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
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
Gwangjang Traditional Market featuring signage

Jongno-gu

4.5/5(81 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
Roynet Hotel Seoul Mapo
Roynet Hotel Seoul Mapo
3.5 out of 5
67, Mapo-daero, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $79 per night from Apr. 30 to May 1
CA $79
CA $89 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 30 - May 1
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! (898 reviews)
"We had a most wonderful stay at the premium suite!"

Reviewed on Apr. 15, 2025

Roynet Hotel Seoul Mapo
The Shilla Seoul
The Shilla Seoul
5 out of 5
249, Dongho-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
The price is CA $351 per night from May 26 to May 27
CA $351
CA $386 total
includes taxes & fees
May 26 - May 27
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! (1,003 reviews)
"One of the best 5 star hotels. Very friendly staff and excellent service!"

Reviewed on Apr. 25, 2025

The Shilla Seoul
LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong
LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong
4 out of 5
362, Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
The price is CA $146 per night from May 6 to May 7
CA $146
CA $161 total
includes taxes & fees
May 6 - May 7
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,445 reviews)
"The property is fine and the staff is excellent in customer service."

Reviewed on Apr. 24, 2025

LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong
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! (1,252 reviews)
"Employees at the desk spoke English and were very helpful!"

Reviewed on Apr. 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! (1,328 reviews)
"Great location for shopping and extensive restaurant option. Great staff member and service"

Reviewed on Apr. 9, 2025

Oakwood Premier Coex Center
Uljiro Co-Op Residence
Uljiro Co-Op Residence
3 out of 5
246, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and a 24-hour business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,508 reviews)
"Easy to get to places like Myeongdong"

Reviewed on Apr. 25, 2025

Uljiro Co-Op Residence
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