Seoul

Name: Seoul
Address: KR

South Korea's capital — palaces like Gyeongbokgung and the hanok of Bukchon, the streets of Myeongdong and Hongdae, the Han River at night, food and K-culture: tradition meets the cutting edge.

Seoul right now · July

In season now: 🌧️ Monsoon rains

Coming up

🎆Seoul Fireworks Festival~Oct 5in ~9 weeks
🍁Autumn leaves~Oct 25–Nov 15in ~12 weeks
🌸Cherry blossoms~Apr 5–Apr 15in ~35 weeks

Travel videos from Seoul

Videos belong to their respective creators

Seoul — 4K cinematic travel film

▶ —

South Korea — cinematic 4K

▶ —

Seoul by drone — 4K UHD

▶ —

Seoul nightlife walking tour 4K

▶ —

Myeongdong night walk 4K

▶ —

Autumn Seoul — Myeongdong 4K

▶ —

Scenes of Seoul

Photos: Wikimedia Commons

Top spots

1
Gyeongbokgung
The Joseon dynasty's main palace — Gwanghwamun gate, the guard-changing ceremony and a mountain backdrop; free in hanbok.
2
Bukchon Hanok Village
A hillside village of traditional hanok houses — tiled roofs, lanes and city views.
3
Myeongdong
Seoul's top shopping and cosmetics district, buzzing with street-food stalls at night.
4
Han River (Banpo Bridge)
The city's great river — the Banpo Bridge moonlight-rainbow fountain show and riverside picnics.
5
Hongdae
An arts-university youth district of street music, cafés, clubs and quirky shops.
6
N Seoul Tower (Namsan)
A lookout tower atop Namsan, reached by cable car — Seoul's night view and the love-locks.

Photos: Wikimedia Commons

When to visit Seoul

Best months & festivals — filled = recommended

Month →

🌸Cherry blossoms

🌧️Monsoon rains

🍁Autumn leaves

Crisp, clear and comfortable.

❄️Cold, snowy winter

Key events & festivals

🌸
Cherry blossoms~Apr 5–Apr 15
The Yeouido cherry-blossom festival is famous.
🏮
Lotus Lantern Festival~May 10–May 17
A lantern parade for Buddha's birthday.
🎆
Seoul Fireworks Festival~Oct 5
A grand fireworks show over the Han River.
🍁
Autumn leaves~Oct 25–Nov 15
Namsan, Bukhansan and Changdeokgung.

What to eat in Seoul

Signature local dishes to try

🍚Bibimbap

Rice topped with seasoned vegetables and gochujang, mixed before eating.

🥩Korean BBQ

Grill samgyeopsal and galbi yourself, then wrap in lettuce.

🌶Tteokbokki

Rice cakes in sweet-spicy sauce - king of the street snacks.

🍗Korean fried chicken

Double-fried chicken in sweet-spicy glaze - best with beer (chimaek).

About Seoul

🌸 Best season: Cherry blossoms early April, autumn leaves late Oct–Nov; hot, humid summers and sub-zero winters.
✈️ Getting there: Many direct flights to Incheon (ICN) and Gimpo (GMP); the AREX airport train reaches the centre easily.
🚇 Getting around: An extensive, easy subway; use a T-money card. For rides, the Kakao T app.
🕒 Time & currency: Korea Standard Time (UTC+9, same as Japan). Currency: Korean won (KRW).

Tips & hidden gems

💡 Get a T-money card
A transit card for subway, buses, taxis and convenience stores — buy and top up at any konbini.
💡 Hanbok = free palace entry
Wear hanbok and major palaces like Gyeongbokgung are free to enter; rental shops are nearby.
💡 Each area has its vibe
Myeongdong for shopping, Hongdae for youth & nightlife, Bukchon for traditional hanok, Gangnam for polish.
💡 Food & night streets
From Korean BBQ, fried chicken and tteokbokki to street stalls — try Gwangjang Market and pojangmacha tents.

Travel essentials

Payments, transport, connectivity and safety — before you go

💳

Payments

A card society — cards and mobile pay almost everywhere.

🚕

Getting around

Kakao T is the main app (English supported).

📶

SIM / eSIM

Prepaid SIMs at airports; eSIM widely available.

🔌

Plugs & voltage

Types C/F, 220V.

🪙

Tipping

No tipping culture.

🚰

Tap water

Tap water is drinkable, though bottled is common.

🛡️

Safety

Very safe.

Suggested routes

Palaces & old town — half day

~4 hrs / walking & subway

Gyeongbokgung and Bukchon's hanok lanes — a half-day in old Seoul.

1
Gyeongbokgung (in hanbok)
The Joseon dynasty's main palace — Gwanghwamun gate, the guard-changing ceremony and a mountain backdrop; free in hanbok.
2
Bukchon Hanok Village
A hillside village of traditional hanok houses — tiled roofs, lanes and city views.
3
Insadong & Samcheong-dong

Shopping & night views — full day

~1 day / subway

Myeongdong and Dongdaemun shopping through to N Seoul Tower's night view.

1
Shop & cosmetics in Myeongdong
Seoul's top shopping and cosmetics district, buzzing with street-food stalls at night.
2
Stroll Hongdae
An arts-university youth district of street music, cafés, clubs and quirky shops.
3
N Seoul Tower night view
A lookout tower atop Namsan, reached by cable car — Seoul's night view and the love-locks.

Han River & modern Seoul — half day

~4 hrs / subway & walking

Han River parks and buzzing Hongdae — a half-day in modern Seoul.

1
Han River Park (Banpo fountain)
The city's great river — the Banpo Bridge moonlight-rainbow fountain show and riverside picnics.
2
Dongdaemun DDP
3
Street-food stalls