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Seoul
🇰🇷 South Korea

Seoul

Ancient temples, neon nights, mountain views — Seoul blends bold modern design with centuries-old history, offering world-class food, shopping, and cultural experiences. It's a compact, efficient city where palaces, riverside parks, and cutting-edge neighborhoods sit within easy reach.

▶ Video guide

Seoul in 60 seconds

A cinematic tour of the top sights, food and local tips. Get your own AI voice guide and a trip planned just for you in the Tripmi app.

  • 📍Top places to visit: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Myeongdong
  • 🍽️What to eat: Bibimbap, Korean barbecue (samgyeopsal/galbi), Jjimdak
  • 🗓️Best time to visit: Spring (April–June) for cherry blossoms and mild weather, and autumn…

Good to know

Best time to visit
Spring (April–June) for cherry blossoms and mild weather, and autumn (September–November) for clear skies and colorful foliage.
Getting around
Seoul's subway is extensive, affordable, and English-friendly; taxis are plentiful and convenient for late nights or heavy luggage.
Currency
South Korean won (KRW) — carry some cash for markets and street food; cards accepted widely but smaller vendors may prefer cash.
Language
Korean (Hangul) with widespread English signage and service in tourist areas
Safety
Seoul is generally very safe for travelers, though usual city precautions against pickpocketing apply.
Daily budget
Budget: $40–80, Midrange: $80–200, Luxury: $200+ per day
💶 Travel money in SeoulCurrency, cards vs cash, costs & tipping in Seoul
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Top places to visit

1Landmark

Gyeongbokgung Palace

The largest Joseon dynasty palace in the heart of Seoul with daily guard-changing ceremonies and the National Palace Museum nearby.

2Neighborhood

Bukchon Hanok Village

A preserved neighborhood of traditional hanok houses offering narrow lanes with tea houses, craft shops, and photo opportunities.

3Shopping

Myeongdong

A bustling shopping district for cosmetics, fashion, and street food stalls, lively well into the evening.

4Shopping

Insadong

Cultural street specializing in antiques, traditional crafts, and tea houses—ideal for souvenirs and art galleries.

5Viewpoint

N Seoul Tower (Namsan Seoul Tower)

Iconic tower atop Namsan offering panoramic views of the city, illuminated at night and accessible by cable car or hiking.

6Nightlife

Hongdae

Youthful district centered on Hongik University, known for live music, clubs, themed cafes, and street performances.

7Landmark

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

Zaha Hadid–designed cultural complex hosting design markets, exhibitions, and a striking LED rose garden.

8Market

Namdaemun Market

One of Korea's largest traditional markets selling clothing, housewares, and street snacks at bargain prices.

9Landmark

Changdeokgung & Huwon (Secret Garden)

UNESCO-listed palace famed for its harmoniously landscaped Secret Garden—book the guided tour to enter the garden.

10Museum

War Memorial of Korea

Comprehensive museum detailing Korea's military history with indoor exhibits and large outdoor displays of aircraft and tanks.

11Shopping

COEX Mall & Starfield Library

Asia's large underground mall combining shopping, an aquarium, convention center, and the photogenic Starfield Library.

12Nightlife

Itaewon

International dining and nightlife hub popular with expats, offering diverse cuisines, bars, and a lively Sunday market.

13Park

Cheonggyecheon Stream

Restored urban stream and linear park running through downtown—pleasant for evening strolls and seasonal light installations.

14Park

Bukhansan National Park

Accessible mountain park with granite peaks, temple sites, and hiking trails offering city-overlooking vistas.

15Market

Gwangjang Market

Historic food market famous for bindaetteok (mung bean pancake), mayak kimbap, and plentiful street-food vendors.

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Things to do

Attend a traditional tea ceremony

Experience Korean tea culture at a teahouse in Insadong or a hanok in Bukchon.

Try night shopping at Dongdaemun

Browse wholesale fashion malls and late-night markets open into the early hours.

Hike Bukhansan at sunrise

Climb one of the park's trails for panoramic sunrise views over Seoul.

Watch a K-pop performance or record show

Catch a live music act, busking in Hongdae, or attend a TV music show taping with advance reservations.

Cycle along the Han River

Rent a bike and ride riverside paths, stopping at parks, cafes, and convenience-store picnics.

Participate in a temple stay

Spend a night at a Buddhist temple on the city's edge to learn meditation and monastic routines.

🗓️ Seoul in 3 daysPerfect starting points for your trip — then make them yours in the app.
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Where to stay

Myeongdong

Central, tourist-friendly with easy access to shopping, street food, and public transport.

Gangnam

Upscale area with luxury shopping, stylish restaurants, and good subway connections for business travelers.

Hongdae

Vibrant, youthful area with nightlife, live music, cafes, and a creative atmosphere.

Bukchon/Insadong

Cultural core near palaces ideal for travelers who want historic charm, galleries, and traditional accommodation.

What to eat

Bibimbap

Mixed rice with vegetables, gochujang, and often an egg or beef—look for the stone-bowl dolsot version.

Korean barbecue (samgyeopsal/galbi)

Grill pork belly or marinated beef at your table, wrapped with lettuce and condiments.

Jjimdak

Andong-style braised chicken with vegetables and glass noodles, savory and mildly spicy.

Tteokbokki

Spicy rice cakes in gochujang sauce—ubiquitous street snack found in markets like Gwangjang.

Kimchi jjigae

Hearty kimchi stew often served with rice—comfort food at many local restaurants.

Korean fried chicken

Crispy, double-fried chicken in sweet-spicy or soy garlic sauces, best enjoyed with beer (chimaek).

Day trips

DMZ (Demilitarized Zone)

Guided tours from Seoul visit observation points, the Third Tunnel, and the Joint Security Area (book in advance).

Nami Island

Picturesque tree-lined island (famous from K-dramas) offering cycling, walks, and seasonal scenery about 1–1.5 hours away.

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress

UNESCO World Heritage site featuring well-preserved city walls, gates, and a historic fortress town about 1 hour by train.

Insider tips

  • Buy a T-money card for seamless subway, bus, and some taxi payments.
  • Download Naver Map or KakaoMap for accurate navigation — Google Maps is less reliable in Korea.
  • Carry your passport or a copy; some places require ID for age-restricted purchases.
  • Learn basic Hangul (Korean alphabet) to read signs and menus—it’s quick and helpful.
  • Reserve palace or DMZ tours in advance during peak seasons to guarantee spots.
  • Try late-night street food and night markets—Seoul stays lively well after dark.

Traveler reviews

4.8
★★★★★
5 traveler reviews
L
Liam K.
Ireland
★★★★★
last month

Gyeongbokgung at sunrise was magical and much less crowded than I expected; loved grabbing kimchi pancakes from a nearby market stall afterwards.

A
Ana P.
Spain
★★★★★
2 weeks ago

Seoul's subway is ridiculously efficient and I felt safe walking late around Hongdae — the live music scene there kept me up way past bedtime in the best way.

R
Ravi S.
India
★★★★★
March 2026

Food tour in Myeongdong introduced me to tteokbokki and street skewers I can’t stop thinking about; vendors were friendly and prices were fair.

M
Mei L.
Singapore
★★★★★
last week

I loved the mix of old and new — traditional hanok alleys beside sleek cafés felt effortlessly cool, and people were helpful when I asked for directions.

D
Daniel R.
United States
★★★★☆
two months ago

Great value for food and transport, and the N Seoul Tower views are worth it, though weekends felt very touristy in Insadong.

Good to know — FAQ

Do I need a visa to visit Seoul?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality; many countries have visa-free entry for short stays—check South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs site before traveling.
Is Seoul expensive?
Costs vary — public transport and street food are affordable, while luxury shopping and fine dining can be pricey; plan a daily budget according to your travel style.
Can I use my phone and data easily?
Yes — buy a prepaid SIM or portable Wi‑Fi at the airport for reliable data; most cafes and hotels also offer Wi‑Fi.
Are credit cards widely accepted?
Yes, major cards are accepted at hotels, restaurants, and big stores, but bring cash for small markets, street stalls, and some taxis.

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