit today and experience the magic of Seoul for yourself!