2024 Seoul Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in November)
With its cutting-edge coolness and deep-rooted traditions, South Korea’s capital Seoul rivals other major Asian cities in culture, innovation, and as being one of the top tourist destinations in the region.Situated in the northwest of South Korea, Seoul developed into a megacity on the banks of the Han River. As the largest city in the country, it is also one of East Asia's most important cultural and financial centers. The capital has a population of nearly 10 million people that provides the workforce for the 17th richest cities in the world by GDP (in 2020). There are 25 districts where Jung-gu is the central district, Seocho-gu is ranked as the second richest district in South Korea, and Gangnam-gu is known for its concentrated wealth and very high standard of living.While today Seoul is the cultural, economic, and political center of South Korea, it had been the capital of Korea from 1394 until the formal division of the country into North (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) and South Korea (the Republic of Korea) in 1948. In fact, the name Seoul means “capital” in the Korean language. The size of the capital has expanded dramatically in recent decades, now the northwestern edge lies only about 40 km (25 miles) from the demilitarized zone that divides North and South Korea.There are so many first-rate scenic spots on offer in Seoul and it is impossible to see them all if you only have a few days. Attractions in the city have a perfect mix of modern and ancient, tranquil and vibrant, well suited for tourists of all ages. Make sure you admire the amazing architectural design of the Gyeongbokgung Palace, chill out at the Cheonggyecheon stream, get dressed up in traditional clothing at Bukchon Hanok Village, and sample everything in Dongjin Market. And when you want to escape all the urban hustle and bustle, you can have a relaxing picnic at Hangang Park, take a stroll in the Seoul forest, and breathe the fresh air in Haneul Park.Visitors flying into Seoul have the luxury of choosing from two international airports, Incheon International Airport and Gimpo International Airport. Both airports are linked to downtown by the AREX trains which only take 40-60 minutes to reach Seoul Station in the city center. The fast and affordable Seoul Metro system has 10 lines, all with user-friendly multilingual signs making navigating the city easy for tourists.
Today's Weather
Clear -2-7℃
Popular Attractions
Namsan Mountain Park
N Seoul Tower
Everland
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Myeong-dong
🇰🇷 Seoul Skyline from Namsan Observatory
The Namsan Observatory, located right next to the Namsan Mountain Top Bus Station, is a great spot to enjoy panoramic views of the Seoul skyline, even before reaching N Seoul Tower. We took Bus No. 1 from our hotel in Chungmuro and arrived at the Namsan Mountain Top Bus Station in about half an hour. On a clear day, visitors can see as far as Seoul's outskirts, with views of Bukhan Mountain, Buram Mountain, and Yongma Mountain from the observatory.
#goingplaces #100WaysOfTravel #korea #southkorea #seoul #namsan #observatory #seoultower #tripblazers
Deoksugung Palace
Deoksugung Palace
📍Address: 99 Sejong-daero, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea
https://maps.app.goo.gl/uRDb26kdmbS6aHsj9?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy
⏰Opening hours: 09:00-21:00 (Closed on Mondays)
A historical site in the heart of Seoul, a memorial to the history and culture of South Korea. In addition to seeing traditional Korean architecture, you can also watch people wearing hanbok walking around and taking pictures.
#tripแจกโรงแรมฟรี
An evening stroll along the Gyeongbukgung stone walls with beautiful gingko tree in autumn
#coupletravel #100waysoftravel
Autumn arrives late in Korea, but we are still able to catch the stunningly beautiful autumn leaves along the stone walls. The rows are filled with yellowish gingko trees which make the evening golden yellowish, stunningly beautiful atmosphere which we could not stop snapping pictures around the area. The most beautiful part is the stretch behind the stone walls near Cheongwadae area, where the trees are taller and bushier. We are really blessed and happy for being able to catch such beautiful scenery, and we hope to see the same again next year.
A Golden Season in Seoul: Autumn’s Magic Unfolds 🇰🇷
#fallcolors #100waysoftravel
Autumn in Seoul is nothing short of enchanting. The city transforms into a breathtaking canvas of fiery reds, oranges, and golden yellows as the foliage peaks in late October and early November.
Strolling through parks like Namsan or along the Han River, the crisp air and vibrant landscapes create an idyllic backdrop. Traditional palaces and modern skyscrapers alike are framed by nature’s beauty. Seasonal treats like roasted sweet potatoes and hot chestnuts add to the charm.
Whether you’re exploring historical sites or cozy cafes, autumn in Seoul offers an unforgettable, serene experience.
My rating: 4.5 ⭐️ out of 5!
Seoul's Autumn Symphony: A Burst of Color
#fallcolors #100waysoftravel
As fall sweeps through Seoul, the city becomes a masterpiece of vivid reds, oranges, and yellows. From the scenic trails of Namsan to the tranquil parks, every corner of the city celebrates autumn's beauty. A perfect season to immerse in nature and vibrant landscapes! #SeoulInAutumn #FallColors
💞Reasons to Recommend:
-Best for strolling around while mesmerize the moment, refreshing and tranquil.
-Enjoy yourself with cafe nearby
I will stay at this hotel whenever I come to Seoul. It's nice and affordable.
Park Hyatt Seoul Park Suite||I stayed at the hotel for a week for a meeting. Before I arrived, the customer experience manager Erin Kim emailed me to explain the check-out situation and the early check-in arrangement for my early flight. I was upgraded to a basic suite with a suite voucher, and Erin told me that I was upgraded to a Park Suite. I was surprised by the professional communication. She also mentioned that there was subway construction nearby, so she arranged a quiet floor for me. The hotel is currently installing double-glazed windows on all floors to deal with the construction of Samseong Station. The 7th floor has been completed, and all floors will be completed next month. I couldn't hear the noise from the construction site downstairs, which was a very chill stay.
I like the layout of the room, with a separate living room, office area, desk, and bar. The room faces the Gangnam Crossroads, where you can feel the hustle and bustle. The bathroom design reminds me of the Andaz Shanghai I stayed at many years ago. There is no ancient tomb lamp, but it retains the rock-cut style that I like very much. The toiletries are Le Labo Bergamote 22, a fresh citrus scent suitable for summer. This is also the high-end scent throughout the hotel's sauna and spa.
Strolling Through the Comic Corners of Seoul's Myeongdong
Walking through the comic street in Seoul's Myeongdong feels like stepping into a fantastical world of the second dimension. The murals on both sides of the street are lifelike, with comic characters peeking out from the walls, their vibrant colors instantly catching everyone's attention. This place is not only a paradise for enthusiasts but also a world full of childlike wonder and creativity. Each artwork carries its own story and emotions, making people stop and admire them closely.
Along the way, I was constantly drawn to those familiar characters, from classic Korean comics to globally popular cartoon figures, as if I were walking through childhood memories. The small shops along the street are also very distinctive, with stalls selling comic-related merchandise and creative handmade items. Each shopfront is filled with laughter and surprises from the crowd.
Sunlight spills over every corner of the comic street, illuminating the colorful walls and bringing the street to life. Walking here, it feels as if everyone has become part of the artwork. This little street gives me a unique sense of joy, finding pure and innocent fun amidst the bustling city.
In Gangnam, Seoul! The hotel I booked this time is so beautiful! I will stay here again next time.
In Gangnam, Seoul! The hotel I booked this time is so beautiful! I will stay here again next time.
Park Hyatt Seoul
Located in Gangnam, Seoul, near Starfield COEX Mall and the subway station, the hotel is a 15-minute walk from Dongdaemun History & Culture Park. You can take a leisurely stroll while enjoying the comfortable temple atmosphere and take photos of the city's lotus path.
The hotel has 184 rooms, where you can enjoy the urban scenery of Gangnam, Seoul. All rooms are equipped with 24-hour room service and premium bedding, as well as air conditioning and separate living areas.
The hotel's top-floor lobby offers panoramic views of Seoul. The gym, pool, and spa are all on the 23rd floor, higher than most rooms, and all have floor-to-ceiling windows, offering great views!
"Cornerstone" is the hotel's main restaurant, where you can enjoy breakfast. In addition, the hotel has two bars. The basement "The Timber House" offers a variety of drinks and beverages, as well as famous Japanese cuisine and live performances. "The Lounge" is the lobby bar, offering drinks and snacks.
Starfield Library offers reading and a variety of lectures, as well as book concerts, author talk shows, and a series of cultural activities. You can come and experience inner healing and spiritual relaxation.
Seoul Fresh Cream Coffee Lovers Must Visit: Milestone Coffee.
Seoul. Seongsu｜Milestone Coffee Roaster
When you come to Seoul and talk about fresh cream coffee (Vienna coffee), "Milestone Coffee Roaster" is definitely a place you can't miss. This time, we visited the Seoul Forest branch, which continues the iconic black and white color scheme. The store also has an outdoor seating area, which is especially suitable for enjoying a moment of leisure on a sunny day.
Milestone's fresh cream coffee exudes a hint of vanilla aroma and has a very creamy and smooth texture. In addition, the tiramisu and cinnamon rolls are also popular dishes in the store, so don't miss them when you visit.
✅ Milestone Coffee (Seoulforest)
마일스톤커피성수
@milestone_coffee
📍 Address: 1st Floor, 15 Seoulsup 4-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
⏰ Business Hours: 10:00–21:00
Indoor Date Ideas: Free Exhibitions
Great Places for Indoor Dates in Myeong-dong!
Introducing Gallery 1898, where you can enjoy free exhibitions.
Located under Myeong-dong Cathedral, this gallery mainly hosts exhibitions related to Catholicism.
Even if you're not a believer, everyone is welcome to visit. It's a great place for a date, especially on days with bad weather!
📌 Location: B107, 74 Myeong-dong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
📅 Exhibition Schedule
With the Lord: 11/6~11/13
Hot Spots in Myeong-dong for Foreigners
Many foreign tourists visit Myeong-dong for shopping! Recently, a popular spot in Myeong-dong is the Butter Shop, which has many cute and charming items.
It is a great place to find souvenirs or gifts, with reasonable prices that make it highly recommended.
📌 Location: 1st Floor, Taeheung Building, 55 Myeong-dong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
⏰️ Hours: 10 AM - 11 PM
Come to Seoul Forest and enjoy an art experience that refreshes all five senses!
Sumsei Terrarium (섬세이테라리움) is located on the busiest street of Seoul Forest. This five-story art experience space is meticulously crafted by the famous Korean creative brand 'SUMSEI (섬세이)'.
Each floor combines different natural elements to create a unique sensory atmosphere, allowing visitors to reawaken their perception of the world through these sensory experiences. From stones, sand, air, trees, water, to light, each element brings different sensory stimuli, enabling us to let go of our preconceived notions and rediscover the charm of nature. Among the many experiences, my favorite is the 'Black Out' experience on the first floor. Here, we are required to let go of our usual senses and explore in the dark, which is both a bit scary and thrilling. After visiting all the floors, you can head to the rest area on the fourth floor to redeem a cup of tea and some snacks.
Throughout the experience, as there are not many people, you can leisurely take in every detail and slowly take photos to document everything. I highly recommend this place to everyone. If you want to enjoy a unique sensory journey, this place is definitely not to be missed.
You need to make an online reservation in advance (reservations open 7 days prior), so plan your time accordingly. Online reservations are made through a Google form. Once your reservation is successful, a staff member will confirm via email. Payment is made on-site.
////////////////////////// Store Information ///////////////////////////
Sumsei Terrarium (섬세이테라리움)
@sumseiofficial
📍 Address: 44-1 Seoulsup 2-gil, Seongsu-dong 1(il)-ga, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
⏰ Business Hours: Tue-Fri 12:00 - 21:30; Sat-Sun 11:00 - 21:30 (Closed on Mondays)
🚇 Seoul Forest Station or Ttukseom Station
The most famous hanok village in Seoul
Bukchon hanok Village is in iconic historical site in Seoul. It is basically a district made of traditional Korean houses. The place is pretty big, and you can easily stroll for a few solid hours there. Area is spotted with restaurants and traditional tea houses to rest after a long long stroll.
Just remember that this is residential area and people live there, so please be respectful and quiet.
This area may get extremely crowded, so it's better to Get there in the morning. And this is one of the most famous spots to take pictures in traditional handbook dress in Seoul.
#travelgram #100waysoftravel #southkorea #seoul
Extremely Instagramable Buddhist Temple in Downtown of Seoul
Jogyesa Buddhist Temple is extremely vibrant and beautiful place to visit while strolling around Seoul downtown.
It is an active temple, so please be respectful to people who came to pray.
Complex consists of many buildings and lots of outdoor statues and garden arrangements. There are so many beautiful details - you can easily take lots of beautiful pictures.
People are very friendly, vibe is very tranquil.
#travelgram #100waysoftravel #southkorea #seoul
Seoul so good.
Seoul is always a good idea. No matter how many times I visit, I never get bored. Every trip is fun and every trip costs me a lot of money, haha.
This time, I booked my tickets with Trip.com, opting for the One Price round-trip from Don Mueang to Incheon with Air Asia X for 6,990 THB. This price includes 25 kg of luggage both ways. Another pleasant surprise was that both flights were on old Singapore Airlines planes, which are definitely more comfortable than Air Asia's own planes.
I had no issues with immigration this time.
I didn't do much sightseeing on this trip. The main highlight was visiting Namsan Tower, thanks to a flash sale ticket from Trip.com.
The highlight of this trip was definitely trying Korean-style grilled eel in Goyang. It was incredibly delicious and quite different from the Japanese style. Highly recommended!
Must-Visit Instagram-Worthy Café in Seongsu!
《NUDAKE Seongsu Main Store》
This super popular café is a pilgrimage spot for many tourists visiting Korea. This time, we took the subway directly to Seongsu Station to visit the main store. The interior is mainly decorated in black and dark tones. Inside, a giant round table displays a variety of original desserts with a strong sense of design, giving the feeling of admiring artworks in a museum. On weekdays around 2 PM, there are usually seats available.
1️⃣ Matcha Lava Croissant ₩28,000
👉 The signature dish of the store and the MVP of this meal 👑
👉 Shaped like a volcanic crater, the black croissant at the bottom gets its color from squid ink, and it has a creamy aroma
👉 The middle is filled with matcha lava cream, which has a rich matcha and fresh cream flavor without being overly sweet. Dipping the croissant in the cream is truly irresistible!
2️⃣ Cream Croissant ₩28,000
👉 The base is the same as the Matcha Lava Croissant
👉 The middle is filled with mascarpone cheese and fresh cream. Although it doesn't flow like lava when cut, it has a rich creamy flavor that isn't overwhelming even if you eat a lot
3️⃣ Tomato 2 ₩12,000
👉 Looks like a tomato on the outside
👉 The outer layer is a jelly made from pomegranate and cranberry juice, giving it a sweet and sour taste
👉 The core's outer shell is hard white chocolate that needs to be cracked open. Inside, there's orange and lemon jelly with a bit of lemon zest, making it quite tangy
4️⃣ Peak Green Latte ₩8,000
👉 The bottom is matcha latte, topped with matcha cream
👉 The whole drink is full of matcha flavor, a must-order for matcha lovers, though it is slightly on the sweeter side
A glimpse of sunset at Hangang, Seoul Wave Art Centre
#bestsunset #100waysoftravel
It was a nice and comfortable evening in the autumn and I was cycling around the Han River to catch the sunset. When I reached Seoul Wave Art Centre the sun is about to set, so I just dismount my bicycle and waited and snap several nice sunset pictures. The sunset captured is really surreal with the buildings behind as the backdrop, and Seoul Wave Art Centre adds on to the nice picture. There is a Starbucks inside the Art Centre so I went in, grab a coffee and just enjoy the nice moment of sunset reflecting on my daily life, with a nice Staurday spent before I head off for dinner.
A breathtaking sunset view from Hanuel Park at Seoul
#bestsunset #100waysoftravel
Its a nice autumn and chilling autumn season again and we visited the Hanuel Park, which is located on top of Sangam dong near World Cup Stadium. Hanuel Park is well known for its wide array of Pampas Silvergrass which only grows and bloom during autumn. We strolled and took many nice pictures around until sunset, where we managed to catch some very nice and breathtaking pictures. The orange glaring sunset shines through the golden silvergrass field and gave a nice surreal drawing like picture. We could not bear to let this nice picture off so we snapped many of those, to be kept as nice memory. This will be one our best kept memory in Seoul.
Good Cafes to Visit During Autumn in Korea
If you visit Korea during the autumn season, a popular destination for viewing the changing leaves is Samcheong-dong Street. This long street is lined with many charming cafes and galleries, and ginkgo trees are planted along one side of the road. One must-visit spot during this time is Jinseon Cafe. The view from the rooftop is amazing, and it's a great place to take lots of photos.
A splendid and grand atmosphere!
When visiting Hapjeong, you must stop by the Mecenatpolis shopping mall. The large circular shopping mall's interior creates a wave-like atmosphere, giving off a grand feeling. It somehow reminds me of Canal City in Fukuoka, with a similar vibe. It's fun just to explore the building itself. 😉😉
🔹️Mecenatpolis
🚩Address: 45 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
A great place for a staycation in a spacious area.
Located near Konkuk University Station, this hotel is known for its great value, offering spacious accommodations at a reasonable price.
It features a large living room, kitchen, and even a washing machine, making it feel like home. The place is clean and conveniently located, perfect for a relaxing stay.
📍The Classic 500 Executive Residence Pentaz Hotel
▫️Location: 90 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
▫️Check-in: 15:00, Check-out: 11:00
Fresh air and smell of pine trees in Bukhansan forest
Bukhansan national park is a massive area with trails of different difficulty levels. And while you need to be relatively fit to hike up to the mountain tops - it is not necessarily at all to make outing to Bukhasan park exhausting if you not in the mood for a serious hiking day.
Lower levels are a beautiful forest area with all sorts of trees with pine trees being my personal favorite. There are numerous Buddhist temples sitting in the midst pf forest to visit.
Tip: night hiking is forbidden.
One more tip: don't forget your mosquito spray!
#forest #100waysoftravel #seoultrip #southkorea #seoul
💞Reasons to Recommend: Air is fresh, all trails are well marked, place is serene and tranquil. Lots of easy trails if you feel just like walking in a forest rather than hiking.
THE BEST LAMB SKEWERS IN SEOUL | MAEHWA LAMB HOUSE MYEONDONG
#koreatrip #100waysoftravel
This restaurant is a popular destination in Myeongdong, renowned for its delicious lamb skewers and authentic flavors. The restaurant offers a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a variety of skewered dishes, grilled to perfection. With a focus on quality ingredients and traditional recipes also ensures a memorable dining experience. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, it’s an ideal spot to indulge in savory Chinese cuisine and experience the lively dining culture of Myeongdong.
For muslim, this is one of the best halal restaurant that u all must try in Seoul, and the price rate is affordable and it's really delicious and worth to try.
📍Address: 매화양꼬치 명동점 | Maehwa Lamb House Myeondong, Seoul-South Korea
#deliciousfood #awesomepic #mustry #reallyrecomended
The oldest temple in Seoul, Bongeunsa Temple
#traveldiaries
Founded in Year 794 during the Shilla Dynasty under the reign of King Wonseong, and continue to reigned across the Goryeo Dynasty. The current structure is rebuilt in Year 1498 under Queen Jeonghyeon during the Joseon Dynasty, who revived Buddhism for a certain time. In Year 1548 Monk Bou was appointed Head of Temple but was killed by the anti-Buddhism factions. Today, it is one of the most prominent temple in Seoul offering Templestay programme to visitors. Today, Bongeunsa became the subordinate of the Jogye Order, the biggest sect of Buddhism in Korea.
A nice burger joint in Seoul, Himnanda Juicybros
#traveldiaries
We visited a nice burger joint at Starfield COEX Mall caleld Himnanda, and they served burgers with very succulent patties. We ordered a double cheeseburger, a mushroom burger with salad as sides, and they tasted very well. The patties are very nicely seasoned and the mushroom burger is also very nice and succulent. The interior is decorated to resemble a standard burger joint in the US, and we really enjoyed this place. This is being put in our radar list of best burger and we will be back again.
Taking a stroll in Starfield COEX Mall
#traveldiaries
COEX is a convention centre located at Samseong, Gangnam area. Beside the convention centre there is a mall called COEX mall which is very unique. Usually when a new store overseas or outside who wanted to set foot in Seoul, Starfield COEX mall will have their first outlet in Seoul, then it will spread across other area. There are a lot of eateries, shops and outlets available and you can see many stores not available at other places in Seoul. There are also other malls called Parnas Mall and The Hyundai connected adjacent to it. There is also a Starfield Library which is a photispot for all visiting here.
The magnificient Starfield Library at COEX
#traveldiaries
There is a huge library cum bookstore at COEX Starfield Mall, and this library is the symbolic landmark of the mall. Located at the centre of the mall, you can go to everywhere direction from the library. There are various books and magazines available, and you can also take your own book to read there. This has become the photospot for every visitors visiting here. I personally like this library at night time as the crowd is much lesser, and the lights are dimmer and give us a more soothing feeling. The ambience is more suitable for reading at night as well, and the best thing is the photo looks less crowded at night.
The Gourmet Street of Starfield COEX mall
#traveldiaries
Starfield COEX mall has recently launches a gourmet street covering many restaurants such as Japanese, Chinese and local Korean, and there are so many of them to be chosen from that you need some time to pause and decide what to eat. There are 40 restaurants there for you to choose from, and everyone of them are famous. The street is decorated with plates and kitchenware features to let people having a feeling of visiting a gourmet street. A very nice concept in a mall.
Delicious Soufflé Pancakes at Andamiro Pancake.
A soufflé pancake hotspot has landed at Sungshin Women's University, and I visited it! First of all, it's really delicious! Plus, the basil tomato ade and iced Americano are also tasty! No need for any words, it's just delicious! Moreover, the calm interior makes it a great place to focus and have conversations. And the photos turn out great too! I had a very enjoyable time eating delicious food and having fun 😝
⏰Business Hours
13:00-22:00 / Last order at 21:00 ✔️Closed every Wednesday
📍Andamiro Pancake at Sungshin Women's University
22, Dongsomun-ro 20na-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 1st floor
Fall colors finally showing at Bukhasan mountain!
Seoul finally starts to show fall colors and ginko trees are changing to yellow and maple trees - to red. It is perfect time for hiking cause weather is chilly but not cold yet, so sweating is tolerable when you walk uphill.
Any hike in Seoul is great but for the moment higher places are showing more colors, so Bukhasan National Park is just perfect! Absolutely stunning colorful forest as a reward for 2+ hours hiking uphill.
Park is huge with lots of trails from easy to difficult, just choose your level. Bring water and snacks. Bring a jacket cause while it is humid and warm in the forest, it is windy and cold at the tophill.
Most hikes can be done in running shoes and no special equipment needed. Just go and enjoy!
#autumnbeauty #100waysoftravel #seoul #seoultrip #southkorea
🏖️Ambiance/Facilities: just a few people during weekdays, weekends may be very crowded and not that enjoyable.
There are a few toilets here and there and resting areas with roofs to provide shelter from the rain.
Before start of the path to the peak - vending machines with drinks.
And at the entrance to the park you can get a map and stamp it.
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