Top reasons to visit Seoul
- Vibrant Shopping Scene: Seoul boasts an eclectic mix of shopping centres and bustling public markets, perfect for retail therapy.
- Rich Cultural Experiences: Explore traditional Korean houses in Bukchon Hanok Village and historic palaces that showcase the city's heritage.
- Stunning Views: Enjoy panoramic vistas from the iconic N Seoul Tower, a must-visit landmark.
- Dynamic Nightlife: Experience lively nightlife and live music, providing entertainment for every visitor.
- Diverse Accommodation: Choose from luxurious hotels to charming guesthouses, catering to all preferences.
Find great hotels in Seoul
Discover a diverse range of hotel accommodations in Seoul, from luxurious hotels to charming guesthouses. Whether you're seeking a pet-friendly retreat, a base for business travel, or proximity to vibrant shopping districts, Seoul has it all. Explore top options like Hotel28 Myeongdong and Star Hotel for an exceptional stay in this dynamic city.
- LOTTE CITY HOTEL MYEONGDONG: Situated in the bustling shopping district of Myeongdong, LOTTE CITY HOTEL MYEONGDONG is a 4-star hotel that combines modern comfort with convenience. With a guest rating of 9.0 out of 10, this property is ideal for travellers seeking a blend of leisure and business. The hotel offers a range of amenities including a fitness centre, meeting rooms, and an on-site restaurant serving delectable Korean and international cuisine. Its location allows easy access to popular shopping destinations and cultural sites, making it a great base for exploration.
- NINE TREE BY PARNAS SEOUL MYEONDONG 2: Another excellent choice in the heart of Seoul, NINE TREE BY PARNAS SEOUL MYEONDONG 2 is a 4-star accommodation with a guest rating of 9.0 out of 10. This hotel is particularly suited for business travellers, featuring well-equipped meeting spaces and a business centre. Guests can enjoy comfortable rooms with modern dรฉcor and amenities, alongside a cafรฉ that provides a relaxing atmosphere to unwind. Its prime location ensures easy connectivity to business hubs and attractions, making it a convenient option for both work and leisure.
- L7 GANGNAM by LOTTE HOTELS: Embracing the vibrant city life, L7 GANGNAM by LOTTE HOTELS is a stylish 4-star hotel with an impressive guest rating of 9.2 out of 10. Located in the energetic Gangnam district, this hotel caters to business-minded travellers looking for a city-themed experience. The hotel boasts modern facilities including a rooftop bar with stunning city views, a fitness centre, and spacious meeting rooms. With its contemporary design and close proximity to major business and entertainment centres, L7 GANGNAM offers an ideal setting for a productive yet enjoyable stay.
Where to stay in Seoul
Seoul, a vibrant metropolis, offers an enchanting blend of culture, history, and urban life, making it perfect for family getaways or business trips. Explore the charming traditional Korean houses in Bukchon Hanok Village, immerse yourself in the bustling streets of Myeongdong, and soak in the stunning views from Namsan Tower. Venture to nearby regions like Incheon and Suwon for a delightful mix of friendly locals and picturesque scenery, ensuring an unforgettable experience in South Korea.
- Myeong-dong: Situated in the heart of Seoul, Myeong-dong is a vibrant neighbourhood renowned for its bustling shopping streets and rich cultural experiences. Visitors flock here year-round, with peak times in March to April and September. This area is a haven for family, city-themed, and business-themed travellers. Explore the myriad of shops, from high-end brands to quirky street vendors, and indulge in delicious street food. Myeong-dong is also close to historic sites and parks, making it an ideal spot for both leisure and exploration.
- Gangnam-gu: Famously known from the global hit song Gangnam Style, Gangnam-gu is a dynamic district that embodies modern Seoul. With a steady influx of visitors, especially during June to July and September, this area caters to families and business travellers alike. Gangnam-gu is dotted with upscale shopping centres and malls, offering a luxurious retail experience. Additionally, the district is home to convention centres and parks, providing ample opportunities for relaxation amidst the urban hustle.
- Hongdae: Known for its youthful energy and artistic vibe, Hongdae is a trendy neighbourhood popular among locals and tourists. Visitor numbers peak in August and October to November, with families and city explorers frequenting the area. The streets are lined with eclectic shops, lively public markets, and educational institutions, making it a culturally rich experience. Hongdae also boasts vibrant street performances and a mix of historic and modern attractions, perfect for those seeking a taste of Seoul's creative spirit.
Things to do in and around Seoul
Shopping
Explore the vibrant streets of Myeongdong, where you'll find an array of cosmetics, fashion boutiques, and street food stalls. Head to Dongdaemun Design Plaza for unique designs and a lively night market atmosphere. For a more upscale experience, COEX Mall offers luxury brands and a vast selection of goods.
Recreation
In Seoul, the Dragon Hill Spa offers a traditional jjimjilbang experience with various saunas and baths, ideal for relaxation. Nearby, the Forest Healing Spa provides a serene environment for rejuvenating treatments, incorporating natural elements to enhance your wellness journey amidst the city's vibrant energy.
Adventure
Experience the thrill of Misari Motorboat Racing Park, located 21km from Seoul, where you can engage in exhilarating motor racing activities. For a scenic adventure, take a ride on the Namsan Cable Car, offering stunning views of the city and a delightful outdoor experience in the heart of Seoul.
Nightlife
Experience Seoul's vibrant nightlife at the lively Hongdae area, known for its eclectic bars and live music venues. For a more upscale scene, visit the luxurious clubs in Gangnam, where trendy cocktails and stylish crowds await. Don't miss the unique themed cafes that add a distinctive twist to your evening out.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Seoul
To save money on your trip to Seoul, consider visiting between January and March for lower accommodation prices. Utilise the extensive subway system for affordable transport, and explore free attractions like Myeongdong Street and Bukchon Hanok Village. For the best hotel deals, book about a month in advance and look for last-minute offers on platforms like Expedia. Wednesdays tend to be the cheapest nights to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities in an Expedia package can also yield additional savings.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Seoul are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April, October and December, where prices are slightly higher.
- The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel in Seoul about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Seoul is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay in Seoul is Saturday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expediaโs search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can organise your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your selections by hotel type; for instance, if you select the Eco-certified filter, you'll be presented with sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel booking in Seoul with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions in Seoul
Seoul is an ideal destination for family, city, and business-themed holidays, boasting a variety of attractions such as urban parks, museums, and art galleries. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich culture while enjoying outdoor experiences. Noteworthy sites include the iconic N Seoul Tower, various museums, and historic palaces, making it a vibrant hub for exploration and adventure.
- Lotte World: A vibrant theme park located in the heart of Seoul, Lotte World offers a delightful blend of indoor and outdoor attractions, including thrilling rides, an ice skating rink, and cultural performances. Families will appreciate the enchanting atmosphere and myriad entertainment options that cater to all ages.
- Lotte World Tower: Standing tall as one of the tallest buildings in the world, Lotte World Tower features breathtaking panoramic views of Seoul from its observation deck. The tower houses luxury shopping, fine dining, and a cinema, encapsulating the city's dynamic urban lifestyle.
- N Seoul Tower: Perched atop Namsan Mountain, N Seoul Tower provides stunning views of the city skyline. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely hike or cable car ride to the top, where they can take in the sunset and partake in the unique tradition of leaving love locks.
Best time to go to Seoul
The best time to visit Seoul is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with frequent rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Seoul
Flying into Seoul is convenient with its major airports. Incheon International Airport (ICN) is situated 50km from the city centre, with excellent hotels nearby such as the 5-star Paradise City and Grand Hyatt Incheon, both 3km away, offering easy access to the airport. Gimpo International Airport (GMP) is closer, located 16km away, and features luxurious options like the Swiss Grand Hotel and Mayfield Hotel Seoul, providing various transportation services to the airport. For those considering Cheongju International Airport (CJJ), it is located 105km from Seoul, with nearby hotels like the 4-star ENFORD Hotel just 5km away, ensuring a comfortable stay for visitors.