Seoul

Travel Guide

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

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 street scenes, signage and outdoor art

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. Cheonggyecheon 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
Dongdaemun Design Plaza showing 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
ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun

ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun

4 out of 5
36, Sejong-daero 11-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
The price is RM688 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
RM688
RM757 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
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! (2,827 reviews)
"Actually quite impressed with our stay."

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun
LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong

LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong

4 out of 5
362, Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
The price is RM521 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
RM521
RM573 total
5 Aug - 6 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,594 reviews)
"The property is clean and convenient but the room is starting to show the age so a refresh is needed."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong
Toyoko Inn Seoul Gangnam

Toyoko Inn Seoul Gangnam

3 out of 5
323 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul
The price is RM331 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
RM331
RM364 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,674 reviews)
"good location, easy access for checkin-out. I would like to stay there again overall"

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Toyoko Inn Seoul Gangnam
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.
Orakai Insadong Suites

Orakai Insadong Suites

4 out of 5
18 Insadong 4-Gil Jongno-Gu, Seoul, Seoul
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,379 reviews)
"The best place in Seoul!!"

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

Orakai Insadong Suites
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (127 reviews)
"Great for the price but our bathroom had really bad"

Reviewed on 12 Jun 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 WiFi, free parking, and a casino. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,405 reviews)
Good Hotel, Disappointing Breakfast
"The hotel's location is convenient: you can access COEX without exiting the building (good for those awful rainy days in Seoul). The room was huge, with all the amenities one could want. It was quite clean, although a bit outdated. The view from the 15th floor was great. The staff was nice and helpful, ..."

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

Oakwood Premier Coex Center
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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