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Almost everybody we all know is obsessive about Seoul and South Korea. Some are into the cosmetics. Many are hooked on the music and tv dramas. And virtually everybody, together with us, is in love with the meals.
South Korean know-how and popular culture has exploded into the worldwide mainstream in recent times. This “Korean Wave” has turned Seoul into one of many hottest locations in Asia, bringing in over 17.5 million worldwide vacationers in 2019.
Sadly, the journey slowdown has introduced this tourism wave to a halt, however count on it to surge with a vengeance when borders open up. Till then, you may plan your future journey with the most recent version of our Seoul journey information.
Examine one of the best issues to do, the best neighborhoods to go to, and the tastiest dishes to eat to get you much more enthusiastic about visiting the land of kimchee, Okay-pop, and Korean cosmetics!
VISIT SEOUL QUICK LINKS
This journey information to Seoul is lengthy. To your comfort, I’ve compiled hyperlinks to accommodations, excursions, and different providers right here.
HOTELS
Prime-rated accommodations in Myeongdong, one of the best space to remain for first-time guests to Seoul.
TOURS
OTHER SERVICES
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GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS
SEOUL TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS
Due to the present world state of affairs, Seoul journey tips appear to vary each day. Our associates at Reserving.com created a web site that lists detailed info on journey restrictions across the globe.
Earlier than planning a visit to Seoul, make sure to test Booking.com for info on journey restrictions to South Korea. In the event you do resolve to go to Seoul, then it’s possible you’ll wish to critically contemplate getting travel insurance with COVID protection.
SOUTH KOREA VISA
You might want a visa and different journey paperwork to go to South Korea relying in your passport. Take a look at iVisa.com to study concerning the necessities and to use for a visa (if vital).
In the event you’re a Philippine passport holder residing in Manila, then try our information on how to apply for a South Korea visa for a step-by-step course of.
SEOUL AT A GLANCE
Seoul is the capital of South Korea (Republic of Korea) and its largest metropolis. The estimated inhabitants inside its metropolis limits is 10.29 million folks, however consider its surrounding areas and that quantity jumps to 25.6 million, making it the second largest metropolitan space on the planet.
With a workforce that giant driving its economic system, it’s no surprise Seoul is now the 4th most economically powerful city, behind solely Tokyo, New York Metropolis, and Los Angeles (as measured by GDP).
South Korea has been making headlines in recent times within the tech, automotive, and leisure sectors. Korean manufacturers like Samsung and Hyundai are globally acknowledged manufacturers.
Folks worldwide watch Okay-dramas and take heed to Okay-pop. Myeongdong has develop into a hotbed for cosmetics and almost everybody I do know loves Korean meals! Evidently, South Korea is booming, and on the heart of all that pleasure, is Seoul.
BEST TIME TO VISIT SEOUL
Like Japan, South Korea has 4 distinct seasons — Spring, Summer season, Fall, and Winter. The most well-liked occasions to go to Seoul are in the course of the spring (March-Could) and autumn (Mid-September – Early November) months when the climate is right and the panorama is at its most hanging.
Each seasons are characterised by a dramatic change in shade – Spring for its cherry blossom pinks and whites, and Autumn for its fiery reds, oranges, and yellows. Right here’s what you may count on throughout each season.
MAR-MAY: Spring is without doubt one of the finest occasions to go to Seoul. The climate is right and town erupts with flowers. If you wish to catch the cherry blossoms, then it is best to plan on being in Seoul across the second week of April (round April 9-10). That provides you with one of the best probability to see the cherry blossoms. With that mentioned, needless to say the blossoms are largely depending on the climate so it’s nonetheless no assure they’ll be blooming then, which is why I feel it’s a good suggestion to go round that point or a bit earlier. In the event that they aren’t blooming but in Seoul, then you definately’ll have the choice of taking a day journey to Jinhae, dwelling of Korea’s largest cherry blossom competition.
JUN-AUG: Summer season isn’t a perfect time to go to Seoul. It’s scorching, it’s humid, it rains lots, and costs are at their highest with summertime being the height of home tourism. Keep away from these months if you happen to can.
SEPT-NOV: Until you’re chasing after the cherry blossoms, then the autumn is arguably one of the best time to go to Seoul. Like spring, the climate is right and the foliage is at its most hanging. Shoot for late October or early November if you happen to can.
DEC-FEB: If you wish to go snowboarding, snowboarding, or simply expertise snow, then winter is clearly the time to go. Nevertheless, winter in Korea is freezing. We went in early November and we had been shocked by how chilly it already was. In the event you can stand the chilly, then there are a number of ski resorts you may go to from Seoul.
Local weather: Annual Month-to-month Climate in Seoul
Take a look at weather-and-climate.com for extra on the weather in Seoul. To your comfort, I’ve additionally created the typical temperature and annual rainfall graphs under. Advised months to go to are highlighted in orange.
Common Temperature
![Average Temperature in Seoul, South Korea Average Temperature in Seoul, South Korea](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/seoul-temp.png.webp)
Annual Rainfall
![Annual Rainfall in Seoul, South Korea Annual Rainfall in Seoul, South Korea](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/seoul-rainfall.png.webp)
TRAVELING TO SEOUL
There are numerous alternative ways you may journey to Seoul relying on the place you’re. You may test Bookaway or use the widget under to seek out route choices obtainable to you.
Virtually all worldwide flights land at Incheon Worldwide Airport. There are a number of methods to get to downtown Seoul from Incheon. You may confer with this website for extra info on airport transfers.
BY AIRPORT EXPRESS (AREX): That is the quickest strategy to get to town from the airport. It runs like clockwork and it’ll get you into Seoul Station in precisely 43 minutes. The trains are snug with free wifi onboard. You should buy tickets on the gate (KRW 9,500) however you will get a reduction if you happen to get them prematurely by means of Klook.
BY ALL-STOP TRAIN: That is the second-fastest strategy to get into Seoul from Incheon. It’ll get you to Seoul Station in about 58 minutes and prices round half the value of the AREX (KRW 4,150-4,750). Trains run from 5:23AM until 11:40PM. That is the practice we often take.
BY BUS: A one-way bus ticket prices KRW 5,000-15,000 and takes longer than the subway (round 80 minutes), so I counsel taking it provided that you’re arriving at Incheon throughout off hours. Late evening airport buses to Seoul Station run from 12MN-4:40AM, whereas buses to Gangnam Categorical Bus Terminal function from 11:40PM-4:20AM. Detailed inquiries on bus routes and bus stops could be made on the Airport Data Desk on the first flooring. Click on on the hyperlink for extra info on late night airport buses.
BY TAXI: Going by taxi is handy but additionally costly. A taxi will get you into town in about an hour and can price you anyplace between KRW 65,000-90,000.
BY PRIVATE TRANSFER: That is one of the best and most handy choice but additionally costlier. Click on on the hyperlinks to ebook non-public airport transfers by means of Klook or Get Your Guide.
Take a look at the Visit Korea web site for extra info on airport transfers.
WHERE TO EXCHANGE CURRENCY
The unit of forex in Seoul is the Korean Gained (KRW).
Myeongdong is one of the best place to trade your forex. There are many cash changers within the space they usually’re recognized to present one of the best charges within the metropolis. We scoped out a couple of different areas and the charges had been by no means nearly as good.
I counsel altering a small quantity on the airport, not more than USD 100, simply to get you into town. You may then change the remaining in Myeongdong.
A greater choice nowadays is to withdraw KRW from an ATM. The charges are aggressive, generally even higher. Simply make sure to let your financial institution know that you just’ll be utilizing your ATM card overseas so that you don’t run into any issues. In my expertise, my ATM card works in some machines however not in others. I didn’t have any issues utilizing it in Seoul.
TIP: Some ATM machines could ask you if you happen to’d prefer to proceed “with or with out conversion”. At all times select WITHOUT conversion. Continuing “with conversion” permits the international financial institution working the ATM to carry out the conversion at charges favorable to them. In keeping with this article, the distinction in charges could be as excessive as 10%.
BEST AREAS TO STAY IN SEOUL
Based mostly on our personal experiences and what I’ve learn on-line, Myeongdong, Insadong, Hongdae, and Itaewon are one of the best locations to remain in Seoul. They provide various things so all of it is determined by what you need.
Myeongdong is right for buying, Insadong for tradition and the humanities. Hongdae is younger and hip whereas Itaewon is Seoul’s worldwide district. We’ve visited all 4 areas however we’ve solely stayed in Myeongdong and Hongdae. Personally, we favor Hongdae.
I’ll undergo every space in additional element under however you may seek for accommodations in Seoul on Booking.com and Agoda.
To make it simpler, I’ve created the color-coded map under so you may see the place all these beneficial areas are. Click on on the hyperlink for a live version of the map. (Please word that marked areas are approximations solely)
RED – Myeongdong
ORANGE – Hongdae
PURPLE – Insadong
AQUA – Itaewon
![Seoul Hotels Seoul area map](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/seoul-hotels.jpg.webp)
MYEONGDONG
In the event you’re planning on doing lots of buying in Seoul, then Myeongdong is certainly the place it’s essential to keep. It’s a hyper buying district full of massive title manufacturers and boutique retailers, in addition to many eating places, cafes, and road meals stalls. In the event you like Korean cosmetics, then there’s a superb probability you’re by no means leaving this place.
The place we stayed at doesn’t appear to be obtainable anymore however you may search by means of Booking.com and Agoda for accommodations in Myeongdong. Take a look at among the top-rated accommodations within the space:
INSADONG
We haven’t stayed in Insadong however we’ve spent many days exploring its wealth of conventional retailers, boutiques, eating places, cafes, and teahouses. It’s additionally strolling distance to a number of key sights like Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Bukchon Hanok Village.
You may search by means of Booking.com and Agoda for lodging listings in Insadong. Take a look at among the top-rated accommodations within the space:
HONGDAE
Ren and I aren’t into buying so we most popular staying in Hongdae. It refers back to the space round Hongik College. It’s a enjoyable and youthful space with an easygoing school city vibe. This was our favourite neighborhood within the metropolis so we’ll in all probability keep right here on each return journey to Seoul.
Bingo Home is a small 5-room guesthouse only a quick stroll from Exit 6 of Hongik College Station. There’s a 7-Eleven and a GS25 comfort retailer close by, in addition to a couple of eating places and cafes. There’s a standard space with free water and kitchen provides however no breakfast. You may ebook a room right here by means of Agoda.
In the event you like Hongdae however don’t suppose Bingo Home is the best place for you, then you may test these websites for alternate listings: Booking.com | Agoda. Listed below are a couple of of the top-rated accommodations in Hongdae:
ITAEWON
Amongst these 4 areas, Itaewon is the place we’re least accustomed to. It’s one of many metropolis’s most various neighborhoods boasting loads of retailers and worldwide eating places. It has a bustling nightlife as nicely which is without doubt one of the the reason why it’s a preferred hotspot amongst expats. You may search by means of Booking.com and Agoda for lodging listings in Itaewon. Listed below are a couple of top-rated accommodations within the space:
You can even ebook accommodations and residential stays in Seoul utilizing the helpful map under.
PLACES TO VISIT IN SEOUL
1. The 5 Grand Palaces
There are 5 Joseon Royal Palaces in Seoul – Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Gyeonghuigung, and Deoksugung. We visited solely the primary two however you may simply go to all 5 if you happen to like.
Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung are the largest and arguably essentially the most lovely of the 5. Gyeongbokgung was the first palace and one in all simply two (the opposite being Deoksugung) the place you may watch the altering of the Royal Guard. Equally spectacular is Changdeokgung which is a UNESCO Heritage Website and residential to the Huwon or “Secret Backyard”.
Take a look at my article on Changdeokgung and Gyeongbokgung palaces for extra footage and data. You may go to by yourself or go on a guided tour (Klook | Get Your Guide). Changdeokgung and Gyeongbokgungare among the many hottest locations in Seoul to rent a hanbok.
In the event you plan on visiting a number of palaces by yourself, then it’s possible you’ll wish to put money into an Integrated Palace Ticket.
![Changdeokgung & Gyeongbokgung Palaces in Seoul, South Korea Changdeokgung & Gyeongbokgung Palaces in Seoul, South Korea](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/gyeongbokgung.jpg.webp)
Advised Size of Go to: 1-3 hrs per palace
Admission: KRW 1,000-3,000 per palace
2. Bukchon Hanok Village
As ultramodern a metropolis as Seoul is, it’s good to discover a place like this proper in the midst of town. Bukchon Hanok Village is an atmospheric labyrinth of slender alleyways and conventional Korean homes referred to as hanoks.
Exploring its community of streets will take you again in time and offer you a glimpse of what Seoul was like 600 years in the past. Just like the royal palaces, it’s among the finest locations in Seoul to rent a hanbok and stage up your Instagram sport.
Take a look at my article on Bukchon Hanok Village for extra footage and data. In the event you’d prefer to study extra about Bukchon Hanok Village, then it’s possible you’ll be fascinated by becoming a member of this free walking tour or going with a guide.
![Bukchon Hanok Village, Seoul, South Korea Bukchon Hanok Village, Seoul, South Korea](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/bukchon-hanok-village.jpg.webp)
Advised Size of Go to: 1-2 hrs
Admission: FREE
3. N Seoul Tower
Relating to nice views, this place towers above the competitors. Standing 480 meters (1,575 ft) above sea stage, N Seoul Tower’s commentary deck is one of the best place to get fowl’s eye views of town.
N Seoul Tower is situated on Mt. Namsan and accessible through highway or cable automotive, although most vacationers will go for the latter. You should buy tickets to the observatory on the gate.
![N Seoul Tower, Seoul, South Korea N Seoul Tower, Seoul, South Korea](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/n-seoul-tower.jpg.webp)
Advised Size of Go to: 1-2 hrs
Admission: KRW 16,000
4. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
This place is unbelievable. In the event you like design, any form of design, then it’s essential to put Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in your itinerary. It’s like a museum, design grocery store, and house ship all rolled into one.
DDP was designed by the late Zaha Hadid, the famend architect who created the 2012 Olympic aquatic centre in London and the Guangzhou Opera Home in China.
I counsel devoting a number of hours to this place if you happen to can. Make sure to come again at evening as nicely when the constructing actually involves life. Take a look at my article on Dongdaemun Design Plaza for extra footage and data.
![Dongdaemun Design Plaza, Seoul, South Korea Dongdaemun Design Plaza, Seoul, South Korea](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/ddp.jpg.webp)
Advised Size of Go to: 2-3 hrs
Admission: FREE however some displays could cost for admission
5. Jogyesa Temple
Jogyesa Temple is without doubt one of the most vital Buddhist temples in Korea. It’s the top temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and serves as the primary venue for a lot of Buddhist occasions, rituals, lectures, and ceremonies.
![Jogyesa Temple, Seoul, South Korea Buddha statues at Jogyesa Temple](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/seoul-jogyesa-temple-1.jpg.webp)
Picture by Numerous photographs through Shutterstock
Advised Size of Go to: 30 minutes – 1 hr
Admission: FREE
6. COEX Mall Library
COEX Mall within the Gangnam district has develop into Insta-famous in recent times, all due to this lovely library situated in the midst of the mall.
Starfield Library is an open-air public library that options tons of of books and magazines. It’s gorgeous architectural shelf of books has made it into some of the widespread picture-taking spots in Seoul.
![COEX Mall, Seoul, South Korea Starfield Library in COEX Mall](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/coex-mall-starfield-library.jpg.webp)
Advised Size of Go to: 2-3 hrs
Admission: FREE
THINGS TO DO IN SEOUL
1. Costume Up in a Hanbok
In the event you’re a fan of Korean interval dramas or simply the tradition basically, then you definately’ll in all probability need a selfie carrying a hanbok. It’s the standard Korean type of costume worn by each women and men throughout festivals and celebrations.
Bukchon Hanok Village and any of the 5 royal palaces make for excellent picture backdrops. You’ll discover a couple of hanbok rental retailers round these areas however you may as well hire one prematurely by means of Klook.
![Hanbok Rental, Seoul, South Korea Hanbok Rental, Seoul, South Korea](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/gabby-hanbok.jpg.webp)
2. Go to a Conventional Korean Market
We love visiting markets on journeys as a result of they’re usually one of the best locations to seek out nice road meals in any metropolis. Seoul is not any exception with its many attention-grabbing markets like Noryangjin Fish Market, Gwangjang Market (pictured under), and Nandaemun Market. Test them out if you happen to’re on the lookout for low cost and genuine road meals in Seoul.
![Gwangjang Market, Seoul, South Korea Inside Gwangjang Market](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/gwangjang-market1.jpg.webp)
3. Discover Seoul’s Neighborhoods
Seoul is an enormous metropolis with many attention-grabbing neighborhoods. 4 of its hottest embody Insadong, Myeongdong, Hongdae, and Itaewon, every with its personal distinct persona.
Insadong is thought for its conventional arts and crafts, Myeongdong for its model names and cosmetics, Hongdae for its fashionable school city ambiance, and Itaeown for its worldwide vibe. All have terrific meals.
Take a look at my article on Seoul’s neighborhoods for extra footage and data.
![Insadong, Myeongdong, and Hongdae in Seoul, South Korea Insadong, Myeongdong, and Hongdae in Seoul, South Korea](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/myeongdong.jpg.webp)
4. Take a Stroll Alongside Cheonggyecheon Stream
Cheonggyecheon Stream is an 11 km stream that runs by means of the guts of downtown Seoul. It passes beneath 22 bridges and thru various metropolis landmarks earlier than opening up into the Han River. It’s a preferred picture-taking spot in Seoul and an amazing place to chill off in the summertime.
You may stroll alongside the stream by yourself, however if you happen to’d prefer to study extra about it and the locations you’ll be passing alongside the best way, then it’s possible you’ll be fascinated by becoming a member of this free walking tour.
![Cheonggyecheon Stream, Seoul, South Korea People relaxing by Cheonggyecheon Stream in Seoul](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/seoul-cheonggyecheon-stream-1.jpg.webp)
Picture by SS pixels through Shutterstock
5. Go on a Okay-pop/Kdrama Tour
As described, many individuals have been turned on to South Korea due to the recognition of Korean pop music and its movie and tv business. In truth, we all know of some diehard followers who routinely fly to Seoul simply to attend music concert events!
When you’ve got a fascination for Korean popular culture, then it’s possible you’ll be fascinated by reserving a K-Pop tour or taking a K-Pop dance class. Aspiring singers may even get a K-Pop recording studio experience!
6. Watch the Cookin’ Nanta Present
In the event you’d like to observe a present or efficiency in Seoul, then the Cookin’ Nanta Show is one to think about. It’s entertaining and humorous and jogs my memory of a Korean model of Stomp, however with meals.
There are two Nanta theaters – one in Myeongdong and one other in Hongdae. You should buy tickets on the gate however you may generally get a reduction if you happen to purchase them prematurely by means of Klook.
7. Take a Cooking Class
We haven’t executed this in Korea however taking a cooking class is one thing we attempt to do on each journey. It’s a enjoyable, hands-on approach of attending to know the native delicacies.
In the event you’re fascinated by taking a cooking class in Seoul, then I counsel looking for one on Cookly. Cookly is a web-based reserving platform that gives cooking lessons in lots of cities world wide, together with Seoul.
![Cooking Class, Seoul, South Korea Ingredients on kitchen counter](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/seoul-cooking-class.jpg.webp)
Picture by Smiallaan through Shutterstock
DAY TOURS FROM SEOUL
In the event you’re staying lengthy sufficient in Seoul, then it’s possible you’ll wish to discover past town and go on a day journey. Listed under are 4 of the preferred however you may test our article on 18 of the best day trips from Seoul for extra solutions.
1. Nami Island
We skipped out on Nami Island on our first journey to Korea as a result of we thought it may solely be appreciated by followers of the tv drama Winter Sonata. We had been mistaken.
Nami Island is achingly lovely and a must-visit for anybody touring to Seoul. We went in winter when there was a skinny sheet of contemporary powder blanketing the island. It was lovely, although maybe not as magical as the autumn when the leaves flip fiery shades of pink, orange, and yellow.
You may go to Nami Island by yourself however it might be best to go on a guided tour (Klook | Get Your Guide). You may confer with my article on Nami Island, Gangchon Rail Park, and Petite France for extra footage and data.
![Nami Island, Gangchon Rail Park, and Petite France from Seoul, South Korea Nami Island, Gangchon Rail Park, and Petite France from Seoul, South Korea](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/nami-island-featured-1200x800.jpg.webp)
2. The DMZ
This was some of the attention-grabbing excursions I’ve ever been on. DMZ stands for Demilitarized Zone and refers back to the 4 km huge buffer zone that divides North and South Korea.
After I went, they had been nonetheless providing visits to the JSA or Joint Safety Space. Nicknamed “essentially the most harmful place in Korea”, it’s the one portion of the DMZ the place North and South Korean troopers can stand nose to nose. Take a look at my article on the JSA and DMZ tour for extra footage and data.
I checked and the JSA tour doesn’t appear to be obtainable anymore, maybe because of the cooling relations between north and south, however you may nonetheless ebook a DMZ tour on Klook or Get Your Guide. It isn’t as intense because the JSA tour but it surely’s nonetheless price doing, particularly if you are interested in Korean historical past.
![JSA & DMZ Tour from Seoul, South Korea JSA & DMZ Tour from Seoul, South Korea](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/panmunjom-jsa-dmz-tour-featured-1200x800.jpg.webp)
3. Everland Resort
Many vacationers, particularly these touring to Seoul with younger kids, will in all probability wish to go to one (or each) of South Korea’s largest theme parks – Everland and Lotte World.
Lotte World is situated in central Seoul whereas Everland is about an hour away. We visited Everland and it made for a enjoyable day journey from Seoul. You may try my article on Everland Resort for extra footage and data.
In the event you don’t have time to go to each and may’t resolve between the 2, then you may confer with this Everland or Lotte World comparability submit that can assist you resolve. You should buy a one-day pass to Lotte World or an Everland full day trip with admission and transfers by means of Klook.
![Everland Resort or Lotte World from Seoul, South Korea Everland Resort or Lotte World from Seoul, South Korea](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/everland-featured-1200x800.jpg.webp)
4. Hwaseong Fortress
Hwaseong Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Website situated about an hour south of Seoul by metro. It’s title means “Sensible Citadel” and it was inbuilt 1796 by King Jeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty to deal with and honor the stays of his father, Prince Sado.
Hwaseong Fortress gives terrific views of Suwon and is a superb place to do some climbing, maybe even making an attempt your hand in conventional Korean archery. Take a look at my article on Hwaseong Fortress for extra footage and data.
I visited Hwaseong Fortress by myself however you may as well go by guided tour by means of Klook.
![Hwaseong Fortress, Suwon, South Korea Hwaseong Fortress, Suwon, South Korea](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/hwaseong.jpg.webp)
KOREAN FOOD GUIDES
There may be a lot good meals available in Seoul. From Korean delicacies like ganjang gejang, galbi, and gomtang to widespread road meals staples like tteokbokki and gyeranppang, Seoul can have you counting down the minutes to your subsequent meal.
In the event you’re questioning what to eat on this meals lover’s Shangri-La, then you may confer with our article on the best dishes to eat in South Korea. When you’ve got a passion for road meals or sweets, then make sure to try our Korean street food and Korean dessert guides as nicely.
![45 Things to Eat in Seoul, South Korea and Where to Try Them Korean street food](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/korea-food-guide.jpg.webp)
WHERE TO EAT IN SEOUL
1. Yeontabal BBQ Restaurant
Gogigui or Korean BBQ is one in all our favourite issues about Korean meals. Marinated meats like bulgogi and galbi barbecued over a charcoal grill are completely scrumptious.
These grilled king beef ribs at Yeontabal had been among the finest we’ve ever had. Smokey, savory-sweet, and tremendous tender, they had been to die for, particularly when eaten with steamed white rice and kimchi.
Needless to say meat is often costly in Korea, so count on Korean BBQ to be one in all your costlier meals. You will get a small low cost at Yeontabal if you are going to buy a voucher by means of Klook.
![Yeontabal BBQ Restaurant, Seoul, South Korea Yeontabal BBQ Restaurant, Seoul, South Korea](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/yeontabal-bbq-restaurant3.jpg.webp)
2. Woo Lae Oak
I’ve been desirous to strive naengmyeon (buckwheat noodles served in chilly broth) ever since I noticed a documentary about North Korea. It’s initially a North Korean delicacy that turned widespread all through the peninsula after the Korean Warfare.
I looked for one of the best locations to strive naengmyeon and Woo Lae Oak, one in all Seoul’s oldest eating places, usually got here up. They’re a Korean BBQ restaurant that’s equally well-known for his or her naengmyeon.
![Woo Lae Oak, Seoul, South Korea Woo Lae Oak, Seoul, South Korea](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/woo-lae-oak4.jpg.webp)
3. Myeongdong Kyoja
Myeongdong Kyoja is extensively considered having one of the best kalguksu within the metropolis. Kalguksu is a noodle dish consisting of handmade, knife-cut wheat flour noodles served in a big bowl with broth and different components.
Myeongdong Kyoja has been in enterprise for over 50 years and is situated within the coronary heart of Myeongdong. It’s an amazing place to have lunch or dinner when buying within the space.
![Myeongdong Kyoja, Seoul, South Korea Myeongdong Kyoja, Seoul, South Korea](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/kalguksu.jpg.webp)
4. Manjok Ohyang Jokbal
I requested my Korean sister-in-law (who’s a former chef from Seoul) which dishes we must always strive, and jokbal was one of many issues she beneficial. Jokbal is a scrumptious dish of essentially the most tender pig’s trotters cooked in soy sauce and spices.
I did a google seek for “finest jokbal in seoul” and Manjok Ohyang Jokbal was regularly cited. They’re a TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice awardee with a stellar 4.5 star ranking. Severe yum.
We purchased a voucher for this medium portion of the spiced pig’s trotters bossam set menu from Klook. It’s good for 2-3 folks and comes with jokbal, bossam (pork stomach boiled in spices), dumpling soup, and a slew of sides.
![Manjok Ohyang Jokbal, Seoul, South Korea Manjok Ohyang Jokbal, Seoul, South Korea](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/manjok-ohyang-jokbal2.jpg.webp)
5. Wonjo Masan Halmae Agujjim
We skipped out on ganjang gejang on our first go to to Korea so I made positive to strive it on our subsequent journey.
Ganjang gejang is uncooked crab marinated in soy sauce. Thought-about by many to be the last word Korean dish, I waited over two years to strive it and the expertise blew me away. It’s so good and in contrast to something we’ve ever tried.
In the event you like crab, then it’s a must to do this dish. Like Korean bbq, ganjang gejang is dear so count on to pay not less than KRW 30,000 per small crab.
We had it at Wonjo Masan Halmae Agujjim. It’s one in all a number of eating places in Ganjang Gejang Alley that focuses on this attention-grabbing and supremely scrumptious crab dish.
![Wonjo Masan Halmae Agujjim, Seoul, South Korea Wonjo Masan Halmae Agujjim, Seoul, South Korea](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/wonjo-masan-halmae-aguJjim-restaurant2.jpg.webp)
6. Myeongdong Meals Road
As a lot as we love visiting eating places, there’s one thing uniquely thrilling about consuming road meals. It’s like having a degustation expertise proper there on the road!
No first-time customer’s journey to Seoul will probably be full with out consuming road meals in Myeongdong. With mouthwatering delicacies like grilled lobster tails, hen and scallion skewers, and tteokbokki, Myeongdong is a Korean road meals lover’s paradise.
![Myeongdong Food Street Myeongdong Food Street](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/myeongdong-street-food3.jpg.webp)
The eating places above had been a few of our favorites, but when seven isn’t sufficient to fulfill your urge for food, then you may try our article on 25 must-eat restaurants in Seoul.
It contains loads of different restaurant suggestions like the place to seek out one of the best gomtang (beef bone soup), essentially the most genuine Jeonju bibimbap, and low cost however scrumptious Korean BBQ. It’ll even let you know the place to seek out Seoul’s oldest restaurant, a 110+ yr previous establishment specializing in seolnongtang or ox bone soup.
![22 Must-Eat Restaurants in Seoul, South Korea Korean bbq in Seoul, South Korea](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/seoul-food-guide-featured.jpg.webp)
POINTS OF INTEREST IN SEOUL
To your comfort, I created a map so that you get a greater sense of the place the whole lot is. All of the locations beneficial on this information are pinned on this map. Click on on the hyperlink to open a live version of the map in a brand new window.
![Map of Seoul, South Korea Map with pins](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/seoul-map.jpg.webp)
HOW TO GET AROUND IN SEOUL
Seoul’s subway system could be very environment friendly, a lot so that you just in all probability received’t want another type of transportation once you’re there. We by no means took a taxi and the one occasions we ever obtained on a bus was to go to locations exterior of Seoul like Paju, Suwon, and Jinhae.
It may be a bit complicated at first however so long as you keep in mind your vacation spot’s subway cease and the road quantity that it’s on, then you definately shouldn’t have any issues.
You generally must stroll far to switch between strains so it’s vital to know the road variety of your cease. In any other case, you received’t know which strategy to go to switch strains. Each time I embody instructions in our Seoul journey guides, I at all times attempt to point out Line and Exit numbers.
It’s a good suggestion to put money into a T-money card. It’s a transportation card that eliminates the trouble of shopping for single journey tokens, plus it saves you KRW 100 per journey. It may be used to switch between subway strains, buses, or from subway to bus and vice versa (inside a switch time restrict) at no further cost.
The cardboard itself prices KRW 2,500 and it may be bought at most comfort shops and subway stations. You may prime it up with any quantity at recharge stations discovered at each subway cease. If there’s any quantity left over on the finish of your journey, then you may have it refunded at a comfort retailer or refund station (minus a KRW 500 service cost).
Another choice is to get a Korea Tour Card which is a variation of the T-money card. It has the identical advantages because the T-money card, plus it offers you small reductions at some vacationer spots, buying facilities, eating places, and theaters.
We often navigate with Google Maps but it surely doesn’t work as nicely in Seoul. It has one thing to do with road names being modified just lately (or one thing like that) so it’s finest to navigate with the NAVER Map as a substitute (iOS | Android).
HOW MANY DAYS TO STAY / SEOUL ITINERARY
Seoul is an enormous metropolis with a lot to see. We don’t prefer to rush so we stayed over every week on every of our three journeys to Korea. I feel staying every week in Seoul is nice, however if you happen to’re pressed for time, then 5 full days will probably be sufficient for many first-time guests to town.
Right here’s a fast 5D/6N Seoul itinerary I put collectively that can assist you plan your journey. Make sure to click on by means of to our full 5-day Seoul itinerary for extra particulars.
DAY ONE • Gyeongbokgung Palace • Bukchon Hanok Village • Changdeokgung Palace • Changgyeonggung Palace • Jongmyo Shrine • Ikseondong Hanok Village • Insadong • Jogyesa Temple |
DAY TWO • Gyeonghuigung Palace • Deoksugung Palace • Namdaemun Market • N Seoul Tower • Myeongdong |
DAY THREE • Noryangjin Fish Market • Hongdae • Bongeunsa Temple • COEX Mall • Gangnam Buying Road |
DAY FOUR • Cheonggyecheon Stream • Gwangjang Market • Ihwa Mural Village • Dongdaemun Design Plaza • Itaewon |
DAY FIVE • Nami Island |
SEOUL TRAVEL TIPS
1. Plan your Journey with Sygic Journey
Some folks could discover journey planning a bit tedious or daunting. This free journey planning could make it simpler and extra enjoyable.
What Sygic Journey does is help you visualize the whole lot on a map, so you may simply group locations of curiosity by location and put all of them collectively in an environment friendly itinerary. Take a look at my article on the Sygic Travel app for extra info.
2. Hire a Pocket Wifi Machine
A continuing wifi connection is a necessity nowadays, particularly once you’re away on a visit. You’ll want it to translate, do analysis, use ride-sharing apps, and discover your favourite Okay-drama filming places. We by no means go anyplace now with out renting a pocket wifi gadget first.
You may keep linked in Seoul by renting a pocket wifi gadget or shopping for a sim card. We at all times hire pocket wifi gadgets however sim playing cards are completely fantastic too. They’re even cheaper.
No matter your choice, you may hire a pocket wifi gadget or purchase a sim card by means of Klook. In the event you’re in Asia, then make sure to undergo the listing as it might be cheaper to select it up out of your origin nation.
3. Get an Built-in Palace Ticket
If you wish to go to as many palaces as you may in Seoul, then it is best to undoubtedly get an built-in palace ticket. Entrance to 4 main palaces — Changdeokgung (together with Huwon), Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, Gyeongbokgung — plus Jongmyo Shrine will usually price you a complete of KRW 17,000 for adults. With the built-in palace ticket, you’ll have entry to all 5 for simply KRW 10,000.
4. Get a Vacationer Low cost Go
In the event you plan on visiting many of the sights beneficial on this Seoul journey information, then I extremely advocate getting a Uncover Seoul Go. It’s a vacationer card that offers international guests free admission to lots of Seoul’s prime vacationer sights. In the event you get a Uncover Seoul Go, then you definately received’t have to get an built-in palace ticket since free admission to all 5 historic sights is already included.
Except for free admission to vacationer sights, the Uncover Seoul Go offers you T-money operate and reductions to numerous buying and leisure amenities in Seoul. You will get a 24, 48, or 72 hour Uncover Seoul Go on Klook.
One other vacationer card it’s possible you’ll wish to try is the Go City Pass. We used the Go Metropolis Explorer Go in Barcelona and saved over 21% on admission and tour prices.
5. Test for Low cost Passes
I really like going by means of e-commerce websites to seek out journey offers. I’ve purchased vouchers from a number of totally different web sites however for Seoul, my favorites are Klook and Get Your Information. They’ve the widest choice at one of the best costs.
In the event you’re on the lookout for offers on excursions, reveals, theme parks, and airport transfers in Seoul, then make sure to try Klook and Get Your Guide. Even when I don’t purchase something, I usually discover attention-grabbing actions that I’ll not consider myself so it’s at all times price a glance.
6. Get Journey Insurance coverage
Whether or not or to not get journey insurance coverage is determined by the place we’re going, how lengthy we’re staying there, and most significantly, what we’ll be doing. If all we’re doing is visiting Hong Kong and feasting on road meals for a couple of days, then we could not get it. But when we plan on doing extra bodily issues, issues that might get us damage, then we’ll undoubtedly get journey insurance coverage.
We purchase journey insurance coverage from SafetyWing or Heymondo. They’re widespread journey insurance coverage suppliers utilized by many long-term vacationers. Observe the hyperlinks to get a free quote from SafetyWing or Heymondo. Get 5% off on Heymondo once you use our hyperlink.
7. Deliver the Proper Energy Adapter
Electrical retailers in South Korea are spherical so plugs are sometimes Kind C or Kind F. Make sure to deliver the best energy adapters to your gadgets. Electrical voltage is 220/230V.
Have Enjoyable!
On no account am I an professional on Seoul however I do hope that you just discover this information useful. I’m solely sharing among the issues I’ve discovered from our journeys. When you’ve got any questions, then please be happy to ask us within the remark part under. You’re welcome to hitch our Facebook Travel Group as nicely.
Thanks for stopping by and have enjoyable within the land of Okay-pop and kimchi!
OUR GEAR
These are among the issues we introduced with us to Seoul. In the event you’d prefer to see what different gear we deliver with us on journeys, then you definately’re welcome to have a look inside our backpack. (NOTE: The next hyperlinks are Amazon and different affiliate hyperlinks.)
Disclosure
This journey information comprises affiliate hyperlinks, which suggests we’ll earn a small fee if you happen to make a reserving at no further price to you. We solely advocate services that we use ourselves and firmly imagine in. We actually respect your assist as this helps us make extra of those free journey guides. Thanks!
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