Seoul trips and vacations

Come straight to the source and discover why Korean street food is conquering the world’s taste buds. With must-tries like ‘tteokbokki’ (spicy rice cakes), ‘kimbap’ (seaweed-wrapped rolls) and ‘odeng’ (fish cake skewers), Seoul’s famous street food is cheap, quick and mind-blowingly good. Remember, it’s considered bad form to eat while you wander, so enjoy these bites right where you buy them.

No Seoul vacation is complete without taking in the city’s futuristic skyline from South Korea’s tallest building, Lotte World Tower. At street level, crane your head to shape-shifting icons such as the Kolon One & Only Tower and the Seoul New City Hall. If you’re sightseeing at night (and you absolutely should), Dongdaemun Design Plaza’s LED ‘skin’ lights up like a sci-fi spacecraft.

While your vacation to Seoul should include a tour of its futuristic architecture, it’s also worth delving into the city’s complicated past. Step into the 14th century at Gyeongbokgung Palace, where dressing in traditional hanbok clothing allows you to visit for free and in style. Or join a tour to the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) between North and South Korea, one of the most popular day trips from Seoul.

This is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Seoul, popular with hipsters, coffee connoisseurs and lovers of pop-up shops. Once an industrial shoe-making district, Seongsu-dong has morphed into the ‘Brooklyn of Seoul’ There’s also plenty of green spaces here where you can catch your breath. Seoul Forest Park boasts cherry blossom groves, a deer park and a butterfly house to explore.

Good for: Coffee, local art, craft beer

By day Hongdae is a medley of indie music, street art and stylish boutiques. By night it’s a place to live your dreams of K-pop stardom at the many ‘noraebangs’ (Seoul’s take on karaoke bars). The Hongdae subway station makes it easy to get around, and you’ll find plenty of trendy hotels in which to rest your head. The streets are always busy here, making it one of the best areas to stay in Seoul for people watching.

Good for: Live music, hotels, people watching

Quieter and less touristy, Samcheong-dong is a dreamy maze of centuries-old traditional houses, artisan workshops, tea rooms and small galleries. Hungry? You’ll find an endless array of cafes and noodle houses offering Korean classics and global flavors. Weekends can get busy, so arrive early or visit during the week. Better yet, plan to stay in a hotel right here.

Good for: Tea rooms, cafes, galleries

There’s a ton of things to do with family in Seoul, especially at Everland, Korea’s largest theme park, home to one of the steepest wooden roller coasters in the world. To experience the magic, take a direct shuttle from stations in northern and southern Seoul. Remember to prebook rides on the app to skip the lines. For a family adventure closer to downtown, head to Lotte World, one of the largest indoor theme parks on the planet.

The shopping in Seoul is world-class, from the bustling flea markets of Myeong-dong to the high-end boutiques of Gangnam. For a unique shopping experience, head to the Dongdaemun Market, where you can find anything from traditional Korean clothing to the latest fashion trends. Haggling is appropriate in open-air markets, so feel free to flex your bargaining skills. 

Looking for the best museums in Seoul? Discover artifacts dating back to Paleolithic times at the National Museum of Korea. Wander the 14th-century halls of Gyeongbokgung Palace, the royal residence of the Joseon dynasty. Dress up in a ‘hanbok’ (traditional Korean clothing), join a Korean tea ceremony, and learn calligraphy from a master in Bukchon Hanok Village.

If you're looking for high-energy clubs, Gangnam is the place to be. For indie music, karaoke and K-pop performances, head to Hongdae. If you want to connect with fellow travelers, the area of Itaewon is a great choice. Get into the spirit of the nightlife in Seoul with a round of soju, makgeolli or maekju. This trio of alcoholic beverages are Korean party favorites.

From Michelin-starred cuisine to cheap street eats, there are restaurants in Seoul to curb your every craving. In Insadong try traditional dishes like ‘sujebi’ (hand-torn noodle soup) and vegan temple food. If you can’t get enough street eats, taste your way through Seoul’s century-old Gwangjang Market. And the grilled ‘samgyeopsal’ (pork belly) in Itaewon is a must, served with an assortment of veggies and dipping sauces.

If you know where to look, you’ll find plenty of free things to do in Seoul. For a free history lesson and stunning views, hike the Seoul Fortress Wall up Inwangsan Mountain. Browse the open-air works in Hongdae Street Art Park. Or let knowledgeable locals be your GPS on a free walking tour by Seoul Tourism — just be sure to book in advance.