←South Korea travel guide
Seoul, South Korea
Seoul
Six centuries of royal history wrapped in neon and innovation
CultureFood & DrinkNightlifeShopping
Seoul is South Korea's extraordinary capital, a city of 10 million people where Joseon Dynasty palaces sit in the shadow of glass skyscrapers and ancient markets operate alongside designer boutiques. The city's historic districts, including Bukchon Hanok Village and the restored Cheonggyecheon stream, offer a counterpoint to the glittering modernity of Gangnam and the youthful energy of Hongdae. One of the world's most efficient subway systems makes it easy to explore every corner.
Check South Korea visa requirements →
Best time to visit
April to June and September to November
Region
Seoul
Main airport
Seoul Incheon (ICN)
Also serves: GMP
Discover
Top Things to Do in Seoul
Culture
Bukchon Hanok Village, Seoul
Bukchon Hanok Village occupies a hillside between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces in central Seoul, preserving a dense collection of traditional hanok courtyard houses that date from the Joseon period. Narrow alleyways wind between grey-tiled rooftops and wooden gates, offering views across the city that contrast sharply with Seoul's modern skyline just beyond. Many of the hanok are still privately occupied, giving the neighbourhood an authenticity that purpose-built heritage sites rarely match.
History
Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul
Gyeongbokgung is the grandest of Seoul's Five Grand Palaces, built in 1395 as the founding royal residence of the Joseon Dynasty and restored to its considerable former scale after Japanese colonial-era demolitions. The palace grounds contain impressive ceremonial halls, royal gardens, and the National Folk Museum of Korea. The twice-daily changing of the royal guard ceremony, performed in full Joseon-era costume, is one of Seoul's most popular cultural attractions.
UNESCO World Heritage
Beyond the City
Day Trips from Seoul
History
Panmunjeom and the DMZ
Panmunjeom is the village within the Joint Security Area on the Korean border where the 1953 armistice agreement ending the Korean War was signed, and it remains the only place on earth where soldiers from North and South Korea stand just metres apart. Guided tours from Seoul pass through the Demilitarised Zone, offering a sobering glimpse of one of the world's last Cold War frontiers and the human cost of a peninsula still technically at war. The experience is sobering, historically significant, and unlike anywhere else in the world.
Nature
Seoraksan National Park
Seoraksan National Park in Gangwon Province is one of Korea's most dramatic natural landscapes, its granite peaks, deep gorges, and dense forest covering 400 square kilometres along the east coast mountain spine. The park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is renowned for its autumn foliage, which turns the hillsides a spectacular red and gold from late October. Cable cars, temple trails, and routes suitable for experienced hikers make the park accessible to a wide range of visitors.
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Plan Your Trip
Getting Around Seoul
Tours, stays, transfers, and flights — curated partner options are on the way.
Tours & Activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, and day experiences — curated partner options are on the way.
Coming soonWhere to Stay
Hotels, apartments, and guesthouses across every neighbourhood — booking options are on the way.
Coming soonAirport Transfers
Private and shared rides between the airport and the city centre — partner options are on the way.
Coming soonFlights
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Coming soonTravel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting South Korea
Entry requirements depend on your passport. Check your specific requirements on the South Korea page at Yoogo.
South Korea uses the Korean won (KRW). Card payments are widely accepted, even at smaller shops and convenience stores, making South Korea one of the more card-friendly destinations in Asia. ATMs are plentiful, including international-capable machines at banks and convenience stores. The T-money smart card is invaluable for public transport across buses, subways, and taxis, offering small discounts on each journey. Load it at any convenience store.
South Korea has a low crime rate and is considered very safe for tourists. Violent crime targeting visitors is rare. Exercise normal caution in busy nightlife districts and avoid unlicensed taxis; use official metered cabs or ride-hailing apps such as KakaoTaxi. The demilitarised zone (DMZ) along the North Korean border is a popular tourist destination visited safely via organised tours. Remain aware of any regional advisories relating to the Korean peninsula.
South Korea has excellent public transport. The KTX high-speed rail network connects Seoul to major cities including Busan, Daegu, and Gwangju quickly and comfortably. Six cities have metro systems, and buses reach every corner of the country. Within Seoul, the subway is extensive, affordable, and easy to navigate with English signage. The T-money card works across all public transport modes nationwide. Domestic flights serve Jeju Island, the country's most popular island destination.
Autumn, from September through November, is widely considered the best time to visit, with mild temperatures, clear skies, and spectacular foliage colours across the country. Spring, from March through May, is also excellent with cherry blossoms and pleasant weather. Summer (June–August) is hot, humid, and prone to heavy monsoon rainfall. Winter brings cold temperatures and snow, but also skiing opportunities and unique festivals in areas like Pyeongchang.
Korean is the official language, written in the Hangul script, which is logical and can be learned phonetically in a few hours. English proficiency is increasing, particularly among younger people in Seoul and major cities. Transport signage, maps, and menus in tourist areas are commonly available in English. Outside major cities, English is less common, and having a translation app is helpful. Learning a few Korean phrases is appreciated by locals.
No vaccinations are legally required to enter South Korea for most travellers. Routine vaccinations should be up to date. The country has high-quality healthcare and hygiene standards, so health risks are generally low for visitors. Tap water is safe to drink in most areas. Consult your doctor or a travel health clinic if you have specific health concerns or are travelling to rural areas.