Seoul Travel Tips & South Korea Tourist Information

Need some Seoul travel tips and tourism information that will make your adventure go off without a hitch? Lined with fragrant cherry blossom trees, manicured landscaping, and exaggerated business signs that light up the night sky, Seoul is an underrepresented city where a budget savvy tourist can explore a new culture and enjoy a beautiful vacation in a foreign destination. It is a place where you can check out ancient religious shrines, discover new cuisine, and take advantage of first-class hotel accommodations without spending a lot of money. You can travel through the city and feel like royalty, even with limited funds. If you are entertaining the idea of traveling abroad, keep Seoul on your radar!

Seoul Travel Tips | Enjoying a Safe Visit to Seoul

Seoul is considered a safe city for foreign travelers, but you should practice caution and be aware of your surroundings while traveling abroad. It is recommended that you stick to the tourist locations while you are visiting the city to maximize your safety. While you are out and about, keep your valuables locked away and your wallet in a discreet location so you do not fall victim to pick-pocketing or purse-snatching. females should also refrain from leaving their drinks unattended while visiting bars or a night club. Practice caution when using ATM machines in the city, and make sure the ATM you are using is legitimate and does not have anything unusual attached to it as these items could be credit card skimmers.

Seoul Travel Tips | Best Time to Plan Your Visit to Seoul

Seoul has a fall, winter, spring, and summer season that you should be aware of when considering when to plan your trip to the city. The fall months are marked with cool temperatures and light rainfall, while the winter months are cold and icy. The springtime brings with it beautiful sunny weather and warm temperatures that hover around 64°F (18°C), while the summer months see temperatures that hover around 75°F (24°C).

Spring is the best season to visit Seoul, as this is when the countryside and the city streets are filled with the magnificent smell of the fully bloomed cherry blossom trees. It is at this time when the landscape really begins to come alive and the sunshine begins to make its presence known each and everyday. When you visit Seoul during the spring, you can enjoy all of the attractions, shops, and restaurants without having to work your way through large tourist crowds. Fall is also an excellent time to visit the region as tourism slows down, and the trees and shrubbery start to turn beautiful shades of yellow, orange, brown, and red in preparation for the looming winter months ahead.

Seoul Travel Tips | Packing for Your Trip to Seoul

When traveling to Seoul during the spring and summer months, pack light clothing items and be sure to bring plenty of shorts with you. The weather is typically warm and sunny during these seasons. Be sure to bring a light jacket in the event it rains while you are in town. For trips booked during the fall and winter months, you will want to bring plenty of warm clothing with you and a heavy coat. The winter months get cold and it is not unusual for the area to experience snow showers.

While Seoul is considered to be a safe city to travel to, you should refrain from bringing expensive jewelry and designer label clothes and accessories with you, as you could be targeted for criminal activity. Seoul is a major metropolitan city and you can find most things you are looking for while you are out and about if you choose to pack light for your trip.

Seoul Travel Tips | Annual Festivals and Events in Seoul

Still not sure when to plan your vacation to Seoul? If you enjoy immersing yourself in the culture when you visit foreign lands, try planning your trip to coincide with these exciting festivals and events:

Seollal (or Korean New Year’s Day): This is an annual event that is celebrated in accordance with the lunar year, or Chinese New Year. It generally is celebrated in January or February, on the second new moon after the winter solstice, and is marked with dancing, games, and ancestral storytelling. This celebration is an exciting way to learn about how New Year’s Day is celebrated in Korea and splurge on some delicious traditional Korean food. Seoul sponsors a huge event in the city each and every year. Head over to Namsangol Hanok Villiage where you can dine on traditional Korean food and play games with the locals.

Meoseumnal (or Festival for Servants): A fun and lively party-like festival that celebrates the coming of age in Korea. This festival is held on the first day of the second lunar month and consists of dancing, singing, and a myriad of rice-infused foods.

Chopail (Buddha’s Birthday): Beautiful nighttime event in which you will want to bring a camera to capture all of the stunning scenery. Head over to Jogyesa Temple where you can partake in hanging of the lanterns while visiting the temple and paying your respects to the Buddha. Unlike some Korean events, this festival is quieter and filled with classic tradition. Foods you will find served at this festival include dumplings and handmade dishes that are infused with fish.

Dongji (Winter Solstice): Celebrated during the 11th month of the lunar year, this fun event features vats of flavorful red bean soup and other traditional dishes. Winter solstice is about dispelling bad spirits and bringing good fortune to all. You can visit Namsangol Hanok Villiage during Dongji and savor traditional red bean porridge (patjuk) with the locals.

Ultra Korea Music Festival: Put on at Olympic Park Stadium in Seoul, this is a two-day festival that is celebrated in July or August. The festival is part of a worldwide electronic music circuit that celebrates new age music, bright lights, and wild fun. It is popular among the younger generation of Koreans.

Seoul Jazz Festival: Held annually at Olympic Park Stadium in the heart of Seoul, the Seoul Jazz Festival features soulful music by artists from all over the world. The festival is a two-day event, held in May, that kicks off the spring and summer concert lineup of the season. Get lost in the music and experience some of the best in jazz music.

Korean Food Tourism Expo: Are you a self-proclaimed foodie that is always in search for your new favorite dish? Do you like to sample a variety of foods as opposed to eating one gigantic meal? If so, the Korean Food Tourism Expo is just the event for you! The event is held at 27, Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu in January and February, and hosts over 2,000 chefs who put on demonstrations and offer samples to hungry visitors. Experience all of the tastes of the city at this awesome event.

Korea Grand Sale: An annual shopping extravaganza that happens in January and February of each year, this is the place to be to get deep discounts on the things that you did not get for Christmas. During this sale, you can get amazing deals on hotel stays, transportation, clothes, accessories, gourmet food items, jewelry, toys, and more. Many different retailers participate in the event and you will find amazing deals all throughout the city. Participating shopping centers include Lotte Duty Free, Korean Temple Food Center, The Shilla.

Seoul Photo Festival: Located at the Buk-Seoul Museum of Art, this annual exhibit takes place from November to February and showcases brilliant artwork in the form of photographs. The best part about the art showcased during this festival is that you are given the backdrop and are offered the freedom to interpret the imagery however you would like to.

Seoul Travel Tips | The Korean Code of Etiquette

In all matters of social interaction, the code of etiquette in South Korea is governed by the practice of Confucianism. If you would like to honor the traditions of the country and be a respective visitor, here are some helpful tips to ensure you do not offend others:

• Showing affection in public: Older adults in Korea find it offensive when others show outward displays of affection, like kissing in public. You will likely see younger adults nuzzling up to one another at bars and night clubs, but the practice is frowned upon in the general public.
• Dress to impress: You will be hard-pressed to find a Korean male or female strolling around in town wearing yoga pants, faded clothes, or torn up jeans. Koreans love to dress to impress and consider it a sign of respect to always look their best.
• Greeting others: Bowing and giving a firm handshake are typical ways in which Koreans greet each other in a business or casual setting. While it is not expected that foreign tourists practice this tradition, you will score points with locals in the region if you practice this way of greeting others.
• Gift giving: Gift giving is a tradition of respect and thankfulness, but you should never give any gifts in multiples of four, as this is an unlucky number. Consider who you are giving a gift to, and how many items are contained within the gifts you are giving. To bring someone good luck, the theme around your gift should center around the number seven.
• Eating in public: Be considerate of your topics of conversation when socializing during a meal in Korea. Koreans find it offensive when guests discuss topics that are not tasteful. Also, remember to keep your plates and bowls on the table while you are eating as it is seen as impolite to bring your plate or bowl up to your mouth. You should also never fill your own glass while attending a party or social event, as it is viewed as the host’s responsibility to make sure you have enough to drink.

Seoul Travel Tips | South Korea Currency

The official currency of South Korea is the won (KRW) and visitors experience a very generous exchange rate when they exchange their money. Each won is traded at a fraction of the dollar, pound, or Euro, so visitors from countries using these currencies can afford to splurge when they visit this region of the globe.

Money can be exchanged for won at several locations throughout Seoul. Take your dollars into any major bank and exchange them for the best exchange rate possible. Dollars also can be exchanged at Seoul airports, money changer facilities, or kiosks at tourist-heavy attractions. While Seoul banks open and close at specific times, the money changer facilities are usually open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Tourists should avoid pop-up money changer service setups along city streets, and be leery of ATMs you might find as you travel around town as these can be considered scam services.

Seoul Travel Tips | 5 Top Destinations to Visit in Seoul

Seoul, South Korea is filled with interesting attractions that suit just about any personal taste. Whether you are traveling for business, a family vacation, or would embark on a lone adventure, Seoul travel tips can be used for any top-rated destination.

1. Myeong-dong

A coveted shopping district in the heart of the city, Myeong-dong is the premier shopping district of the downtown area. Within the district, you will find an assortment of luxury shopping centers, gourmet restaurants, and attractions that appeal to tourists from all over the country. Myeong-dong is home to designer and brand name stores such as Lotte Department Store, Skin Food, The Face Shop, Missha, Polo Ralph Lauren, and more. It is located at 04536 27 Myeong-dong 8-gil, Jung-gu, and you can catch the #4 subway to get there.

While visiting Myeong-dong, you can stroll through the bustling center, which mimics the popular shopping districts of downtown New York City. There are plenty of performance theaters and international restaurants that serve up food from all over the world. Take advantage of the amazing currency exchange rate and shop until you drop!

Check In to Lotte Hotel Seoul, Step Out to Myeong-dong Shopping District

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2. Seoul Museum of Art

If you are passionate about art and want to explore all of the modern creations that Seoul has to offer, visit the inspiring Seoul Museum of Art. It is located at 61, Deoksugung-gil, Jung-gu, and is a three story building with six exhibition halls. At Seoul Museum of Art you will find the permanent works of Chun Kyung Ja as well as temporary exhibits from artists like Van Gogh, Picasso, Matisse, and more.

While at the museum, you can sign up for an art class where you can learn how to create works of art in contemporary and traditional Korean fashion as well as attend lectures by local artists. There is an exterior sculpture park as well as a store where you can purchase gifts, books, magazines, and art pieces to take home with you. Discover the art of Korea!

Check In to Hotel Gracery Seoul, Step Out to Myeong-dong Shopping District

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3. Myeong-dong Catholic Cathedral

A stunning brick structure that appears to cascade up into the heavens, Myeong-dong Catholic Cathedral is the central public Catholic church of the region and was constructed in 1898. It features an ornate Gothic design and offers a huge sanctuary within its four walls. The pillar of the church is a large Latin cross that invites people from all over the world to attend a religious service.

Visit that cathedral around the noon hour and you will be serenaded by the sweet sound of organ music. The cathedral is adorned in antique decor and colorful stained glass windows. Myeong-dong Catholic Cathedral is located at 74 Myeongdong-gil, Jeodong 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, and is a popular destination for Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve each year.

Check In to Tmark Grand Hotel, Step Out to Myeong-dong Catholic Cathedral

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4. Namdaemun Night Market

An overnight market that is open from 11pm to 4am daily, Namdaemun Night Market offers visitors with a true immersion into the culture of Korea. This night market is located at 21, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, and features independently-owned vendor stalls with a variety of cuisine, snacks, crafts, and locally-designed merchandise. Many of the items found at this market are created by the vendors and provide visitors with a special way to support local businesses.

Check In to The Shilla Seoul, Step Out to Namdaemun Night Market

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5. Namsan Park

Providing panoramic views of the city below, Namsan Park is sprinkled with beautiful hiking trails, sculptures, picnic areas, and native wildlife. It is considered to be the largest urban nature area in Seoul and provides a quiet respite from the chaos of the city.

Up on the mountain, you will find a historical shrine, a cable car, and pavilions that provide the perfect backdrop for lunch. Breath in some fresh air and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature all around you.

Check In to Seoul Rex Hotel, Step Out to Namsan Park

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Seoul Travel Tips | All You Need to Know About Transportation in Seoul

Seoul has an extensive subway system with nine different routes that run throughout the city. Tickets for each route cost up to 2,000 won and can be purchased at the automated machines. The subway system is a popular way to avoid rush hour traffic and to get where you are going with ease.

The city also has a public bus system that is color coded for ease of use. The blue bus routes are for commuting between the suburbs and the downtown area. The yellow bus routes are for navigating through the downtown region of the city. Yellow routes go between the business areas and the tourist attractions; use the yellow route to get to the shopping, restaurant, and attraction related destinations. The green bus routes connect the residential areas to the downtown district and subway system. The red buses are mostly used for commuter purposes and are largely avoided by tourists.

Seoul also has free inter-city shuttle services for tourists that is won using a lottery draw. Tourists wishing to take advantage of the shuttle service should sign up with Dongbo Travel three days before they arrive to see if they they are picked as the winner.

While in the city, you can also utilize rideshare services such as Uber. The Uber service in Seoul works much like the Uber service in other parts of the world. Simply download the app and schedule your pick up. Uber is considered to be a safe transportation option for tourists.

Do you wish to drive your own rental car while visiting Seoul? To drive in Seoul, you must be at least 21 years of age and possess an international driver’s permit. International drivers also are strongly encouraged to carry their passports with them in the event they get pulled over by the police. You should also exercise caution while driving around the city as there are times of major congestion and locals may not always follow the rules of the road like you may expect.

Seoul Travel Tips | Seoul Airport Information

There are two main airport options when traveling to Seoul. You can either land at Seoul Incheon International Airport or Gimpo International Airport.

Rated as the cleanest airport in all of the world, Seoul Incheon International Airport is the main international airport serving the city. The airport serves over 68 million passengers each year and is located approximately 28 miles from the downtown core. It features two main passenger terminals that are easy to navigate. Seoul Incheon International Airport is like an attraction in itself, featuring an onsite golf course, a day spa, an ice skating rink, duty free shopping mall, a variety of restaurants, and airport lounges. Major airlines that fly in and out of this airport include:

• Aeroflot
• Air Canada
• Air China
• American Airlines
• Asiana Airlines
• Korean Air
• United Airlines

Gimpo International Airport is the second busiest airport in Seoul and is located less than 10 miles from the city. It is a smaller airport that moves about 23 million passengers each year. Gimpo International Airport has historical significance, as it used to serve as a Japanese Imperial Army outpost during the 1940s and 1950s. This airport is a two-terminal facility and hosts incoming and outgoing flights with the following airlines:

• Korean Air
• Eaststar Jet
• Asiana Airlines
• Jeju Air
• Jin Air
• Air Busan
• Japan Airlines