Seoul: Cheap Flights & Best Hotels

Seoul Travel Guide

Seoul moves fast. South Korea's capital is a megacity of glowing billboards, all-night cafés, K-pop and cutting-edge design, yet it is also a city of Joseon-dynasty palaces, hillside hanok villages and Buddhist temples tucked between office towers. Mountains ring the city, and hiking trails start from subway stations. Food culture is intense and social, the transport system is world-class, and the mix of old and new is visible on almost every street.

When to Go

Spring (April–May) brings cherry blossoms along the Han River and Seokchon Lake, and mild weather, though yellow dust and fine-dust days can affect air quality. Summer (June–August) is hot and humid, with the monsoon (jangma) bringing heavy rain from late June into July. Autumn (September–November) is widely considered the best season: clear skies and brilliant autumn leaves on mountains and in palace gardens. Winter (December–February) is cold and dry, with occasional snow; it is a good time for skiing day trips, hot street snacks and lower hotel prices outside the holidays. Chuseok (autumn) and Seollal (Lunar New Year) are major holidays when some businesses close and travel is busy.

Top Attractions

1. Gyeongbokgung Palace – The grandest of Seoul's five palaces, with a changing-of-the-guard ceremony at the main gate. Visitors wearing hanbok often get free entry.
2. Bukchon Hanok Village – Traditional wooden houses on lanes between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung. Residents live here, so keep quiet and respect posted visiting hours.
3. Changdeokgung and its Secret Garden – A UNESCO-listed palace with a beautiful rear garden accessible by guided tour.
4. Myeongdong – Shopping streets famous for cosmetics and evening street food.
5. N Seoul Tower and Namsan – Walk or take the cable car up Namsan for panoramic city views.
6. Insadong and Ikseon-dong – Tea houses, craft shops and galleries in a traditional setting.
7. Hongdae and Seongsu – Youthful districts with street performers, indie shops and creative cafés.
8. The DMZ – A guided day tour to the demilitarised zone on the border with North Korea; book with an authorised operator and carry your passport.

Food and Drink

Korean barbecue is a social ritual: grill samgyeopsal (pork belly) or bulgogi at your table and wrap it in lettuce with garlic and ssamjang. Try bibimbap, kimchi jjigae stew, tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), Korean fried chicken, naengmyeon cold noodles in summer, and hotteok sweet pancakes in winter. Gwangjang Market is a must for bindaetteok mung-bean pancakes and gimbap. Banchan side dishes come free with meals and are refilled. Vegetarians should know that many dishes contain meat or fish stock, so look for temple food restaurants (sachal eumsik) and the growing number of vegan cafés. Itaewon has a range of international food, including Indian restaurants.

Getting There and Around

Incheon International Airport (ICN) is the main gateway, connected to Seoul Station by the AREX express and all-stop trains, plus limousine buses. Gimpo (GMP) handles domestic and some regional flights. KTX high-speed trains link Seoul with Busan and other cities.

The subway is extensive, clean and signposted in English. Buy a T-money or similar card for subway, buses and convenience stores. Taxis are reasonably priced; apps like Kakao T are widely used, though they may need a local number. Naver Map or KakaoMap work better than some global map apps here.

Where to Stay

• Myeongdong and Jung-gu: Central, great for first-timers, shopping and transport.
• Jongno and Insadong: Close to palaces and traditional culture; some hanok guesthouses.
• Hongdae: Lively nightlife and good-value accommodation, with direct trains to Incheon.
• Gangnam: Upscale, modern and business-oriented, south of the river.
• Itaewon: International dining and nightlife.

Budget Tips

• Eat at markets, convenience stores and lunch-set restaurants.
• Wear hanbok for free palace entry, or buy a combined palace ticket.
• Hiking Bukhansan or walking the Seoul City Wall and Cheonggyecheon stream are free.
• Use public transport and transfer discounts with your card.
• Consider guesthouses in Hongdae or Jongno for lower nightly rates.

Practical Information

• Visa: Many nationalities enter visa-free but may need a K-ETA; Indian passport holders generally need a visa. Check the official Korea Visa Portal and K-ETA website.
• Currency: South Korean won (KRW). Cards are accepted nearly everywhere, including taxis.
• Language: Korean; English signage is common in transport, and translation apps help.
• Safety: Seoul is very safe. Take care in crowded nightlife areas and follow official guidance during large events.
• Etiquette: Tipping is not expected; remove shoes where asked and keep voices low on the subway.

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