Seoul Overview
Seoul is a city of incredible contrasts where Joseon-era palaces stand in the shadow of glass skyscrapers, where traditional hanbok coexists with cutting-edge fashion, and where ancient temples are just a subway ride from K-pop entertainment districts.
With over 10 million people in the city (25 million in the metro area), Seoul is one of the world's largest and most technologically advanced cities. Yet despite its ultramodern face, it retains deep connections to its 600-year history as the capital of Korea.
Seoul punches above its weight for travelers. The food scene is world-class and affordable, public transport is exceptional, and K-culture experiences - from K-beauty to K-pop - are far cheaper at the source. Whether you're a foodie, history buff, or Hallyu fan, Seoul delivers.
Good to Know
Seoul is extremely well-connected digitally - free WiFi is everywhere, including the subway. Download Naver Maps (better than Google Maps for Korea), Papago for translation, and KakaoTalk for local communication. T-money cards work for all public transport.
Seoul Cost Breakdown
Seoul offers great value for a major Asian capital. Here's what to expect at different budget levels.
Budget Travel
$70-$100/day- Accommodation: $25-$45 - Guesthouses, hostels, jimjilbangs
- Food: $20-$30 - Korean restaurants, street food
- Transport: $5-$10 - Subway, buses (T-money card)
- Activities: $15-$25 - Palace visits, free attractions
Tip: Stay in a jimjilbang (Korean spa) for a cheap, unique experience with sauna access.
Mid-Range
$150-$250/day- Accommodation: $80-$150 - Boutique hotels, hanok stays
- Food: $40-$60 - Korean BBQ, diverse restaurants
- Transport: $10-$20 - Subway, occasional taxis
- Activities: $40-$60 - DMZ tour, performances, experiences
Tip: Book a traditional hanok stay in Bukchon for an authentic Korean experience.
Luxury
$400+/day- Accommodation: $300+ - 5-star hotels, luxury hanoks
- Food: $100+ - Michelin dining, premium Korean BBQ
- Transport: $30+ - Taxis, private transfers
- Activities: $80+ - VIP tours, exclusive experiences
Tip: The Shilla and Four Seasons offer world-class Korean hospitality.
Detailed Cost Reference
| Item | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guesthouse/Hotel (per night) | $25-$45 | $80-$150 | $300-$700+ |
| Korean BBQ (per person) | $10-$18 | $25-$45 | $80-$150+ |
| Bibimbap | $6-$10 | $12-$18 | $25-$40 |
| Street Food Meal | $3-$8 | ||
| Convenience Store Meal | $4-$8 | ||
| Subway Single Ride | $1.10-$2 | ||
| Palace Entry | $2-$3 each | ||
| DMZ Tour | $45-$100 | ||
| Jimjilbang (spa) Entry | $10-$20 | ||
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Calculate NowBest Time to Visit Seoul
Seoul has four distinct seasons. Spring and autumn are considered the best times to visit.
Spring (April-May)
- Weather: 10-20°C (50-68°F), mild and pleasant
- Crowds: High during cherry blossom season
- Prices: Peak during early April
- Highlights: Cherry blossoms, perfect weather, outdoor festivals
Magical time with cherry blossoms (early April) and perfect weather for exploring palaces and hiking.
Summer (June-August)
- Weather: 25-35°C (77-95°F), hot, humid, monsoon
- Crowds: Lower
- Prices: Good deals available
- Highlights: Festivals, beach trips, summer sales
Hot and humid with monsoon rains in July. Great for indoor activities like shopping and spa experiences.
Autumn (September-November)
- Weather: 10-22°C (50-72°F), crisp and clear
- Crowds: Moderate to high
- Prices: Moderate
- Highlights: Stunning fall foliage, festivals, perfect hiking weather
Arguably the best time with spectacular autumn colors, comfortable weather, and cultural festivals.
Winter (December-February)
- Weather: -7 to 5°C (19-41°F), cold and dry
- Crowds: Low (except holidays)
- Prices: Best deals
- Highlights: Skiing, Christmas markets, winter festivals, jjimjilbangs
Cold but atmospheric. Perfect for warming up in jjimjilbangs, skiing trips, and hot soups.
Where to Stay in Seoul
Seoul is massive. Each neighborhood has its own distinct character - choose wisely.
Myeongdong
Seoul's shopping mecca with endless K-beauty stores, street food, and excellent transport connections. Very central but can feel touristy and commercial. Perfect for first-time visitors.
Best for: First-timers, shoppers, K-beauty enthusiasts
Hongdae
Seoul's coolest neighborhood centered around Hongik University. Street performances, indie music clubs, quirky cafes, and nightlife that runs until sunrise. Young and energetic vibe.
Best for: Young travelers, nightlife lovers, indie music fans
Bukchon / Insadong
Historic neighborhoods with traditional hanok houses, tea shops, and proximity to palaces. Bukchon offers stunning traditional streetscapes. Insadong has art galleries and traditional crafts.
Best for: Culture lovers, photographers, those wanting traditional experience
Gangnam
Seoul's glitzy modern district made famous by PSY. K-pop entertainment companies, luxury shopping, trendy cafes, and Seoul's most upscale nightlife scene.
Best for: K-pop fans, luxury seekers, business travelers
Top Attractions in Seoul
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Seoul's grandest palace, built in 1395. The changing of the guard ceremony is a highlight. Rent a hanbok (traditional dress) for free entry and beautiful photos.
Pro Tip: Wear hanbok for free entry and skip the line. The night opening (seasonal) is magical.
DMZ Tour
Visit the world's most heavily fortified border between North and South Korea. A sobering and fascinating experience including the Joint Security Area (JSA) if available.
Pro Tip: Book the JSA tour (where you can step into North Korea) well in advance. Bring your passport.
Bukchon Hanok Village
Historic village of traditional Korean houses (hanok) nestled between two palaces. The narrow alleys and traditional architecture make for stunning photos.
Pro Tip: Visit early morning for empty streets. Be respectful - people live here. Rent hanbok nearby for the full experience.
N Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower)
Iconic landmark atop Namsan Mountain offering panoramic city views. Famous for the "locks of love" and beautiful at sunset. Cable car or hiking trail access.
Pro Tip: Hike up for free (40 mins) and take the cable car down. Visit at sunset for day and night views.
Free Things to Do in Seoul
Palaces in Hanbok
Wear hanbok for free palace entry
Cheonggyecheon Stream
Beautiful urban stream perfect for walking
Namdaemun & Dongdaemun Markets
Massive traditional markets, free to explore
Bukhansan National Park
Stunning mountain hiking just outside the city
Jogyesa Temple
Beautiful Buddhist temple in the city center
Hongdae Street Performances
Free live music and busking every weekend
Food & Dining in Seoul
Korean cuisine is one of the world's great food cultures. Seoul offers everything from $5 street food to Michelin-starred innovation.
Must-Try Seoul Foods
- Korean BBQ (Samgyeopsal) - $12-$30
Grill your own meat at the table with endless sides. A quintessential Seoul experience.
- Bibimbap - $6-$15
Rice bowl topped with vegetables, meat, and gochujang. Mix it all together!
- Fried Chicken & Beer (Chimaek) - $15-$25
Korean fried chicken with beer - a national obsession. Try honey garlic or spicy yangnyeom.
- Tteokbokki - $3-$6
Spicy rice cakes - the ultimate Korean street food. Addictively chewy and fiery.
- Kimchi Jjigae - $6-$10
Comforting kimchi stew with pork. Perfect for cold days or hangovers.
Budget Eating Tips
- Kimbap Restaurants: Korean "sushi rolls" and set meals from $3-$6. Look for Kimbap Cheonguk chain.
- Convenience Stores: CU, GS25, and 7-Eleven have excellent ready meals, ramen stations, and fresh options.
- Market Food: Gwangjang Market has legendary street food - try mayak gimbap and bindaetteok.
- Lunch Sets: Many restaurants offer cheaper set lunches (점심특선) with the same food as dinner.
- Side Dishes are Free: Korean restaurants offer unlimited free banchan (side dishes) with every meal.
Getting Around Seoul
Seoul has one of the world's best public transport systems. Clean, efficient, cheap, and easy to navigate.
Transport Tips
- Get T-money Immediately: Available at convenience stores and subway stations. Essential for Seoul travel.
- Use Naver Maps: More accurate than Google Maps for Korean transit. Download the app.
- Avoid Rush Hour: 8-9:30 AM and 6-8 PM on weekdays are extremely crowded, especially Line 2.
- Taxis are Affordable: Metered and honest. Use KakaoTaxi app for no-hassle hailing. Accept T-money cards.
Money-Saving Tips for Seoul
Wear Hanbok to Palaces
Rent hanbok ($10-$20) and get free entry to all palaces. Great photos and cultural experience too!
Stay in Jimjilbangs
Korean spas let you sleep overnight for $10-$15. Includes sauna access, a unique cultural experience.
Eat at Markets
Gwangjang and Namdaemun markets offer delicious food at local prices. Better value than restaurants.
Use Convenience Stores
GS25, CU, and 7-Eleven have excellent cheap food. Instant ramen stations, kimbap, and ready meals.
Get Combined Palace Ticket
The Integrated Palace Pass ($10) covers all five major palaces - great value if visiting multiple.
Visit in Shoulder Season
Late March, May, and September-October offer best weather with manageable prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Budget travelers can spend $70-$100/day staying in guesthouses and eating Korean food. Mid-range travelers typically spend $150-$250/day with boutique hotels and diverse dining. Luxury travelers should budget $400+ for 5-star hotels and premium experiences.
Seoul is extremely safe - one of the safest major cities in the world. Violent crime is rare, the subway runs late, and you can walk anywhere at night. Keep normal urban awareness but don't worry about safety.
English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and by younger Koreans. Subway and signs have English. Learning basic phrases is appreciated but not essential. Download Papago for translation.
AREX express train is fastest and cheapest to Seoul Station (43 mins, $9). Airport limousine buses go to various neighborhoods ($10-$16, 60-90 mins). Taxis cost $50-$80. AREX is best for most travelers.
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