A First Time Guide to Seoul
As the capital of South Korea, Seoul is an exciting city that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Seoul is an enormous city, with nearly 10 million people and a history that covers thousands of years. It is both a center of technological development and historical relevance, which invigorates the city with a unique energy. While in Seoul, you’ll appreciate the rich cultural heritage, delicious food, K-pop phenomenon, and history of the city. If it is your first time visiting Seoul, it can be difficult to wrap your head around all of the details. Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with everything you need for a first time guide to Seoul, Korea!
When is the Best Time to Visit Seoul?
If you want to get the best out of Seoul, you’ll want to visit in the spring or fall. In the spring, there are moderate temperatures around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll also get to enjoy the cherry blossoms in full bloom, since they tend to look best between April and June. By planning your trip correctly, you can even catch one of the emblematic cherry blossom festivals, such as the Yeouido Spring Flowers!
Fall is also a spectacular time to visit, featuring slightly warmer temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Between September and November, you can enjoy the changing colors of the leaves, with varying warm shades. While you won’t get to see the cherry blossom festivals, there are plenty of seasonal festivals during this time as well, such as the Jinju Yudeung Lantern Festival. For those who are a fan of winter, Seoul can be a great destination for skiing and snowboarding. From December to February, you can expect snow quite consistently and temperatures to maintain that snow.
If you really want to travel during the summer, you should be aware that the average temperatures can get quite high. Temperatures can trend up to the mid-eighties, with high humidity due to the monsoon city. Since so many people tend to travel during this time, on top of all of that, costs can be very high.
How Much Time Should I Spend in Seoul?
There are so many things you could do in Seoul that it is difficult to say exactly how much time you should spend there. Generally, we recommend that travelers who are new to Seoul reserve a minimum of three days. We want to put an emphasis on the fact that 3 days is the minimum! You could easily spend five or seven days in the city and not run out of things to do and explore. So, keep that time frame in mind when you’re planning your first trip to Seoul!
Where Should I Stay in Seoul?
For a first time guide to Seoul, we have to give you the best options for different categories. Depending on what type of thing you’re interested in, different parts of Seoul will cater to your needs better. If you’re an absolute first-timer, staying in Hongdae is recommended. This neighborhood, close to Hongik University, has plenty of restaurants, shops, and modern culture, which makes it a great place to experience Korean culture first hand. It’s also easy to navigate by foot, so you can have some freedom to explore on your own.
If you’re most excited about the food, you should be staying in Itaewon. This neighborhood is full of bars, pubs, and restaurants that work well for foodie tourists. You’ll never be too far away from a delicious meal when you’re in Itaewon.
If shopping is your main to-do in Seoul, go to the epicenter and stay in Myeongdong. Myeongdong is the main shopping stop in Seoul, known as one of the premium shopping districts. It is full of malls, boutiques, department stores, and cute spots to eat. Once you’ve visited Seoul, you’ll get a better feel for which parts of the city you like and where you want to stay next time!
How Do I Get Around In Seoul?
Once you’re in Seoul, you have several options for how to get around the city. You’ll probably want to use a combination of them, depending on the situation. The easiest way to move around Seoul in most situations is the subway. The subway system covers a large portion of the city, offering several hundred stations and twenty different lines. It will keep your transportation costs down. Plus, it runs from early in the morning until midnight, so you’re covered at most times of day. If you plan to use the subway, make sure you download the Naver Maps application, which gives better routes than Google or Apple Maps.
The bus system can also be a good option, with plenty of routes connecting the central districts, downtown, and tourist attractions. If you’re going somewhere that doesn’t have a subway station right near it, chances are the bus can get you to your final destination. If you’d like more specificity or confidence in your destination, you can always take a taxi. Taxis are common in the city, easily found outside subway stations or along main streets. You’ll know a taxi is available, based on the red sign on the window. For those who don’t feel as confident about hailing a cab, you can always use a ride-share app instead, such as Uber or Kakao T. Just make sure you’ve downloaded the app before you head out!
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are also bike options and dedicated bike paths around the city. You can rent bikes at plenty of purveyors in Seoul, including electric bikes and regular bikes. One thing to be aware of: wearing a helmet is obligatory when bike riding in Seoul. The cost of a helmet is not always included in a bike rental in Seoul, despite you needing a helmet to ride. Keep this in mind if you decide to rent a bike!
Top Things to See in Seoul
There are so many amazing things to see and do in Seoul that you could explore it for weeks at a time! When you’re visiting Seoul for the first time, you’ll want to make sure you see all the top things in the city. Here’s a list of our top five must-see things in Seoul!
1. Gyeongbokgung Palace
One of the top things to see in Seoul is undoubtedly Gyeongbokgung Palace! This beautiful palace is an architectural wonder, in addition to embodying much of Korea’s history. The palace also sits in a beautiful park, with stunning mountain features in the background. If you can only do one thing in Seoul, make it visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace!
2. N. Seoul Tower
Seoul is an enormous city, and you really can’t get the dynamic, expansive nature of the city without going up N. Seoul Tower! Also known as Namsan Tower, N. Seoul Tower gives you the opportunity to see the city from 500 meters high. On a nice day, you can see all the way out to Seoul’s suburbs.
3. Bukhansan National Park
When you’re in Seoul, it can be easy to get lost in the city! However, sometimes it is nice to see what is just outside of the city. One of the most beautiful parks to visit near the city is Bukhansan National Park, offering loads of beautiful hikes and views.
4. Bukchon Hanok Village
A large part of Seoul is its history and cultural legacy, and Bukchon Hanok Village is one of the best places to visit. This district is full of historic homes, funky cafes, and delicious restaurants. It makes a great place to spend a day, where history and modern life come together.
5. Shopping in Myeongdong
If you don’t stay in Myeongdong, make sure you make your way over to this famous shopping district to see what it’s like! It not only offers endless shopping options, but also gives a distinctive element of Korean culture!
How Expensive is Seoul?
As with any vacation, the cost will depend on what you do. Depending on how you travel, where you stay, and the activities you do, your costs will vary. There are also optional costs, such as travel insurance, which you can opt into or not. Overall, a typical traveler can expect to spend anywhere between $1,750 and $2,500 during a week-long trip to Seoul, without considering your travel costs to Seoul. If you’re coming from the US, you’ll likely spend nearly $900 on your flights, assuming you can fly from a major urban center like New York or Los Angeles. If you’re flying from somewhere else in the country, you can expect higher flight costs.
Your First Time Visiting Seoul, Korea
From how much you can expect to spend to what you’ll see, planning your first trip to Seoul can feel like a lot! However, with these baseline facts on your side, you should be prepared to take charge of Seoul. And, if you want to enhance your trip to Seoul, consider booking in with a Seoul travel guide to get a more personalized, local experience!
