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You are here: Home / Travel / Travel To Seoul Korea | The Ultimate Guide For Your Trip

Travel To Seoul Korea | The Ultimate Guide For Your Trip

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23 Jun
travel to seoul korea - busy street

The ultimate guide to read before you travel to Seoul Korea

If you’re visiting Seoul and don’t know where to start, here is a guide for people who either a) have never been to Seoul or b) you’re looking for quick tips and nice-to-know information. I’m a big believer in putting a lot of work into the preplanning, and I’ve tried to summarize everything I know as best as possible in this article.

My guide is useful for just about anyone I listed in the points above.

Background on Seoul South Korea

Seoul might seem tiny on a map but when you visit the city, you will be amazed at the vast population and size of the city. In fact, with a population of over 26 million people, Seoul is the second largest metropolitan area in the world (after Tokyo, of course). If you thought New York City was busy, you are in for a real surprise when you visit Seoul, especially in shopping districts. The capital city itself has a population of 10 million people, making it the fourth largest city in the world.

In recent years, South Korea has been hailed for its technology, automobiles, and the Olympics. Of course, Korean dramas and Korean pop music are enjoyed worldwide. If you love fashion, makeup and skincare, chances are you know that Koreans have some of the best products and styles in the world. If you want to learn more about Seoul and South Korea before your visit, check out this post for a list of great books to read before visiting South Korea.

Read this post: 11 tips for your first trip to Seoul

Best time to visit Seoul South Korea

Seoul has four distinct seasons, winter, fall, summer and spring. The winters in Seoul reach -4° Celsius (25° Fahrenheit) which makes their winter pretty mild compared to Canadian winters.

Their high and low season are as follows:

High season:

  • Fall (September to November)
  • Spring (April to June)

Low Season:

  • Winter (December to February)

High season is popular because the weather is not too hot or too cold.

If you end up visiting during the summer, make sure to read this post on how to survive Korea’s hot and humid summers.

travel to seoul korea - temple visit

Spring is indeed the perfect time to explore Seoul. All I needed were layers and a light jacket

I personally think there’s never a wrong time to visit Seoul. If you have flexibility in your schedule, consider visiting the low season because it’s a good way to save money.

How to travel to Seoul

travel to seoul korea - incheon international airport

Incheon International Airport

There are various ways to get into Seoul depending where you are coming from. Airplane, train, bus, car and even boat (I did not know that!) are all the different modes of transportation you can use to get to Seoul.

I’m going to assume most readers are international travellers visiting Seoul and will focus on air travel. Although, apparently there is a ferry service from China and Japan.

Once you arrive at the Incheon International Airport

Once you are done picking up your cheap wifi pocket stick from the airport, it’s time to figure out how to get into Seoul.

Assuming you’re not driving to Seoul or you are not taking the ferry, you’ll most likely arrive by plane to the Incheon Airport. There are a few options to get into town:

  • Metro system
  • Taxi
  • Bus
  • Limousine bus

I highly recommend taking the metro system as the means to get into the city. Not only is their metro system efficient, but it’s convenient, and you don’t have to deal with traffic jams or taxi drivers not understanding what you are trying to say. If you have heavy luggage, try to find the elevators in the metro system because the alternative is dragging your bags up a lot of stairs (or use a luggage service if budget allows!)! There are also certain areas in the metro where you’ll have to walk ten minutes to the metro station. If that’s too much for you, then stick to a taxi or bus. There are also limousine buses that travel to major areas and hotels around the city and is another option to consider.

Door to door, it took G and I about one hour from the airport to the Sheraton D-Cube City hotel, although we budgeted 1.5 hours. Time flew by so fast, and I got a nice nap on our way to our hotel from the airport.

Note: I later learned a better way to get to the city from the airport…don’t be dumb like me and save time by booking the airport express train in advance!

How to get around the city when you travel to Seoul Korea

There are a few ways you can get around Seoul:

  • Metro station
  • Bus
  • Taxi
  • Walking

Metro station is by far the biggest and most convenient way to get around the city since the city is massive. In my experience, it was hard to get around Seoul with English, so I find that the Metro was perfect. The maps were easy to navigate, and the colour coding makes it pretty self-explanatory.

Seoul wasn’t as walkable as I had hoped as some of the areas I wanted to visit were not close in proximity. Regardless, I still ended up doing a fair amount of walking as each station had a lot of different streets and shops to explore.

travel to seoul korea - busy street

So many streets to walk and explore around Seoul. And EAT!

I didn’t take the bus and taxi but they are another means to get around the city. Buses connect to the subway and can get you almost anywhere in the city. I didn’t want to even try taking the bus because I’d be that incompetent person getting off the wrong stop and wandering around like a lost soul. Taxis are all over the place but so are a gazillion other cars. It seemed like traffic jam was consistent throughout the day. However, if you need to take a taxi, they are ubiquitous and easy to flag down.

travel to seoul korea - seoul traffic

Traffic in Seoul, all day every day

What to do when you travel to Seoul Korea

While my articles are based on my two-day trip to Seoul, I was able to see a lot in those two days. My itinerary can easily be expanded to a four (or more!) day trip. In case you were wondering, I spent 12+ hours of my time outside of my hotel to see as much of the city as possible. My Korean friends were very impressed with all the places I managed to visit in such a short amount of time.

travel to seoul korea - vegetable vendors

A Korean lady selling beans and vegetables on the streets of Namdaemun market

Everywhere you go, every street you turn into has an unusual sight that is uncommon in North America.

travel to seoul korea - fish vendor

A Korean lady preparing fish on the streets

But again, explore the mountains, the parks, the temples, and shrines! Oh, and did I mention there’s so many cute characters and displays in Seoul?

Read this post: How to find kawaii Korean stationery stores in Seoul

While I don’t shop a lot while travelling (or in general), Seoul is heaven for those who love shopping. There are so many international brands as well as unique Korean fashion, and if you love skincare, you’ll be in heaven. My Asian friends love Korean makeup and skincare and regard them as one of the best products to use.

What to eat when you travel to Seoul Korea

travel to seoul korea - street food vendor

Yummy food everywhere! You will NOT go hungry in Seoul

Seoul has a million things you can eat (ok, maybe not a million but it felt like a million!) and if you love Korean food, you’ll be in foodie heaven for sure. If you’re worried about not getting enough variety, have no fear! I saw many Japanese and Chinese restaurants, as well as international cuisine.

Read this post: 10 yummy eats to try in Seoul

Like any other place in the world, you can spend as much as or little money as you want on food. I tend to go for value – spend as little money on food as possible while not sacrificing on taste and I found food to be relatively inexpensive. Compared to Southeast Asia, food is pricier, but there are so many options for everyone.

travel to seoul korea - yummy street food

Mmmmmm look at all that street food

We spent around ₩10,000 (around $12 CAD or $8 USD) per meal, per person on our trip and I’m pretty sure we both left Seoul a pound or two heavier. Mind you, we barely ate in restaurants and stuck to street food most of the time.

If you’re staying on a super duper low budget, don’t forget to visit convenience stores and bakery stores! You can find a delicious bakery for as low as ₩1,500 ($2 CAD or $1.50 USD), as well as snacks and yummy drinks.

travel to seoul korea - korean pancake street food

Freshly made Korean pancakes (I think they’re called Korean pancakes)

As for drinks and coffee, I don’t drink either (I know, what planet am I from) so you’ll have to check out another guide for tips.

Where to stay when you travel to Seoul Korea

Seoul is a place where accommodations are a bit more expensive compared to Asian cities. Again, like food, you’ll find accommodation that fits your budget. Look out for deals on Booking.com or Agoda, which is the best place to start.

As for location, if you’re not too sure where the ideal place to stay is, anywhere along the Metro is your best bet.

Read this post: 10 places to check out in Seoul

After doing tons of research and trying to figure out the best combination of price and points, we stayed at the Sheraton D-Cube hotel.

travel to seoul korea - d cube hotel sheraton bathroom

Beautiful rooms at the Sheraton D-Cube hotel, where you can brush your teeth, shower, bathe AND spy on your travel companion in the next room

Safety for when you travel to Seoul Korea

I wrote about safety in my previous article, so I won’t rehash it here. To quickly summarize though, Seoul is a very safe city, comparable to Hong Kong (and maybe Japan?), and Seoul is fine to travel alone. I didn’t feel the need to worry about petty crime or people stealing from me because honestly, I’m sure most of them were wealthier than me. My level of awareness didn’t need to be in overdrive like it normally is when travelling outside of North America and I never felt like I was being scammed. Of course, even though this was my personal experience, you should always be careful and be aware of your surroundings.

Stay healthy when you travel to Seoul Korea

No need to worry about dirty water or contaminated food, Seoul is relatively clean. I don’t think Seoul belly exists (except for a BIG Seoul belly from all the good food you’ll eat by the time you leave Seoul!).

travel to seoul korea - street food

Hurray for being able to eat street food on your first day and not get sick!

trust inner voice

Oh Brown, you’re so cute!

Other great destinations in South Korea

While Seoul is great, there are other great places to visit around South Korea that you will want to consider for your trip! Nami Island day tour is a great place to visit year-round and is just 65 km from Seoul, making it an easy day trip from Seoul. As well, visiting the second largest city in South Korea is a must as there are lots of things to do in Busan!

Conclusion

There you have it, my practical guide for your trip to Seoul. If you have any questions, please leave a message at the bottom of this post.

PIN FOR LATER

travel to seoul korea - pin

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trust inner voice11 Of The Most Useful Travel Tips For Seoul Korea How To Find Cute Korean Stationery Shops In Seoul | Is Seoul on your bucket list? Are you travelling to Seoul and you're researching about art supply stores in Korea? Read this post for tips and suggestions on finding cute Korean stationery in Seoul!How To Find Cute Korean Stationery Stores In Seoul & Online Some Of The Most Fun Places To Visit In Seoul | Here are some amazing places you'll want to visit during your vacation in Seoul! Click on this post for advice and suggestions on where you should visit before your trip to Seoul. Included is an itinerary ideal for 2-5 day trips in Seoul.9 Amazing Budget Friendly Places To Visit In Seoul namdaemun market in seoul korea market shoppingWhat To Expect At The Amazing Namdaemun Market In Seoul Why Sheraton Seoul D Cube City Hotel Is Amazing | Is Seoul on your bucket list for your next travel destination? Are you looking for a great place to stay in Seoul? Click on this post to read about Sheraton D-Cube City Seoul Hotel. This hotel is located in a central location in Seoul and has exceptional customer service!Why Sheraton Seoul D Cube City Hotel Is Amazing Wondering What To Eat In Seoul? Try These 10 Affordable Dishes! | Click to read if you are looking for food tips for your Seoul trip. Read this post about street food, desserts, and get ideas on food prices in Seoul, one of best foodie cities in Asia.Wondering What To Eat In Seoul? Try These 10 Affordable Dishes! A List Of The Best Desserts In Chiang Mai | Chiang Mai has delicious food, especially yummy dessert! If you have a craving for sweets and you're in Chiang Mai, click on this post to see photos and prices of the best delicious desserts you can try in Chiang Mai.Some Of The Best Desserts To Try In Chiang Mai Some Of The Best Things To Do In Singapore | Are you looking for things to do in Singapore? Not sure which places to visit? Click on this post for Singapore photography and tips on sights you'll want to visit during your tripThe Best Things To Do In Singapore For First Timers

Archive Filed Under: Destinations, Travel Tagged With: Asia, Seoul, South Korea

About Nancy

Hi, I’m Nancy! I am obsessed with self-awareness, food, semi-minimalism, stories, budgets, & adventures around the world. Read more here.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Wendy says

    June 24, 2017 at 4:41 pm

    I always find it funny to see how fascinated the Koreans are with those comic like figures, you see them everywhere, right? Did you travel further around in Korea? Or did you only visit Seoul?

    Reply
    • Nancy says

      July 2, 2017 at 11:59 am

      I did see them everywhere! I’m normally not into stuffed animals but these ones were SO CUTE! I couldn’t resist taking photos with them like a tourist haha! I only visited Seoul 🙂

      Reply
  2. Cherri Megasko says

    June 24, 2017 at 5:08 pm

    When I first saw the title of your post I knew I was going to have a question about the language – and you answered it! English is the only language I speak, so I’m always concerned about how easy it is getting around in a city where you don’t speak the native language. The color-coding for the metro really helps.

    Reply
    • Nancy says

      July 2, 2017 at 12:02 pm

      I am the same way! I’ve been to countries where not a single person can speak English and it’s a struggle to get around…even simple words like “bathroom” or “toilet paper”, no one had any idea what I am saying and that’s always hard and so now I’m cognizant of how easy/hard it is to get around with English

      Reply
  3. Claudia says

    June 24, 2017 at 10:39 pm

    what a complete and extensive travel guide! I love that you have not only included methods of transportation to get to the city but also within the city!

    Reply
    • Nancy says

      July 2, 2017 at 12:02 pm

      I’m glad you found it useful!

      Reply
  4. Punita Malhotra says

    June 25, 2017 at 3:20 am

    The impression I get is that of an extremely busy city with a lot of people and color. And a lot of signboards everywhere! Senses on high alert 🙂

    Reply
    • Nancy says

      July 2, 2017 at 12:03 pm

      Yep, you are so right! There are also lots of smells (food) as well :).

      Reply
  5. AMYFOX says

    June 25, 2017 at 4:33 am

    CONGRATULATIONS!!
    You made it!!
    The amazing hard work you’ve put shows on your blog! And I’m super happy with my choice!!
    You’ve been nominated to ‘THE BLUE SKY TAG BLOGGERS CHALLENGE, to know more visit this site and complete the challenge!!
    TY 🙂

    Reply
    • Nancy says

      July 2, 2017 at 12:04 pm

      Thanks, Amy!

      Reply
  6. carla abanes says

    June 25, 2017 at 2:58 pm

    Your photos seem to really capture what Seoul is all about! Would love to visit it sometime soon! Thank you for sharing this guide with us!

    Reply
    • Nancy says

      July 2, 2017 at 12:35 pm

      Aww thank you! I felt like Seoul were my worst photos because I bought new lens a few days before this trip and was still learning the settings while in Seoul. Glad to hear you thought they were good.

      Reply
  7. Peter Korchnak says

    June 25, 2017 at 7:34 pm

    Useful tips. I think I’ll love the street food when I go.

    Reply
    • Nancy says

      July 2, 2017 at 12:37 pm

      I’m sure you will 🙂 The street food was so good and so filling!

      Reply
  8. Gokul Raj says

    June 26, 2017 at 2:40 am

    Looks like a busy city. Almost similar to Bangkok. How are the traffic jams there.

    Reply
    • Nancy says

      July 2, 2017 at 12:45 pm

      Indeed, very similar to Bangkok and other big Asian cities. The traffic jam seemed never ending

      Reply
  9. Danik says

    June 26, 2017 at 5:45 am

    I so want to go to Seoul just to check out their crazy cartoon characters. 😀 Its been high on my list for a while and you want me to get out there even quicker now.

    Reply
    • Nancy says

      July 2, 2017 at 12:47 pm

      There weren’t as many as I had hoped for when I went, could be the areas that I visited…. but the cartoon characters I did encounter were absolutely adorable 🙂

      Reply
  10. jo says

    June 26, 2017 at 2:01 pm

    A really useful guide to Seoul with lots of great practical tips. The food looks amazing! Pinned for future reference!

    Reply
    • Nancy says

      July 2, 2017 at 12:47 pm

      Thanks Jo 🙂 Happy future travels!

      Reply
  11. Claire says

    June 26, 2017 at 2:59 pm

    I really want to visit Seoul, I have heard so many good things about it! The street food looks delicious – you can’t beat fried stuff on sticks! And I love those cute characters !

    Reply
    • Nancy says

      July 2, 2017 at 12:48 pm

      haha yea, the street food there was so good!

      Reply
  12. Jennifer says

    June 27, 2017 at 11:47 am

    My husband currently lives in Seoul – for one more week – and also lived there for another year 15 years ago. I had really wanted to visit this time in the year that he was there, but he just really didn’t enjoy it much. It’s a mega city and he didn’t find there was much to do besides shop and walk around, so we ended up meeting up in other places instead. I doubt I’ll ever visit now that he’s moving and won’t be back there for work ever again.

    Reply
    • Nancy says

      July 2, 2017 at 1:11 pm

      This is a good perspective, thanks for sharing. I definitely wouldn’t mind revisiting Seoul because I didn’t experience enough of Seoul. I also felt that it is mainly a big city with a lot of shopping, eating and exploring the different neighbourhoods. I love Korean food though and I’m pretty happy with just eating all day haha.

      Reply
  13. Our Seaside Baby says

    June 27, 2017 at 5:03 pm

    Great guide! I’d love to visit Seoul. I spent a year in Japan and can see the similarities with Tokyo. It would be great to visit one day. Polly

    Reply
    • Nancy says

      July 2, 2017 at 1:12 pm

      That’s so awesome that you got to spend a year in Japan! *fingers crossed* I’m hoping to be able to visit Japan for a month next year

      Reply
  14. Christopher says

    June 27, 2017 at 10:49 pm

    What bear doesn’t look too happy…lol But this post makes me happy. Seoul looks so busy and hectic! And colourful. I’m glad you suggested some things to eat cause I think I would get sensory overload with all the signs and smells…Its definately on my to go to list!!!

    Reply
    • Nancy says

      July 2, 2017 at 1:14 pm

      Haha yeah, that bear doesn’t look too impressed. Yep, the struggle is real in deciding what to eat. Good food is everywhere in Seoul!

      Reply
  15. Nina says

    June 28, 2017 at 9:14 am

    Good to know that it’s safe, and the characters are so cute!

    Reply
    • Nancy says

      July 2, 2017 at 1:20 pm

      Yes, feeling safe is pretty high on my list when it comes to travelling!

      Reply
  16. Miranda says

    June 28, 2017 at 3:33 pm

    wow, the food there looks amazing! South Korea would be such a cool experience, coming from the U.S.!

    Reply
    • Nancy says

      July 2, 2017 at 1:21 pm

      It indeed is a great experience! I hope you get to visit South Korea one day 🙂

      Reply
  17. Helena says

    June 29, 2017 at 2:59 am

    This is such a fantastic travel guide as I know very little about South Korea. I will definitely be using your guide when I go (which is hopefully very soon!)

    Reply
    • Nancy says

      July 2, 2017 at 1:22 pm

      I’m glad it helped! I hope your plans work out and you’ll get to visit South Korea soon!

      Reply
  18. Juliette | Snorkels to Snow says

    June 30, 2017 at 11:44 pm

    Great guide, we only had an 8-hour layover in Seoul, but fortunately we arrived in time to do a transit city tour for 5 hours. So we got to leave the airport and head into the city, walk down the little streets and have authentic Korean food for lunch (bibimbap), and visit one of the palaces which was beautiful! And Incheon Airport is fantastic too. Definitely would go back to explore more.

    Reply

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