Seoul Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Seoul featuring modern architecture and a city as well as a small group of people
Myeongdong featuring shopping as well as a small group of people
Seocho-gu which includes a high-rise building, modern architecture and a city
Lotte World Tower featuring a bay or harbour, a high-rise building and landscape views
Myeongdong which includes a city and cbd 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 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 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 featuring shopping, street scenes and a city

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 Bongeunsa Temple. See more of Seoul by jumping on the metro at Cheongdam Station or Gangnam-gu Office Station.

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

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 which includes 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
Dongdaemun Design Plaza which includes modern architecture as well as a couple

Jung-gu

4.5/5(263 area reviews)

Myeongdong Street and Namdaemun Market are top sights in Jung-gu, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Euljiro 4-ga Station or Chungmuro Station to see more sights in the area.

Jung-gu
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 ฿4,197 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
฿4,197
฿4,617 total
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a health club. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,642 reviews)
"Great hotel"

Reviewed on 21 Aug 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 ฿4,979 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
฿4,979
฿5,477 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,841 reviews)
Great value and hospitality
"It’s our second time staying at ENA. We had a great stay last time so we chose to stay here again. The front desk always greets you with a smile. There are two washer and dryers if you wanna do your laundry. Namdaemun is a convenient area for sightseeing so location is excellent. We like ENA!"

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun
Fairfield by Marriott Seoul

Fairfield by Marriott Seoul

4 out of 5
870, GYEONGIN-RO YEONGDEUNGPO-GU, Seoul
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿2,586 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
฿2,586
฿2,845 total
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"All's good."

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

Fairfield by Marriott 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.
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 Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Starfield COEX Mall and Lotte World ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (136 reviews)
"The hotel was very responsive to our needs and check in was excellent. The only issue we had is that they had two hotels close to one another and we initially went to the wrong one. 5 to 7 minute walk to Metro and an excellent grocery store within two minutes from front door. The bed was amazing ..."

Reviewed on 13 Aug 2025

Le Collective Gangnam SAC ROIUM
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a casino. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,415 reviews)
"Extremely good summer retreat in Seoul"

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2025

Oakwood Premier Coex Center
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,048 reviews)
"We had an amazing stay here, so comfortable for our 3 week trip. Facilities were great, staff were friendly and location was excellent for what we wanted to explore. Would certainly stay here again"

Reviewed on 27 Jun 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.

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