You can fly directly to Incheon International Airport (ICN) from many international cities. Within Korea, the high-speed KTX takes about 3 hours from Busan.

When it comes to the best things to do in Seoul, it’s hard for us not to dive right into eating! But on top of all the great food, there are the grand palaces like Gyeongbokgung, traditional Hanok villages like Bukchon, or non-stop nightlife in areas like Hongdae.

Seoul is considered a very safe city with a low crime rate. Like anywhere, it’s good to be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.

While Seoul itself isn’t on the coast, there are beaches within a few hours’ travel by public transportation, such as Eurwangni Beach and Daecheon Beach.

Seoul is continuously improving its accessibility. The subway system is generally well-equipped with elevators and ramps, and many tourist attractions have accessible facilities. However, some older areas and smaller establishments might still present challenges. It’s always a good idea to check accessibility information in advance, and Visit Seoul has a guide answering common accessibility questions.

Seoul has four distinct seasons. Be prepared for hot, humid summers (June-August) with humidity and rains, and temperatures averaging in the 80s (°F), sometimes even reaching the low 90s. Winters (November-March) are cold and dry, with temperatures often dipping below freezing, and occasional snow. Spring and autumn are milder and comfortable with temperatures in the high 50s to 70s.

Myeongdong and Hongdae are popular spots for first-timers, with lots of shopping, food, and easy access to transportation. Insadong is great for traditional vibes, and Gangnam is where you’ll find a more upscale atmosphere.

Seoul is the capital city of South Korea and located in the northwestern part of the country. It’s right on the Han River, which has played a big part in making it a center of politics, culture, and economics for centuries.

There’s endless thing to eat in Seoul. Start with the obvious: Korean BBQ, bibimbap, and kimchi jjigae (stew). Then expand into all the incredible street food, like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and odeng (skewered fish cakes) at Gwangjang Market, which we visit on our food tour.

Yes. US passport holders enter South Korea visa-free for stays up to 90 days but must apply for K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) online before boarding. Valid 3 years, multiple entries. No vaccination or testing requirements.

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-October) are generally considered the best times to visit Seoul. The weather is great, with cherry blossoms in spring and beautiful foliage in autumn. It can be a bit busier then, but well worth it.

Seoul can be affordable if you know where to look. There are plenty of budget-friendly options for food and accommodation, as well as some fancier choices if you’re looking to splurge. A decent 3-star hotel might cost $70-150 per night. Coffee is around $3-5, a beer about $4-7, and a sit-down meal $10-25 or more. Street food is cheaper, from $2-10. Public transport is very affordable, around $1-2 per ride.

Seoul is a fantastic destination for families. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, including museums and theme parks like Lotte World and Everland. The city also has plenty of outdoor spaces, like the Han River Parks, and a lot of food kids from all over will dig. Seoul’s efficient public transportation system makes it easy to get around.

Culinary Backstreets runs one food tour in Seoul, Seoul Food: Banchan, Bibimbap, and Beyond. It's a full-day walk covering Gwangjang Market for street food, an old-school Korean BBQ, jeon (savory pancake) counters, banchan-heavy hansik meals, and pojangmacha (tent bar) culture, led by a resident food writer.

Four to five days. One for the classic markets (Gwangjang for bindaetteok and mayak gimbap, Namdaemun for kalguksu), one for Korean BBQ done properly (Mapo, Majang, or Wangbijib area), one for hansik and royal-cuisine dinner, one for Euljiro's old alleys and pojangmacha tent-bar culture, one for a Suwon or DMZ day trip.

Gwangjang Market for street food. Euljiro for retro Seoul bar culture and jeon. Mapo and Majang for barbecue. Yeonnam-dong and Seongsu for young-chef bistros. Sinsa and Garosugil for modern. Hongdae for late-night casual. Ikseon-dong for hanok-era cafés and bars.

Bindaetteok (mung bean pancake) and mayak gimbap at Gwangjang, a proper Korean BBQ (samgyeopsal or hanwoo beef) with all the banchan, naengmyeon on a hot day, kalguksu, jjajangmyeon, sundubu jjigae, and Korean fried chicken with beer (chimaek). Don't skip a soju-tent-bar night.

All three, though Korean BBQ traditionally requires two-plus at the grill. Solo travelers should focus on market food, noodle shops, and hansik bar counters. Families are welcome and banchan-forward Korean meals are naturally kid-friendly. Groups of four to eight are ideal for BBQ, hot-pot, and jjimdak spots, this is a group-eating culture

Gwangjang (street food heaven, especially at night), Namdaemun (traditional, wholesale-meets-retail), Tongin (dosirak tin lunch tradition), Noryangjin (fish market, sushi on-site), Mangwon (best neighborhood market in Seoul).