Ever wondered what it's like to live in a city where food, fashion, and fun collide? Come to Seoul, South Korea's vibrant capital! Did you know it's a foodie haven with street eats like bibimbap and kimbap, and shopping districts that rival New York's Fifth Avenue? Plus, Seoul's nightlife is electric, with clubs, bars, and live K-Pop concerts keeping the energy high. Don't miss the breathtaking views from N Seoul Tower or a stroll through the city's lush parks.
Getting Around Seoul
Every day, travelers worldwide arrive at Incheon International Airport to start their vacations and business trips in Seoul.
Location: Situated on the western coast of South Korea, roughly 52 kilometers (32 miles) from Seoul's city center.
Go to the city center: The airport is connected to Seoul via the Airport Railroad AREX, which takes you to Seoul Station in just 43 minutes. Alternatively, you can take Airport Limousine Buses or Taxis directly into the city.
Tips: If you have a late-night flight, consider staying at one of the nearby hotels offering airport shuttle services for a smoother journey.
Hotel Name | Location | Distance from Airport (ICN) | Shuttle Service Info | Rating |
Hotel Ora Incheon | 345, Gonghangseo-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon, 22384, South Korea | 1.9 miles | Airport shuttle pick-up/drop-off (Free) Please contact the hotel for more details
| 4/5 |
Ibis Styles Ambassador Incheon Airport | Ibc Ii, 340, Jung-gu, Incheon, 22382, South Korea | 2.8 miles | Airport shuttle pick-up/drop-off Reservations: Not required | 4.5/5 |
Incheon Airport Guesthouse King | 13-42, Moraenmal-ro 16beon-gil, Jung-gu, Incheon, Republic of Korea, Jung-gu, Incheon, 22376, South Korea | 3.6 miles | Airport shuttle pick-up/drop-off Please contact the hotel for more details | 4.5/5 |
During your visit to Seoul, you can also choose these ways to get around:
Seoul Metropolitan Subway has 23 lines covering Seoul and its surrounding areas. Operating hours are from 5:30 AM to 1:00 AM, with trains running every 2-6 minutes during peak hours. The fare for a single journey starts at ₩1,350 ($1.05) for up to 10 km, with an additional ₩100 ($0.08) per 5 km beyond that.
Buses are divided into Blue, Green, Yellow, and Red lines, providing comprehensive coverage of the city, including areas not served by the subway. Buses operate from 4:30 AM to 1:00 AM, with fares ranging from ₩1,200 ($0.93) for Blue and Green buses to ₩2,300 ($1.78) for Red buses.
Taxis are readily available throughout Seoul, operating 24 hours a day. The base fare is ₩3,800 ($2.93) for the first 2 km, with an additional ₩100 ($0.08) per 132 meters.
High-Speed Rail (KTX) connects Seoul with cities like Busan, Daegu, and Daejeon. KTX trains operate from 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM, with fares ranging from ₩50,000 to ₩150,000 ($39-$115). The journey from Seoul to Busan takes approximately 2.5 hours.
Must-Visit Attractions in Seoul
Itaewon is Seoul's little slice of international flair! This vibrant neighborhood is filled with cozy cafes, trendy boutiques, where you can savor everything from Korean BBQ to Italian pasta. And don't miss the lively nightlife – Itaewon's clubs and bars come alive after dark, making it a fantastic spot for a night out on the town.
Sky-high and super cool, Lotte World Tower is Seoul's tallest building and a must-see for anyone who loves a bit of height and excitement. The observation deck at the top offers breathtaking views of the entire city, and the mall inside is like a shoppers' paradise with luxury brands and local finds.
Step back in time at Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of Seoul's oldest and most beautiful royal palaces. Walking through the grand gates and exploring the gardens, traditional buildings, and beautiful landscapes. You can even rent a traditional hanbok to dress up and feel like royalty for the day.
Bukchon Hanok Village is a charming neighborhood filled with traditional Korean houses, called hanoks. It's a great place to take a leisurely stroll, snap some Instagram-worthy photos, and enjoy a cup of traditional tea in a cozy café.
Best places to stay in Seoul
Think artsy vibes and live music! Hongdae is bursting with street art, quirky cafes, and young energy. Its nightlife is legendary, with bands jamming in underground clubs. Perfect for the creative soul who loves to people-watch and stumble upon hidden gems.
Shopping paradise alert! Myeongdong is Seoul's bustling heart, known for high-street brands, traditional markets, and food streets lined with k-bbq and dessert shops. It's also central, making it easy to explore other areas. Ideal for shoppers and foodies who want it all in one place.
Step into a traditional Korean wonderland in Insadong. This cultural hub is packed with art galleries, traditional tea houses, and shops selling hanbok (traditional clothing). Explore its narrow alleys for a glimpse of old Seoul. Ideal for history buffs and those seeking a serene escape.
Better to know before visiting Seoul
Currency: Seoul uses the Korean Won (₩). Common paper bills include 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, and 50,000 Won. For coins, you'll find 10, 50, 100, and 500 Won pieces.
Payment Methods: Most places accept credit cards like Visa and Mastercard, especially in restaurants and larger stores. Small shops or street vendors might prefer cash. T-Money cards are handy for public transport. You can buy them at airports or convenience stores, but note that you usually need cash to recharge them.
Language: While many Seoulites speak some English, it's always nice to learn a few Korean phrases. Apps like Google Translate can be lifesavers for more complex conversations.
Emergency Contacts: For police, dial 112; For fire or medical emergencies, call 119. This number also offers multi-language support, including English.
Shopping & Taxes: Look out for "Tax Free" stores where you can get a refund on purchases over 30,000 Won. Just ask for a tax refund form at checkout and present it, along with your passport and unopened goods.
Seoul Weather Guide
Season | Temperature | Weather | What to Wear |
Winter (December to February) | daytime: -1°C to 5°C (30°F to 41°F) Nighttime: -10°C to -2°C (14°F to 28°F) | Cold and dry with frequent snowfall, particularly in January | Heavy winter coats, thermal layers, scarves, gloves, hats, warm boots |
Spring (March to May) | March: 1°C to 10°C (34°F to 50°F) May: Up to 20°C (68°F) | Starts chilly, gradually warms up, occasional rain showers, cherry blossoms in April | Light jackets, sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, jeans for early spring. |
Summer (June to August) | Often exceeds 30°C (86°F) with high humidity | Hot, humid, wet due to monsoon season. Frequent heavy showers and thunderstorms in July and August | Light, breathable clothing like cotton t-shirts, shorts, sundresses. Umbrella or raincoat for sudden downpours |
Autumn (September to November) | September: 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) November: 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F) | Cool, dry, clear weather. Stunning fall foliage | Light jackets, sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, jeans. Layers to adjust to changing temperatures |
The best times to visit Seoul are during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November). These seasons offer pleasant weather with moderate temperatures, making them ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Time in Seoul
Seoul is located in the UTC+9 time zone.
City | Time Zone | Time Difference with Seoul |
New York | UTC-5 | -14 hours |
Los Angeles | UTC-8 | -17 hours |
Chicago | UTC-6 | -15 hours |
Please note that the time differences are based on standard time and do not account for Daylight Saving Time (DST), which may affect the actual time difference depending on the specific date.
What to eat in Seoul
Seoul's culinary scene is a delightful blend of traditional Korean flavors and modern twists, all wrapped up in a city that buzzes with energy and culinary creativity.
Bibimbap: This vibrant dish is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. A big bowl of steaming white rice topped with an array of colorful veggies, a fried egg, and a dollop of spicy chili paste. Mix it all up and enjoy a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors in every bite.
Jjamppong: Imagine thick, chewy noodles swimming in a spicy, savory seafood broth, topped with tender slices of squid, mussels, and shrimp. Jjamppong is a spicy delight that'll have you reaching for another bite long after the bowl is empty.
Bulgogi: Marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, sugar, and sesame oil, bulgogi is grilled to perfection and served sizzling hot. Pair it with lettuce wraps, rice, or bibimbap for a meal that's as satisfying as it is delicious.
Tteokbokki: Chewy rice cakes tossed in a goopy, spicy sauce, tteokbokki is a street food staple that's perfect for sharing with friends. The sweet and spicy kick will have you coming back for more.
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