Spring (Mar to May)
With mild weather and cherry blossoms in full bloom, Seoul turns pink, making it perfect for picnics, festivals, and exploring the city’s outdoor attractions.
# Events: Spring Flower Festival(Yeouido, Seokchon Lake), Seoul Festa
When to Visit
Summer (Jun to Aug)
Hot and humid with July monsoons, but great for foodies and night owls. Street food markets and rooftop bars are lively, and festivals by the Han River offer water sports and cultural events.
# Events: Water Fight Festivals, and Lotte World’s night openings.
Fall (Sep to Oct)
Crisp, cool weather and stunning fall foliage make it ideal for hiking and sightseeing. Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village are particularly beautiful with their vibrant red and gold leaves.
# Events: International Fireworks Festival, Palace Night Festivals, Silver grass Festival
Winter (Dec to Feb)
Cold with occasional snow. Enjoy winter festivals with plenty of street foods loved by locals. Nearby ski resorts offer winter sports just outside the city.
# Events: Lantern Festival, Christmas Festival, New Year’s Countdown in Jongno
Transportation
Types of Public Transport
1) Seoul Metro
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Seoul metro runs from 5:30 to midnight.
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It has 23 lines that cover Seoul and nearby areas, including Incheon and Gyeonggi-do.
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Fares vary based on distance, starting at ₩1,250 ($1).
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Click Seoul Metro Map and download the map.
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Recommended Apps: KakaoMap | Seoul Metro
2) Seoul Bus
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Buses run from 4:30 to 23:00, with some late-night buses available after midnight.
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Buses are color-coded: Blue (long-distance), Green (local), Yellow (central routes), Red (express).
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Recommended App: Kakao Bus
3) Taxi
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Taxis are affordable and available all over the city. They can be flagged on the street or booked via apps.
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Base fare for normal taxi : ₩4,800 ($3.60) for the first 1.6 km, with additional costs for time and distance.
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Extra charges apply after 10pm and for deluxe taxis.
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Recommended App: Kakao T (book a ride in English)
4) Bikes
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Seoul has a public bike rental system, Ddareungi, which is great for short trips, especially around parks and along the riverside.
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Recommended App: Ddareungi
5) Tour Airport Bus
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Explore the city with the best routes using the Seoul City Bus.
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Find the right Airport Bus for a convenient transfer to and from the airport.
How to Use and Cost
1) T-Money Card
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The easiest way to pay for public transport and can be used on subways, buses, and taxis. Buy and top-up at convenience stores(GS25 or 7-Eleven) and subway stations.
2) Fares
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Subway and buses start at ₩1,250 ($1), with prices increasing based on distance.
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Taxis start at ₩4,800 ($3.60)
3) How to Use
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Tap your T-Money card when ‘entering’ and ‘exiting’ the subway or bus. The fare is calculated based on the distance traveled.
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Free transfers are available between buses and subways within 30 minutes of tapping out (or 1 hour between 9pm- 7am).
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For more information, visit T-money website.
Useful Tips
1) Download Transit Apps
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Use ‘KakaoMap’ or ‘Naver Map’ for real-time transit information inEnglish, including subway routes and bus schedules (espescially for airport buses).
2) Avoid Rush Hours
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The subway and buses get crowded during rush hours (7am - 9am and 5pm - 7pm). Traveling outside these times is more comfortable.
3) No Food or Drinks Allowed
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Food and drinks are not allowed on public transport, especially buses. Be sure to finish or dispose of them before boarding, as you won’t be able to get on the bus with a drink in hand.
4) Subway Etiquette
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Priority seats are reserved for the elderly, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. Avoid using them unless necessary.
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Stay to the right on escalators to let people pass on the left.
5) English Signage
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Most subway stations and bus stops have English signs, making it easy to navigate.
6) Night Buses
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If you’re out late, use N-buses, which run after the subway closes and cover major routes.
7) Add Extra Time for Bus Travel
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Buses can be delayed by traffic, especially during rush hours, so plan extra time for bus trips.
Must-Do Activites
For Culture Enthusiasts
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Wear a traditional hanbok and step back in time at Jongno’s majestic palaces. ⚠️ Don’t miss the ceremonies held in the palaces.
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Get lost in the charming alleys of Bukchon Hanok Village, Anguk, and Seochon.
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Take a moonlit stroll along Deoksugung Stone Wall Street or the Seoul Fortress Wall (Hyehwa).
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Experience a temple stay or sleep in a traditional hanok house.
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Enjoy vibrant Korean folk performances at Korea House or Namsangol Hanok Village.
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Hunt for treasures in the old markets of Namdaemun, Dongmyo, and Dongdaemun.
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Visit the Seodaemun Prison History Hall and explore museums in Jongno.
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Dive into Korea’s military history at the War Memorial of Korea or visit the DMZ in Gyeonggi.
Mingle with Locals
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Join the trendy crowd in the Hipjiro alleys of Euljiro or Yongli Dan-gil in Yongsan.
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Discover Seongsu or Yeonnam, filled with Instagram-worthy cafes and eateries.
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Experience a PC bang (gaming cafe) for a uniquely Korean gaming adventure.
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Relax in a jjimjilbang (Korean spa) that’s open 24/7, offering relaxation, bathing, and overnight stays.
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Soak in the vibrant campus atmosphere near Konkuk University, enjoying wallet-friendly student favorites.
K-pop and Hallyu Heaven
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Join a K-pop dance class or attend a K-pop concert.
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Visit SMTOWN COEX Artium, a must-see for fans of SM Entertainment artists.
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Explore iconic locations associated with BTS by following in their footsteps.
Nature and Urban Oasis
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Hike to breathtaking views of Seoul at Bukhansan, Bukaksan, or Gwanaksan. ⚠️ You can rent hiking gear at the Seoul Hiking Tourism Center.
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Find tranquility along Cheonggyecheon Stream and enjoy a nearby meal.
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Rent a bicycle and explore the Hangang River—locals love visiting Banpo, Ttuksom Seonyudo, and Yeouido parks.
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Have a picnic at Namsan Park, Seoul Forest, Olympic Park.
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Visit Namsan Tower or Seoul Sky for stunning views of the city.
Family Fun
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Join the trendy crowd in the Hipjiro alleys of Euljiro or Yongli Dan-gil in Yongsan.
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Discover Seongsu or Yeonnam, filled with Instagram-worthy cafes and eateries.
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Experience a PC bang (gaming cafe) for a uniquely Korean gaming adventure.
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Relax in a jjimjilbang (Korean spa) that’s open 24/7, offering relaxation, bathing, and overnight stays.
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Soak in the vibrant campus atmosphere near Konkuk University, enjoying wallet-friendly student favorites.
Foodie Paradise
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Savor local flavors at Gwangjang (touristy), Mangwon (authentic), and Namdaemun (local) markets.
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Try popular Korean dishes that are trending right now. (differs time to time!)
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Experience a traditional Korean course meal (hanjeongsik) at a local restaurant.
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Don’t forget to enjoy a coffee after your meal—Koreans love their coffee!
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Try fresh seafood at Noryangjin Fish Market.
Shopaholic's Dream
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Hunt for unique souvenirs in Insadong or at museum gift shops.
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Get lost in retail heaven at mega malls like The Hyundai, Lotte World Mall, and COEX.
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For beauty lovers, stock up on K-beauty products in Myeongdong.
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Discover hidden gems in trendy neighborhoods like Seongsu, Yeonnam, and Apgujeong.
Top 10 Districts
Jung-gu: The Historic Heart
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Subdistricts: Myeongdong, Euljiro, Dongdaemun
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Highlights: Seoullo 7017, Deoksugung Palace, Namsan Hanok Village, Namsan ParkDongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
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Perfect for: Shoppers, first-time visitors
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Stay: Many budget to mid-range options in Myeongdong and Dongdaemun.Close to shopping, tourist spots, and Euljiro's restaurants and bars.
Mapo-gu: Youthful Energy
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Subdistricts: Mangwon, Hapjeong, Yeonnam, Hongdae, Sinchon
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Highlights: Nanji Hangang Park, World Cup Park, Mangwon Market, Hongik University area.
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Perfect for: Young travelers, art enthusiasts, foodies
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Stay: Variety of guesthouses, hostels, and boutique hotels. Great for those seeking a vibrant atmosphere.
Gangnam-gu: Luxury & Nightlife
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Subdistricts: Gangnam, Cheongdam, Apgujeong, Sinsa
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Highlights: Garosu-gil, Apgujeong Rodeo Street, COEX Mall, Bongeunsa Temple.
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Perfect for: Luxury shoppers, nightlife lovers
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Stay: Range of high-end hotels. Easy access to shopping, dining, and nightlife.
Songpa-gu: Family-Friendly Fun
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Subdistrict: Jamsil
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Highlights: Jamsil Hangang Park, Lotte World, Lotte Mall, Seokchon Lake, Songnidan Street, Olympic Park
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Perfect for: Families, theme park enthusiasts
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Stay: Various accommodations including family-friendly hotels and budget options.
Seoul, the capital and largest city of South Korea, serves as the country’s political, economic, and cultural center. With a population of around 10 million, Seoul seamlessly blends modern skyscrapers with traditional palaces and hanok villages. Notable attractions include Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Gwangjang Market, and Lotte World Tower. As a global city with significant international business and diplomatic activity, Seoul is a must-visit destination in Korea.
Story of #Seoul
Shop at #Seoul
Seoul Destinations
Seoul Destinations
Seoul is living museum of Korea’s past and melting pot of contemporary culture. Public transporatation is well structured to visit all the places in Seoul. Minimum three days to get a glimpse, but if you stay more, you will find hidden local gems and diversity.
