Seoul South Korea

Overview

Seoul is the South Korean capital where thousand-year-old palaces and temples meet skyscrapers, K-pop and cutting-edge technology. The Han River, mountain-ringed centre, street food and nightlife all sit close together. The fast subway makes it easy to reach mountain trails from downtown.

Getting around

A T-money card works on the subway, buses and taxis and is sold at convenience stores in stations. The subway network is extensive, with English on the screens. From Incheon Airport, the AREX train reaches the city in about 45-60 minutes.

Where to stay

• Jongno and Insadong – The historic core with Gyeongbokgung, hanok houses, tea houses and craft shops.
• Myeongdong – A shopping district of cosmetics stores, fashion and, in the evening, street food stalls.
• Hongdae – A young, creative district around the university with street music, boutique cafes and clubs.
• Itaewon and Hannam – A multicultural area with international restaurants, bars and major museums.
• Gangnam – The modern face of the city, with skyscrapers, K-pop agencies, luxury shops and complexes like COEX.

Guide topics

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  Food & Drink

  Seoul's cuisine is known for fermented flavours, grilled meat and generous side dishes (banchan). Traditional markets, street stalls and hanok cafes are at the heart of its food culture.

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  Museums

  Seoul's museums cover a broad range, from Korea's thousand-year history to contemporary art. Many national museums are free and easy to reach by subway.

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  Hiking

  Surrounded by mountains, Seoul is one of the few capitals where you can reach trails by subway. Routes range from easy walks along the city wall to granite summits.

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  Extreme Sports

  Seoul offers adventure inside the city, from rock climbing and Han River water sports to skyscraper heights. Most activities are reachable by subway and are safest with local guides.

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  Culture

  Seoul keeps the palaces and temples of the Joseon dynasty alive within the modern city. Traditional hanok districts, rituals and performing arts show a living culture.