Seoul

Palaces, K-culture and all-night food.

South Korea · Asia ·

#10 in Euromonitor's overall city ranking (2025)

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Seoul combines Joseon-era palaces, hip neighborhoods, K-beauty and K-pop, and a food scene that never sleeps.

Top attractions in Seoul

Gyeongbokgung PalaceFree entry if you wear a hanbok.
Bukchon Hanok VillageTraditional houses between two palaces.
N Seoul TowerCable car up Namsan for city views.
MyeongdongStreet food and K-beauty shopping.
HongdaeIndie music, cafés and nightlife.
DMZGuided day trip to the border.

Where to stay

Myeongdong for convenience, Insadong for tradition, Hongdae for nightlife.

LuxurySigniel SeoulLotte World Tower

Mid-rangeRYSE, Autograph CollectionHongdae

ValueL7 MyeongdongMyeongdong

Get hotel rates for Seoul

Getting there and around

From the airport. Incheon (ICN): AREX express train to Seoul Station in 43 min. Gimpo (GMP) is closer for some routes.

In the city. One of the world's best subway systems; signs in English.

Train and bus tips

T-money card for subway, buses and taxis.
KTX high-speed trains: Busan 2.5 hours.
Airport limousine buses to major hotels.
Night buses (N-routes) after the subway closes.

Events, nightlife and sports

May (Buddha's Birthday)Lotus Lantern FestivalLantern parade through Jongno.

NovemberSeoul Lantern FestivalLanterns along Cheonggyecheon stream.

Early AprilCherry blossoms at YeouidoBlossom festival by the river.

Year-roundK-pop concertsStadium shows and music programs.

Nightlife and parties. Hongdae clubs and live music, Itaewon bars, Gangnam clubs.

Sports. KBO baseball at Jamsil Stadium (Doosan and LG), K League football.

Dates change every year; check official sites before booking. The concierge can get tickets.

What to eat

Korean BBQBibimbapFried chicken and beerTteokbokkiGwangjang Market bindaetteok

Local tours in R Travel

Our picks for Seoul, plus more options once you search.

Coming soonDMZ and JSA tourFull day

Tunnels, observatory and the border area with a licensed guide.

Third Tunnel
Dora Observatory
Passport required

Coming soonPalaces in hanbokHalf day

Hanbok rental, Gyeongbokgung and Bukchon with a photographer.

Hanbok rental
Guard ceremony
Photo session

Coming soonK-pop and K-beauty dayFull day

Agency districts, dance class and a skincare clinic.

Dance lesson
Gangnam tour
Skincare session

Book a tour in Seoul

Practical info

When to go

April–May (blossoms) and September–November (autumn colors).

Money

South Korean won (KRW)

Language

Korean

Visa (US passport holders)

No visa needed for stays up to 90 days. South Korea's K-ETA is temporarily waived for US citizens through the end of 2026 — check before booking in case it's reinstated.

R Travel tip

Get a T-money card; it works on subway, buses and taxis.

Entry rules shown are for US passport holders and change often — always confirm with the destination's embassy or your airline before booking. Other nationalities should check separately.

Good to know

Many sites close on Monday or Tuesday.
Local map apps work better than Google Maps.
Tipping isn't customary.

Opening hours, prices, event dates and entry rules change. Check official sites before you go. Written by the R Travel team.