$10 back on your first eligible booking — in the RatedOtels app only. Get the app Terms
BOOK

Seoul

South Korea

Pace: balanced Dynamic Historic Futuristic Bustling
Ideal trip length
5 - 10 days
Busiest
Apr-May, Sep-Oct
Seoul
Destination
Dates
Guests 1 room, 1 adults, 0 children
SEARCH
Where to stay

Hotels in Seoul

Book direct on our own Seoul hotel pages — no booking fee and instant confirmation.

At a glance

Climate
Temperate
Languages
Korean and English
Local currency
KRW (KRW)
Local time
(GMT+9)
Ideal trip length
5–10 days
Cost level
3 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
Myeongdong
Tap water
Generally described as safe to drink
Tipping
Not customary

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 80 · Very good

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Kimchi Bibimbap Korean BBQ Tteokbokki

When to visit Seoul

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: October Busiest: Apr-May, Sep-Oct
  1. Jan
    50

    Cold, dry, some snow

  2. Feb
    55

    Cold, dry, warming

  3. Mar
    75

    Cool, pleasant, blossoms

  4. Apr
    90

    Mild, sunny, peak blossoms

  5. May
    85

    Warm, pleasant, green

  6. Jun
    70

    Warm, humid, monsoon starts

  7. Jul
    60

    Hot, humid, heavy rain

  8. Aug
    65

    Hot, humid, monsoon continues

  9. Sept
    90

    Mild, sunny, pleasant

  10. Oct
    95

    Cool, crisp, autumn foliage

  11. Nov
    70

    Chilly, dry, late autumn

  12. Dec
    55

    Cold, dry, winter

Things to do in Seoul

7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

2 places

Explore Gyeongbokgung Palace

Jongno-gu 2.5 hrs

Wander through the grandest of Seoul's five royal palaces, a symbol of Korean history.

Outdoors Good for children

Stroll Bukchon Hanok Village

Jongno-gu 2 hrs

Discover traditional Korean houses nestled between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces.

Outdoors Good for children

Best in the afternoon

2 places

Shop in Myeongdong

Myeongdong 3 hrs

Dive into a bustling district famous for cosmetics, fashion, and street food.

Indoors Good for children

Explore Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

Dongdaemun 2.5 hrs

Marvel at the futuristic architecture and enjoy exhibitions, shops, and a night market.

Indoors Good for children

Best in the evening

2 places

Visit N Seoul Tower

Namsan 2 hrs

Enjoy panoramic city views from this iconic tower, especially beautiful at sunset.

Indoors Good for children

Experience Hongdae's Youth Culture

Hongdae 3 hrs

Immerse yourself in the vibrant arts, indie music, and street performances of Hongdae.

Indoors

Any time of day

1 place

Relax at a Jjimjilbang

Various 3 hrs

Unwind in a traditional Korean bathhouse with saunas, hot tubs, and relaxation areas.

Indoors Good for children

Seoul itineraries

View All itineraries
Culture and history

3 Days in Seoul — Culture & History

Immerse yourself in Seoul's ancient traditions and dynamic past.

This 3-day itinerary delves deep into Seoul's rich cultural heritage and profound history, from majestic palaces and serene temples to poignant historical sites and bustling traditional markets. Perfect for history buffs and culture enthusiasts eager to uncover the soul of South Korea's vibrant capital.

3 Days 15 Stops
See the full plan
Things to book

Tours and activities in Seoul

Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.

Practical ratings

Our own ratings and key insights for this destination.

Eating & Culinary

Kimchi 95 · Outstanding
Bibimbap 87 · Outstanding
Korean BBQ 78 · Very good
Tteokbokki 70 · Good

Signature Experiences

Explore Gyeongbokgung Palace 95 · Outstanding
Visit N Seoul Tower 91 · Outstanding
Shop In Myeongdong 87 · Outstanding
Stroll Bukchon Hanok Village 83 · Very good
Experience Hongdae's Youth Culture 78 · Very good
Relax At A Jjimjilbang 74 · Good
Explore Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) 70 · Good

Best Suitable For

Solo 95 · Outstanding
Couples 91 · Outstanding
Families 87 · Outstanding
Friends 83 · Very good
Digital Nomads 78 · Very good
Luxury 74 · Good
Budget 70 · Good

Planning & Tips

Utilize the excellent subway system for efficient travel. 95 · Outstanding
Learn basic Korean phrases; it's appreciated by locals. 83 · Very good
Carry a portable Wi-Fi device or local SIM for navigation. 70 · Good

Ratings and recommendations are curated from local travel data.

Near Seoul

Straight-line distance from the centre of Seoul.

Getaways from Seoul

Places people from Seoul travel to, from our own travel research.

$10 back on your 1st app booking
App bookings only · Terms
Get app