Getting Started: About Seoul
The first historical records for Seoul date from the 1st century BCE; the area where the city now stands served as an administrative center for the Baekje Kingdom and then as the capital of the Great Joseon Dynasty starting from the 14th century CE. In more recent history, Seoul became the official name of the capital of South Korea after that nationโs establishment in 1948. Although it sustained great damage during the Korean War in the mid-1950s, Seoul recovered and grew rapidly and is now considered one of the worldโs major capitals.
Places to visit in Seoul
Seoul, one of the most visited cities in Asia, is waiting for you with its places to visit and unique culture. If you don’t have limited time for Seoul, or if you are curious about the must-see places in the city, stay with us! s a total area of 605.25 kmยฒ.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Erected in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the top historical places to visit in Seoul. Known as the Northern Palace โ and the first palace built by the Joseon Dynasty โ it was the largest of five palaces built around the same time. Destroyed in a fire, the palace buildings were later restored under the reign of King Gojong, who ruled from 1852 to 1919. The structures are considered stellar representation of Joseon architecture. In addition to landscaped gardens and sculptures, the National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum are housed within the Gyeongbokgung Palace complex.
Bongeunsa Temple
Next on our list of places to visit in Seoul is the landmark Bongeunsa Temple. With a history of nearly 1,200 years, the temple is considered the cityโs oldest religious structure and houses 3,479 Buddhist scriptures.
Namdaemun Market
For a truly extraordinary shopping experience, you can add Namdaemun Market to your list of places to visit in Seoul. The traditional market features more than ten thousand sellers and wholesalers offering a wide range of products โ from food and groceries to plants and from accessories to souvenirs. It is considered acceptable to bargain. After visiting Namdaemun Market, you can proceed to the nearby Myeongdong Night Market to sample some of the delicious street fare!
Changdeokgung Palace
Adjacent to Gyeongbokgung Palace is the Changdeokgung Palace Complex. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it served as a secondary palace to Gyeongbokgung until the late 16th century. A notable feature of the complex, which houses extensive gardens as well as official and residential buildings, is that it was designed in harmony with its natural surroundings.
Lotte World and Lotte World Tower
Lotte World promises an unforgettable experience. One of the top-ranked places to visit in Seoul, this sprawling entertainment complex includes the world’s largest theme park, Magic Island, as well as a museum and countless other entertainment options for children and adults.
Also popular among tourists is the 555-meter-tall Lotte World Tower, currently South Koreaโs tallest building and ranked among the worldโs top five tallest buildings. In addition to its striking architectural design, the Lotte World Tower features a luxury hotel, upscale shops and restaurants, and a museum, as well as an aquarium, a concert hall and a state-of-the-art cinema. The top floors of the Lotte World Tower house observation decks, as well as cafes and a lounge.
Gangnam District
On the south side of the Hangang River lies the Gangnam district, made famous by the eponymous song by K-Pop sensation Psy. Seoulโs third-largest district, affluent Gangnam is home to modern skyscrapers and sleek villas and trendy nightclubs, restaurants and shops. In addition, the COEX Convention & Exhibition Center – World Trade Center Seoul complex is in the Gangnam district.
Bukchon Hanok Village
Set between the Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palace complexes, Bukchon Hanok Village is a residential area featuring stellar examples of traditional Korean houses. The Bukchon Traditional Cultural Center provides information on the traditional architecture, as well as Bukchonโs history and values. Thereโs also a gallery that features workshops and exhibitions by local artists. Keep in mind that the area is closed to visitors after 5 pm and before ten oโclock in the morning. For more information, you can click here.
National Museum of Korea
The splendid National Museum of Korea is certainly worth a visit. One of the most visited museums in the world, the National Museum has a collection of more than 300,000 works and exhibits covering archaeology, art and history. In addition, the National Museum of Korea hosts various events and performances.
War Memorial of Korea
A 20-minute bus ride from the National Museum of Korea is the War Memorial of Korea. Established to remember the Korean War of 1950-1953, the museumโs collection includes more than 10,000 artifacts. The complex encompasses six exhibition halls, a combat experience room, a screening room and an outdoor exhibition area with memorial statues, as well as you can also visit gardens, a lake and a waterfall around the memorial.
Dining in Seoul
Highlighting various fermented and preserved foods, the flavorful Korean cuisine is based primarily on rice, vegetables, meat and seafood. Some of the most well-known dishes include the following.
- Kimbap โ Korean-style sushi rolls
- Kimchi โ refers to fermented vegetable dishes, usually including napa cabbage, radishes and, sometimes seafood. Thereโs a wide array of kimchi types and they are usually served as accompaniments to a main dish.
- Galbi โ grilled beef short ribs
- Bibimbap โ sauteed spiced vegetables served over warm rice, accompanied by gochujang (chili pepper paste), a fried egg and sliced meat is added.
- Bulgogi โ thinly sliced marinated meat grilled or stir fried.
- Jeon โ a pancake-like fritter that can include seafood, meat, egg and/or vegetables.
- Hotteok โ a sweet, fluffy pancake
- Mandu – Korean style dumplings
- Tteokbokki โ cylinder-shaped rice cakes, usually with a spicy sauce
- Korean barbeque โ refers to a style of dining in which various meats and vegetables are brought raw to the table and cooked on tabletop grills.
More information on Seoul
If youโre ready to fly to Seoul, click here to investigate Seoul flight tickets!
Staying in Seoul
Seoul offers a range of accommodations across the city. The Jongno neighborhood is ideal for easy access to the cityโs historical points, while Itaewon is known for entertainment. The Sinchon-Hongdae area often offers more affordable accommodations. You can also organize your holiday faster with budget-friendly options from the Turkish Airlines Holiday vacation packages.
Getting around Seoul
Seoul has a robust public transportation system that includes an extensive subway and bus network. Yellow and green buses serve different purposes: Yellow buses mainly traverse touristic areas, while green buses serve residential areas. If you plan to use public transportation, you can purchase a T-Money card.
Transportation from Incheon International Airport to the city center
Buses, trains and express trains operate between Incheon International Airport โ South Koreaโs largest airport โ to the city center. Express trains take around 45 minutes and are the fastest way to reach the city center; local trains can take up to 60 minutes while buses can take up to 70-80 minutes.
Airport taxis are available 24 hours but, of course, are more expensive than public transportation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Seoul?
The ideal time to visit Seoul is generally from April to June, in spring, and from September to November, in fall, when temperatures are mild and rainfall is low. During spring in Seoul, temperatures range from 7 to 18 degrees. Dust storms may occur from time to time during this period, but it is considered the best season to enjoy the cityโs natural beauty, parks, markets, and street stalls. Spring is also when the cherry blossoms are at their most beautiful. In fall, temperatures start around 20 to 21 degrees and drop to between 3 and 10 degrees by November. If you are visiting at this time of year, dressing in layers is important. Chuseok, South Koreaโs fall harvest festival, is typically celebrated in September.
What are the must-see places in Seoul?
Two of Seoulโs most important landmarks are its royal palaces: Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung. Both are must-see structures in the city. Bukchon Hanok Village (or Ikseondong), filled with traditional Seoul houses, and Myeongdong, one of the cityโs most famous shopping districts, are among the highlights of a trip to Seoul. For a little more adventure, you can climb N Seoul Tower in Namsan Park, in the heart of Seoul, for panoramic views of the city.
What should you eat in Seoul? What are its most famous dishes?
Bibimbap is among Seoulโs most famous dishes. This colorful rice bowl is topped with sautรฉed vegetables, marinated beef, a fried egg, and gochujang, a spicy pepper paste. Kimchi, a signature dish made with Chinese cabbage and hot peppers, is also popular. If you would like to try street food, you can sample Tteokbokki, in which rice cakes, known as tteok, are cooked in a rich, sweet-and-spicy sauce. For dessert, Bingsu, topped with milk, fruit, red beans, or even chocolate, is very popular.
How do you get from Incheon Airport to the city center?
You can travel from Incheon International Airport to Seoul city center by using the airport rail link (AREX), a taxi, or an airport limousine bus.
- The Airport Railroad Express (AREX) provides fast, comfortable access from the airport to various points in Seoul. When boarding at the airport, you can get off at Seoul Station, the last stop. The journey to the city center by local train takes about 59 minutes from Terminal 1 and about 66 minutes from Terminal 2. Express trains reach the city center in an average of 50 minutes. AREX generally operates from 5:30 am to midnight, with departures every 5 to 10 minutes. You can purchase single-use transportation cards at the ticket machines at the stations.
- Taxis are available outside the airport for a comfortable, fast ride to Seoul. Options include sedans, minibuses, and international taxis with interpretation services. The taxi stand is located just outside the Arrivals Hall at Incheon International Airport.
- Airport limousine buses offer comfortable, fast access to various locations in Seoul, including major hotels and tourist attractions. The trip takes about 60 to 80 minutes. You can purchase your ticket at the airport counters with cash or a credit card.
What is the best way to get around Seoul?
First, get a transportation card. Popular transportation cards, such as NAMANE, Tmoney, and Cashbee, are accepted on many buses and trains.
Seoul has one of the cleanest and most punctual public transportation systems in the world. The metro is the fastest and most economical way to get around. The Seoul Metro has hundreds of stations throughout the city. Every station has signs in English, and stops are announced in Korean, English, Chinese, and Japanese. You can download the Seoul Metro Subway mobile app to plan your metro trips throughout your stay in Seoul.
Bus journeys may take slightly longer than the metro, but they can be an excellent option if your metro route requires multiple transfers. They also let you enjoy city views as you travel from one point to another. Seoul has five types of buses, each color-coded by purpose. Green and blue buses operate on routes within the city.
You can call a taxi for late-night trips. Taxis in Seoul come in many shapes and sizes: The most common are silver or orange midsize sedans that can carry up to four passengers. You can pay by credit card, cash, or transportation card.
You can also explore the city on foot. In Seoul, shops, restaurants, and cultural venues are typically very close to one another. Even an average 1-km walk can take you from Gyeongbokgung Palace to Changdeokgung Palace. Between these two locations lie dozens of lesser-known tourist attractions and cafรฉs, including the Arario Museum and the renowned Seoul Museum of Craft Art. You will miss them if you constantly travel by taxi, bus, or train.
Where should I stay in Seoul?
If you are visiting Seoul for the first time, Myeongdong is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in. Located in the city center and connected by metro to almost everywhere, this district lets you start exploring Seoul without the inconvenience of long trips. Many tourist attractions are only a 30- to 40-minute walk away. For an atmosphere filled with culture and art, Insadong stands out. It offers a quieter, more traditional setting with boutique tea houses and handicraft shops. For more authentic and traditional Korean architecture, you can visit the famous Bukchon Hanok Village.
Where can I experience traditional Korean culture?
The Korea Traditional Culture Center at Incheon International Airport offers free experiences and exhibitions to explore traditional Korean culture. Once you arrive in the city, visit Joseon-era palaces, such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, and watch the changing of the guard. Then explore the historic Hanok houses in Bukchon Hanok Village. Visit the Insadong district to discover traditional handicrafts at their heart, and Andong Hahoe Folk Village for an authentic area where Confucian traditions are still celebrated.
How many days should you spend in Seoul?
Seoul, the lively capital of South Korea, is a city where modern skyscrapers stand alongside ancient palaces and bustling markets are interwoven with peaceful temples. With so much to see and do in Seoul, deciding how many days to spend can be difficult. In general, however, a 3- to 5-day trip is enough to explore the main attractions. If you have only one day, focus on Seoulโs most iconic sights. Gyeongbokgung Palace, the cityโs largest and most renowned royal palace, is an excellent place to start. If you have 2 to 3 days, visit N Seoul Tower on Namsan Mountain for panoramic city views, and include the palaces and traditional villages.
We wish you a pleasant trip!
