Seoul Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Seoul showing modern architecture and a city as well as a small group of people
Myeongdong featuring shopping as well as a small group of people
Seocho-gu which includes a river or creek, a city and night scenes
Lotte World Tower showing a bay or harbour, a high-rise building and a city
Myeongdong showing a city and central business district as well as a small group of people

Seoul Travel Guide Video

The South Korean metropolis has some of Asia’s busiest markets and nightlife districts alongside tranquil teahouses and palaces surrounded by gardens.

Seoul is brimming with youthful vibrancy. Art galleries, cinemas, bars and boutiques are dotted all over the city. Seoulites are also in touch with their past, and you’ll find plenty of instances of traditional Korean culture in palaces and theatres. 

Korea has suffered from many conflicts, and some of the bruises still show in Seoul. The city’s Five Grand Palaces are testament to this all of these complexes have been destroyed or badly damaged. Today they have largely been restored to their former glory and house national treasures, art and traditional architecture. For particularly fine examples of these palaces, visit Gyeongbokgung, Deoksugung and Changgyeonggung.

Locals possess optimism and friendliness in abundance. Younger Seoulites will be eager to use their language skills to help you out, and older residents, although not as proficient with their English, are still overwhelmingly warm. 

Shopping opportunities in Seoul are boundless. Choose from designer outlets in Myeongdong, traditional craft shops at Insadong and bargain malls at the huge Dongdaemun Market. Wear your new attire while exploring the city’s nightlife. Hongdae Young Street has an eclectic collection of bars, clubs, live music and independent cinema. 

Soak up classic Korean culture at venues like Chongdong Theatre. Here, you can marvel at spectaculars featuring traditional music, dance and costume. Sample local cuisine at well-priced stalls and restaurants that serve Korean classics such as kalguksu (“knife noodles”) or donkas (deep-fried pork cutlets). Foodies will want to pay homage to the Korean national dish (kimchi) at the Pulmuone Kimchi Museum.  Kimchi is a fermented vegetable (cabbage, radish or cucumber) dish seasoned with spices. Finish your dining experience with a visit to one of Seoul’s excellent teahouses.

When you want some quiet time, escape to one of Seoul’s regenerated areas, such as Cheonggyecheon Stream. This stretch of water in the city centre features greenery, wildlife and local art. It’s a great example of Seoul’s ability to innovate, educate and entertain all at once.

Seoul has hot summers and cold winters. The best time to visit is around March through May (spring), or September through November (fall) . Navigate the city using the well-priced and efficient subway system, considered one of the best in the world.

Where to stay in Seoul

Myeongdong featuring shopping, night scenes and street scenes

Myeong-dong

Enjoy the popular shops in Myeong-dong. Myeongdong Street is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Myeong-dong Station or Euljiro 1-ga Station to see more of Seoul.

Myeong-dong
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Gangnam-gu

4.5/5(53 area reviews)

Gangnam-gu is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Starfield COEX Mall and Bongeunsa Temple. See more of Seoul by jumping on the metro at Cheongdam Station or Gangnam-gu Office Station.

Gangnam-gu
Hongdae featuring street scenes, a city and signage

Hongdae

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Hongdae. Spend some time visiting top spots like Hongdae Street, and catch the metro at Hongik University Station or Mangwon Station to see more of the area.

Hongdae
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Dongdaemun-gu

4/5(3 area reviews)

You might enjoy the shopping while in Dongdaemun-gu. Gyeongdong Market is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Yongdu Station or Jegi-dong Station to see more of the city.

Dongdaemun-gu
Gwangjang Traditional Market which includes signage

Jongno-gu

4.5/5(45 area reviews)

Jongno-gu is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Sejong Cultural Center and National Museum of Korean Contemporary History. See more of Seoul by jumping on the metro at Gwanghwamun Station or Jonggak Station.

Jongno-gu
Dongdaemun Design Plaza which includes modern architecture as well as a couple

Jung-gu

4.5/5(171 area reviews)

Myeongdong Street and Namdaemun Market are top sights in Jung-gu, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Euljiro 4-ga Station or Chungmuro Station to see more sights in the area.

Jung-gu
LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong

LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong

4 out of 5
362, Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
The price is AU$214 per night from 27 Aug to 28 Aug
AU$214
27 Aug - 28 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,604 reviews)
"The Lobby Associates were incredibly gracious, kind and professional."

Reviewed on 26 Jul. 2025

LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong
ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun

ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun

4 out of 5
36, Sejong-daero 11-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
The price is AU$242 per night from 30 July to 31 July
AU$242
30 July - 31 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,841 reviews)
"Our family of 2 adults & 3 teenagers stayed in the Presidential Suite which is beyond huge. We were able to stay together but have our own space. 3 bathrooms too which was a luxury. The hotel is very well placed for tourism and metro/trains. The ladies on the front desk were extremely helpful, special ..."

Reviewed on 25 Jul. 2025

ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun
Fairfield by Marriott Seoul

Fairfield by Marriott Seoul

4 out of 5
870, GYEONGIN-RO YEONGDEUNGPO-GU, Seoul
The price is AU$129 per night from 30 July to 31 July
AU$129
30 July - 31 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,011 reviews)
"Good service by the staff to assign room away from construction noise. Good location for food and transport to malls and airport."

Reviewed on 22 Jul. 2025

Fairfield by Marriott Seoul
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Orakai Insadong Suites

Orakai Insadong Suites

4 out of 5
18 Insadong 4-Gil Jongno-Gu, Seoul, Seoul
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,386 reviews)
"Really an amazing hotel/condo. Staff very helpful Pros: The size of the appartment is very large, making very comfortable for a family stay. Pool is very nice and warm Clean hotel 5 min walk to a metro station Close to shops and restaurants and arts and crafts stores Cons: nothing!! Will definitely ..."

Reviewed on 23 Jul. 2025

Orakai Insadong Suites
Le Collective Gangnam SAC ROIUM

Le Collective Gangnam SAC ROIUM

3 out of 5
30 Banpo-daero 16-gil, Seoul, Seoul
Stay at this 3-star residence in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Starfield COEX Mall and Lotte World ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (127 reviews)
"Great for the price but our bathroom had really bad"

Reviewed on 12 Jun. 2025

Le Collective Gangnam SAC ROIUM
Oakwood Premier Coex Center

Oakwood Premier Coex Center

5 out of 5
46, Teheran-ro 87-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Seoul
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a casino. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,405 reviews)
Good Hotel, Disappointing Breakfast
"The hotel's location is convenient: you can access COEX without exiting the building (good for those awful rainy days in Seoul). The room was huge, with all the amenities one could want. It was quite clean, although a bit outdated. The view from the 15th floor was great. The staff was nice and helpful, ..."

Reviewed on 17 Jul. 2025

Oakwood Premier Coex Center
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Seoul