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Your Travel Guide to Seoul, South Korea
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items I lived in Seoul for two years, and it’s still one of my favorite cities I’ve ever lived in. There’s always something new to discover. Streets never look the same. You could visit so many times and still have places left to explore!
Sections
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Before you arrive...
.. book your stay
and look for once-in-a-lifetime activities.
You can also discover Seoul gems,
or take a day trip!
Before you arrive...
A few things are better to sort out before you get there! Taking care of the basics ahead of time will make your trip a little easier.
I highly recommend to get an esim to be able to navigate the island. You probably have seen that there is free Wi-Fi a lot of places in Korea, and although it is true in public places, you do need to go to these places. And a lot of nice spots are up...
.. get your eSIM for international travel
If you don't have travel insurance with your credit card, it is always a good idea to get travel insurance. Better safe than sorry!
.. get travel insurance coverage for Korea
A great option if you’re looking for a suitcase that can handle longer trips without feeling like you’re playing Tetris every time you pack. The 29” size gives you plenty of room, while the clean design and maple color make it look a little more elev...
.. grab a suitcase: The Large Check-In Roller in Maple
If you like having everything you need within easy reach, this mini weekender is a great carry-on option. It’s compact enough for travel but still gives you plenty of space for the essentials, with a structured design that makes it easy to stay organ...
.. and a carry-on: The Mini Weekender in Maple
.. book your stay
There are so many great hotels in Seoul, from affordable and simple stays to beautiful luxury hotels. Here are a few options in different areas and price ranges to help you find the right fit for your trip.
If you want to stay somewhere with a traditional Korean feel while still having modern comforts, Hanok Hotel DAAM is a great option. It’s in Jongno, close to Changdeokgung Palace and other historic areas, so it’s really convenient for exploring Seoul...
Hanok Hotel DAAM Seoul
If you’re looking for a more luxurious stay in Seoul, L’Escape is a beautiful boutique-style hotel in the Myeongdong area. The interiors have a unique French-inspired design, and the rooms feel much more special than a typical city hotel. Prices gene...
L'Escape, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seoul Myeongdong
It is a great pick if you want a modern hotel in a really convenient location. It’s right in Myeongdong, so you’re close to shopping, restaurants, cafés, and public transportation. Rooms are usually around $210–$440+ per night, depending on the dates...
Aloft by Marriott Seoul Myeongdong
If you want a more upscale stay right in the heart of Seoul, The Grand Lotte Seoul is a great choice. It’s in a super convenient location near Myeongdong and City Hall, with plenty of shopping, restaurants, and attractions nearby. Rooms are generally...
The Grand Lotte Seoul
If you want a classic luxury hotel in the heart of Seoul, The Westin Josun Seoul is a beautiful option. It’s right between Myeongdong, City Hall, and Gwanghwamun, so you’re within easy reach of shopping, restaurants, and historic sights. Rooms are ge...
Westin Josun Seoul Hotel
If you’re looking for a stylish stay away from the busiest tourist areas, Hotel Inspiroom Jongro is a great option. The rooms are modern, spacious, and some come with a kitchenette, while the hotel also has a hot tub and sauna for relaxing after a da...
Hotel Inspiroom Jongro
and look for once-in-a-lifetime activities.
All of these activities are a great way to make your trip in Seoul memorable!
This is a fun way to bring home a souvenir that you actually made yourself. You’ll spend about an hour shaping and finishing your own wooden chopsticks in Insadong, with the option to add a personalized engraving.
Traditional Chopstick-Making Workshop
If you want a special souvenir from Seoul, a hanbok photoshoot at Gyeongbokgung Palace is such a memorable experience. The photographer guides you through poses and takes you to some of the best spots around the palace, with edited photos and Polaroi...
Professional Hanbok Photography at Gyeongbok Palace
For a more hands-on way to experience Korean culture, this cooking class takes place in a 100-year-old hanok. You’ll learn how to make traditional Korean dishes while getting a feel for a beautiful piece of Seoul’s history.
Royal Seoul Cooking Class in a 100-Year-Old Hanok
If you’re a K-pop fan, this is a fun way to experience a little bit of the Korean entertainment world for yourself. You’ll learn a K-pop choreography and get to film and edit a video of your performance to take home as a fun souvenir.
Kpop Dance Class Including Video Shooting & Editing
You can also discover Seoul gems,
Seoul has something for everyone! From exploring lively neighborhoods and trying amazing food to shopping, cafés, and cultural experiences, you’ll never run out of things to do.
A great way to see a different side of Seoul beyond the main tourist spots. This tour combines historic neighborhoods, local sights, and a stop at Gwangjang Market, where you can try some classic Korean street food. It is my favorite market!
Visit Gyeongbok Palace, Hanok Village, and Gwangjang Market
Gwangjang Market is my favorite market in Seoul, especially if you love food. There are so many options to choose from, so a food tour like this is a great way to try a little bit of everything and discover some Korean favorites along the way.
Seoul Street Food Market Tour
One of the best spots to get a view of Seoul from above. Taking the cable car up Namsan makes the experience even more fun, and the panoramic views from the tower are especially beautiful around sunset or after dark.
N Seoul Tower Observatory & Cable Car Ticket
For another incredible view of Seoul, head up to Seoul Sky at Lotte World Tower. It’s a great spot to see just how huge the city is, especially on a clear day or around sunset.
Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky Observatory Ticket
Lotte World is such a fun day out in Seoul! It’s a huge indoor and outdoor theme park with rides, shows, and plenty to explore. I’d definitely recommend it if you’re looking for something fun to do.
Lotte World Ticket in Seoul
Watching a baseball game at Jamsil Stadium is such a fun way to experience Seoul like a local. The atmosphere is lively, and this experience includes dinner and drinks, so you can enjoy the game without having to figure out where to eat beforehand.
Jamsil Baseball Stadium Game Experience with Dinner
or take a day trip!
Seoul is a great base for exploring beyond the city. These are some of my favorite day trips for a change of scenery!
Seeing the DMZ in person is really impressive and such a unique way to learn a little more about Korea’s history. This tour includes the 3rd Tunnel and the option to visit a suspension bridge, making it a memorable experience outside of Seoul.
DMZ Tour & North Korean Defector Q&A
This is a great day trip if you want to get out of the city and see more of Korea. Nami Island is especially beautiful during fall or cherry blossom season, when the scenery is absolutely amazing. The trip also includes Seoraksan and the Garden of Mo...
Mt.Seorak, Nami Island & Garden of Morning Calm
This is a nice day trip for seeing a few different sides of Korea in one go. You’ll get to explore Suwon Hwaseong, visit the unique Gwangmyeong Cave, and stop by the impressive Starfield Library. It’s a good option if you want something beyond the us...
Suwon Hwaseong, Gwangmyeong Cave & Starfield Library