Neon lights, delectable eats, historic sites, renowned skincare, and vibrant nightlife are a few of the many draws of South Korea’s capital, Seoul. The city is home to nearly ten million people, roughly twenty percent of South Korea’s population. As the figures allude, the city is constantly bustling with excitement and hosts much of the country’s rich culture. It’s the perfect destination for any world traveler.
Things to Know When Traveling in Seoul, South Korea
- Google Maps doesn’t work in South Korea. Although we could access Apple Maps, the information wasn’t always accurate. Kakao and Naver Maps were both recommended as useful navigation apps for Seoul.
- Most hotels, restaurants, bars, and activities accept credit cards. Having some local currency on hand is helpful if you’re planning to visit street markets or vendors.
- Seoul is a very walkable city, we mainly explored on foot. A subway system is also available if you’d prefer to walk less. Subway tickets, or T-Money cards, can be purchased at the airport upon arrival.
- Ubers and taxis are also available in Seoul. To hail taxis, download the Kakao T app.
- Tipping isn’t customary and can even be seen as rude.
- Seoul’s crime rate is low and we felt completely safe there!
Where to Stay in Seoul, South Korea
Four Seasons Hotel Seoul
I’d never stayed at a Four Seasons before Seoul, and I’ve got to admit, the hype is real. While I usually gravitate toward boutique hotels and charming inns, it was fun to splurge on the full five-star experience. The hotel sits in the Jongno-gu district, just a ten-minute walk from Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of the city’s must-sees. Like most Four Seasons, it’s not exactly budget-friendly, but thanks to a favorable exchange rate (USD to KRW), the price felt slightly less eye—watering than usual. If you’re in the mood to treat yourself, this one’s worth the splurge.
Ryse Hotel
I didn’t stay at Ryse myself, but it came highly recommended by a coworker who frequents Seoul. It’s a more cost-effective option that doesn’t sacrifice style, located in the heart of Hongdae: a dynamic, youth-driven neighborhood packed with bars, restaurants, and live music. If you’re looking for something unique and design-forward in a lively part of the city, this could be a great fit.
Things to Do in Seoul, South Korea
Changdeokgung Palace
Built in 1405, Changdeokgung Palace is one of the most significant (and best-preserved) remnants of Korea’s Joseon dynasty. The sprawling complex includes elegant villas, tranquil ponds, and the famed Secret Garden tucked behind its gates. Keep an eye out for palace guards dressed in vibrant hanbok, Korea’s traditional clothing, which adds a colorful dose of history to the experience.
Explore Seoul’s Cafe Culture
Seoul is packed with cafes—thousands of them. No matter where you turn, there’s a coffee shop (or three) on every block, which can make narrowing down where to go a bit overwhelming. To help cut through the noise, I’ve pulled together a few standout spots worth adding to your list.
Onion Anguk is a fan favorite, and for good reason. Housed in a century-old hanok, the space blends traditional architecture with a modern café feel. It’s also TikTok-famous, so expect a line if you show up during peak hours. For something more peaceful, Cha Teul offers tea and coffee in another restored hanok, complete with a calm, garden-like setting. And if you find yourself near Changdeokgung Palace, Cafe Sangguk is a charming surprise we stumbled upon mid-exploration.
Order a Cocktail at Bar Cham
The same coworker who pointed me toward Ryse Hotel also recommended Bar Cham, and it didn’t disappoint. “Cham” means oak in Korean, a fitting name for a space that’s filled with beautiful, old oak beams and warm, minimalist design. The cocktail menu highlights native Korean spirits, most of which I’d never heard of, so I asked the bartender for a recommendation. The drink he crafted (pictured below) was incredible. Easily the best cocktail of our trip, and maybe even of the year.
Gwangjang Market
If you’ve seen “Street Food” on Netflix, Gwangjang Market likely sounds familiar. The market is a major street food destination in Seoul and a great place to experience local cuisine. We stopped at one of the many vendor stands in the middle of the market and asked to try their two most popular dishes. One was a Udon noodle and dumpling soup, and the other was a gochujang rice and noodle dish with vegetables. It was the perfect lunch—filling, flavorful, and inexpensive!
Rye’s Ceramics
If you’re looking for thoughtful, design-forward souvenirs, Rye’s Ceramics is a must. The shop is full of beautifully crafted pieces that make perfect gifts for friends and family back home. The owner was incredibly kind, helping us choose two coffee mugs and wrapping them with care like little works of art. She even tucked in a ceramic incense holder as a thank you for stopping by. The shop is just around the corner from the Changdeokgung Palace entrance, making it an easy and worthwhile stop during your visit.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace, built in 1395, is the oldest and one of the grandest palaces in Seoul. Like Changdeokgung, it was home to key figures of the Joseon dynasty and holds a huge place in Korea’s history. While I personally preferred the charm and serenity of Changdeokgung, Gyeongbokgung is also worth a visit, especially since it’s right in the same neighborhood.
Eat Korean BBQ & Fried Chicken
If you’re heading to South Korea, Korean BBQ and fried chicken are experiences you definitely won’t want to skip (unless you’re vegetarian, of course). Seoul’s BBQ spots tend to specialize in either pork or beef, though some offer both. And fried chicken is wildly popular here, especially paired with an ice-cold Cass, the country’s favorite light beer. It’s a flavor combo that’s hard to beat.
Indulge at Charles H
Charles H has been crowned the best bar in Korea, and the prices definitely match that reputation. Expect to spend around 30,000 won per cocktail, depending on what you order. That said, every drink we had, from a rich umami old-fashioned to a cherry-infused Manhattan, was worth every won.
Bonus: sitting at the bar earned us a complimentary small cocktail, which definitely softens the price tag and makes the experience feel even more special. Definitely a stop worth making if you’re into expertly crafted drinks.
Until next time, Seoul…