Seoul – Know Before You Go

Looking to travel to Seoul, South Korea? In this post I’ll cover all the things to consider and think about when planning a trip to this incredible city. After, feel free to check out my one week Seoul itinerary.

Why Go to Seoul?

First things first – why Seoul? Definitely still somewhat under the radar, Seoul and South Korea more generally are places in transition. Fantastic food, modern transportation, friendly people and beautiful mountains make this a top notch destination in Asia.

People visit Gwanghwamun Gate in Seoul on a sunny day—an iconic spot every travel guide lists among top things to know.

How Many Days Do I need in Seoul?

While you could probably see the top highlights in 2-3 days, giving yourself a week allows for day excursions as well as time to get a little lost in the markets, cute neighborhoods and delicious coffee shops that make this city such a worthwhile destination.

Crowded indoor market with people shopping, food stalls, hanging signs, and a high arched roof overhead.

Where should I stay in Seoul?

Myeongdong is a good spot for first time visitors. Insadong, a bit north/northeast of Myeongdong offers great proximity to the main attractions but is a little less busy. Up and coming neighborhoods like Hongdae or Seongsu have a lot going on and offer a less touristy experience. I always book through Booking.com as it offers great filters like cancellation policies and neighborhoods, plus you can stack up rewards points to save on nights!

People walk along a busy shopping street lined with stores and tall buildings under a clear sky in an urban area.
The streets of Myeongdong.

What are the main attractions in Seoul?

  • Gyeongbokgung Palace – A palace originally built in 1395, it is the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty.
  • Changgyeonggung Palace – A palace built in the mid-15th century by King Sejong for his father, Taejong.
  • Bukchon Hanok Village – A cobble-stoned maze of traditional Hanok style homes with vistas of the city.
  • Ikseon-dong Hanok Village – A maze of restaurants and shops, popular for night life.
  • Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) – A museum and architectural marvel.
  • Gwangjang Market – A food market.
  • Myeongdong Night Market – A food and other goods market.
A traditional Korean pavilion stands on an island in a pond, connected by a footbridge, with trees and a mountain in the background.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
A woman prepares food behind a street food stall displaying various Korean dishes, including pancakes, meat, and vegetables.
Exploring market food
A large metallic building with a curved, futuristic design stands behind a tall, abstract human statue and a person walking nearby.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza
A traditional Korean palace gate with ornate roof tiles and wooden beams, set against a clear sky and stone courtyard.
Changgyeonggung Palace
A traditional Korean pavilion stands beside a pond with lily pads, surrounded by lush green trees in a tranquil garden setting.
Secret Garden
A narrow street lined with traditional Korean hanok houses with stone walls under a partly cloudy sky.
Bukchon Hanok Village

What are the main day excursions?

  • If you have the time, many tourists do a day trip to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) to explore and learn more about Korean war history and the ongoing conflict with North Korea. You are required to visit on an organized tour and must do so with your passport. At the moment, there is no access to the Joint Security Area (JSA), which prior to 2023 was the closest one could get to the border. Still, the tours are fascinating and you can’t go wrong no matter which operator you go with as they all basically do the same tour (there isn’t a lot of room for variety given it is a strictly controlled military area). Most trips include a stop at the Imjingak park, the 3rd tunnel, and the Dora Observatory where you can look into North Korea. There is also usually a stop for lunch in one of the nearby South Korean villages which is within the DMZ. Finally, a lot of the tours stop at the Gamaksan Suspension Bridge which is a tourist attraction and hiking area. It’s a full day experience.
  • Another great way to spend a day outside of Seoul is by hiking in nearby Bukhansan National Park. You can learn more by checking out my tips for hiking in Bukhansan National Park or my favorite hike in Bukhansan National Park. Hiking is a huge part of Korean culture and a great way to immerse yourself more fully into the local experience.
Large colorful DMZ letters are displayed outdoors near a monorail station, globe sculpture, and flag under a clear blue sky.
In the DMZ
Landscape view of a green valley with dense trees, open fields, and distant mountains under a clear blue sky.
Views of North Korea
Person in white shirt and hat stands on a long suspension bridge surrounded by green forested hills under a clear blue sky.
Gamaskan Suspension Bridge
Person wearing a blue shirt and shorts standing on a rocky ledge with forested mountains in the background.
Hiking in Bukhansan National Park
Traditional Korean buildings with tiled roofs surrounded by greenery and mountains under a blue sky with clouds.
Temples along a hike in Bukhansan
Hikers walk along a rocky trail on a forested mountain ridge under a hazy sky.
Views in Bukhansan National Park

What things should I book or reserve in advance?

  • The Secret Garden in the Changgyeonggung Palace is a highlight and requires advanced bookings. There is a specific website for foreigners where you can book. You have to use this link if you are paying with a foreign credit card.
  • There is some incredible fine dining in Seoul, including many Michelin rates restaurants that book up far in advance. You can check the list and make reservations here.
Traditional Korean pavilion overlooking a pond with lily pads—an essential stop on your Seoul travel itinerary.
The Changgyeonggung Palace Secret Garden required advanced tickets.

Are there any other can’t miss experiences?

  • One thing Korea and Seoul in general is known for is fantastic and affordable skincare. If this is something you care about, there is a lot of great shopping and spas throughout the city. You’ll find plentiful face masks and other tools of the trade. One popular shop for all you can hope for skincare is Olive Young. I also really enjoyed products from Toun 28.
  • Korean spa culture has been exported to North America but there’s nothing quite like the real deal in Seoul. I loved Gold Spa for an immersive experience, but each neighborhood has at least one – we stayed in Insadong and checked out this local spa. You may need to search ‘Jjimjilbang’ on Google instead of ‘spa’ to get the right hits. If you have never been to a Korean spa before, definitely do some reading in advance as it’s not like a typical Western spa.
  • Coffee and booked goods culture is huge in Korea. As such, there are incredibly cute coffee shops on every corner, offering gorgeous pastries to try.
Street view of a building with neon signs in Korean and English advertising a sauna, restaurants, and various businesses.

What do I need to bring to Seoul?

Seoul is a modern city where you can find anything you might need, day or night (especially in 7/11 stores which are often 24/7!). Check to make sure you have a travel plug adapter for your electronics (I always travel with this universal one so I don’t have to think about it). Don’t forget to get a e-SIM before you travel as well as travel insurance. Comfortable shoes for walking are also recommended and a day bag for excursions is always great too!

Cash or Card?

Most places in Seoul accepted foreign credit cards (though make sure you don’t have to pay foreign transaction fees!). The places where cash are necessary are in night markets and when refilling a transit card. It’s important to remember that not all ATMs in the city accept foreign debit cards, so if and when you find them (in banks or at the airport), try and take out as much cash as you think you’ll need for most of your stay.

What are foods I can’t miss in Seoul?

Most people have seen Korean BBQ and fried chicken outside of Korea, but there is so much more to the food scene! Explore:

  • Different Banchan (appetizer like dishes) at the restaurants you visit
  • Seek out Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes)
  • Kimchi (pickled cabbage) – everyone makes it differently!
  • Soft Tofu Soup
  • Kimbap (vegetable sushi rolls)
  • Bibimbap (claypot rice and vegetables)
  • Bulgogi (thinly sliced and marinated beef)
  • Bibim nengmyun (spicy cold noodles)
  • Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup).
  • Dakgalbi (a ramen and chicken stir fry dish with rice cakes)

If you are vegetarian, there are some Buddhist restaurants, however by and large Korea is a meat eating country.

A pan filled with spicy stir-fried noodles, vegetables, and meat, with a spatula resting on the side.
Delicious Dakgalbi.

What are customs to be aware of in Seoul?

Probably the most useful etiquette I used when in Korea were:

  • When handing or accepting an object from another person, always use two hands or a single hand with your opposite hand holding your elbow
  • Refrain from leaving your chopsticks or spoon sticking up from your bowl of rice, and use a spoon to eat rice.
  • Remove your shoes when entering temples or certain traditional restaurants
  • Refrain from pointing with a finger. If you must point, use your thumb or whole hand.

How do I get around in Seoul?

Seoul has a sophisticated subway system, as well as a convenience airport train system. Ubers and cabs are also available. You’ll want to install Naver app, which is a Korean specific transport app that works better and is more accurate than Google Maps in many situations.

When you arrive in Seoul, buy a T card (refillable transit pass) at any station or 7/11 store. You can buy the initial refillable pass with a credit card, but in order to refill the card with more money, you will need cash.

Two smartphones displaying a Korean navigation app with maps, routes, and location search features on a blue background.
Naver Map app – which also is available in English.

How much English is spoke in Seoul?

More than other parts of Korea, but less than countries like Japan. You’ll find signs in English but the average person on the street speaks and understands very little English. You will find English menus in many restaurants if you ask, but if that’s not available, using the photo functionality on Google Translate can get you very far.

Rebecca runs The Adventure Beckons, a travel and outdoor adventure blog based in Vancouver, British Columbia. As an experienced traveler to over 40 countries and counting, she provides her readers with practical travel itineraries from day trips to multi-week adventures. She strives to balance nature and hiking with the must-see tourist highlights that are genuinely worth your time and money.

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