Gyeongbokgung Palace
Grand Joseon Dynasty palace with changing of the guard ceremony
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About Seoul
Seoul is a city of extraordinary contrasts where 600-year-old palaces stand in the shadows of glass towers, and narrow alleyways filled with street food vendors lead to Michelin-starred restaurants. The Han River divides the city between the historic north and the modern south, home to the Gangnam district. As one of Asia's most sophisticated cities, Seoul delivers world-class infrastructure, a thriving K-pop and entertainment scene, and some of the world's best street food.
- Capital
- Seoul
- Largest city
- Seoul
- Population
- 9.7 million
- Languages
- Korean
- Currency
- South Korean Won
- Time zone
- KST (UTC+9)
Explore Seoul by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Seoul
The 3 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Bukchon Hanok Village
Historic neighborhood with traditional Korean hanok houses
N Seoul Tower
Iconic tower with panoramic city views from Namsan Mountain
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Seoul Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Seoul, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Seoul
- Days 1-2Seoul city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Seoul
- Days 1-3Seoul comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Seoul, departure
Where to stay in Seoul
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget $40
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range $100
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury $300+
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Lotte Hotel Seoul
Lotte Hotel Seoul is the most iconic luxury hotel in the city, located in the heart of Myeongdong shopping district. The hotel's twin towers offer 1,120 rooms and suites with panoramic city views, multiple award-winning restaurants, an executive club, and the Fitness & Leisure Center with an indoor pool. It remains the preferred choice for visiting heads of state and dignitaries.
The Shilla Seoul
The Shilla Seoul is one of Korea's most prestigious hotels, operated by Samsung's hospitality group. Set in a serene location surrounded by 23 acres of garden, the hotel offers exceptional Korean dining at La Yeon (three Michelin stars), a world-class spa, and impeccable Korean-style service. Its blend of traditional Korean aesthetics and modern luxury makes it unique among Seoul's top hotels.
Four Seasons Hotel Seoul
The Four Seasons Hotel Seoul opened in 2015 and occupies a prime location near Gyeongbokgung Palace in the historic Gwanghwamun area. The 317-room hotel features the acclaimed Mun restaurant, a spectacular rooftop pool, a 2,500 square meter spa, and some of the city's largest rooms. Its location between the historic north Seoul and the business district makes it ideal for first-time visitors.
Park Hyatt Seoul
The Park Hyatt Seoul occupies the top floors of the COEX complex in Gangnam, offering minimalist luxury with floor-to-ceiling windows and stunning city views. The hotel's design aesthetic draws on the concept of 'house in the sky,' with open-plan rooms that blur the boundaries between sleeping, bathing, and living spaces. The rooftop pool and bar are highlights of the Seoul luxury scene.
Where to eat in Seoul
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
La Yeon
La Yeon at The Shilla Hotel is Korea's most decorated restaurant, holding three Michelin stars and consistently ranked among Asia's best restaurants. Chef Kim Sung Il presents refined Korean royal court cuisine using premium seasonal ingredients from across Korea, served in an elegant dining room with views of Namsan Mountain. The tasting menus are a journey through the finest expressions of Korean culinary tradition.
Gaon
Gaon is a three Michelin-starred restaurant in Gangnam that celebrates the philosophy of Korean royal cuisine with contemporary refinement. Set in a beautiful traditional-style space, Gaon's multi-course tasting menus present dishes inspired by ancient Korean court recipes, prepared with the finest seasonal Korean ingredients. The restaurant is considered one of the best expressions of Korean fine dining in the world.
Mingles
Mingles, helmed by chef Mingoo Kang, is a celebrated two Michelin-starred restaurant in Gangnam that inventively blends Korean culinary traditions with contemporary global techniques. The result is creative, beautiful dishes that bridge Korean flavors with international sensibilities. Considered one of the most exciting fine dining destinations in Seoul.
Jungsik
Jungsik is a two Michelin-starred restaurant by chef Jung Sik Yim that pioneered 'New Korean' cuisine, applying modernist techniques to traditional Korean ingredients and flavor profiles. The elegant Cheongdam-dong restaurant serves sophisticated tasting menus that have influenced a generation of Korean chefs. Jungsik's New York outpost also holds two Michelin stars.
Tosokchon Samgyetang
Tosokchon is Seoul's most famous samgyetang (ginseng stuffed chicken soup) restaurant, renowned for its restorative and deeply flavored broth. Located in a series of connected traditional buildings near Gyeongbokgung Palace, the restaurant serves its iconic dish in a thick ceramic pot with ginseng, jujubes, and glutinous rice. The queues can be long, but the experience is essential Seoul.
Maple Tree House Itaewon
Maple Tree House is one of Seoul's most celebrated Korean BBQ restaurants, famous for its premium aged Hanwoo beef grilled over charcoal. Set in a beautiful restored hanok in Itaewon Hill, the restaurant offers an elevated BBQ experience with exceptional meat quality, comprehensive side dishes (banchan), and an excellent Korean wine and spirits list. A benchmark for Korean BBQ dining.
Getting around Seoul
Seoul boasts one of the world's finest and most comprehensive public transport systems, regularly rated the best in Asia. The integrated metro, bus, and taxi network makes getting around Seoul efficient, affordable, and easy. The T-Money card is the essential tool for navigating Seoul's transit system and is accepted on all public transport.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in KRW, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $15 | $50 | $200 |
| Food (per day) | $10 | $30 | $60 |
| Transportation | $5 | $10 | $30 |
| Activities | $10 | $20 | $50 |
| Daily total | $40 | $100 | $300+ |
Best time to visit Seoul
Essential travel tips
- Get a T-Money card for transit
- Download Kakao Maps and Kakao T
- Try street food in Myeongdong
- Book DMZ tours in advance
Safety information
Keep valuables secure in crowded markets
Use licensed taxis or Kakao T app
Be aware of traffic when crossing streets
Keep copies of important documents
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Seoul?
Entry requirements follow South Korea rules. Many nationalities can enter visa-free for 90 days under K-ETA. US, EU, and most Western passport holders enjoy visa-free access. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
What currency is used in Seoul?
The currency in Seoul is the South Korean Won (KRW). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
What language is spoken in Seoul?
The main language(s) spoken in Seoul: Korean. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.