Things to do in Seoul, South Korea

Things to do in Seoul, South Korea

Are you wanting for a new travel destination? Possibly it’s time to place Seoul, South Korea on your vacation strike listing. South Korea mixes loaded background with modern engineering to make a superb encounter, anywhere you go! No matter if you are hunting to live luxe, or hold matters far more reasonably priced, below are some thoughts about how to expend your time in the land of the early morning relaxed.

How to get all over Seoul

The town of Seoul is quick paced, and thankfully, so are the trains. Trains are by significantly the most straightforward way to get about Seoul, and the underground subway procedure is superb. Easy to navigate and foreigner friendly, with plenty of signage in English. On the other hand, if general public transport is not for you, taxis are also a terrific selection. They are economical and brief to arrive if you obtain Kakao Taxi, which is the simplest way to e book. If you are pondering of getting community transport, it is finest to down load the city subway app.

Seoul is this kind of a lovely town, with a great deal to see and do in the course of your continue to be. Inspite of not becoming an English talking state, there are a significant range of Koreans who do talk English. Nevertheless, it will definitely continue to assist to do some investigation into basic phrases these types of as hello (annyeonghaseyo) and thank you (gamsahabnida).

(Photograph: Mondrian Seoul Itaewon)

Where by to stay in Seoul

The Mondrian Seoul Itaewon is the great put to remain while in Seoul. Found in Itaewon, the lodge features elegant and relaxed rooms, some even with fantastic views of N Seoul Tower. With hotspots like Myeongdong and Gangnam not significantly absent, Itaewon is an ideal site. A keep at the Mondrian consists of access to their conditioning centre and indoor pool, as well as a gorgeous rooftop bar. The staff are really accommodating and discuss many languages, so it would make for a fantastic experience over-all.

If you are on the lookout for some thing south of the Han River, Aiden by Most effective Western Cheongdam is found in Apgujeong. Only a block away from Sinsa station and the flagship shops of Korean favourites Light Monster and Tamburins, Aiden by Greatest Western is an additional fantastic alternative for your stay.

On the extra western aspect of Seoul is the Fairmont Ambassador Seoul – the excellent area to splurge on your getaway. From the on web-site spa to the great cafe, the Fairmont Ambassador Seoul is also conveniently positioned earlier mentioned the Hyundai Seoul office retailer.

Gwangjang Market in Seoul.
(Photo: Maddy Wilson)

What to try to eat in Seoul

South Korea has some outstanding meals – consider Korean BBQ, tteokbokki (rice cakes) and even Korean fried chicken. There are endless dining places and marketplaces to pick from, but if you want to get a taste of some conventional Korean foods, Gwangjang Industry is the position to begin. It is one of the oldest and biggest marketplaces in Seoul, filled with stalls presenting meals, materials and other small merchandise.

At Gwangjang Market place you will locate classic road food this kind of as mandu (dumplings), kalguksu (knife minimize noodles), japchae (glass noodles) and countless other selections. All the foods within the industry is somewhat low cost, with most dishes coming in at much less than 10,000 South Korean won, which is approximately $11 AUD.

If you’re hoping to check out some Korean BBQ although in town, Hobak Sikdang (also recognised as Pumpkin Korean BBQ) is the area to commence. They have loads of delectable meat cuts to pick from, as well as astounding kimchi stew and steamed egg. Found in Hannam, it is quick to discover proper off the the most important highway.

Alternatively, Samyukga is positioned in Gangnam, just around the corner from Sinnonhyeon station. Identified for their mouth-watering flower pork, the staff at Samyukga will also cook your meat and veggies on the hot plate in front of you. On entry, a wall of signatures from varying stars is exhibited. Clearly a community favorite, you may well even see some of your favourite K-pop idols here!

If street food stuff and BBQ are not for you, try heading a little north of Dongdaemun to stop by Woomoolzip. Ideal for personal eating, each area is capped at 6 people today. Woomoolzip attributes a stunning round window to look out into the garden, as very well as heated floors and cushions for the traditional floor seating. The person scorching pot is delectable, served on a miniature fire to maintain the soup foundation warm.

Barboo brunch cafe and wine bar in Seoul.
(Photograph: Maddy Wilson)

Seoul’s ideal bars & cafes to pay a visit to

Devoid of a question, South Korea has some of the most beautiful and conceptual cafes and bars. Each and every component has an intentional aesthetic, and here are a couple choices.

Barboo, found in Itaewon is a brunch cafe and wine bar. Fantastic for working day or night time, you can sit by the window and perspective cherry blossoms in Spring, or potentially capture the snowfall in Wintertime. With a excellent range of wine to select from, it’s the fantastic end for a chunk to take in or a nightcap.

A great conceptual bar to check out is Zoo Sindang. Behind the hidden entrance is a whirlwind of color and amazing creations. The bar hones in on lunar zodiac indications, with each and every animal of the zodiac corresponding to the identify of a cocktail. The beverages have surprising combos, but are completely scrumptious and perfectly truly worth a try out.

If you are wanting to check out a cafe with a twist, search no additional than Osulloc. Offering tea from their tea farm on Jeju Island, Osulloc have an impressive vary of drinks. Appreciate matcha, espresso, or just one of their specialty teas like Korean pear or tangerine blossom, and enjoy the calming ambiance the Osulloc results in.

For a taste of property, try out taking a excursion to this Aussie cafe. Albert Park Bakery have an array of Australian and New Zealand bakery treats, together with group favourites like lamingtons and ANZAC biscuits.

Seoul attractions to examine

Seoul has some unbelievable sights, several of which are free of charge! See hundreds of padlocks symbolising everlasting enjoy all around the foundation of N Seoul Tower, and head up to the prime of the tower for panoramic sights of Seoul. There are multiple ways to get to the tower, which includes a community bus route, cable car or – if you truly feel like the exercising – a 30 moment wander.

There are loads of historic internet sites in Seoul that seamlessly intertwine with present day day everyday living. One of them – Gyeongbokgung Palace – dates all the way back to 1395 when the Joseon Dynasty dominated. Though it is only one of a lot of palaces in Seoul, it absolutely is one of the most well known and frequently visited. Entry is free if you are carrying a Korean Hanbok which can be rented from just one of the shops close to the palace, or alternatively entry is about 3,000 South Korean gained. It is worthy of noting that Gyeongbokgung is shut on Tuesdays.

Cheonggyecheon is an almost 11km prolonged stream that operates by way of Seoul. A wonderfully restored waterway that offers a crack from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis, perfect for a stroll if you have some spare time.

Myeongdong shopping street at night.
(Photograph: Getty)

The place to go searching in Seoul

If you’re hunting to do some buying even though in Seoul, it’s a fantastic idea to depart a lot of house in your suitcase! There are places to shop anywhere you go, no matter if they be significant shopping malls, specialized niche boutiques or streets jam-packed of all the on trend outlets. For the latter, try out heading to Myeongdong. Regarded to be one particular of the most effective shopping districts, Myeongdong has style, cosmetics and division suppliers all in the one browsing avenue.

Searching for Korean magnificence products is a will have to whilst overseas. Their largest magnificence retail store, Olive Young is a wonderland of all the ideal skincare and makeup products. If splendor is your point, it is perfectly truly worth a take a look at to their multi-storey merchants in Myeongdong and Gangnam!

Hannam and Itaewon are comprehensive of new, trendy brand names. Wandering the streets is the excellent way to obtain new brand names and little products. The place is especially wonderful if you want to come across a new fragrance, with flagship stores for Korean manufacturers like Pesade, Born to Stand Out and Nonfiction.

For a minimal bit of anything, try out heading to Seongsu. You are going to locate a extensive selection of pop up shops, as very well as community favourites like Stand Oil and Fwee. Seongsu is also conveniently ideal following to Seoul Forest, so be absolutely sure to enable some time to wander the park and see the deer corral!

N Seoul Tower with cherry blossom or sakura flower with blue sky at Namsan Mountain in Seoul City, South Korea.

What splendor treatment plans to try in Seoul

There is an endless amount of money of beauty treatments accessible to consider in Seoul. All the things from a Korean head spa, facials, colour evaluation and even additional invasive treatments if you truly feel inclined. If you want to restrict travel all-around the city, test Eco Jardin. Here you can get your color investigation completed, and comply with it up with a scalp cure and haircut.

If you are right after a facial to make your skin glow, Muse Clinic in Gangnam is your go to. Providing facials, laser and even Botox if you wish, Muse is incredibly foreigner pleasant and will have you on the lookout your most effective in no time!