A royal palace located in Seoul, representing the beauty of traditional Korean architecture.

Gyeongbokgung Palace, located in northern Seoul, is a grand and historically significant royal palace. It was the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty, and is one of the most iconic landmarks in South Korea. /n The palace is known for its stunning architecture, with structures such as Geunjeongjeon (the Throne Hall), and Hyangwonjeong, a beautiful two-story pavilion situated on an island in a lake. The palace grounds also include beautiful gardens and courtyards, making it a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. Visitors can also witness the changing of the guard ceremony, which is a popular tourist attraction.

Gyeongbokgung Palace is a grand and historically significant royal palace in Seoul.

Bukchon Hanok Village, located in Samcheong-dong, is a preserved traditional Korean village where visitors can experience the traditional Korean way of life.

Bukchon Hanok Village is a traditional Korean village located in Seoul. This village is a significant area, which allows visitors to explore the beauty of Hanok houses, which are traditional Korean houses. /n The village is composed of lots of alleys, hanok and is preserved to show a 600-year-old urban environment. Now it is used as a traditional culture center and hanok restaurant, allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere of the Joseon Dynasty.

A traditional Korean village showcasing the beauty of Hanok houses.

Namsan Seoul Tower, also known as N Seoul Tower, is a communication and observation tower located on Namsan Mountain in central Seoul, South Korea. It marks the highest point in Seoul. The N Seoul Tower offers panoramic views of Seoul and the surrounding areas. The tower has also been a symbol of Seoul since it first opened to the public in 1980. It is also a popular place for couples, who often attach padlocks to the fence as a symbol of their love.

Namsan Seoul Tower, also known as N Seoul Tower, is a communication and observation tower located on Namsan Mountain in central Seoul. It's one of the iconic symbols of Seoul. /n The tower is equipped with observatories and a revolving restaurant for visitors to enjoy panoramic views of the city. It's also a popular spot for couples who hang 'love locks' along the fence as a symbol of their love.

A communication and observation tower located on Namsan Mountain.

The National Museum of Korea is the flagship museum of Korean history and art in South Korea and is the cultural organization that represents Korea. It is home to over 220,000 pieces in its collection with about 13,000 pieces on display at one time.

The National Museum of Korea is the largest museum in Korea, showcasing Korean history and art. It houses a vast collection of over 220,000 artifacts. /n The museum is divided into different sections, each dedicated to a specific period or theme in Korean history. It's a must-visit for anyone interested in Korean history and culture.

The largest museum in Korea, showcasing Korean history and art.

A major urban development landmark in Seoul. The landmark is the centerpiece of South Korea's fashion hub and popular tourist destination.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is a major urban development landmark in Seoul with a distinct neo-futuristic design. It serves as a hub for design-related shows and conferences, exhibitions, and other events. /n The DDP is one of the main reasons behind Seoul's designation as World Design Capital in 2010. Its unique design and the events it hosts have made it one of the city's major cultural hubs.

A major urban development landmark in Seoul with a distinct neo-futuristic design.

Experience the vibrant culture and rich history of Seoul, South Korea's bustling capital city. Marvel at the grandeur of the ancient Gyeongbokgung Palace, explore the traditional Bukchon Hanok Village, and shop till you drop at the bustling Myeongdong district. Indulge in authentic Korean cuisine at local markets like Gwangjang and savor the nightlife in the lively Hongdae area. Hike up the Namsan Mountain for a panoramic view of the cityscape, or unwind in the tranquil surroundings of the Cheonggyecheon Stream. With its blend of modernity and tradition, Seoul offers an unforgettable journey through the heart of Korean heritage.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Bukchon Hanok Village

Start your day with a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of the Five Grand Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty. Explore the beautiful palace grounds, watch the changing of the guard ceremony, and learn about Korean history and culture.

Enjoy a traditional Korean lunch in a local restaurant. Try bibimbap, a popular Korean dish made with rice, vegetables, and meat, or kimchi, a fermented vegetable dish that is a staple in Korean cuisine.

Spend the afternoon exploring Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional Korean village located in the heart of Seoul. Walk through the narrow alleyways, admire the traditional Hanok houses, and visit the local craft shops.

Have dinner in a local restaurant in the vibrant Hongdae district. Try Korean barbecue, a popular dish where you grill your own meat at the table.

End your day with a stroll along the Cheonggyecheon Stream, a modern public recreation space in downtown Seoul. The stream is beautifully lit up at night and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Exploring Traditional Korea

Namsan Seoul Tower

National Museum of Korea

Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Start your second day with a visit to Namsan Seoul Tower, a communication and observation tower located on Namsan Mountain. Take the cable car up to the tower and enjoy panoramic views of the city.

Have lunch in a local restaurant in the Myeongdong district. Try tteokbokki, a popular Korean snack made with rice cakes and spicy sauce, or mandu, Korean dumplings.

Spend the afternoon exploring the National Museum of Korea, the largest museum in Korea. Learn about Korean history and culture through the museum's extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits.

Enjoy a traditional Korean dinner in a local restaurant. Try samgyetang, a ginseng chicken soup that is a popular dish in Korea, or jajangmyeon, a noodle dish with black bean sauce.

End your trip with a visit to the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, a major urban development landmark in Seoul. Explore the futuristic building, visit the design market, and enjoy the night view of the city.

Modern Seoul and Cultural Treasures

UTC+9

Seoul has an extensive and efficient subway system that covers nearly every part of the city. It is one of the most convenient ways to travel around Seoul. The subway system is also connected to the national train system, making it easy to travel to other parts of the country as well.

Buses in Seoul are plentiful and cover routes that the subway does not. There are four types of buses: blue, green, red, and yellow. Blue buses travel long distances, green buses are neighborhood buses, red buses are express buses for long distances, and yellow buses circulate in downtown areas.

Taxis are a convenient way to get around Seoul, especially if you're traveling in a group or have a lot of luggage. There are regular taxis and deluxe taxis, the latter being more expensive but offering more comfort. Most taxi drivers do not speak English, so it's helpful to have your destination written in Korean.

Ridesharing services like Uber are not widely available in Seoul. However, a local equivalent called Kakao T is widely used. It works similarly to Uber, allowing you to book a ride through a smartphone app.

Seoul has a public bike rental system called Ttareungi. It's a great way to explore the city, especially the areas along the Han River. You can rent a bike from one of the many rental stations around the city.

Seoul is a walkable city with many pedestrian-friendly areas. Walking is a great way to explore the city's many neighborhoods, markets, and historical sites. However, be aware that the city is hilly and some areas may require a bit of a climb.

Renting a car in Seoul is not recommended due to heavy traffic and limited parking. However, if you plan to travel outside of the city, a rental car could be a good option. Remember that you will need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in South Korea.

A staple in Korean cuisine, Kimchi is a traditional side dish made from salted and fermented vegetables, most commonly napa cabbage and Korean radishes, with chili pepper and other spices. It's a must-try when visiting Seoul.

Kimchi

Bibimbap is a popular Korean dish that translates to 'mixed rice'. It typically consists of warm white rice topped with seasoned vegetables, chili pepper paste, soy sauce, a raw or fried egg, and sliced meat, usually beef.

Bibimbap

Samgyeopsal is a popular Korean BBQ dish. It consists of thick, fatty slices of pork belly meat that are grilled on your table before being dipped in a seasoning made of salt and pepper mixed in sesame seed oil, then wrapped in lettuce along with grilled slices of garlic, grilled slices of onion, shredded green onions, and kimchi.

Samgyeopsal

Tteokbokki is a popular Korean street food. It's made from soft rice cake, fish cake, and sweet red chili sauce. It's a must-try for those who love spicy food.

Tteokbokki

Japchae is a savory and slightly sweet dish of stir-fried glass noodles and vegetables that is usually served as a side dish during Korean holidays or special occasions.

Japchae

Gimbap or kimbap is a popular Korean fast food made from steamed white rice (bap) and various other ingredients, rolled in gim (sheets of dried laver seaweed) and served in bite-sized slices.

Gimbap

Sundubu-jjigae is a hot and spicy jjigae (Korean stew) made with uncurdled dubu (tofu), seafood (oysters, mussels, clams and shrimp are common ingredients), vegetables, mushrooms, onion, scallions, and chili powder in Korea.

Sundubu-jjigae

Bingsu is a popular Korean shaved ice dessert with sweet toppings such as chopped fruit, condensed milk, fruit syrup, and red beans.

Bingsu

Hotteok is a variety of filled Korean pancake, and is a popular street food of South Korea. It's usually filled with sugar, honey, chopped peanuts, and cinnamon.

Hotteok

Soju is a clear, colorless distilled beverage of Korean origin. It is usually consumed neat, and its alcohol content varies from about 16.8% to 53% alcohol by volume (ABV).

Soju

Makgeolli is a slightly sweet alcoholic beverage native to Korea. It is made from rice or wheat mixed with nuruk, a Korean fermentation starter.

Makgeolli

Banana Milk is a South Korean signature drink first launched in 1974. It's a sweet, dessert-like beverage that has a light, yet rich, banana flavor.

Banana Milk

New Year's Day

Seollal Holiday

Seollal

Independence Movement Day

Labor Day

Children's Day

Buddha’s Birthday

Buddha’s Birthday Holiday

Memorial Day

Liberation Day

Chuseok Holiday

Chuseok

National Foundation Day

Hangeul Proclamation Day

Christmas Day

A UNESCO World Heritage site, this impressive structure was built in the late 18th century during the Joseon Dynasty.

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress

Korea's only official Chinatown. It is home to many Chinese restaurants and shops, and is a popular tourist destination.

Incheon Chinatown

A half-moon shaped island that became famous through the Korean drama 'Winter Sonata'. It's known for its beautiful tree lined roads.

Nami Island

The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a border barrier that divides the Korean Peninsula roughly in half. It is the most heavily militarized zone in the world.

South Korea's largest theme park, featuring a zoo, water park, and many thrilling rides.

Everland

A living museum that recreates the lifestyle of several centuries ago. There are traditional houses, tools and artifacts on display.

Korean Folk Village

A village with over 800 traditional Korean hanok houses. The village is famous for its food, including bibimbap.

Jeonju Hanok Village

A city known as 'The Museum Without Walls' due to its many historical sites and ruins.

Gyeongju

South Korea's second largest city, known for its beaches, mountains and temples.

Busan

Jeju Island

Haechi lion statue by Gyeongbokgung palace

Seoul is the capital city of South Korea and is known for its modern skyscrapers, high-tech subways, and pop culture mixed with Buddhist temples, palaces, and street markets.

The official language is Korean, but English is widely taught in schools and is commonly used in business and tourism areas.

South Korea has a 9-hour time difference ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+9). There is no daylight saving time.

The currency used is the South Korean Won (KRW). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always good to have some cash for small vendors.

Tipping is not customary in Korea. However, some hotels and upscale restaurants may include a 10% service charge.

Seoul has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers (June to August) can be hot and humid with temperatures ranging from 75°F to 95°F (24°C to 35°C), while winters (December to February) can be very cold with temperatures from 15°F to 30°F (-9°C to -1°C).

Public transportation in Seoul is excellent. The subway system is extensive, efficient, and inexpensive. Buses and taxis are also readily available.

South Korea uses the Type C and Type F plug types, the same as Europe. The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 60 Hz.

South Korea is generally safe for tourists, but as with any major city, it's important to stay vigilant and be aware of your surroundings.

South Korea has a high standard of healthcare. Pharmacies are plentiful and most medications can be purchased over the counter.

Seoul is a city that never sleeps. Many shops, restaurants, and markets are open 24/7.

South Koreans are known for their love of technology. Free Wi-Fi is widely available throughout the city.

Drinking alcohol in public places is legal in South Korea. Soju, a local spirit, is a popular choice.

South Korea has strict laws against drug use. Penalties can be severe, including imprisonment and deportation.

South Koreans are generally polite and reserved. It's important to respect local customs and etiquette.

Korean cuisine is diverse and delicious. Don't miss out on trying local dishes like Bibimbap, Kimchi, and Korean BBQ.

South Korea has a 10% Value Added Tax (VAT) on most goods and services. Tourists can often get a VAT refund on purchases made at 'Tax Free' shops.

Seoul is a shopper's paradise. From high-end fashion to traditional crafts, there's something for everyone.

South Korea has strict laws on smoking. It's prohibited in most public places, including restaurants, cafes, and subway stations.

Seoul is a very walkable city with many pedestrian-friendly streets and parks. However, it's also a city of hills, so comfortable shoes are a must.

January is the coldest month in Seoul, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. It's also the driest month, so pack warm and dry clothes.

February is still quite cold, but temperatures start to rise slightly. It's a good time to visit if you enjoy winter sports.

March sees the start of spring, with temperatures rising and the city starting to bloom. It's a beautiful time to visit, but pack a mix of warm and cool clothes.

April is a comfortable month to visit, with mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine. The cherry blossoms are in full bloom, making it a popular time for tourists.

May is warm and sunny, with temperatures perfect for exploring the city. It's also the start of the rainy season, so pack an umbrella.

June is the start of summer, with high temperatures and high humidity. It's a great time to visit if you enjoy hot weather, but be prepared for occasional rain showers.

July is the hottest month in Seoul, with high humidity and frequent rain showers. It's a good time to visit if you enjoy hot weather, but be prepared for the heat.

August is similar to July, with high temperatures and high humidity. It's also the peak of the rainy season, so pack waterproof clothing.

September sees the end of summer and the start of autumn. It's a beautiful time to visit, with mild temperatures and less rain.

October is a comfortable month to visit, with mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine. The autumn leaves are in full color, making it a popular time for tourists.

November is the start of winter, with temperatures dropping and the city starting to look festive. It's a good time to visit if you enjoy cooler weather.

December is cold and dry, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. It's a great time to visit if you enjoy winter sports and festive activities.

Seoul, South Korea experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, which can greatly impact your travel plans. 

Spring (April to June) is a beautiful time to visit Seoul. The weather is mild, with average temperatures ranging from 50°F to 75°F (10°C to 24°C). This is also the season of cherry blossoms, making it a picturesque time to explore the city. However, it's also the season for yellow dust storms, which originate from Mongolia and China's deserts, so those with respiratory issues should take precautions.

Summer (July to August) in Seoul can be hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching up to 85°F to 95°F (29°C to 35°C). It's also the monsoon season, so expect heavy rains, especially in late July and early August. If you're visiting during this time, don't forget to pack an umbrella and raincoat.

Autumn (September to November) is another great time to visit Seoul. The weather is quite pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 45°F to 70°F (7°C to 21°C). The city is also awash with vibrant fall colors, making it a perfect time for sightseeing. 

Winter (December to March) in Seoul is cold and dry, with temperatures often dropping to 15°F to 30°F (-9°C to -1°C). Snowfall is common, so pack warm clothing. This is also a great time to visit if you enjoy winter sports, as there are several ski resorts nearby.

Regardless of when you visit, it's always a good idea to check the weather forecast before your trip and pack accordingly. Seoul's weather can be unpredictable, so it's best to be prepared for all possibilities.

Cookie consent

2-Day Exploration Guide to Seoul, South Korea

About Seoul, South Korea