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Travel guide

Seoul

Photo: yeojin yun / Unsplash

Seoul is a vibrant metropolis blending ancient palaces with cutting-edge technology and pop culture. History lovers, foodies, and K-pop fans will find endless excitement in this dynamic city.

When to go

April to June and September to October offer mild temperatures and less rain, perfect for sightseeing. Winters are cold and dry; summers are hot and rainy with monsoon season in July and August.

  1. Jan

    2° · 18 mm rain

    cold and dry

  2. Feb

    5° · 27 mm rain

    still cold

  3. Mar

    12° · 40 mm rain

    spring blooms start

  4. Apr

    18° · 65 mm rain

    pleasant and mild

  5. May

    23° · 109 mm rain

    warm and comfortable

  6. Jun

    27° · 129 mm rain

    start of summer heat

  7. Jul

    29° · 309 mm rain

    hot and rainy

  8. Aug

    29° · 273 mm rain

    monsoon rains

  9. Sep

    25° · 156 mm rain

    cooler, less rain

  10. Oct

    18° · 84 mm rain

    crisp autumn weather

  11. Nov

    11° · 51 mm rain

    cool and dry

  12. Dec

    3° · 27 mm rain

    cold winter

Best timeGoodQuieterNot ideal

Average daily high and monthly rain over the last ten years, from weather records by Open-Meteo

Top things to do

  • Gyeongbokgung Palace

    Historic royal palace; catch the changing guard ceremony.

  • Bukchon Hanok Village

    Traditional Korean houses; great for photos and culture.

  • Myeongdong Shopping Street

    Bustling shopping and street food hub.

  • N Seoul Tower

    Panoramic city views; visit at sunset.

  • Insadong

    Art galleries and tea houses; perfect for souvenirs.

  • Hongdae

    Youthful nightlife and indie music scene.

Food to try

  • Korean BBQ

    Grill your own meat at lively restaurants.

  • Tteokbokki

    Spicy rice cakes, a popular street snack.

  • Gwangjang Market

    Try bindaetteok and other traditional dishes.

  • Samcheong-dong Cafes

    Charming cafes with Korean desserts.

Where to stay

  • Jongno: Historic center, great for culture lovers.
  • Gangnam: Modern, upscale area with shopping and nightlife.
  • Hongdae: Trendy, youthful, ideal for nightlife and arts.

Getting around

From Incheon Airport, take the AREX train (~45 mins, 9,000 KRW). Seoul’s subway is extensive and affordable (~1,350 KRW per ride).

Good to know

  • Use T-money card for easy transit payments.
  • Respect local customs, remove shoes indoors.
  • Beware of tourist scams near popular sites.

Emergency numbers

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Written with AI on October 7, 2026 and refreshed every month. Check opening times, prices and entry rules before you go.

Seoul travel guide: best time to visit, things to do and where to stay · Trip ForMe