Everything to Know About Seoul Before You Go
Here are some quick tips to have in mind before you visit Seoul for the first time
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Seoul isn’t just a city; it’s a full-throttle experience. It’s where hyper-modern skyscrapers tower over centuries-old palaces, where street food vendors serve Michelin-worthy bites, and where you can spend the morning hiking a mountain and the evening belting out K-pop in a neon-drenched karaoke room. If you’re planning a trip to the capital city of South Korea, here’s everything you need to know before you go.
When to Visit
Seoul is a city of extreme seasons. Winters (December to February) can be brutally cold, often dipping well below freezing with occasional snow. If you love winter sports, head to the nearby ski resorts, but if you’d rather keep all your fingers, pack serious winter gear.
Summers (June to August) bring sweltering heat, humidity, and the monsoon season, which means heavy rains that can flood streets in an instant. Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are the sweet spots, offering mild temperatures, clear skies, and some of the most stunning cherry blossoms (spring) and fiery foliage (fall) you’ll ever see.
Getting Around
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Seoul’s subway system is the holy grail of public transportation—cheap, fast, efficient, and shockingly clean. Get yourself a T-Money card, which works on subways, buses, and even taxis. Google Maps is unreliable for navigation, so download KakaoMap or Naver Map instead.
The subway stations are labeled in English, Chinese, and Japanese, so even if your Korean is nonexistent, you’ll get by just fine. Avoid taxis during rush hour—traffic here is legendary, and the subway will always be faster.
Picking the Right Place to Stay
Seoul is huge, and where you stay can define your experience. If you’re here for the nightlife, Hongdae is your spot—think indie music venues, cheap eats, and an anything-goes attitude. Myeongdong is perfect for shopaholics and first-timers looking for a central location with easy access to everything.
If you want something a little more upscale and trendy, Gangnam (yes, like the song) has luxury shopping, stylish cafes, and the city’s most Instagrammable spots. For a more traditional vibe, stay in Insadong or Bukchon Hanok Village, where you’ll wake up in a centuries-old hanok house surrounded by history.
Food
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Seoul is a food lover’s paradise, and you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you stuck to hotel restaurants. Start your day with a hot bowl of gomtang (beef bone soup) or a crispy-edged kimchi jeon (savory pancake).
For lunch, dive into samgyeopsal (Korean BBQ) or bibimbap. Night markets like Gwangjang Market serve up addictive mayak kimbap (mini seaweed rice rolls) and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes). If you’re feeling adventurous, try sannakji—live octopus that still wriggles on your plate.
Seoul also takes coffee culture seriously, so plan a cafe-hopping day in areas like Seongsu or Ikseon-dong, where stylish cafes blend aesthetic interiors with top-notch brews.
Cultural Etiquette
Koreans value respect, and a few small gestures go a long way. Bow when greeting, use two hands when giving or receiving something, and avoid sticking chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice (it resembles a funeral ritual). Speaking loudly in public—especially on public transport—is a big no-no.
Also, don’t be surprised if you don’t get a lot of small talk; personal space is a thing here, and random conversations with strangers aren’t the norm. And yes, there are separate trash bins for different types of waste, so learn how to sort your trash unless you want judgmental stares from locals.
Must-See Attractions
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Sure, you’ll visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, N Seoul Tower, and Dongdaemun Design Plaza, but Seoul’s magic is in its lesser-known corners. Wander through Ihwa Mural Village for colorful street art, hike up Inwangsan for panoramic city views, or explore the underground shopping meccas of Gangnam Station.
Don’t skip the Han River parks—rent a bike, have a picnic, or try chimaek (fried chicken and beer) under the city lights. If you’re a history buff, the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) day trip is an unforgettable (and slightly surreal) experience.
Recommended Seoul Activites
Seoul Nightlife
Seoul’s nightlife is electric. If you love cocktails, head to speakeasies in Itaewon or Apgujeong, where world-class bartenders mix up creative drinks in hidden basements. For something wild, party in Hongdae’s clubs or dive into Gangnam’s high-end lounges. And if you really want to embrace Korean culture, book a private karaoke room (noraebang) and sing your heart out with endless drinks and snacks.
The best part of a night out in Seoul? Seoul’s late-night food scene is unbeatable—grab some ramyeon at a convenience store or a steaming bowl of sundae gukbap (blood sausage soup) to refuel before heading home.
Shopping in Seoul
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Whether you’re hunting for K-beauty products, high-end fashion, or quirky souvenirs, Seoul’s shopping scene is unmatched. Myeongdong is the mecca for skincare and cosmetics, while Garosugil offers trendy boutiques and designer stores.
For something unique, explore the underground shopping malls at Express Bus Terminal or Coex Mall. And if you love traditional markets, Namdaemun and Dongdaemun have everything from handmade crafts to cheap clothes—just be ready to haggle.
Final Tips
Korean convenience stores are lifesavers—whether you need a midnight snack, a quick hangover fix, or even a microwavable meal, they have it all. Cash isn’t necessary most of the time, but it’s good to have some for street markets. Wi-Fi is everywhere, from subways to cafes, so you won’t struggle to stay connected.
And lastly, Seoul rewards those who explore—wander down tiny alleys, pop into random cafes, and don’t be afraid to get lost. That’s where the magic happens.
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