Seoul Hotels

People often can’t find the right words to describe Seoul. It must be because the city has a lot to offer for each type of traveler. One thing is certain, and it’s that most tourists fall in love with its energy. It is seen everywhere from its food, architecture, and its people.

Indeed, Seoul gives a little bit of itself to everyone who comes over. Even if you’re not into certain things as a tourist, you wouldn’t be able to help it when you’re here. The city is an amazing blend of tradition and culture as well as foreign influences that give it its unique oomph.

How to Go

Seoul is home to one of the busiest airports in Asia, Incheon International Airport. This serves many airlines that have a lot of flights entering the country as a destination and layover. This is an hour away from the city of Seoul.

Getting there isn’t too difficult because there are buses located outside the airport. It takes you directly to Seoul Station where different taxis, bus lines, and subway lines meet that can take you easily from point A to point B. The AREX train is also located on the lowest floor of the airport and it is available as a stop or non-stop train. This is the quickest ride to the city at about 40 minutes to Seoul Station.

Getting Around

Exploring Seoul may seem a bit daunting because of how big the city is. However, it has a great bus and subway system that can take you everywhere in the city. Apps are available to make it easier for you to navigate around the city. These will tell you where are the nearest stops and the quickest routes.

Make sure to buy a T-Money card since you can pay using this card in the subway and bus systems even outside of the city. Purchasing this is quite easy because there are vending machines that have them all over the city. Convenience stores carry them as well.

Top Things to Do

People go to Seoul for different reasons. Over the years, Korean media and products have dominated different industries having a huge impact on people. If you are after a cultural and historical trip, then heading to the district of Jongno-gu is the best place to start. You’ll find the Gyeongbokgung Palace where you can go around and dress up in traditional hanbok. You can also watch the Royal Guard Changing ceremony here. A short walk away, the Bukchon Hanok Village is a spot to explore Korean traditional homes.

Located in the same area is the strip of Insadong. You can find traditional crafts and products that would be great to bring home. If you want some modern art then the Dongdaemun Design Plaza is a must. It’s home to a lot of traditional and modern artwork as well as antiques that date back to the Joseon Dynasty.

Activities are also everywhere in Seoul. If you’re the type who loves nature and scenic walks then the city won’t disappoint. Namsan Mountain is home to the famous N Seoul Tower. To get there, you have the option to take the bus to the base of the tower or base of the mountain. N Seoul Tower is popular especially for couples because of the love locks around the area. It also has an amazing 360-degree view of Seoul given that it’s the highest peak in the city. It is also the center of the city itself.

Day trips to Nami Island, Petite France, and Garden of Morning Calm are also popular. It’s understandable because of the greenery in the area. Nami is a small island located in a big lake. It’s an escape from the city where you can simply eat and stroll around under the tall sequoias. Petite France is a small French styled village that has a lot of elements of The Little Prince. It became popular because of the drama My Love from Another Star.

On the other hand, the Garden of Morning Calm is a vast expanse of greenery that has a lot of different flowers in several formations like mazes and animals. A hidden gem in the city is Haneul Park and you’ll only find mostly locals in this area. It’s a short walk away from the Seoul football stadium and going up there is a bit of a hike.

Shopping is also everywhere in Seoul. Luxury fashion is found everywhere, but most especially in the area of Gangnam. Koreans are known to value fashion that you’ll find unique pieces here as well as luxury brands that are often found online.

Vintage shopping is also popular in Korea. The best place to do this would be in Hongdae. It’s a university area so there are a lot of younger people here. On the main strip, you’ll find an endless array of vintage luxury fashion. Local brands cater more to the hipper crowds of Seoul. Of course, we cannot forget Myeongdong. It’s skincare heaven for people who are fans of Korean products. You’ll find people handing in face masks and big deals here so this is the place to go to try different brands.

For K-Drama and K-Pop fans, a Seoul pilgrimage would take up most of your stay. Trips to YG Entertainment and SM Entertainment are always popular because they have dominated the music scene for so long. However, recently, Big Hit has been popular because of Bangtan Sonyeondan (BTS) that has taken over the local and international scene. Cafes owned by stars such as Lee Jong Suk (89 Mansion) are also frequented by many fans.

What to Eat

Food is everywhere in Korea. The streets are littered with small carts that sell traditional Korean eats like gyeranppang, an oval-shaped loaf of bread with whole eggs cooked inside. Jajangmyeon, a black soybean sauce noodle dish, is also a popular one sold in the streets. It’s a favorite, especially for single people. More often than not, they eat this after Valentine’s Day.

While walking around, you might also encounter the smell of scallops with butter and cheese. Locals and tourists love these because of their irresistible smell and amazing taste. Restaurants are also everywhere that sell several dishes accompanied by a lot of side dishes. Among the dishes you cannot miss when you’re here would be bibimbap, ramyeon, and gogigui (Korean BBQ).

Nightlife

Locals know how to party in Seoul. It has one of the most dynamic party scenes in Asia. Drinking in restaurants is quite common with drinks like soju and makgeolli accompanying food. Meanwhile, drink as the locals do by making somaek — a cocktail of beer and soju as a pre-game. It is also widely popular with chicken and beer or chimaek restaurants.

After this, hit up places like Hongdae, if you want a younger crowd. You’ll be able to find the coolest clubs here that also host the burgeoning hip hop scene. Itaewon is a melting pot with people. You’ll run into international restaurants and foreigner-friendly clubs that are perfect for clubbing and bar hopping. Gangnam is for high-end partying. Come here all dressed up in your fanciest outfits and enjoy the extravagant clubs.

Where to Stay

The key places to book your Seoul hotels depend on your goal for the trip. The vicinity of Jongno-gu is the best place to stay in if you want to be near different cultural centers like Insadong and Gyeongbokgung Palace. It is also quieter here so it’s perfect for families.

If you want cheaper accommodations, then Hongdae is home to many hostels for budget travelers. Apart from this, it’s also the best place to find cheaper restaurants and more underground shopping for amazing deals. Myeongdong is perfect if you want to go shopping and be in the middle of everything.

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