South Korea’s main city, Seoul, is a sprawling metropolis where ancient Buddhist temples and palaces coexist with futuristic subways, a vibrant pop culture scene, and a thriving street food culture. Gyeongbokgung Palace, which originally had more than 7,000 chambers, Jogyesa Temple, the location of ancient locust and pine trees, and the contemporary Dongdaemun Design Plaza are just a few examples of the city’s many must-see landmarks.
Humans have lived in the Seoul region along the Han River for thousands of years, and the city flourished and became strategically important to the numerous kingdoms that ruled the Korean peninsula in the early historic era. Gen. Yi Sng-gym, the founder of the Chosun dynasty, established Seoul as the nation’s capital in 1394.
The Seoul Weather
The weather in Seoul has a substantial average yearly temperature swing. The average temperature ranges from around 26 degrees Fahrenheit (3 degrees Celsius) in January to about 78 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius) in August. The city receives an average of 54 inches (1,370 mm) of rain each year, most of which falls during the summer.
The rapid growth in the number of cars and companies in the region has led to a severe increase in air pollution in the basin and in Yngdong-p’o (Yeongdeungpo), an industrial district in the southwest immediately south of the river. Efforts to regulate the Han’s water level and the installation of massive sewage treatment facilities have greatly lowered pollution levels since the early 1980s.
Producing in Seoul’s Economy
There are several jobs available in the city, and one of the most popular is in manufacturing. Manufacturing staples including textiles and clothing, equipment, and chemicals have been supplanted by the information technology and electronics sectors. In addition to being essential, the food processing, beverage production, and publishing/printing industries are also vital.
Commerce-Related and Related Services
Most of the city’s labor force is employed in the service industry. Companies in the banking, insurance, and professional and business services sectors, as well as the numerous international and trade enterprises that call Seoul home, are the city’s largest private employment. The country’s financial system revolves around Seoul. Many yearly trade events take place in the city, and its major stock exchanges and banks have their headquarters in the northern and southern downtown areas and on Yi Island.
Tongdaemun Market, a large traditional market, and Namdaemun Market, a smaller traditional market in the core of North City, are the two most important traditional retail places. The entire country, not just Seoul, may get their shopping needs met at these markets, which feature stalls operated by a wide variety of different vendors. Kangnam, the central district of South City, is home to several huge department shops and retail malls.
Tourists flock to Seoul, the political, cultural, and economic center of South Korea, because of the city’s abundance of modern conveniences and ancient landmarks. The city collaborates with a wide range of public and private entities to foster growth in the business and leisure travel markets as it plays host to several international business gatherings and conferences.
Best Time To Visit Seoul
South Korea, like Japan, has four different seasons throughout the year. March through May and September through early November are peak tourist seasons in Seoul because of the pleasant weather and beautiful scenery. The springtime’s pinks and whites of cherry blossoms and the autumn’s flaming reds, oranges, and yellows both have striking color shifts. Read on to find out what each season brings.
One of the most pleasant periods to visit Seoul is between March and May. The city blossoms like a bud on a sunny day. Plan your trip to Seoul for the second week of April if you want to see the cherry blossoms (around April 9-10). The best chance of seeing the cherry blossoms will be if you do that.
Yet, the flowers’ blossoming is highly weather-dependent, so there’s no assurance that they will be in full bloom at that time; still, I’d say that time or a little earlier is a solid bet. If the cherry blossoms in Seoul have yet to open, you may always plan a day trip to Jinhae, the site of Korea’s largest cherry blossom festival. Visit Korea should be bookmarked for up-to-date event information.
JUN-AUG:
When it comes to visiting Seoul, summer is not the best season. Summer is the busiest season for domestic travel, and as a result, temperatures rise, humidity levels rise, precipitation levels rise, and costs rise. To the extent possible, try to avoid these months.
If you aren’t coming for the cherry blossoms, September through November is the finest time to visit Seoul. The weather is pleasant, and the foliage is at its most brilliant, much like in the spring. If possible, aim for the end of October or the beginning of November.
The months of December through February are prime time for snow sports enthusiasts. The winters in Korea, though, may be brutal. We traveled at the beginning of November and were unprepared for the extreme cold. There are a number of ski resorts within a reasonable travel time from Seoul if you can handle the cold.
Seoul’s Monthly and Yearly Climate
For more information about the climate in Seoul, visit weather-and-climate.com. I’ve also included graphs showing the average temperature and yearly rainfall for your reference. The orange months are the ones we recommend you visit.
Depending on where you’re coming from, you have a lot of options for getting to Seoul. Use Bookaway or the handy widget on this page to explore your travel alternatives. You may get to some of the world’s most beautiful spots by taking a bus, boat, or train.
How to Get into Seoul
Incheon International Airport is used by nearly every foreign airline that flies into South Korea. From Incheon, you may reach Seoul’s central business district in a number of ways. If you need additional details on airport shuttles, check out this page.
The quickest method to reach the city from the airport is by using the Airport Express (AREX). It never misses a beat and arrives at Seoul Station precisely 43 minutes later. There’s free Wi-Fi and comfy seats on these trains. Tickets are KRW 9,500 at the gate but may be purchased in advance at a concession on Klook.
The second-quickest method to go from Incheon to Seoul is to take the nonstop train. It takes roughly half the time of the AREX to bring you to Seoul Station (58 minutes), and it costs about half as much (KRW 4,150-4,750). Commuter rail service is available from 5:23 am to 11:40 pm. Typically, we ride this train.
Locations in Seoul
MYEONGDONG
Myeongdong is the place to stay in Seoul if you intend to do a lot of shopping. It’s a high-density commercial area with countless restaurants, cafés, and even a few street food booths. There’s a considerable possibility you’ll never leave if you appreciate Korean cosmetics. There appears to be no vacancy at the hotel where we stayed, but accommodations in Myeongdong may be found by searching sites like Booking.com and Agoda.
INSADONG
While we didn’t stay in the area, we did spend a lot of time at Insadong’s various restaurants, cafés, and teahouses. Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Bukchon Hanok Village are all within walking distance.
HONGDAE
We didn’t want to go shopping, so Hongdae was a great option for Ren and me. Locations associated with Hongik University are the focus of this term. It has all the charm and energy of a small college town and is a great place to hang out with friends. This is our preferred area of Seoul, so we’ll likely stay here on future visits.
Located a short distance from Hongik University Station’s Exit 6, Bingo House is a cozy 5-room inn. The area is convenient, with a 7-Eleven, a GS25, and many eateries all within walking distance. There is a communal kitchen with complimentary water and cooking utensils, but no complimentary breakfast is provided. To reserve a hotel, use the online travel agency Agoda.
If you’re interested in Hongdae, but you’re not sure Bingo House is the best fit for you, then you may look for other options in the area on the following sites: Internet hotel reservations: Agoda | Booking.com. Some of the best hotels in Hongdae are as follows.
ITAEWON
Of these four neighborhoods, we know the least about Itaewon. It’s one of the city’s most culturally varied areas, and there are many of places to eat and buy here. It’s a popular destination for internationals because of its lively nightlife.
Attractions in and around Seoul
One, the Five Great Palaces
Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Gyeonghuigung, and Deoksugung are the five Joseon Imperial Palaces in Seoul. Just the first two were visited by us, but the other three are fairly accessible. When comparing the five palaces, Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung stand out as the largest and, probably, the most magnificent. Gyeongbokgung was the most important palace and is one of only two places (the other being Deoksugung) to see the Royal Guard change. The Huwon, also known as the “Hidden Garden,” can be found in the equally stunning Changdeokgung, which is also included as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Read my article where I provide additional details and photos about Changdeokgung and Gyeongbokgung. You may either explore yourself or join a guided group tour (Klook | Get Your Guide). The best venues to rent a hanbok in Seoul include Changdeokgung and Gyeongbokgung. An Integrated Palace Ticket is recommended if you plan on independently visiting various palaces.
The Traditional Houses in the Village of Bukchon
The fact that this kind of venue can be found in the heart of such a cutting-edge metropolis as Seoul is really appealing. The traditional Korean homes, known as hanoks, and winding alleys of Bukchon Hanok Village create a unique and evocative atmosphere.
By wandering its maze of alleys, you may experience what Seoul was like 600 years ago. Just like the royal palaces, this is a great spot to rent a hanbok and take some stunning photos for your Instagram feed.
If you’re interested in learning more about Bukchon Hanok Village, you may do so by reading my post about the subject. This free walking tour, or traveling with a guide, is a great way to get to know Bukchon Hanok Village.
- Seoul, South Korea’s Bukchon Hanok Village
- Visit Duration Recommendation: 1-2 hours
- No charge for entry.
Three North Tower of Seoul
In terms of breathtaking panoramas, this location is unparalleled. The N Seoul Tower’s observation deck, located at an altitude of 480 meters (1,575 feet), provides spectacular views of the surrounding area. The N Seoul Tower may be reached by road or cable car from Mt. Namsan, however, the latter is the preferred method for most visitors. The gatehouse sells admission to the observatory.
- Building N in Seoul, South Korea
- Visit Duration Recommendation: 1-2 hours
- Cost: 16,000 Korean Won
Dongdaemun Design Plaza, Number Four (DDP)
Just look at this location; it’s unbelievable. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is a must-see if you have even a passing interest in design. It’s a combination of a design museum, a futuristic grocery, and a spaceship.
The late Zaha Hadid, whose other notable works include the London Olympic Aquatic Center and the Guangzhou Opera House in China, was responsible for the design of DDP.
- South Korean capital city of Seoul; Dongdaemun Design Plaza
- Time Spent Recommendation: Two to Three Hours
- Free entry; however, some displays may need a fee.
Fifth, the Jogyesa Temple
To Korean Buddhists, Jogyesa Temple is among the holiest sites. It’s the central location for most Buddhist gatherings in Korea, including ceremonies, rites, and lectures.
What to do in Seoul
Do a Hanbok
Fans of hanbok and Korean culture will want to take selfies in traditional clothing. This is the traditional Korean attire for all celebratory occasions, and both men and women wear it. It’s easy to find a picturesque setting for your next photo session in Bukchon Hanok Village or at any of the five royal residences. You may hire a hanbok at one of the local businesses, or you can reserve one in advance with Klook.
Check Out a Classic Korean Market
For the greatest local street cuisine, we always make a point to stop by the local market wherever we travel. Noryangjin Fish Market, Gwangjang Market (seen below), and Nandaemun Market are just a few of Seoul’s numerous fascinating marketplaces. If you’re in search of low-priced, locally sourced street cuisine in Seoul, you should definitely check them out.
Gwangjang Market Travel Around the Suburbs of Seoul
The city of Seoul is rather large, and it contains many distinct areas worth exploring. Insadong, Myeongdong, Hongdae, and Itaewon are four of the city’s most well-known districts, and they each have their own distinct characteristics.
Traditional Korean arts and crafts can be found in Insadong, upmarket designer goods can be found in Myeongdong, a college town feel can be found in Hongdae, and an international flavor can be found in Itaeown. All of them serve delicious cuisine.
Go for a Walk Along the Cheonggyecheon Stream
The 11-kilometer-long Cheonggyecheon Stream winds through the center of Seoul’s bustling metropolitan area. It winds its way beneath 22 bridges and through a number of notable buildings before emerging onto the Han River. It’s an excellent site to take pictures and relax during the hot summer months in Seoul. While a stroll along the stream may be done independently, this free walking tour may be of interest to those who are curious about the area and its history.
Take a tour of South Korea’s K-pop and K-drama scene
Many individuals have been drawn to South Korea because of its pop music and its film and television industries, as has been mentioned. Some of the most devoted fans we know even make regular trips to Seoul for the sole purpose of attending performances.
Booking a K-Pop tour or enrolling in a K-Pop dance class might be fun if you’re interested in Korean music and dance. Aspiring vocalists may even get a taste of what it’s like to record in a K-Pop studio!
Recipe Books For Korean DISHES
Seoul is a cuisine lover’s paradise. You’ll be counting down the minutes until your next meal in Seoul, thanks to the city’s abundance of delicious cuisine. If you’re looking for recommendations on what to eat in this paradise for gourmands, check out our guide to the top South Korean foods. See our Korean street food guide and Korean desserts guide if you have a sweet tooth or a penchant for these types of foods.
The Best Korean Fast Food
Yeontabal BBQ Restaurant
One of our favorite components of Korean cuisine is gogigui, often known as Korean barbecue. Grilled over charcoal, marinated meats like bulgogi and galbi are irresistible. These were delicious, especially with steaming white rice and kimchi, and had a smokey, savory-sweet flavor and were really delicate.
Korean BBQ will likely be one of your more costly dinners because pork is often pricey in Korea. A Klook voucher will get you a discount at Yeontabal.
Yeontabal Barbecue, a restaurant in Seoul, South Korea
Woo Lae Oak
Since watching a documentary on North Korea, I’ve been curious to try naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles in broth). The Korean War spread the fame of this North Korean specialty all over the peninsula. Woo Lae Oak, one of Seoul’s oldest eateries, kept coming up in my research as a top spot to sample naengmyeon. They specialize in Korean barbecue and also have a stellar naengmyeon menu.
City: Woo Lae Oak; Location: Seoul, South Korea
Myeongdong Kyoja
There is a common consensus that the greatest kalguksu in town can be found at Myeongdong Kyoja. Handmade wheat flour noodles sliced with a knife and placed in a huge bowl of broth and other ingredients to make kalguksu, a popular Korean noodle meal.
Located in the middle of Myeongdong, Myeongdong Kyoja has served the local community for over 50 years. Lunch or supper here highly recommended if you plan on doing any shopping in the neighborhood.
Location: In the Myeongdong Kyoja neighborhood of Seoul, South Korea
