Modern metropolis famous for K-pop, historic palaces, street food and advanced technology.
About Seoul - Culture, History & Character
El coreano es el idioma principal. El inglés es común en zonas turísticas y entre los jóvenes.
Explore the fascinating past of Seoul and discover how it has developed over the centuries.
Founded as the capital of the Joseon dynasty in 1394, Seoul (then Hanyang) was the political and cultural center of Korea.
In the 20th century, after the Korean War, Seoul became an economic and technological hub, leading the 'Korean Wave' (Hallyu).
Today it is a global leader in technology, pop culture and design, with impressive urban growth.
The historical timeline shows the key moments that have defined the development of Seoul through the centuries.
Discover what makes this city special with our comprehensive scoring system
Very safe, with low crime rate.
Very safe, with low crime rate.
Walkable in central neighborhoods, with excellent transportation.
Walkable in central neighborhoods, with excellent transportation.
World class transportation system.
World class transportation system.
An expensive destination: lodging and nightlife add up; use public transport and set menus.
An expensive destination: lodging and nightlife add up; use public transport and set menus.
Vibrant nightlife, from noraebang to clubs.
Vibrant nightlife, from noraebang to clubs.
World leader in K-pop, K-drama and traditional culture.
World leader in K-pop, K-drama and traditional culture.
Vibrant cuisine, from kimchi to Korean barbecue.
Vibrant cuisine, from kimchi to Korean barbecue.
From traditional markets to luxury malls.
From traditional markets to luxury malls.
Pleasant in spring and autumn, but extreme in summer and winter.
Pleasant in spring and autumn, but extreme in summer and winter.
Well prepared, but the language barrier can be a challenge.
Well prepared, but the language barrier can be a challenge.
Ideal for families, with safe parks and attractions.
Ideal for families, with safe parks and attractions.
Progressive for Asia, with a growing LGTBQ+ scene.
Progressive for Asia, with a growing LGTBQ+ scene.
Friendly but reserved; English helps.
Friendly but reserved; English helps.
Parks and the Han River, but dominated by the urban.
Parks and the Han River, but dominated by the urban.
Historic palaces coexist with modern skyscrapers.
Historic palaces coexist with modern skyscrapers.
Rich history of the Joseon Dynasty and the Korean War.
Rich history of the Joseon Dynasty and the Korean War.
Urban parks and the Han River offer green spaces.
Urban parks and the Han River offer green spaces.
Very clean, with a strong maintenance culture.
Very clean, with a strong maintenance culture.
Technology leader with a dynamic startup ecosystem.
Technology leader with a dynamic startup ecosystem.
Paradise for digital nomads with ultra-fast internet.
Paradise for digital nomads with ultra-fast internet.
Comprehensive assessment of this destination
Descubre las mejores épocas para visitar Seoul y qué esperar durante todo el año.
Pleasant in spring and autumn, but extreme in summer and winter.
Ideal spring and autumn.
Frequent sunny days.
Humid summers.
Cold winters.
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are the best times.
Summer is humid and winter can be very cold.
Soft and full of cherry blossoms, ideal for walks.
Hot and humid with monsoon rains.
Fresh and colorful, perfect for outdoor activities.
Cold and dry, with events such as Christmas illuminations.
Plan your expenses and discover the best shopping areas
Daily spending per person
Seoul is moderately affordable, with cheap food and transportation but expensive accommodation in central areas.
per day
per day
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Best Areas
2 areas
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1 area
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2 areas
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Explore the most fascinating places this city has to offer
The main palace of the Joseon dynasty, with changing of the guard ceremonies.
Tower with panoramic views of Seoul, accessible by cable car.
Shopping area famous for cosmetics and street food.
Neighborhood of traditional Korean houses.
Zaha Hadid's futuristic building, design and fashion center.
Traditional market open 24 hours.
Discover fascinating destinations near Seoul perfect for day getaways
Discover the unique character and charm of each city district.
Modern, luxurious and fashionable.
Youthful, artistic and nocturnal.
Traditional, cultural and artistic.
International, LGTBQ+ and nightlife.
Discover the best experiences and activities for each time of year
Cherry blossom celebration in Yeouido and other parks.
Lanterns illuminate the Cheonggyecheon River.
Essential advice and local insights to make your trip memorable and safe
General Security
Seoul is very safe, but beware of pickpockets in markets.
Scams
Avoid unofficial taxis at the airport.
Unmissable Dishes
Try bibimbap, bulgogi and kimchi jjigae.
Street Food
Markets like Gwangjang are ideal for tteokbokki.
T-money Card
Rechargeable card for metro, bus and taxis.
Metro
Fast, clean and with signage in English.
I respect
Bow slightly when greeting and hand out objects with both hands.
Silence
Avoid speaking loudly on public transport.
Smoking Ban
Smoking is restricted to designated areas.
Alcohol
Drinking on the street is frowned upon in some areas.
Drinking water
Tap water is safe.
Pharmacies
Abundant, with English-speaking staff in tourist areas.
Noraebang
Try Korean karaoke at Hongdae.
Han River
Rent a bike to explore the river at sunset.
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