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Seoul Travel Guide

Seoul Travel Guide

Palaces, mountains, markets and K-culture in a 24-hour city.

Photo: Eunmi Park, CC BY-SA 4.0
  • CountrySouth Korea
  • Best forCulture, food, shopping
  • Best timeApril to June and September to November
  • CurrencySouth Korean won
Seoul, officially Seoul Special Metropolitan City, is the capital and largest city of South Korea, and the largest city in the whole of Korea. The broader Seoul Metropolitan Area, encompassing Seoul, Gyeonggi Province and Incheon, emerged as the world's sixth largest metropolitan economy in 2022, behind New York, Tokyo, Los Angeles, Paris, and London, and hosts more than half of South Korea's population. Although Seoul's population peaked at over 10 million, it has gradually decreased since 2014, standing at about 9.6 million residents as of 2024.Source: Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Where to stay in Seoul: hotel tips

Choosing the right neighbourhood matters more than the hotel itself. These are the best areas to base yourself in Seoul:

1

Myeongdong

Shopping and airport bus links

2

Hongdae

Youthful nightlife and indie scene

3

Jongno / Insadong

Close to the palaces and hanok

Hotel booking tips

  • Book central stays near public transport to save time and taxi fares.
  • Choose free-cancellation rates during April to June and September to November, the busiest season.
  • Check recent reviews for noise, air conditioning and Wi-Fi.

Top landmarks in Seoul

Map of Seoul and around

LandmarkCityClick a pin for details

Getting around

Combine walking, public transport and ride-hailing apps for city sightseeing. For day trips and onward travel, compare trains, buses and ferries, or hire a car where roads are quiet.

Nearby landmarks