Travel Keyring

Seoul travel guide

South Korea

Basics

CountrySouth Korea

Time zoneAsia/Seoul

CurrencyKRW

Official language(s)Korean

Take advantage of the well-developed public transportation system, including subways and buses.

Places to visit

Changdeokgung Palace

A Joseon royal palace inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visiting the Secret Garden together makes for one of the most memorable palace walks in Seoul.

Location99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Nearest stationAnguk Station

HoursDaily 09:00–18:00

AdmissionPaid

Travel tipSecret Garden tours often require advance reservation, so check before you go.

Seoul Botanic Park

A large urban botanical garden and park with both greenhouse and outdoor gardens. It is a relaxing place for strolling and photography.

Location161 Magokdong-ro, Gangseo-gu, Seoul

Nearest stationMagongnaru Station

HoursDaily 09:30–18:00

AdmissionFree

Travel tipAllow at least 2 hours if you want to see both the indoor greenhouse and the outdoor areas.

Bukchon Hanok Village

A historic neighborhood filled with traditional Korean hanok houses. Walking the alleys gives you a strong sense of Korea's traditional atmosphere.

LocationGyedong-gil area, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Nearest stationAnguk Station

HoursOpen all day

AdmissionFree

Travel tipIt is a residential area, so please explore quietly and respectfully.

Namsan Park

A major green space in Seoul where you can enjoy both walking and city views. It pairs well with a visit to N Seoul Tower.

LocationHoehyeon-dong 1-ga area, Jung-gu, Seoul

Nearest stationHoehyeon Station

HoursOpen 24 hours daily

AdmissionFree

Travel tipWear comfortable shoes if you plan to walk up to the observatory area.

N Seoul Tower

A landmark observatory with panoramic views over Seoul. It is especially popular for sunset and night views.

Location105 Namsan Park-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Nearest stationMyeong-dong Station

HoursDaily 10:30–22:30

AdmissionPaid observatory admission

Travel tipGo around sunset to enjoy both daytime and nighttime scenery.

Namdaemun Market

Namdaemun Market

Namdaemun Market is the oldest traditional market in Seoul, where you can find various traditional Korean products and food.

Location1 Myeongnyun 4-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Nearest stationHyehwa Station

Hours09:00 - 18:00

AdmissionFree

Travel tipYou can experience wearing a Hanbok right next door, so consider doing that as well.

National Museum of Korea

The National Museum of Korea is a representative museum showcasing Korean history and culture.

Hours10:00 - 18:00

AdmissionFree

Travel tipWeekends are crowded with families, so visiting on weekdays is better.

Seoul World Cup Park

Seoul World Cup Park is a place to enjoy various sports and leisure activities, with vast green spaces.

Hours06:00 - 22:00

AdmissionFree

Travel tipThere are bicycle rental services available, so ride a bike around the park.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace is a representative palace of the Joseon Dynasty, where one can glimpse Korean historical heritage.

Location175 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Nearest stationGyeongbokgung Station

Hours09:00 - 18:00

Admission3,000 KRW

Travel tipVisiting early in the morning is recommended for the best pictures.

Seoul Plaza

Seoul Plaza is a large park located in front of City Hall, where various cultural events and festivals take place.

Hours09:00 - 21:00

AdmissionFree

Travel tipEspecially beautiful at night, so visiting in the evening is recommended.

Food to try

Gwangjang Market Bindaetteok and Mayak Gimbap

A classic food spot in Seoul where you can try bindaetteok, mayak gimbap, yukhoe, and more in a traditional market setting. It is also great for browsing stalls.

Location88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Nearest stationJongno 5-ga Station

HoursUsually daily 09:00–23:00

AdmissionVaries by item

Travel tipBring both cash and a card for convenience.

Myeongdong Street Food

A famous downtown food scene where you can enjoy snacks like hotteok, fish cake, and chicken skewers. It is perfect for a quick bite between sightseeing and shopping.

LocationMyeong-dong area, Jung-gu, Seoul

Nearest stationMyeong-dong Station

HoursUsually afternoon to night

AdmissionVaries by item

Travel tipStalls are usually livelier in the evening.

Ikseon-dong Hanok Cafe Street

A popular alley lined with atmospheric cafes and dessert shops renovated from hanok houses. It is great for daytime strolling and evening cafe hopping.

LocationIkseon-dong area, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Nearest stationJongno 3-ga Station

HoursVaries by shop

AdmissionVaries by menu

Travel tipIt gets crowded on weekends, so weekdays are more relaxed.

Myeongdong Kyoja

A famous Seoul restaurant known for kalguksu and dumplings. Queues can form during lunch hours.

Location29 Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Nearest stationMyeong-dong Station

HoursDaily 10:30–21:00

AdmissionAbout KRW 10,000–20,000 per person

Travel tipAvoid peak mealtimes if you want a more comfortable meal.

Kalbi

Myeongdong Kalbi is a famous rib restaurant in Seoul known for its delicious ribs.

Location16 Gwancheol-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Nearest stationJongno 3-ga Station

Hours11:00 - 22:00

Admission10,000 KRW

Travel tipIt's recommended to make a reservation before visiting.

Kongguksu Restaurant

Kongguksu Restaurant specializes in cool soybean soup noodles, a famous dish.

Hours10:30 - 21:00

Admission12,000 KRW

Travel tipIt's especially delicious during summer.

Events

Hi Seoul Festival

A major city festival featuring performances and participatory programs across downtown Seoul. It offers a wide range of seasonal outdoor events.

WhenAround October every year

HoursDuring the event period

AdmissionFree or varies by program

Travel tipMany programs are outdoors, so check weather and schedule updates in advance.

Seoul Lantern Festival

A signature nighttime light festival held around Cheonggyecheon. The colorful lanterns and walking route make it especially popular in the colder season.

WhenAround October to November every year

LocationCheonggyecheon-ro area, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Nearest stationJonggak Station

HoursEvening hours in autumn to early winter each year

AdmissionFree

Travel tipIt looks best at night, so dress warmly.

Seoul International Fireworks Festival

A major autumn fireworks event held around the Han River. Large crowds gather, so securing a viewing spot early is important.

WhenAround October every year

LocationYeouido-dong-ro area, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul

Nearest stationYeouinaru Station

HoursHeld only during a specific period each year

AdmissionFree

Travel tipUse public transportation and arrive well before the event starts.

MMCA Seoul exhibitions

A major museum program featuring leading works and curated exhibitions in Korean contemporary art. It is a great place to understand Seoul’s art scene.

WhenYear-round (major exhibitions typically from February to November)

Location30 Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Nearest stationAnguk Station

HoursTue–Sun 10:00–18:00

AdmissionVaries by exhibition

Travel tipSpecial exhibitions can be busy, so weekday visits are usually more relaxed.

Subway lines

Gimpo Goldline: Yangchon → Gimpo Int'l AirportIncheon International Airport Shuttle Train: Terminal 1 → Terminal 2Incheon International Airport Shuttle Train: Terminal 2 → Terminal 1Incheon Subway Line 1: Geomdan Lake Park → Songdo Moonlight Festival ParkIncheon Subway Line 2: Geomdan Oryu → UnyeonSeoul LRT Sillim Line: Gwanaksan → SaetgangSeoul Metropolitan Subway Gyeonggang Line: Pangyo → YeojuSeoul Metropolitan Subway Line 1: Incheon → YeoncheonSeoul Metropolitan Subway Line 3Seoul Metropolitan Subway Line 4: Oido → BuramsanSeoul Metropolitan Subway Shinbundang Line: Gwangyo → SinsaSeoul Subway Line 2: Inner Circle LineSeoul Subway Line 5 Banghwa → Hanam GeomdansanSeoul Subway Line 6: Eungam Loop → SinnaeSeoul Subway Line 7: Jangam → SeongnamSeoul Subway Line 8: Byeollae → MoranSeoul Subway Line 9: Sports VHS Medical Center → GaewhaUi-Sinseol Line: Bukhansan Ui → Sinseol-dongUijeongbu LRT의정부경전철: 차량기지임시승강장 → 탑석의정부경전철: 발곡 → 차량기지임시승강장Yongin Light Rail Transit

Basic travel phrases (Korean)

안녕하세요

Annyeonghaseyo · Greeting

감사합니다

Gamsahamnida · Thanks

만나서 반가워요

Mannaseo bangawoyo · Nice to meet you

좋은 하루 되세요

Joeun haru doeseyo · Wishing a good day

환영합니다

Hwan-yeonghamnida · Welcome

See all travel guides