Seoul Travel Guide: Must-See Sights, Local Eats & Transit Tips

Seoul experiences four distinct seasons, each offering a unique experience:

• March to May (Spring): Best for cherry blossoms and mild weather.
• June to August (Summer): Hot and humid but perfect for festivals and nightlife.
• September to November (Autumn): Best for vibrant fall foliage and cultural festivals.
• December to February (Winter): Cold but great for winter illuminations, skiing, and hot Korean street food.

• Gyeongbokgung Palace – The largest and most iconic palace in Seoul.
• Bukchon Hanok Village – A preserved traditional Korean village with stunning hanok (wooden houses).
• N Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower) – Offers breathtaking views of the city skyline.
• Myeongdong Shopping Street – A paradise for beauty lovers, K-fashion, and street food.
• Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) – A futuristic landmark and hub for fashion and art.
• Insadong – A cultural district filled with traditional crafts, tea houses, and art galleries.
• Hongdae & Itaewon – Hotspots for nightlife, trendy cafes, and indie music scenes.
• Lotte World & Everland – Two of Korea’s biggest theme parks for family fun.
• Bukhansan National Park – A great hiking spot with scenic mountain views.

• Bibimbap – A rice dish topped with vegetables, beef, and a fried egg, mixed with gochujang (red chili paste).
• Korean BBQ (Samgyeopsal) – Grilled pork belly served with lettuce wraps and dipping sauces.
• Tteokbokki – Spicy rice cakes in a sweet and fiery red sauce.
• Kimchi Jjigae – A flavorful kimchi stew with pork and tofu.
• Jjajangmyeon – Korean-style black bean noodles, a must-try comfort food.
• Hotteok – A crispy pancake filled with melted brown sugar and cinnamon.
• Gimbap – Korea’s version of sushi rolls, filled with rice, veggies, and meat.
• Bingsu – A shaved ice dessert topped with sweet red beans, fruit, and condensed milk.

• Seoul Metro: The most efficient and affordable way to get around the city.
• Taxis & KakaoTaxi: Readily available, but traffic can be heavy—use the KakaoTaxi app for convenience.
• Buses: Useful for areas not covered by the subway; T-Money cards work on both buses and metro.
• Walking: Many districts like Myeongdong, Hongdae, and Insadong are best explored on foot.
• Bikes & E-Scooters: Available through apps like Seoul Bike Ddareungi, but not as widely used as other transport options.

• Visa-free entry for up to 90 days for travelers from the U.S., Canada, U.K., EU, Australia, and others.
• K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) required for some visa-free travelers—apply at k-eta.go.kr.
• Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date.

• The local currency is the South Korean Won (KRW).
• Exchange money at banks, forex counters, or use ATMs at convenience stores.
• ATMs are widely available, but some may not accept foreign cards—use Global ATMs.
• Credit cards are widely accepted, even for small purchases, but cash is still useful for markets and street vendors.

• Korean is the official language.
• English is spoken in tourist areas, but not widely in smaller shops or local restaurants.
• Google Translate and Papago are helpful for communication.

Learning simple phrases like “Annyeonghaseyo” (hello) and “Gamsahamnida” (thank you) is appreciated.

• Bow slightly when greeting someone as a sign of respect.
• Remove your shoes before entering traditional homes and temples.
• Use both hands when giving or receiving items (especially money or business cards).
• Do not stick chopsticks upright in rice—this resembles a funeral ritual.
• Public displays of affection are minimal in Korean culture.

• Tipping is not expected in most places, as service charges are included.
• High-end hotels and tour guides may accept tips, but it’s not mandatory.
• Taxi drivers don’t expect tips, but rounding up the fare is appreciated.

• For cherry blossom season (April) and autumn foliage (October-November): Book 6–12 months in advance.
• For major festivals (Seollal, Chuseok, and New Year’s Eve): Book 3–6 months ahead to secure accommodations.
• For budget travel: Booking 1–2 months ahead is usually enough for flights and hotels.

• COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, but always check for updates before traveling.
• Drones require a permit in South Korea—restrictions apply near government buildings and military areas.
• Some medications (including ADHD medications) are banned—check Korean customs regulations before bringing any prescriptions.
• Avoid excessive noise on public transport, as Koreans value quietness in shared spaces.

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