Best Things To Do in Seoul | Essential Attractions - On everyone's itinerary for Seoul

For first time visitors to Seoul

Book an airbnb:  book AirBnB now

It's cheaper than Seoul's expensive hotels.

The best things to do, e.g scenic walks with views,  places to eat, and places to SHOP.

1. N Seoul Tower

The tower has been used as a filming location in many Korean TV shows and movies.Namsan Tower boasts 360' views of Seoul, and the best part is it's totally possible to see this sight for free: If you have a basic level of fitness,  you can hike up the mountain to the tower. It takes just 30 minutes :-)

2. Myeong-dong

This popular district features street food carts, major shopping malls, and entertainment.

It's a shopper's paradise and definitly not-to-be-missed if you are in search of Korean Skincare or some #Kbeauty (make-up).

Tip: Visit at night time to take in the bright lights.

There are a lot of delicious kimchi-serving restaurants around here.

3. Pay a royal visit to the Palaces: Gyeongbukgung being the most popular.

You can explore the palace and dress up in hanbok -  The traditional Korean clothing.

Located at the foot of Bugaksan, the main mountain overlooking downtown Seoul, Gyeongbokgung was the principal Royal Palace for about 200 years from its construction in 1395.

4. Have fun at Korean singing rooms

Noraebang aka Karaoke

In Korean 노래(norae) means "sing", and 방(bang) means "room". Therefore, "noraebang" is a private room just for you and your friends, and you can sing to your heart's content in PRIVATE.

No trip to Seoul is complete without visiting a noraebang.

5. Get cultured in Insadong

You will find everything from art galleries, traditional restaurants, coffee shops, arts & crafts booths, Korean souvenir shops, museums, tea-houses and more. A great place to pick up souvenirs and maybe try some traditional teas or some samgyetang - Chicken soup (ginseng).

Ikseon-dong: Seoul's Instagrammable Hidden Gem #IKSEONDONG #SEOUL

Ikseon-dong: Seoul’s #Instagrammable Hidden Gem

Insadong's Rapidly Trendifying Neighbor

Have you ever wanted to take time off from the hustle and bustle of life and take a minute to breathe and collect yourself?  Take a trip to Ikseon-dong! 

Nestled between Anguk and Jong-no 3-ga Station is this relatively small street that packs a punch of vintage vibes.

This place is still a spot relatively untouched by tourists so if you’re visiting, make sure to equip yourself with some basic Korean. Also, Insadong and the famous Jongmyo Shrine are near the area too, so check that out if you have some time to spare. Here is a map of Ikseon-dong for you to pre-navigate yourself with. Have fun! 

Ikseon-dong's Hanok Village was first established in the 1920s, and with the passing of time, modernism caught up with tradition to create the unique atmosphere found here today. Despite its recent popularity as a tourist attraction, the village is still a lived-in neighborhood, home to many residents.

How to Get Here: There are three metro stations near Insadong and Ikseondong — Anguk (Orange Line, Line 3), Jonggak (Dark Blue Line, Line 1), and Jongno 3-ga (Orange, Purple, Dark Blue Interchange Station). If you follow our suggested walk, it starts at Anguk (Orange Line, Line 3), Exit 6. Go straight and take the first left onto Insadong-gil. To depart from Ikseondong, Jongno 3-ga, Exit 4 is convenient, particularly for the Purple Line, Line 5; but it also is connected to the Orange Line, Line 3; and the Dark Blue Line, Line 1; via a knot of long underground tunnels.

How about including this when you do a Seoul City Bus Tour?

For first time visitors to Seoul

Book an airbnb:  book AirBnB now

It's cheaper than Seoul's expensive hotels.

Give $47

Friends who sign up for Airbnb with this link will get $34 off their home booking. And they get $13 to use toward an experience worth $48 or more.

How to Get to Seoul from Incheon Airport

How to Get to Seoul from Incheon Airport

Seoul Incheon Airport is an impressive facility; a well-oiled machine that serves more than 60 million passengers every year.

There are several ways to get from the airport to Seoul, South Korea.

I would definitely recommend taking the train in and out of the city. It takes approximately the same amount of time as the Airport Limousine and is much cheaper. We’re here to show you exactly how to find your way from Incheon to Seoul with this quick guide.

Airport Railroad Express Train (AREX)

The Airport Railroad Express (AREX) operates two trains: the Express Trains running from Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 directly to Seoul Station and the All Stop Train that stops by 13 subway stations along the way from Incheon International Airport Terminal 2 to Seoul Station.
The Express Train travels non-stop from Incheon Int’l Airport Terminal 1 Station and Terminal 2 Station to Seoul Station. To take this train, passengers must purchase an Express Train Pass from the station. A discount is available: BUY TICKETS

You can also get a one-way trip on the AREX to Seoul included in the "DISCOVER SEOUL PASS" - the pass exclusive to tourists visiting South Korea.

Bus - Airport Bus (Limousine bus)

Airport buses run from Incheon International Airport to many areas of Seoul. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket booths just outside the 1F Arrivals Hall of each terminal. Incheon Int’l Airport Bus Guide (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

The next option is taking the buses leaving from the airport to their respective cities. The ticket booths are located as soon as you go outside.

You can purchase bus tickets and get information at Terminal 1 ticketing offices next to Exit 4 and 9 in Arrival Hall Floor 1 (indoors) or offices next to Exit 4, 6, 7, 8, 11, 13, and 9C (outdoors).

To find your specific bus platform, check your ticket number for the gate where it departs from, and take note of the ‘A’ or ‘B’ designation. For example, Bus 6001 to Dongdaemun might depart from Gate 04B – that is, outside Gate 4 on the right. It’s also worth noting that a slew of intercity buses depart towards the end of the arrivals terminal, so if you’re heading from Incheon to other parts of the country, you won’t have to look far.

Airport Bus Companies

- City Airport Logis & Travel: https://www.calt.co.kr/

- Airport Limousine: http://www.airportlimousine.co.kr

- Seoul Airbus: http://www.seoulairbus.com

- KAL Limousine: https://www.kallimousine.com

Taxi - Airport taxis

As soon as you pass the doors from immigration, you will be swarmed by men promising to drive you to Seoul for 50,000+ won for a taxi to the city or any destination. AVOID them at all costs as it is just another taxi scam just like in every other country.
There are 4 types of taxis: Standard, international, deluxe, and jumbo taxi vans. International taxis are 20 percent more expensive than standard taxis and drivers speak English, Japanese, or Chinese. Deluxe taxis are approximately 40 to 50 percent more expensive than standard taxis, but use larger, more luxurious sedans. Jumbo taxi vans can accommodate up to 8 passengers at once and are the same price as deluxe taxies. Taxi stands for each type of taxi are located outside the arrival terminal.

How to take a taxi

You can easily take a taxi from the airport at the taxi stands located just outside the Arrivals Hall (1F) of both terminals. You can choose to take a regular taxi, a deluxe taxi or a jumbo taxi depending on your situation. If you wish to take a taxi with a driver who can communicate in English, Japanese, or Chinese, you can opt for an international taxi.

T-Money  - Essential for travel around Korea

Once you make it through the arrival gates at the bottom floor of Incheon Airport, you’ve got a few options to get to the South Korean capital. Before you search for the nearest terminal, however, you’ll need to pick up a transportation card. The most common transportation card in Korea is called T-Money; an NFC-enabled card which can be used on all modes of metropolitan public transport across the country. You can get one at any convenience store in the airport, or at various metro stations. Be sure to load the card up with credit, as it doesn’t come pre-loaded. This is also included in the Discover Seoul Pass which you can buy here.

Lastly...

Private Van

A door-to-door private transport is definitely an option to consider if you want to ensure everything goes smoothly on your first day of arrival.

By booking a private van, you won’t have to carry your luggage bags on the public transportation. It is more comfortable and convenient than a taxi or airport bus limousine. If you want to book a private transfer service from Incheon Airport (ICN) or Gimpo Airport (GMP) to Seoul, click here.

For first time visitors to Seoul

Book an airbnb:  book AirBnB now

It's cheaper than Seoul's expensive hotels.

Give $47

Friends who sign up for Airbnb with this link will get $34 off their home booking. And they get $13 to use toward an experience worth $48 or more.

WHAT TO DO IN SEOUL OVER CHUSEOK

What is Chuseok? 

It is the Korean equivalent to what we know as Thanksgiving and is spread across three days. Korean’s traditionally travel back to their hometown to spend time with their families, eat plentifully and pay respect to their ancestors.Modern Chuseok is a harvest festival, and South Korean families celebrate it by performing a number of rituals centered around the morning of Chuseok.

Chuseok is one of the rare times when you could actually CHOOSE to stay in the city, rather than booking a plane ticket to parts unknown to you.There’s plenty to do this holiday weekend. Actually, Chuseok, or the Korean Thanksgiving, is one of the best times to STAY in Seoul.

What to do during Chuseok in Seoul?

1. Visit a Traditional Site

The Korean Folk Village in Yongin also has a special Chuseok program.

 Also, Namsangol Hanok Village will have free Chuseok festivities including tteok-making and charye ancestral rites.

You can also visit Jongmyo Shrine, which you can usually only visit with a reservation. It will be totally open to the public during Chuseok.

2. Visit an amusement Park

Everland was Korea's first family park and is still one of its most popular. Tickets can be purchased from the ticket counters at Everland itself, but honestly, no one queues up for tickets anymore. Save time by getting your entrance tickets before even getting there! Get some tickets via KLOOK or TRAZY.

LOTTE WORLD: Located in Jamsil, Seoul. e.g the world's largest indoor theme park, an outdoor amusement park called "Magic Island", an artificial island inside a lake linked by monorail, shopping malls, a luxury hotel, a Korean folk museum, sports facilities, and movie theaters.  From zombie games in VR to live-action zombie invasions, there's plenty to do.

BOOK LOTTE WORLD TICKETS

3. Float around Seoul Sky in Lotte Tower

Lotte World Tower aka Seoul Sky (the observatory), is open 365 days a week. If you are looking for a panoramic view, go no further. It is 123 floors high and offers amazing views of Seoul. Also, visit the staffless CU convenience store and get served by an AI robot at the checkout.

Buy: SEOUL SKY TICKETS

4. Visit Namsan Seoul Tower 

Namsan Seoul Tower was the first tower-type tourism spot in Korea. Seoul's landmark, is located on the peak of Namsan and is a much-loved place for its spectacular night view. This absolutely iconic K-drama location has been featured in many drama.

Book Tickets: Namsan Seoul Tower

5. Visit the Trick Eye Museum

There are multiple Trick Art Museums in the Insadong area, but the Trickeye Museum in Hongdae has upped its game, by adding Augmented Reality to its already eye-bending art.
With a single ticket, you get to enjoy all THREE – amazing 3D optical illusions at Trick Eye Museums, winter wonderland
Ice Museum and Carnival Street filled with mini games!
Instead of merely viewing paintings as one would in a typical art gallery, visitors can interact with paintings using the newly developed Trickeye Camera app to make paintings come alive and become part of the artworks while recording it on video or taking pictures.

visit the trick-eye museum: book tickets

5. Go Hiking in Seoul

Both Bukhansan and Gwanaksan are reachable by subway and bus and may even be showing the first signs of autumn colour during Chuseok.

As far as classic Seoul hikes go, this is it. Bukhansan, situated just north of the city centre, is the highest within Seoul’s city limits, and, thanks to its convenient location, attracts a whopping 5 million hikers per year.

Namsan: a small consolation prize. Located in the heart of the city, just steps from Myeongdong, Namsan is a super convenient hike that you can easily tackle on a time-crunch and if you can't get to Bukhansan. How about booking that evening hike? 

5. Go SHOPPING  - Myeongdong is still Hustling and Bustling...

After 9PM, the streets are filled with food vendors and the stores surrounding the vendors also seem to be open during Chuseok.. Clothing and accessory vendors are there all day long. Dine on spiral potato sticks, egg bread (gyeran ppang) and spicy rice cake (teok bokki).

Most department stores will be closed during Chuseok however don’t let your ears droop because of that! Save your time and your money by buying cosmetics on the Lotte Duty Free website (eng.lottedfs.com). Prices are generally cheaper than stores in the city and you can take advantage of a number of discount coupons. Even if there are sales on in the city many stores now restrict them to membership only customers. When it is time to leave, simply go to the Lotte Duty Free counter at the airport and pick up all your tax-free goodies.

There are the Chuseok ideas and best of all? – much of the population exits the city. Seoul during Chuseok is quiet and serene in a way that it rarely is. And that’s my idea of heaven.

For first time visitors to Seoul

Book an airbnb:  book AirBnB now

It's cheaper than Seoul's expensive hotels.

Give $47

Friends who sign up for Airbnb with this link will get $34 off their home booking. And they get $13 to use toward an experience worth $48 or more.

what you need to know should you want to visit: SOUTH KOREA

Visa Requirements: Visa on arrival for tourist purposes for up to 90 days for many with a valid passport. Passport must be valid for up to six months after date of departure.  check Project Visa for more information on visa requirements for South Korea.

Continent: East Asia

Capital: Seoul

Medical requirement: Take precautions against Japanese encephalitis in rural areas between June and October.

Currency / Exchange Rate:  Won

National Carriers: Korean Air

Main airports: Incheon International Airport (Seoul), Jeju International Airport, Gimpo International Airport (Seoul), Gimhae International Airport (Busan), Cheongju International Airport, Daegu International Airport

Time Zone: About KST — Korea Standard Time

Plugs: European round-pin plug

Public transport: Almost everyone uses public transport in South Korea, which is very efficient. Buses is the main mode of travel throughout the country, with trains transport also available between major cities. The country also has islands which can easily be reached by ferries.

Best time to visit: March to May (Spring) and September to November (Autumn) as summer and winter has very extreme conditions.

Climate: Extreme humidity and rain in summer, with snow and below freezing temperatures in winter.

Food specialities: South Korea is most known for kimchi, which is mostly fermented cabbage and other vegetables with chilli. Locals are inclined to eat copious amounts of hot food, especially when it comes to fire noodles. When visiting a restaurant, try out galbi, a Korean barbecue where you cook your own meat in oil. The common local spirit is soju, which can come in many flavours and can also come in a mixed cocktail in bars. 

Language: Korean (Official), English

Departing for South Korea - Are You Ready To Go?

Departing for Incheon South Korea?

If you want to visit a country where everything works on time, you can dive into the most delicious noodles or want experience the fastest internet in the world, South Korea is heaven for tech fundies.

Besides a modern lifestyle that looks like it belongs in the future, you can also travel back in time to the Josean Dynasty in city palaces that look likes it belong in a movie. 

You can also take a political tour to the Korean Demilitarised Zone that it shares with its controversial neighbour North Korea to understand the division better.

As the recent host of the Winter Olympics, South Korea knows how to welcome visitors to this part of Asia. 

SOUTH KOREA

VISA PROCUREMENT

Please be advised that visa requirements are subject to change and that visa procurement is the responsibility of the traveller and not On The Go Tours. Contact your nearest South Korean Embassy for the most up to date information. Please also ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your planned date of departure from South Korea.

Visa Requirements

UK, Australian, New Zealand and USA passport holders do not require a visa at present to enter South Korea for touristic purposes for a stay of up to 90 days.

South African passport holders can obtain a visa upon arrival for touristic purposes, for a stay of up to 30 days.

Canadian passport holders do not require a visa at present to enter South Korea for touristic purposes for a stay of up to 180 days.

If you are a passport holder of another nationality, check Project Visa for more information on visa requirements for South Korea.

. 

Greetings:

Useful Korean phrases:

Bangapseumnida - Nice to meet you :-)

Hello

Annyeonghaseyo

Goodbye

Annyeong

My name is ….

Je ireum-eun … imnida

Thank you.

Kamsahamnida

Yes

Ye

No

Ani

Do you speak English?

Dangsin-eun yeong-eoleulhasibnikka?

Water

Mul

Where is [hotel/toilet/beach etc.]?

… eodi issseubnikka?

Take notice of whether you arrive at Terminal 1 or Terminal 2

Terminal 1:




Terminal 2:

If you want to visit a country where everything works on time, you can dive into the most delicious noodles or want experience the fastest internet in the world, South Korea is heaven for tech fundies.

Besides a modern lifestyle that looks like it belongs in the future, you can also travel back in time to the Josean Dynasty in city palaces that look likes it belong in a movie. 

You can also take a political tour to the Korean Demilitarised Zone that it shares with its controversial neighbour North Korea to understand the division better.

As the recent host of the Winter Olympics, South Korea knows how to welcome visitors to this part of Asia.

For first time visitors to Seoul

Book an airbnb:  book AirBnB now

It's cheaper than Seoul's expensive hotels.

Give $47

Friends who sign up for Airbnb with this link will get $34 off their home booking. And they get $13 to use toward an experience worth $48 or more.