Seoul — Ancient palaces next to K-pop billboards.
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Güney Kore

Seoul Travel Guide

Ancient palaces next to K-pop billboards.

BEST TIME: April–May, September–October CURRENCY: KRW COORDINATES: 37.57°, 126.98°

A wired, fashion-obsessed city that still breathes through mountain temples and hanok quarters.

Last updated: 2026-07-17

PRACTICAL INFO

What to know before you go.

Tourist traps, SIM cards, cash vs card, taxis and safety — the city's reality in five questions.

Biggest tourist mistake

Shopping Myeongdong only and leaving the palace + hanok + market trio half done.

SIM card & internet

Tourist eSIM/SIM stands run 24/7 at the airport; KT and SK coverage is flawless.

Cash or card?

Cards are universal; a little won cash covers the market stalls.

Taxi & transport apps

The Kakao T app is standard; taxis are honest and cheap-ish — check the colour code at night (orange = regular).

Safety

Very safe, even late for solo travellers; the one classic warning is ordering in Itaewon without asking drink prices.

CITY PULSE

The city's 24-hour rhythm.

Turn the dial to any hour and it tells you where you should be.

12:00
0006121823
BUDGET

What will it cost me?

Pull the day dial; the estimated per-person cost is calculated instantly.

Total Estimated Budget
$369
$123 / day · 3 gün
1 day7 days14 days

Figures are per-person daily USD estimates compiled from BudgetYourTrip, Numbeo and recent traveller reports. Flight/ferry tickets not included.

Seoul budget in detail: daily costs & calculator →

TRAVEL GUIDE

Insider knowledge.

Things you won't find on the first page of a search engine.

Must Do

  • Rent a hanbok: free palace entry and glorious photos.
  • Do a jjimjilbang (Korean bathhouse) once.
  • Book the DMZ tour two weeks ahead — it only runs from Seoul.

Avoid These

  • Standing on the left of the escalator — that's the walking lane.
  • Lifting your rice bowl while eating — considered rude in Korea.
  • Buying skincare from Myeongdong touts; go into Olive Young.

Tips

  • The T-money card works on metro, buses, taxis and convenience stores.
  • Most museums close Mondays; plan around it.
  • 'Annyeong haseyo' opens doors.

Hidden Gems

  • Ihwa Mural Village: hillside street art most tourists skip.
  • Seonyudo Park: a poetic riverside park in an old water plant.
  • The Suyeon Sanbang hanok teahouse in Seongbuk-dong.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Seoul: frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Seoul?
The best time for Seoul is April–May, September–October. Weather and crowd levels are most favourable for travellers then.
How many days are enough in Seoul?
2-3 days is a good start for Seoul's highlights; extend to 4-5 to explore the surroundings and nearby routes. Our hour-by-hour City Pulse plan helps you organise each day.
Is Seoul expensive? What is the daily budget?
For a mid-range traveller, the estimated daily cost in Seoul is about $123 per person (food, local transport, accommodation and activities; flights excluded). Budget travellers can spend less; use the budget calculator in the guide to see your own figure.
Is Seoul safe?
Very safe, even late for solo travellers; the one classic warning is ordering in Itaewon without asking drink prices.
How is internet and SIM in Seoul?
Tourist eSIM/SIM stands run 24/7 at the airport; KT and SK coverage is flawless.
Cash or card in Seoul?
Cards are universal; a little won cash covers the market stalls.
How is transport and taxi in Seoul?
The Kakao T app is standard; taxis are honest and cheap-ish — check the colour code at night (orange = regular).

Nearby routes