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Browse and explore the best travel guides in Seoul.
Seoul is the capital of South Korea and one of Asia's most densely connected cities, home to about 10 million people in the centre and 26 million across the wider metro area. It sits along the Han River, ringed by mountains and divided into distinctive districts: royal Gyeongbokgung in the north, designer-led Gangnam in the south, Itaewon's international scene, Hongdae's nightlife, and Bukchon's preserved hanok houses.
The city moves fast: 24-hour saunas, midnight bingsu cafes, world-leading 5G, and a metro that runs across more than 20 lines. Beyond the headline palaces and the DMZ tour to the North Korean border, Seoul is best known for its street and barbecue food, K-beauty shopping in Myeongdong, and the daily rituals of jjimjilbang spas and convenience-store living.
Country
South Korea
Region
Seoul Capital Area
Population
~9.7 million city / ~26 million metro
Elevation
Sea level - 836 m (Bukhansan)
Time Zone
KST (UTC+9), no DST
Currency
South Korean Won (KRW)
Language
Korean; English commonly understood in central districts
Nearest Airport
Incheon International (ICN), Gimpo International (GMP)
Airport to City Centre
ICN ~48 km / 43-60 min by AREX train; GMP ~15 km / 25 min
Typical Cost Level
Mid-range to High
Transport Pass
T-money or WOWPASS card; Discover Seoul Pass
Spring (Mar-May)
5-23°C, cherry blossoms in early April
Summer (Jun-Aug)
21-30°C, hot, humid, monsoon late June-July
Autumn (Sep-Nov)
6-26°C, foliage peak late October-November
Winter (Dec-Feb)
-7-4°C, cold and dry, occasional snow
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Entry rules, stay length and passport validity by nationality.
Spring (April-May) for cherry blossoms in Yeouido and along the Han River, and autumn (October-November) for golden foliage at Bukhansan and Namsan are the most photogenic seasons. Summer is hot, humid and sees a monsoon period. Winter is cold and dry, with a vibrant indoor cafe culture.
Incheon (ICN) is around 48 km west of the centre. The AREX Express Train reaches Seoul Station in 43 minutes; the All-stop AREX takes 60 minutes for less. Airport limousine buses serve specific hotels for KRW 17,000. Taxis cost KRW 60,000-80,000.
Seoul's subway is one of the world's best - clean, cheap, and English-signed. Load a T-money card or buy a WOWPASS to use the metro, buses, and convenience stores. Taxis are inexpensive; the orange or silver ones are easiest, with KakaoTaxi via app.
Four to five days is ideal to cover Gyeongbokgung and Bukchon, Insadong, Hongdae, Gangnam, Myeongdong shopping, and a DMZ tour. With a week you can add a Busan or Jeju side-trip on the KTX or a domestic flight.
Seoul is extremely safe, with very low violent crime and a strong public safety culture. The biggest precautions are in nightlife districts like Hongdae and Itaewon, where alcohol-related incidents and pickpocketing can occur in crowded clubs.
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