Seoul

Travel Guide

Seoul featuring modern architecture and a city as well as a small group of people
Myeongdong showing shopping as well as a small group of people
Seocho-gu showing a high-rise building, a city and modern architecture
Lotte World Tower featuring a bay or harbour, landscape views and a city
Myeongdong featuring cbd and a city as well as a small group of people
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

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(77 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

4.5/5(5 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
Insadong which includes shopping as well as a small group of people

Insa-dong

Travelers come to Insa-dong for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Insa-dong and Cheonggyecheon while you're in town.

Insa-dong
Dongdaemun Design Plaza featuring modern architecture as well as a couple

Jung-gu

4.5/5(207 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
HOTEL THE BOTANIK SEWOON MYEONGDONG
HOTEL THE BOTANIK SEWOON MYEONGDONG
4 out of 5
23-1 Eulji-ro 19-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
The price is CA $177 per night from Apr. 27 to Apr. 28
CA $177
CA $194 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 27 - Apr 28
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Myeongdong Street and Namdaemun Market are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (92 reviews)
"This hotel exceeded my expectations in every way. The staff were incredibly friendly, welcoming, and went above and beyond to ensure a great stay. The location was perfect—close to everything, making it easy to explore. The property was spotless, with excellent cleanliness throughout. Highly recommend ..."

Reviewed on Mar. 30, 2025

HOTEL THE BOTANIK SEWOON MYEONGDONG
Roynet Hotel Seoul Mapo
Roynet Hotel Seoul Mapo
3.5 out of 5
67, Mapo-daero, Mapo-gu, Seoul
The price is CA $162 per night from Apr. 8 to Apr. 9
CA $162
CA $181 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 8 - Apr 9
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (860 reviews)
"It is accessible to transports, good location, clean, amazing staff and restaurants in the building."

Reviewed on Mar. 11, 2025

Roynet Hotel Seoul Mapo
Mercure Ambassador Seoul Magok
Mercure Ambassador Seoul Magok
143 Magokjungang-ro, Gangseo-gu, Seoul
The price is CA $137 per night from Apr. 28 to Apr. 29
CA $137
CA $151 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 28 - Apr 29
Stay at this hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Lotte Mall Gimpo Airport and Hyundai Premium Outlet ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (95 reviews)
"Nice new hotel, very clean and very near both seoul airports"

Reviewed on Apr. 2, 2025

Mercure Ambassador Seoul Magok
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! (1,227 reviews)
"I recommend this Hotel! It is close to and walkable from many subway stations. Shops, convenient stores and restaurants are nearby. The pool and sauna area are very clean. I stayed for 18 days."

Reviewed on Mar. 28, 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! (1,314 reviews)
"It was good hotel. Especially the location was the best."

Reviewed on Mar. 21, 2025

Oakwood Premier Coex Center
Somerset Palace Seoul
Somerset Palace Seoul
4 out of 5
7, Yulgok-ro 2-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Seoul
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (993 reviews)
"Great place to stay. Very clean and staff are very good."

Reviewed on Mar. 12, 2025

Somerset Palace Seoul
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

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
181
5 - Excellent 56%
4 - Good
126
4 - Good 39%
3 - Okay
12
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
5
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

It was a good experience but hard to rate properly due to it being so quiet because of the coronavirus outbreak. Want to visit again when it's not like that.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Seoul is a safe, vibrant city.There are endless restaurants and coffee shops.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We love Seoul. The food and shopping are amazing with so many places to go and see. We would definitely come back.

5/5 - Excellent

someone

clean city. easy subway all around city. cheap express bus line to all over korea.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

There are English speaking guides available at the museums whom are volunteers that enhance the experience.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

I loved Seoul

Cities near Seoul