Top things to do in Seoul
Attractions, tours, and activities in Seoul
Recommended museums in Seoul
Where to find art and culture in Seoul
Seoul: the city's best neighborhoods
Find a great area to stay in Seoul
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Myeong-dong
In downtown
Shop. Eat. Sleep. Repeat. Myeong-dong lives for consumption and consumerism. Shiny shop fronts snare unsuspecting passers-by with the twin assault of saccharine K-Pop and free makeup samples. Need some doe-eyed respite from the dog-eat-dog world of high-street retail? Pop into Café Gaenae, where you can sip coffee in the company of 25 puppies.
Places to stay from $10 a night
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Gangnam-Gu
5.1 miles from downtown
There’s no flashier district than Gangnam. Style is skin-deep here. In Seoul’s cosmetic-surgery capital, you’ll see all the airs and graces satirised in Psy’s hit song. Dress to the nines and sashay around Garosu-gil before hitting the dance floors of Octagon or Ellui, where you can splash your hard-won “won” alongside Seoul’s movers and shakers.
Places to stay from $11 a night
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Seodaemun-Gu
2.4 miles from downtown
Seodaemun-gu’s home to contrasting symbols of conflict and renewal. Picture life behind bars at Seodaemun Prison Museum before looking to a brighter Korean future – the area’s the seat of high-flying universities like Yeonsei and Ewha. Student life and bar life go hand in hand, so turn on, tune in and drop out in Woodstock or Mike’s Bar.
Places to stay from $7 a night
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Mapo-Gu
3.1 miles from downtown
Insomniacs rejoice – Mapo-gu’s a district that never sleeps. During the day, Hongdae’s a street performance hotspot. Once lectures are over, Mapo’s student population clink glasses of “soju” at joints like Bar Fly or Factory. Then it’s time to boogie on the dance floors of NB or Cocoon. Still up? Unwind past sunrise at a jjimjil-bang (sauna).
Places to stay from $6 a night
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Jung-Gu
0.5 miles from downtown
The heart of Seoul. Suited salarymen and camera-toting tourists cross paths on these pulsating streets. Retail fiends flock to Namdaemun Market or Myeongdong Street, and adventurous gourmands sample the wares of the various “pocha” (street food vendors). After dark, lovebirds steal kisses on Deoksu Palace steps or the banks of Cheongyechong Stream.
Places to stay from $8 a night
About Seoul
Including tips for the best time to visit Seoul
Old and new coexist in Seoul, South Korea's capital and largest city. Skyscrapers dominate the sprawling metropolis, whose streets are lined with mega malls and karaoke bars blasting K-pop alongside well-preserved remnants of Korea's past. Against a backdrop of glass and steel buildings, Bongeunsa Temple and Jogyesa Temple are tranquil respites where visitors can witness the lifestyle of Buddhist monks. Jongmyo Shrine – the world's oldest Confucian shrine – honours Joseon Dynasty rulers.
Seoul's grand palaces offer an atmospheric lesson in Korean history and culture. You'll see ancient architecture, throne rooms and banquet halls as well as picturesque pavilions at Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace. The National Museum of Korea, meanwhile, offers a wider overview of Korean history and art.
Shopping is a favourite pastime in Seoul, where you'll find endless opportunities to lighten your wallet. Dongdaemun, one of the city's largest shopping districts, sells everything from silks and electronics to traditional Korean cuisine. At Gwangjang Market, the country's oldest street market, you can pick up fresh produce, handicrafts, textiles and more. You'll also need ample time to explore Lotte World Mall's 17 floors of retail space, aquarium and indoor theme park.
Navigating a city as big as Seoul can be daunting. Luckily, the capital features one of the most extensive transit systems in the world. Seoul Station services commuter and intercity trains, which can take you to the plethora of shops near Myeongdong Station or Gangnam Station for entertainment and nightlife.
Tonight
From $101 per night
Next weekend
From $89 per night
| Most popular time to visit | October-December |
| Cheapest time to visit | January-March |
| Local currency | KRW 10,000 = $7.41 |
| Language | Korean |
| Average weekend price | $127 per night |
| Average weekday price | $123 per night |
| Average stay | 2 nights |
Points of interest in Seoul
Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Seoul
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Lotte World
7.3 miles from downtown
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Gwanghwamun Gate
0.9 miles from downtown
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Dongdaemun Market
1.4 miles from downtown
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Gyeongbokgung Palace
1.2 miles from downtown
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N Seoul Tower
0.8 miles from downtown
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Namdaemun Market
0.2 miles from downtown
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Cheonggyecheon
0.5 miles from downtown
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The Blue House
1.7 miles from downtown
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Myeongdong Cathedral
0.4 miles from downtown
Latest articles featuring Seoul
Inspiration and insider tips for things to do in Seoul
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Seoul reviews
What other travelers say about Seoul
An outstanding city - clean, modern, safe, with excellent...
September 27, 2023
An outstanding city - clean, modern, safe, with excellent options for shopping, food and sightseeing. The people are friendly and helpful, and many speak great English. Getting around is a breeze on the trains and busses. Favourite places included: The DDP, Myeong-dong Street, the Han River, the North Seoul Tower, the Insadong art district and the Lotte World Tower.
Once you figure systems out, it is a great place to visit.
September 26, 2023
Once you figure systems out, it is a great place to visit. Must have the right apps, access to Internet and don't watch YouTube for all the advice. Somethings you discover on your own and it's better. The exits you use once leaving the subway is critical to finding what you are looking for.
Seoul is so underrated and should be on everyone's list.
September 21, 2023
Seoul is so underrated and should be on everyone's list. We loved how friendly and helpful the people were, and most people speak perfect English. The public transportation is super easy to navigate, only needing a T-Money card that you can pick up at your local combini and top up at every station. If not public transport, there are some beautiful walks you can do as Seoul is so beautiful and that perfect combination of nature meets the city. So many gardens within the CBD and that perfect marriage of the traditional meets the industrial buildings, fascinating! You cannot get a bad meal in Korea, whether you are buying from a local street market at Myeongdong or going to a high end restaurant like Mingles, each dish is served with love and warmth.
Seoul is clean, safe, with no graffiti on the buildings or...
September 19, 2023
Seoul is clean, safe, with no graffiti on the buildings or vagrants sleeping in the streets. The shopping is fantastic from a variety of open markets on the streets and underground malls to worlds most recognized luxury brands with absolutely no hooligans loitering, looting, and shoplifting stores. Patrons walk down public sidewalks, use subways and buses, and shop in open markets wearing expensive jewelry, designer bags, and designer clothes without issue. Food is plentiful and safe, parks are clean, tourist areas are well attended, and tipping is not encouraged or required. My impression with the workers in Seoul is that good service should be the norm. Love Seoul!
Although shopping arcades are available in all districts,...
September 18, 2023
Although shopping arcades are available in all districts, but basically, they are selling the same type of things/merchandise/food. I visited Myeongdong, Namdaemun, Insadong,Hongdae, etc and find them all similar. Also, everything is in Korean, so you must always do translation. Language barrier also with the street vendors. Downloading a good navigation app is very important to get around Seoul and the subway is confusing and certain platforms are not linked, ie, if you go to the wrong platform, you can't cross-over. YOu will hv to find your way to the correct platform. The Korean brands for skin care is at very reasonable price, good for those whose skin are suitable for korean skin care products or cosmetics.
Seoul has multiple place that are meant for tourists like us...
September 18, 2023
Seoul has multiple place that are meant for tourists like us : I loved DMZ tour, Namsan Tower, In the Soop, Design Plaza. There are multiple maket and unique place to eat. While I went with my friends, I can still stay the place is kids friendly. Oh and if you are a dog and cat lover, its heaven!
Popular places to stay in Seoul
Stay in some of the best accommodations Seoul has to offer
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Mapo Rooftop camping house Mapo-Gu, Seoul
From $47 per night
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Memory Stay Seoul Jongro Hanok Jongno-Gu, Seoul
From $178 per night
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If House Hongdae Mapo-Gu, Seoul
From $104 per night
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Other accommodations in Seoul
Pick from a wide variety of places to stay in Seoul
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Apartments
From $31 per night
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Villas
From $48 per night
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Cottages
From $48 per night
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Serviced Apartments
From $33 per night
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Vacation Homes
From $404 per night
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Guest houses
From $7 per night
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Hostels
From $6 per night
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Motels
From $28 per night
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B&Bs
From per night
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Homestays
From $18 per night
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Self-catering Accommodations
From $10 per night
