Seoul travel - South Korea, Asia

Seoul's top attractions and sightseeing spots

Palaces

• Gyeongbokgung Palace: The largest and most famous of Seoul's five grand palaces, featuring impressive architecture, gardens, and cultural exhibits.
• Changdeokgung Palace: A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beautiful secret garden called Huwon. Features elegant architecture and pavilions set in a natural landscape.

Museums

• National Museum of Korea: Blends Korean history, culture and art, with exhibits ranging from Paleolithic artifacts to contemporary photography. Has a Children's Museum and Yong Theater.
• National Folk Museum of Korea: Showcases everyday life and culture in Korea, with over 98,000 artifacts. Divided into three main exhibition halls.
• War Memorial of Korea: Extensive indoor and outdoor exhibits covering Korean military history, with a Memorial Hall honoring war heroes and a Combat Experience Room.
• National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art: Four branches showcasing the development of Korean art since 1969, with a focus on visual arts disciplines.
• Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art: Dedicated to preserving and exhibiting traditional Korean art in one museum and modern/contemporary art in another.

Parks and Nature

• Namsan Park: A sacred shamanistic spot turned popular place for exercise, contemplation and hanging out, with the iconic N Seoul Tower at its peak.
• Cheonggyecheon Stream: A revitalized urban stream and park providing a peaceful respite from the city.

Other Attractions

• Lotte World: A massive indoor/outdoor theme park complex with rides, shops, restaurants and the Lotte World Tower skyscraper.
• Gwangjang Market: One of Seoul's most famous traditional markets, known for its street food like bindaetteok mung bean pancakes.
• Myeongdong Shopping District: A bustling shopping area with street food stalls, cosmetic shops, and entertainment

The best times of year to visit Seoul

Spring (March to May)

• Weather: Mild temperatures ranging from 50 to 75°F (10 to 24°C), with blooming flowers and pleasant weather.
• Crowds: Expect larger crowds, especially in April during the cherry blossom season.
• Costs: Hotel and flight prices are generally higher due to the influx of visitors.

Autumn (September to November)

• Weather: Pleasant temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to mid-70s°F (12 to 21°C), with lower airfare and hotel rates.
• Crowds: Lower crowds compared to spring, but expect some congestion during Chuseok, a major South Korean holiday.
• Costs: More affordable than spring and summer.

Winter (December to February)

• Weather: Cold temperatures, ideal for winter activities like skiing, with lower hotel rates and airfare.
• Crowds: Fewer crowds, making the city feel more intimate, but some events and celebrations may be available.

Summer (June to August)

• Weather: High humidity and heavy rains, making it less ideal for outdoor activities.
• Crowds: Fewer crowds due to the unfavorable weather conditions, but higher costs and humidity.

Events, festivals, and holidays happening in Seoul throughout the year

Spring (March to May)

• Seoul Lantern Festival (November to January): Showcases stunning light installations and exhibits along the Cheonggyecheon Stream.
• Seoul Fashion Week (March and October): Biannual event featuring the latest designs from Korean and international fashion labels.

Summer (June to August)

• Seoul International Fireworks Festival (August or September): Dazzling fireworks display over the Han River.
• Hangang Summer Festival (July to August): Variety of programs and events along the parks of the Han River, including water sports, music picnics, and performances.

Fall (September to November)

• Hi Seoul Festival (October): Large-scale cultural festival with performances, parades, and exhibits celebrating Seoul's history and traditions.
• Seoul Music Festival (October): Premier music event featuring a wide range of genres from K-pop to indie.

Winter (December to February)

• Seoul Christmas Festival (December): Festive lights, markets, and cultural performances in central Seoul.
• Lunar New Year (January or February): Major holiday with traditional customs like ancestral rites, eating tteokguk rice cake, and playing folk games.

Some other notable events include the Seoul Kimchi Festival in November, showcasing Korea's iconic fermented vegetable dish, and the Seoul Lantern Festival in November-January, illuminating the Cheonggyecheon Stream with stunning light displays

Cultural etiquette to keep in mind when visiting Seoul

Greetings and Introductions

• Greet people with a slight bow, the deeper the bow the more respect shown. A small nod is usually sufficient in casual situations.
• Use both hands or your right hand supported by your left when shaking hands, especially with elders or superiors.
• Expect personal questions, as this is seen as polite interest in your life.

Dining Etiquette

• Wait to be seated, with elders and those of higher status seated first.
• Elders are served first and begin eating first, everyone waits for them.
• Avoid pointing chopsticks at others, standing them upright in rice, or eating with your fingers.
• Pour drinks for others before yourself, using both hands.

Gift Giving

• Gifts are given with both hands and received with a slight bow.
• Avoid giving white flowers, as they are associated with funerals.

Manners and Customs

• Remove shoes when entering a home or some traditional restaurants.
• Avoid excessive body contact, as Koreans value personal space.
• Punctuality is highly respected, so try to be on time.
• Modesty and humility are admired traits in Korean culture

Getting Around

• Download the CityMapper app, which provides the best public transit directions in English. Google Maps is not as reliable for navigation in Seoul.
• Get a T-Money card to easily pay for public transportation like buses and subways. You can add money to the card at convenience stores.
• Be aware that elevators and escalators are not as common in Seoul's subway stations, so be prepared for stairs.
• Avoid sitting in designated seating areas on public transit meant for the elderly or pregnant.

Some of the best shopping districts, markets, and stores in Seoul for local crafts and souvenirs

Insadong

Insadong is known for its traditional Korean arts, crafts, and antiques. Wander through the narrow alleyways lined with galleries, craft shops, and teahouses. Some top spots include:

• Ssamziegil: A modern traditional craft mall with unique handmade crafts and souvenirs on each floor.
• Alive Museum: An interactive art museum with optical illusion exhibits great for photos.
• Jongno Antique Street: Browse antique shops and galleries selling Korean paintings, ceramics, and furniture.

Namdaemun Market

Namdaemun Market is Seoul's largest traditional market, selling everything from clothing and accessories to ginseng and souvenirs. Look for:

• Korean fans and traditional hats
• Hanji (traditional Korean paper) products
• Ginseng and Korean red ginseng candy

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

The futuristic DDP complex houses design shops, galleries, and the Dongdaemun History & Culture Park. Check out:

• Designers' Village: Shops featuring up-and-coming Korean fashion and accessory designers.
• Dongdaemun Design Market: A 24-hour shopping complex with trendy Korean fashion and accessories.

Myeongdong

While known for its cosmetics shops, Myeongdong also has plenty of souvenir options like:

• Myeongdong Kyoja: Famous for kalguksu (knife-cut noodles) and mandu (dumplings).
• Myeongdong Alley Food Street: Stalls selling Korean street food like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes).
• Myeongdong Cosmetic Shops: Pick up Korean beauty products as souvenirs.

Other Tips

• Seoul is not a cheap destination, so budget accordingly for food, accommodation, and activities.
• Use translation apps like Papago to help communicate and navigate, as English proficiency can be limited outside of major tourist areas.
• Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples, and avoid wearing sunglasses when talking to people.
• Stay in a central district like Myeongdong or Gangnam to be close to top attractions and amenities.