The Seoul center point is approximately the area of Myeongdong Cathedral and the area of Namsan Park.
South Korea is a very tourist friendly country, at least within the Seoul Metropolitan Area. 75% of the country's population lives in Seoul or the greater Seoul Area. If you ask a Seoulite, what is the best way to get around the city is, they will respond with: BMW (Bus, Metro, and Walk, in that order). The highly trafficked Metro routes have audio announcements and electronic signage in four languages: Korean, English, Japanese and Chinese. All metro lines are clearly color-coded and numbered, you can get lost. Nevertheless, just in case, it is important to know basic Korean words and phrases. There are millions of drivers in Seoul, the roadway systems are very modern, and tolls are collected outside the city. Several bridges go over the Han River to get in and out of Seoul. It can be quite challenging to get around the city in a car, so visitors should stick to public transportation, as the driving/traffic laws are quite different. Pedestrians do not have the right of way. Motorcycles riders are also pedestrians and often ride on the sidewalks. Two things that stand out about Seoul is, How clean and spotless the city is at all times and How safe it is, even in the wee hours of the night and in dark alleys. The only prevalent crime is pickpocketing. There are so many must see attractions but to name a few: The Blue House (South Korean Presidential Residence), the Jogseya Buddhist Temple, Gyeongbokgung Palace (Royal), Changdeokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Namsan Tower, and Cheonggyecheon Stream (paved river that runs through the city).
Spring is the best time of year to visit Seoul, which falls from April to June. The cherry blossoms are in bloom and the entire city starts to wake up from the long winter. This is also the time of year for many food and music festivals, which symbolize the start of farming and safe fishing throughout the warm months.
Summer tends to be a popular time for tourists, despite the hot temperatures and impending monsoon. More than half of the country's annual rain falls in July and August, which means your activities could be limited to indoor museums and restaurants. The summer months also mean an increase in hotel prices, as rooms fill up quickly to meet the demand.
Fall is also a wonderful time to visit Seoul, from September to November. The temperatures have dropped from the summer, and most of the rain has subsided. Like the Spring, many towns like to throw festivals in the fall to celebrate the end of summer, and enjoy the outdoors before winter. Among them is the Hanseong Baekje Cultural Festival in October. This festival remembers the ancient history of Seoul, from 18 BC to 475 AD with elaborate costumes, performances, and informational tours of historic sites from that time. If you're travelling to Korea for a crash course in 2,000 years of history, this festival can't be missed.
Fall and winter are the best months to find hotel deals in Seoul, South Korea. If you enjoy the cold, try the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival, which draws 1,000,000 visitors each year. From late January to early February, revelers celebrate the snow with ice sledding, ice fishing, and even ice soccer.
Many Seoul Hotels offer special discounts to visitors who book their accommodation online. The JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul has one of the best locations in the city, and is walking distance to many of the palaces and temples in downtown Seoul. It also offers cancellations up to 24 hours before check-in.
The Holiday Inn Express Seoul Euljiro offer complimentary buffet breakfast offering eggs, bacon, and sausage — a rare treat in Seoul hotels. This hotel is ideal for families traveling with kids who aren't used to the unique Korean cuisine. Each room is also equipped with a refrigerator and a flat-screen television, with free Wi-Fi to share photos of your day.
Hotel BonBon by Seoulodge Myeongdong is a steal, offering affordable rooms near the city center. This hotel is truly in the middle of everything, from Myeongdong Cathedral in the East, to Deoksugung Palace in the West. This hotel is known for being incredibly clean, with hair dryers and complimentary toiletries for each guest.
There are additional options beyond staying in hotels in Seoul. Guesthouse Korea creates a more fun and communal environment, which is ideal for younger travelers visiting the city by themselves. Guesthouse Korea offers private rooms for under $50, including a private bathroom and hair dryer. You can't find a room this affordable right next to the Changdeok Palace anywhere else!
For a more traditional route, consider the Gung Guesthouse, a traditional Hanok that lets guests completely embrace Korean culture. Instead of a bulky mattress, guests sleep on traditional floor mats. You can also enjoy a free breakfast every morning. This small guesthouse is very accommodating, with the host willing to offer directions and lend you umbrellas to keep you out of the rain.
If you're traveling with a family and looking for more modern accommodation, consider the SLA Seoul Loft Apartments. This is a boutique hotel located next to the Changgyeonggung Palace. Visitors can book the Garden Patio room, the two bedroom suite for a larger family, or the loft for a couple getting away together. Some rooms even have built-in washers to make your new apartment feel like home.
Seoul is surrounded by small towns and natural landmarks that are well worth visiting. Many guests book a hotel in Seoul and then take day trips into the country after exploring the city. These are a few places that every guest needs to see, if only for a few hours before returning to the bustle of the capital.
The Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon is the quintessential Korean fortress, built in 1796. Seoul's Subway Line 1 can take visitors to Suwon, and the fortress is only a short bus ride away. The fortress has almost six kilometers of stone walls, which makes a visit to this landmark a workout as well as an educational experience.
The Mangwolsa Temple is just outside Seoul and reachable by subway, but it will feel like a completely different world when you step off of the train. Located in the mountains in Bukhansan National Park, the temple is a collection of colorful buildings adorned with the sound of monks chanting their prayers. The views of the mountains and the forest will take your breath away, and will offer a brief respite from the bustle of downtown Seoul.
Both the Mangwolsa Temple and the Hwaseong Fortress are located in Gyeonggi Province, the most populated area in South Korea. Gyeonggi translates to "the area surrounding capital.”
Seoul manages to cram together centuries of history with a love of technological advances and a vibrant nightlife and food scene. Wherever you stay in Seoul, you won't be far from an important spot in the country's history, or a bite of the nation's culture.
Known as the largest city within South Korea, Seoul amps up the volume of life and excitement by offering its guests with great food, excellent nightlife and various shopping options. While it is bordered by Tokyo and Shanghai, Seoul offers tourists with cheaper options and its own interesting story during their visit. When going about Seoul, tourists will not have a hard time finding the places they want to visit as the city is divided into districts that have its own distinct classification. Tourists who want to shop may find Dongdaemun the ideal district to visit as this is the shopper's paradise in Seoul. There are hundreds of vendors found in this district that it may be hard to choose after looking about. A trip to Sinchon and Hongdae may be order when stomachs begin to churn and request for food. These are also the areas where Seoul's nightlife kicks up a notch with its bars and night clubs. When opting to do something really fun, guests can check out the amusement parks that the city also offers. Before leaving Seoul, guests may want to check out Lotte World, which boasts of being one of the largest indoor parks in the whole world.
The Korean capital is central to one of the world's largest metropolitan areas populated with more than 25 million people. Hotels in Seoul are located in backpacker districts as well as posh areas with good views of the city. With a strategic location on the Han River, the global city has some of the world's largest technology companies headquartered here including Samsung and LG. The city adapts to technology extremely well and has COEX, a landmark underground shopping mall. Beautiful palaces like the restored Gyeongbok-Gung and Ghangdeok-Gung are great historical sites. Hiking locations include Samseong and Bukhan mountains. Temples like Jogye and shrines like Jongmyo and Guksadang on Mount Inwang are very popular. Hi! Seoul and ABU TV and Radio Song festivals are major international events.
Jongno, Sinchon, and Hongdae are places where backpackers find cheap hotels. WS Hotel - Close to Anguk Station, the hotel offers small accommodation and is adequate for the price. Private glass-paneled bathrooms are offered. A good number of restaurants and cafes are found nearby. Well-organized housekeeping services ensure rooms are clean and tidy. Places to visit nearby include Gyeongbok Palace and Jongno-3. New Chonji Hotel - The hotel is in a quiet corner near Dongdaemun Complex Mall. Last rooms with seating areas are available. Two mineral water bottles are provided daily free of cost. Washing machines are available. Saerim Hotel - It has a good location with a residential feel near the Cheonggyecheon Stream and tube station. Basic amenities can be expected at budget prices. Cheap hotels near main attractions are good choices, as they provide basic yet clean accommodation.
Seoul hotels near the heart at Jung-Gu lavish five-star hotels. The Westin Chosun Hotel Seoul “ Close to the City Hall Subway Station and Myeongdong, the five-star property has luxurious air-conditioned rooms with equipped bathrooms. The sauna room and spa are ideal relaxation spots. Popular in-house restaurants include Aria and Ninth Gate Grille serving international dishes and Hong Yuan offering Cantonese cuisine. The Shilla Seoul - Five different dining options are available. Guests can avail of free shuttle services to Myongdong and Dongdaemun shopping areas. Travelers like the hotel with Incheon airport and Gimpo Airport is less than an hour away by car.
Boutique hotels in Seoul are good alternatives to the pricey five-star hotels offering great amenities at affordable prices. Imperial Palace Boutique Hotel - The hotel has funky decor and is close to the popular Itaewon area. The stylish hotel offers excellent Asian and Western dishes for breakfast. For other kinds of food, visitors can try out nearby restaurants. Hotel ShinShin - The convenient location close to the subway makes it a popular restaurant. Limousine buses leave for the airport from a nearby bus stop. Well-equipped and spotlessly clean rooms are offered. The award-winning property is among the favored Seoul hotels.
Below are reviews of the city of Seoul, South Korea from an actual visitor's perspective.
Gangnam is a good place to stay.
Seoul is great to explore with lots of see. Many people speak English so navigating and conversing is easy.
LOVED Seoul as it is clean, modern and beautiful! The people are exceptionally friendly and complete strangers approached us regularly to see if we needed any help getting around. The taxis are very inexpensive and the public transportation is outstanding and easy to get around on, as English is everywhere. The food is amazing and the restaurants are reasonably priced. Cannot wait to be able to go back!