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Seoul, South Korea stands out as one of the shining gems of the land of kimchi. Once you step foot here, you'll yearn to return time and time again. Seoul captivates visitors with its modern, bustling lifestyle. Not to mention the breathtaking natural landscapes that resemble paintings. Let's explore the beauty of Seoul - the capital of South Korea through the following article!
Traveling to South Korea will bring you joyful experiences (Image Source: Collection)
What's the Best Time to Visit Seoul, South Korea?
If you're contemplating a trip to Seoul, South Korea, have you decided when to embark on your journey? Each season in South Korea paints a different picture. Which 'color' of South Korea do you wish to see the most?
The climate of the land of kimchi is divided into four distinct seasons. This means each season has its own unique charm and festivals. Hence, you can embark on a trip to South Korea at any time of the year.
Many consider spring and autumn as the peak tourist seasons in South Korea. However, the other two seasons also hold plenty of interesting discoveries for you. Let's delve into more details by exploring the following information.
1. Spring Season
Spring in Seoul, South Korea boasts mild weather and warm climate, making it ideal for outdoor activities. The highlight of spring in South Korea is the blooming cherry blossoms lining the streets, offering a picturesque view of a modern yet poetic Seoul.
This season also hosts numerous colorful flower festivals, including cherry blossom festivals, plum blossom festivals, azalea festivals, and rapeseed flower festivals. The spirit of spring envelops Seoul, bringing joy to both tourists and locals alike. Traveling to Seoul during this time allows you to capture stunning check-in photos.
2. Summer Season
Summer in Seoul, South Korea is often hot and accompanied by occasional showers. However, the unique festivals held during this time are the main attraction for tourists. Visiting South Korea during the summer, you'll immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of lively festivals.
Summer in South Korea shines with lush greenery and warm sunlight (Image Source: Collection)
However, the summer weather in South Korea is similar to our own country. So if you're accustomed to warm temperatures, you'll easily adapt to the Korean summer. Exploring South Korea during this time allows you to feel the summer breeze along with the cool greenery.
3. Autumn Season
Autumn is considered the ideal and most suitable season to visit Seoul, South Korea. The heat of summer gradually subsides, welcoming a cool and crisp autumn. Seoul's scenery during this time is enhanced with a touch of nostalgia and romance, appearing as beautiful as scenes from movies.
This phenomenon occurs because in autumn, trees begin to change their leaves. The green leaves of summer suddenly turn yellow and red. The intermingling of colors creates a beautiful natural scenery like a painted picture.
Traveling to Seoul during this season will bring back many 'spoils of war'. These include check-in photos, landscape shots, and most notably, valuable experiences. So, considering a trip to South Korea in autumn is definitely worth it!
4. Winter Season
Winter in South Korea can be quite harsh. If you're not accustomed to cold weather, it's best not to visit South Korea during this time. Winter in South Korea will experience snowfall. The dream of white snow will become a reality.
South Korea in winter is covered in pristine white snow (Image Source: Collection)
The scenery is beautifully blanketed in snow. Visiting Seoul, South Korea during winter offers you the chance to experience fascinating activities and festivals. The winter hues of South Korea will surely leave a lasting impression on you.
Exciting Destinations in Seoul, South Korea
What makes Seoul so appealing and draws tourists in? Where can you wander when traveling to Seoul, South Korea? If you're still unsure, check out the suggestions below!
1. Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace was constructed in 1395. It is the largest and most majestic palace in South Korea. Situated in the northern part of bustling Seoul, South Korea.
Upon visiting, you will explore various areas of the palace, each built for different purposes and featuring beautiful architecture. You'll have the opportunity to witness the ancient throne of the kings and historical structures.
Gyeongbokgung Palace with its vast area (Image Source: Collection)
The palace is built on a very beautiful terrain. Gyeongbokgung is the only palace in South Korea that still maintains four main gates to this day. Within the palace are meticulously trimmed gardens.
A particularly attractive feature for tourists is the nighttime palace tours held once a year. If you wish to experience this special activity, be sure to plan and arrange your schedule accordingly!
Visitors often don traditional Hanbok attire when coming here. This will help you capture delightful and satisfactory photos. Fun fact: this palace has been chosen multiple times as a filming location for Korean historical dramas.
2. Han River
The Han River is a famous large river in Seoul, South Korea. It stretches 514 km long and is spanned by approximately 30 bridges. The contrasting scenery on both sides of the river impresses tourists. On one side is the bustling urban area, while the other side features quaint tiled-roof houses.
The Banpo Fountain Bridge on the Han River is very popular. It's an ideal spot for sightseeing and leisurely walks. In the evening, the bridge is illuminated by thousands of colorful LED lights. At that time, people often stroll along the riverbank to admire this dazzling spectacle.
The Banpo Bridge with its vibrant night scene (Image Source: Collection)
If you want to immerse yourself in nature and fully experience the beauty of the Han River, you can take a boat ride on the river. A leisurely cruise on the river takes about 1 hour and costs 15,000 won per trip.
This experience will surely leave an everlasting impression on you. Admiring the scenery while feeling the cool breeze is nothing short of wonderful. A different perspective of Seoul will be vividly etched in your mind.
3. Namsan Tower
Namsan Tower, also known as N Seoul Tower, is a must-visit destination in Seoul, South Korea. Built in 1969, it was the first broadcasting tower in South Korea and became operational in 1980.
The tower offers many wonderful attractions for you to explore. You can purchase tickets to visit the observation deck, Hello Kitty Island, Ssentoy exhibition hall, and museum. These are all very interesting places.
Namsan Tower standing tall amidst the sky (Image Source: Collection)
If you're with your loved one, this will be the perfect romantic rendezvous for both of you. You can hang a love lock together on the rooftop area, symbolizing your enduring love.
Whether you visit Namsan Tower during the day or night, it exudes its own charm. During the daytime, you can admire the magnificent architecture of the tower. At night, you'll witness the tower illuminated with dazzling lights. Seoul will be captured in your eyes from above.
4. Insadong Antique Alley
If you're fond of traditional Korean culture, this is a must-visit. Stepping into the ancient alleyways of Insadong, you'll feel like you've traveled back in time.
The houses here boast classical architecture, imbued with the patina of time. Insadong Antique Alley will make you feel as if time has slowed down. If you're looking to purchase souvenirs, Hanji paper, or antiques, there's no better place than here.
Insadong Antique Alley is a highly attractive destination for tourists (Image Source: Collection)
Moreover, within the district, you'll find numerous long-standing bookstores, tranquil tea houses, and exceptional art galleries.
Each shop here has its own unique charm, suitable for all ages. On Saturdays (2 PM - 10 PM) and Sundays (10 AM - 10 PM), vehicles are prohibited from entering the neighborhood. If you visit on the weekend, you'll have the chance to stroll around and explore every nook and cranny here.
Few would expect that within the heart of Seoul, South Korea, there lies such a peaceful neighborhood. This tranquil old town seems to detach itself from the bustling, lively Seoul. If you're unsure what souvenir to buy, you can visit the shops here for more options.
5. Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon Hanok is one of the most captivating ancient villages for tourists. If you have the opportunity to travel to Seoul, South Korea, you must visit this place. The village embodies unique cultural values. And around the village are places where royalty once lived.
The beautiful nooks and crannies in this village will leave you in awe. This village has a history of over 600 years, with 400 ancient houses. This creates a serene, tranquil space full of nostalgia.
Dressing in Hanbok for a photo shoot in Bukchon Hanok Village is incomparable (Source: Collection)
Here, you'll see ancient houses transformed into cafes and tea rooms. However, please remember to tread lightly and speak softly as you stroll through the village!
Typically, girls who come here for photoshoots prefer wearing Hanbok. Hanbok attire will make tourists feel like they've traveled back in time to old Korea. Renting Hanbok costumes will help you capture breathtaking photo opportunities that will leave others in awe.
6. Lotte World Entertainment Complex
In a modern city like Seoul, South Korea, entertainment hubs are essential. After exploring beautiful sights and famous tourist destinations, you can add some fun-filled activities to your itinerary. In that case, Lotte World Entertainment Complex tops the list of recommendations for you.
The entertainment complex offers a variety of activities, from gentle to adventurous and thrilling. Along with that are some incredibly unique artistic performances. Lotte World has been around for 30 years, with construction starting in 1989. Over the years, it has evolved into an ideal destination for entertainment and fun when visiting Korea.
The colorful scenery of Lotte World resembles a fairytale setting (Source: Collection)
To fully enjoy the fun, it's best to dedicate a whole day here. Only then can you experience the games you love. Rest assured, you'll bring back many beautiful memories for your journey.
Lotte World always seems crowded. A helpful tip is to purchase a Magic Pass to save time. Keep an eye out for the Magic Pass ticket booths and see which rides accept it. In a day, the Magic Pass can be used up to three times!
7. Myeongdong District
There's a place where you can shop and enjoy street food in Seoul, South Korea. That's the Myeongdong District located in Seoul, South Korea. It's a fashion paradise and a shopping haven for those who love shopping.
It's not an exaggeration to say that Myeongdong is a 'mobile' fashion runway. You'll see young people wearing very trendy and impressive outfits. If you want to know the current fashion trends worldwide, just come to this neighborhood.
Myeongdong District is always bustling and crowded (Source: Collection)
Additionally, there are street food stalls here with incredibly delicious dishes. If you're a food lover, you must try all the dishes here. From rice cakes to kimbap, fish cakes... The authentic Korean flavors you won't find anywhere else.
Moreover, Myeongdong is also a hub for many famous Korean cosmetics brands. If you want to buy cosmetics as gifts, you can come to this neighborhood to try. There will definitely be plenty of products and items for you to choose from.
What to Pack for Your Seoul, South Korea Trip?
What do you usually bring when traveling? Do you need to pack anything different when traveling to Seoul, South Korea? Having the necessary items will ensure you have an enjoyable trip. Besides money, documents, and necessary procedures, here are some things you should pack in your luggage:
1. Clothing
Clothing is definitely essential for your journey. Depending on the season you're traveling, prepare clothing suitable for the weather at that time. If you're traveling in spring or autumn, remember to bring thin layers for warmth. Because during the day, the weather in Seoul, South Korea can be cool but chilly in the early morning and at night.
Prepping your outfits in advance ensures picture-perfect check-in photos (Image source: Collection)
Heading into summer, opt for dynamic, airy clothing and avoid thick layers. In winter, bundle up with warm clothing, scarves, and thick sweaters, as temperatures drop significantly. But regardless of the season, remember to choose comfortable, easy-to-move-in outfits.
The key to having 'occasion-appropriate' and satisfying outfits for photos is to plan ahead. Based on the destination, prepare outfits for the day's itinerary in advance. This will also save you a considerable amount of time!
2. Personal Items
Equipping yourself with all the personal items will make your trip to Seoul, South Korea even more comfortable. Some accommodations may provide toothbrushes, toothpaste, towels... But if you're not used to using them, you can bring your own items.
Products like sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, scarves... are also essential. And don't forget to bring preventive medicine. Some necessary medicines such as cold medicine, fever reducer, nasal decongestant... will be very useful. They will be a lifesaver for you in case you get sick due to not adapting to the weather.
You can make a check-list to ensure you have all the personal items you need (Image source: Collection)
In addition, a power bank is also indispensable. Stepping into a completely new tourist destination will bring you excitement. Therefore, you will always want to take many photos, capture valuable moments. A power bank will help keep your phone fully charged.
3. Planning Your Itinerary
If you're traveling with a tour group, you can skip this step. Because travel companies will already have tour programs prepared. You just need to participate and follow the guide's instructions.
In case you're traveling to Seoul, South Korea independently, preparing your itinerary is extremely important. Because Seoul is very large and there will be countless places you want to visit and explore. Planning your itinerary helps optimize your travel time, along with ensuring you don't miss out on any places you want to go.
Some Things to Keep in Mind When Traveling to Seoul, South Korea
When traveling to Seoul, South Korea in particular, and Korea in general, there are some special considerations you need to keep in mind. These tips will help you have a more enjoyable and convenient trip. It's extremely important to learn about the new country you're about to visit.
Doing research about your destination beforehand is very helpful for your trip (Image Source: Collection)
- When walking in Korea, you might feel crowded. But it's not intentional from Koreans; it's just because the pedestrian paths are too crowded.
- Koreans have a culture of taking off shoes before entering homes, museums, and tourist attractions. Pay attention not to make this basic mistake!
- When communicating with Koreans, you can use Korean or translation software. Koreans tend to use English less often for communication.
- When shopping in markets, you can negotiate prices down by 20 to 40%. To facilitate the transaction, you can write down your desired price on a piece of paper and show it to the seller. If they agree, they will sell it to you.
- In November and December, there are many discount programs in Seoul, South Korea. You can buy many items at discounted prices.
- If you want to use the subway or bus, you should get a T-Money card at the airport or phone stores.
Traveling helps you relax after a busy work period. South Korea is an ideal destination for your trip. You can choose to travel independently or join a tour according to your preference. If you need to book a tour to Seoul, South Korea or anywhere in Korea, contact Mytour via hotline Mytour!
