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Travel guide – Seoul

Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is one of the world’s most densely populated cities, with over 10 million inhabitants. The city contains skyscrapers and apartment buildings, as well as shopping districts where you can find almost everything. Seoul is regarded as one of the world’s most modern cities and the centre rises in several layers, from underground level right up to the restaurants high up in the skyscrapers. This is a city that never sleeps and it shows off its most ostentatious side at night, with a vibrant nightlife.

Gyeongbok Palace (Gyeongbokgung) – located in the heart of Seoul, Gyeongbok Palace is Korea’s best-known royal palace containing beautiful parks and buildings that you won't want to miss during a visit to the city.

Bukchon Hanok Village – here you can find historical buildings of traditional design and many beautiful shrines.

Mount Namsan – take the cable car up to the Namsan Seoul Tower (N Seoul Tower) to get a great view over Seoul.

The National Museum of Korea – one of the largest and most modern museums in the world.

Jimjilbang – a unique experience that you cannot find outside Korea. Jimjilbang´s public baths offer hot tubs, sauna, massage and spa treatments together with relaxation areas featuring a flat-screen TV, PC´s and heated floors. Often open around the clock, the spa, heated baths and treatment rooms are gender-divided but the public areas for relaxation are open to all.
Important: do not forget to shower before you step into any pool.

Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) – a heavily guarded buffer zone on the border of North and South Korea that can be viewed on guided tours. It is extremely rare that any hostilities take place here and a visit is thoroughly recommended to any traveler. The DMZ and its surroundings contain many interesting historical sights and pristine untouched natural surroundings. About 40 minutes from Seoul.

Namhansanseong – an attractive mountain park with walking trails outside Seoul. The old Namhansanseong Fortress is also situated here. 20 minutes from Seoul.

With markets selling just about anything, shopping in Seoul is easy, and you can find everything from traditional handicrafts to modern electronic gadgets and designer clothes.

Myeong Dong – the main shopping area which offers truly trendy fashion. Here you will find international and local shops, big department stores like Lotte and Shinsegae, designer clothes, furnishings and accessories galore. Seoul’s nightlife offers restaurants, cafes and clubs and keeps Myeong Dong bustling into the early hours.

Namdaemun and Dongdaemun are two famous market places in Seoul where you can shop almost 24 hours a day and find everything that you didn’t even realise you needed.

COEX Mall – offers you even more shopping adventures in Seoul. It is the largest underground shopping mall in Asia, with a huge aquarium.

Yongsan Electronics Market – a mecca for electronic goods.

Insa-dong Street – small and homely street with a great atmosphere. Souvenirs, traditional handicrafts and interior design, bars and boutiques – don´t forget to try one of the cozy teahouses you can find here.

With an abundance of food options, Seoul offers everything from small traditional street food stands serving basic rice and vegetable dishes to up-market restaurants with comprehensive menus. If seafood is your thing, visit Noryangjin Fish Market, where you will find hundreds of shops, fish auctions and an abundance of restaurants.

Kimchi – the Korean national dish of fermented nappa cabbage that comes in many different varieties.

Bulgogi – marinated meat and fresh vegetables that you cook yourself on a table grill. You then place your grilled food inside a lettuce leaf and serve it with various tasty sauces.

Bibimbap – a typical Korean rice dish that also contains sliced meat and vegetables.

Kimmari – deep fried noodle rolls with seaweed.

Gimbap – a Korean dish with cooked rice and other various ingredients rolled in gim, dried sheets of seaweed. 

Korean fried chicken – eggshell-thin, crisp crust around a juicy interior.

Bibim naeng myun – a Korean cold noodle dish made of thin, slightly chewy buckwheat noodles.

Sikhye – traditional sweet South Korean dessert-drink made of malt powder and rice.

Soju – South Korea´s national alcohol beverage served as a shot and long drink. Beer and wine are also available.

Metro – Seoul’s subway is fast and easy to use, inexpensive and clean, this is the best option if you want to travel around a lot.

Bus – slightly slower but good value for money.

Taxi – using the taxi in Seoul is the cheapest alternative for a short journey if two or three are travelling together.

Currency in Korea – Won (₩)

Time zone – Seoul (Korea) UTC/GMT +9 hours (-1 hour during summer time in countries that use summer time/winter time).

Language – write down important information to show people what you want. Few South Koreans speak English.

Heavy traffic – pay extra attention – traffic in Seoul can be frantic.

Tips – tips are not expected.

Water – use tap water for washing and cooking, but it is better to drink bottled water in Seoul.

Electricity in Korea – 220 volts

Incheon International Airport (ICN)

The airport is located 50km southwest of Seoul.

  • Check-in opens 3 hours before departure
  • Check-in closes 1 hour before departure


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