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Seoul
South Korea
Visit Seoul
Seoul, the vibrant capital of South Korea, offers an exhilarating mix of ancient traditions and cutting-edge digital technology. Home to skyscrapers and lush green parks, bustling markets, and serene Buddhist temples, this city provides an array of experiences for every type of traveler. Seoul's rich history is visible in its palaces and temples, and its streets and alleys are a bustling tableau of the 21st century Korean life.
Begin your journey at the heart of Seoul with a visit to the Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of the Five Grand Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty. This historical gem features beautiful traditional architecture and offers hourly changing of the guard ceremonies that are a spectacle of color and cultural heritage. Not far from here, the Bukchon Hanok Village, lined with beautifully preserved traditional Hanok houses, offers a glimpse into the city's noble past. Wander through its narrow lanes and you might find yourself at a traditional tea house, where you can pause and enjoy the serene atmosphere over a cup of herbal tea.
For a taste of modern Seoul, head to the Myeongdong shopping district, where you can indulge in everything from high-end fashion to popular street food like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and hotteok (sweet syrup-filled pancakes). As night falls, make your way to the Han River for a relaxing cruise or simply enjoy the riverside parks which are popular among locals for picnics and bike rides. Another must-visit is the N Seoul Tower, perched atop Namsan Mountain, offering panoramic views of the sprawling cityscape below.
Seoul also serves as a hub for exploring South Korea’s cultural dynamics. The city’s museums, from the National Museum of Korea to the War Memorial, provide deep insights into the nation's history and culture. Meanwhile, the contemporary art scene can be explored in areas like Insadong and Hongdae, where young artists and musicians push the boundaries of their crafts. Whether you're looking to delve into the history, shop till you drop, or eat your way through spicy and delicious Korean cuisine, Seoul promises an adventure that blends the old with the new in the most seamless and fascinating ways.
Seoul Monthly Weather Conditions
LOW
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HIGH
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DAYS OF PRECIP.
January
21°F
34°F
10
February
27°F
37°F
7
March
34°F
53°F
7
April
46°F
61°F
8
May
57°F
66°F
8
June
64°F
77°F
9
July
73°F
82°F
10
August
73°F
86°F
11
September
57°F
75°F
8
October
50°F
66°F
7
November
34°F
50°F
9
December
30°F
37°F
7
Need to Know Before You Go To Seoul
Nickname:
The Miracle on the Han River
Primary Language:
Korean
Time Zone:
Asia/Seoul
Current Time:
Electric Plug Type:
Type C and Type F
Annual Visitors:
10 million
Primary Export:
Semiconductors
Busiest Travel Months:
October, April, May
Quietest Travel Months:
February, January, December
Find your Next Adventure in Seoul
Explore Seoul
Iconic Landmarks
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Often considered the most beautiful and grandest of the five palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeongbokgung Palace is a stunning example of traditional Korean architecture. Visitors can watch the royal guard changing ceremony and explore the beautifully restored buildings.
N Seoul Tower
Also known as Namsan Seoul Tower, this communication and observation tower is located on Namsan Mountain in central Seoul. It offers panoramic views of the city and is particularly popular at night when the tower and the city are illuminated.
Bukchon Hanok Village
Situated between Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Jongmyo Shrine, Bukchon Hanok Village features hundreds of traditional houses called 'hanok' that date back to the Joseon Dynasty. This residential area has narrow lanes and traditional architecture, offering a glimpse into the city's past.
Changdeokgung Palace and Huwon
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Changdeokgung Palace is renowned for its harmonious blend of buildings with the natural environment. The palace's secret garden, Huwon, is particularly famous for its beautiful landscaping and tranquil scenery.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
Designed by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid, DDP is a major urban development landmark in Seoul, featuring a distinct neo-futuristic design. It serves as a key venue for design-related shows and conferences, exhibitions, and other events and gatherings.
Myeongdong
One of Seoul's main shopping districts, Myeongdong is a bustling area packed with stores, boutiques, and street food vendors. It's a great place to experience the vibrant and youthful culture of modern Seoul, offering everything from high-end cosmetics and fashion to local snacks.
Cultural Experiences
Gyeongbokgung Palace
This is the largest of the Five Grand Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty. Watching the changing of the guard ceremony and exploring the beautiful grounds and architecture gives visitors a glimpse into Korea's royal history. Don't miss the National Folk Museum of Korea, which is located within the palace grounds.
Bukchon Hanok Village
Situated between Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Jongmyo Shrine, Bukchon Hanok Village features hundreds of traditional houses called 'hanok' that date back to the Joseon Dynasty. Walking through this historic district offers a picturesque view of old Korea.
Insadong
Known for its traditional antique shops, art galleries, and tea houses, Insadong is a must-visit for anyone interested in Korean culture and crafts. It's a great place to pick up souvenirs like handmade paper, traditional Korean ceramics, and tea.
Namsan Seoul Tower
Originally a communication and observation tower, it is now a cultural landmark of Seoul. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city from the observation deck and also lock their "love padlocks" at the base of the tower, a popular activity for couples.
Hongdae
Named after Hongik University, this area is known for its youthful and romantic ambiance, vibrant nightlife, and indie music scene. Street performances and urban arts are very much alive in Hongdae, making it a dynamic place to experience modern Korean culture.
DMZ Tour
While technically outside Seoul, a visit to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that separates North and South Korea is a profound cultural and historical experience. Tours often include visits to the Joint Security Area (JSA), the Third Infiltration Tunnel, and the Dora Observatory, where you can look into North Korea.
Outdoor Adventures
Hiking at Bukhansan National Park
Known as the "granite mountain," Bukhansan is located on the northern edge of Seoul and offers various trails ranging from easy to challenging. The park features beautiful scenery, ancient fortresses, and panoramic views of the city from the peak. The Baegundae peak, standing at 836 meters, is the most popular among hikers.
Exploring the Han River (Hangang) Park
The Han River is a vital part of Seoul, and the surrounding park offers numerous recreational activities. You can rent a bike and ride along the extensive cycling paths, enjoy water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding, or simply have a picnic while watching the sunset.
Visiting Namsan Seoul Tower and Namsan Park
Namsan Mountain is centrally located and offers a relatively easy hike up to the N Seoul Tower, a landmark that provides panoramic views of the entire city. The park surrounding the tower is ideal for leisurely walks and features historical and cultural sites including the Namsangol Hanok Village.
DMZ Tours
While not a traditional outdoor adventure, visiting the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that separates North and South Korea is a unique experience that involves outdoor elements.
Climbing at Inwangsan
Inwangsan is another mountain that offers excellent hiking opportunities with less crowd than Bukhansan. The mountain has significant cultural and historical sites, including the Seonbawi rock which is said to resemble a meditating monk. The trails provide stunning views of Seoul’s ancient city walls and the urban skyline.
Exploring the Seoul Forest
Combining nature and urban life, Seoul Forest is a large green space that includes an ecological forest, gardens, a butterfly conservatory, and deer enclosure. It's a perfect spot for families and individuals alike to enjoy outdoor activities, observe wildlife, and relax in a serene environment.
Off the Beaten Path
Explore Ihwa Mural Village
Nestled near Naksan Park, Ihwa Mural Village is a revitalized neighborhood full of art and creativity. Once slated for demolition, the area was saved and transformed by the "Art in the City" project, which introduced beautiful murals and installations throughout the village. It's a great place to enjoy street art, quaint cafes, and stunning views of the city.
Visit Seonyudo Park
Located on an island in the Han River, Seonyudo Park is a former water treatment plant turned into an ecological park. It features beautifully landscaped gardens, greenhouses, and water purification plants turned into aquatic gardens. It's a peaceful retreat from the urban hustle and offers a unique perspective on urban reclamation and sustainability.
Wander through Bukchon Hanok Village at Dawn
While Bukchon Hanok Village is a well-known destination, visiting it at dawn allows you to avoid the crowds and see the traditional Korean houses in a new light. The quiet, early morning hours offer a more serene experience and the opportunity to appreciate the architecture and ambiance without the usual throngs of tourists.
Explore Mullae-dong’s Steel Art Village
Once an industrial area, Mullae-dong has transformed into a unique art district where metal workers and artists coexist. Wander through the streets to discover art galleries, workshops, and murals that showcase the creative spirit of the area. It's a fascinating blend of gritty industrial and vibrant art scenes.
Hike to the Hidden Fortress Walls
For a mix of history and nature, hike along the lesser-known sections of Seoul’s ancient fortress walls, such as the trails near Buam-dong or the city’s northern mountains like Bukhansan.
Visit the Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market
While not completely off the radar, the Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market is an evening event that offers a more local experience compared to daytime markets. Held in various locations around the city, these markets feature a mix of food trucks, handmade crafts, and live performances, providing a lively and authentic glimpse into Seoul’s contemporary culture.
Seoul Fun Facts
Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, is a vibrant metropolis that blends traditional and modern elements. Here are the top 10 fun facts about Seoul:
- Digital Check-ins
Seoul is known for its technological advancements. It was one of the first cities to introduce digital check-in systems at hotels and guesthouses, using smartphones and kiosks.
- Palace Abundance
Seoul is home to five major palaces from the Joseon Dynasty, including Gyeongbokgung, which is the largest and most famous. These palaces are remarkable for their historical value and architectural beauty.
- Cheonggyecheon Stream
This 11-km long, modern public recreation space in downtown Seoul was once a neglected waterway hidden beneath an overpass. Today, it's a vibrant area with walkways, waterfalls, and seasonal flowers.
- N Seoul Tower Love Locks
Couples from around the world visit N Seoul Tower to hang padlocks as a symbol of their love, which has become a popular ritual, creating a colorful spectacle at the tower's fence.
- Jongmyo Shrine
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Jongmyo hosts the oldest preserved royal Confucian shrine where memorial services for the deceased kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty are performed.
- Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain
The world's longest bridge fountain that sets a magical scene over the Han River with nearly 10,000 LED lights creating a stunning visual display.
- Subway System
Seoul's subway system is one of the largest and most efficient in the world, with over 300 stations. The trains are known for their cleanliness, timeliness, and the widespread availability of WiFi.
- DMZ Tours
Seoul is just a short distance from the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which is one of the most heavily militarized borders in the world, separating North and South Korea.
- Theme Cafes
Seoul is famous for its wide variety of themed cafes, ranging from animal cafes (like cat, dog, and even sheep cafes) to more quirky ones like a toilet-themed cafe.
- Fashion Forward
The Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), with its futuristic architecture, is a major urban development landmark in Seoul, hosting fashion shows, design exhibitions, and other cultural events, reflecting Seoul's status as a fashion-forward city.
Featured Picture Gallery
Snap a Picture In Front of the Iconic Seoul Sign
Gyeongbokgung Palace was the Royal Palace for the Joseon Dynasty
The N Seoul Tower is a Communication and Observation Tower on Namsan Mountain
Visit the Bongeunsa Temple, a Traditional Buddhist Temple
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