Seoul

Travel Guide

Seoul which includes a city and modern architecture as well as a small group of people
Myeongdong showing shopping as well as a small group of people
Seocho-gu showing a city, a river or creek and night scenes
Lotte World Tower showing a high-rise building, landscape views and a city
Myeongdong showing city views 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 with youthful vibrancy. Art galleries, cinemas, bars and boutiques are dotted all over the city. Seoulites are also in touch with their past, and you’ll find plenty of instances of traditional Korean culture in palaces and theatres.

Korea has suffered from many conflicts, and some of the bruises still show in Seoul. The city’s Five Grand Palaces are testament to this all of these complexes have been destroyed or badly damaged. Today they have largely been restored to their former glory and house national treasures, art and traditional architecture. For particularly fine examples of these palaces, visit Gyeongbokgung, Deoksugung and Changgyeonggung.

Locals possess optimism and friendliness in abundance. Younger Seoulites will be eager to use their language skills to help you out, and older residents, although not as proficient with their English, are still overwhelmingly warm.

Shopping opportunities in Seoul are boundless. Choose from designer outlets in Myeongdong, traditional craft shops at Insadong and bargain malls at the huge Dongdaemun Market. Wear your new attire while exploring the city’s nightlife. Hongdae Young Street has an eclectic collection of bars, clubs, live music and independent cinema.

Soak up classic Korean culture at venues like Chongdong Theatre. Here, you can marvel at spectaculars featuring traditional music, dance and costume. Sample local cuisine at well-priced stalls and restaurants that serve Korean classics such as kalguksu (“knife noodles”) or donkas (deep-fried pork cutlets). Foodies will want to pay homage to the Korean national dish (kimchi) at the Pulmuone Kimchi Museum. Kimchi is a fermented vegetable (cabbage, radish or cucumber) dish seasoned with spices. Finish your dining experience with a visit to one of Seoul’s excellent teahouses.

When you want some quiet time, escape to one of Seoul’s regenerated areas, such as Cheonggyecheon Stream. This stretch of water in the city centre 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 and cold winters. The best time to visit is around March through May (spring), or September through November (fall) . Navigate the city using the well-priced and efficient subway system, considered one of the best in the world.

Where to stay in Seoul

Myeongdong featuring a city, shopping and street scenes

Myeong-dong

Enjoy the popular shops in Myeong-dong. Myeongdong Street is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Myeong-dong Station or Euljiro 1-ga Station to see more of Seoul.

Myeong-dong
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Gangnam-gu

4.5/5(68 area reviews)

Gangnam-gu is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Starfield COEX Mall and Seven Luck Casino Seoul Gangnam Branch. See more of Seoul by jumping on the metro at Cheongdam Station or Gangnam-gu Office Station.

Gangnam-gu
Hongdae which includes signage, a city and street scenes

Hongdae

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Hongdae. Spend some time visiting top spots like Hongdae Street, and catch the metro at Hongik University Station or Mangwon Station to see more of the area.

Hongdae
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Dongdaemun-gu

4/5(7 area reviews)

You might enjoy the shopping while in Dongdaemun-gu. Gyeongdong Market is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Yongdu Station or Jegi-dong Station to see more of the city.

Dongdaemun-gu
Gwangjang Traditional Market featuring signage

Jongno-gu

4.5/5(86 area reviews)

Jongno-gu is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Sejong Cultural Center and National Museum of Korean Contemporary History. See more of Seoul by jumping on the metro at Gwanghwamun Station or Jonggak Station.

Jongno-gu
War Memorial of Korea showing modern architecture and signage as well as a large group of people

Yongsan-gu

4/5(31 area reviews)

Travellers choose Yongsan-gu for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Hyochang Park Station or Namyeong Station and check out top sights like Yongsan Electronics Market.

Yongsan-gu
Grand Hyatt Seoul

Grand Hyatt Seoul

5 out of 5
322, Sowol-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Seoul
The price is S$362 per night from 12 Oct to 13 Oct
S$362
12 Oct - 13 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
Must visit hotel in Seoul
"I personally think this hotel is one of the most charming hotels in Seoul. The location is ideal, the view is amazing (calming), the facilities are very well maintained, and the overall sense of professionalism and service is top notch. However, I gave it a “Good” rating instead of “Excellent” because ..."

Reviewed on 12 Sept, 2025

Grand Hyatt Seoul
LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong

LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong

4 out of 5
362, Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$164 per night from 30 Sept to 1 Oct
S$164
30 Sept - 1 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a health club. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,698 reviews)
"Central location with easy access to transport, places to eat and attractions."

Reviewed on 11 Sept, 2025

LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong
ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun

ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun

4 out of 5
36, Sejong-daero 11-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
The price is S$236 per night from 9 Oct to 10 Oct
S$236
9 Oct - 10 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,903 reviews)
"We loved this hotel! The location n front desk help was amazing. Lots of restaurants nearby. There was a CU mini mart right outside hotel to grab late night noodles. Def stay here!"

Reviewed on 16 Sept, 2025

ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun
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.
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! (1,425 reviews)
"It is a pleasant stay for me - the reception and breakfast attendants are very polite but English communication is a bit lacking. Overall - I enjoyed my stay though the room is a bit too bit for me. Thank you!"

Reviewed on 31 Aug, 2025

Oakwood Premier Coex Center
Le Collective Gangnam SAC ROIUM

Le Collective Gangnam SAC ROIUM

3 out of 5
30 Banpo-daero 16-gil, Seoul, Seoul
Stay at this 3-star residence in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Starfield COEX Mall and Lotte World ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (141 reviews)
"Location was great."

Reviewed on 22 Aug, 2025

Le Collective Gangnam SAC ROIUM
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! (1,056 reviews)
"Great place for business and holidays. Updated breakfast menu is better than before. Interior is a bit dated but excellent location and clean."

Reviewed on 8 Sept, 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
237
5 - Excellent 57%
4 - Good
151
4 - Good 36%
3 - Okay
25
3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Seoul is the best holiday I've ever had and plan to go back as much as possible

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Unfortunately the Covina-19 virus meant, understandably, many things we had planned did not happen. However, Seoul seemed like a wonderful city that I would very much like to return to at some time in the future.

5/5 - Excellent

Arparus(penny)

Great City

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

I love to go to korean many time. There are many attactive thing to do there every season. Nice wheather, food and shopping places

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

It's a regular business location for me. A unique city, very westernised with friendly people and good attitude towards service.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Good and kind people, they are trying to help me when I need help in walking direction and also good transportation.