Destination
Seoul, South Korea
Seoul layers Joseon palaces and hanok villages under a skyline of K-pop, barbecue joints, 24-hour markets and jimjilbang spas.
Trips to Seoul from every city
No live trip to Seoul right now. Ask for one and we price it for your city.
When to go
| Month | Season |
|---|---|
| January | fine |
| February | fine |
| March | fine |
| April | best |
| May | best |
| June | fine |
| July | avoid |
| August | avoid |
| September | best |
| October | best |
| November | best |
| December | fine |
- April: Cherry blossom at Yeouido and Seokchon Lake in early April.
- October, November: Autumn colours at Changdeokgung's Secret Garden and on Bukhansan.
- January, February: Cold, dry winters, with skiing at Yongpyong and Vivaldi Park within two hours.
July, August: Monsoon rains in July followed by muggy August heat.
Where to stay in Seoul
- Myeongdong: Central shopping district with cosmetics stores, street food and easy airport transport.
- Hongdae: Student nightlife, indie music and late-night eating around Hongik University.
- Gangnam: Glossy high-rise district south of the river with upscale hotels and K-pop studios.
- Insadong and Jongno: Traditional tea houses, hanok guesthouses and the palaces within walking distance.
- Itaewon: International dining and bars on the slopes of Namsan.
What to do in Seoul
- Gyeongbokgung palace in a rented hanbok
- Korean barbecue in Mapo's grill alleys
- Bindaetteok and mayak gimbap at Gwangjang Market
- K-beauty shopping in Myeongdong and Olive Young
- Hike Bukhansan for city views
- DMZ tour to the Third Tunnel and Dora Observatory
Good to know
| Airports | Incheon International (ICN), Gimpo International (GMP) |
|---|---|
| Passport for US citizens | yes |
| Price level | mid-range |
| Time zone | Asia/Seoul |
| Kind of trip | city, food, culture, shopping, nightlife |
Questions about Seoul
When is the best time to visit Seoul?
April, May, September, October and November. July, August: Monsoon rains in July followed by muggy August heat.
Do US citizens need a passport for Seoul?
Yes. Seoul is in South Korea; bring a valid passport.
How expensive is Seoul on the ground?
Seoul is mid-range by US standards: plan about $90 per person per day for food, getting around and tickets.