1. Explore Seoul – The Heart of the Land of Kimchi
When mentioning Korea, people cannot help but think of a country that is both brilliantly modern and fully preserves traditional values. And Seoul – the most dynamic capital – is the place that fully demonstrates that intersection.
From ancient palaces such as Gyeongbokgung, Deoksugung, to the trendy streets of Myeongdong or Hongdae, from the ancient Bukchon Hanok village imbued with national spirit to the skyscraper Lotte World Tower – every corner of Seoul has its own story that captivates visitors.
Seoul is the political, economic, cultural and social center of Korea. Despite being the most modern, this place still retains the national soul with profound traditional values. The south of the city stands out with luxurious urban areas and bustling commercial centers, while the north preserves historical memories and ancient landmarks.
2. Transportation and Travel
Seoul is famous for its modern and extensive public transportation system, making it easy to explore the city without having to rent a car or worry about getting lost.
Subway: Fast and convenient transportation with a system of 23 lines covering the city. You can use T-money card or Korea Tour Card to pay.
Bus: There are blue, red, yellow, and green bus lines with different routes. Buses are a good way to get to places without subway stations.
Taxi: Easily hail a taxi on the street or book via the Kakao T app. There are regular taxis, luxury taxis (Deluxe) and international taxis with English-speaking drivers.
Public bicycles (Ddareungi): A bicycle rental system with many stations throughout Seoul. You can register via the app to rent a car by the hour or day.
Airport Limousine Bus: A convenient way to get from Incheon/Gimpo Airport to the city center, with continuous routes.
Private car rental: Suitable for large groups or long-distance travel, you can rent a car with a driver.
3. The ideal time to travel to Seoul
You can travel to Seoul at any time of the year, because each season has its own charm. However, spring (March - May) and autumn (September - November) are considered the most beautiful times. Spring is brilliant with cherry blossoms, while autumn dyes the whole city with golden ginkgo leaves and bright red maple leaves - extremely romantic.
4. Top places to visit in Seoul
Here are the famous places in Seoul that you must visit on your journey to explore the land of kimchi:
4.1. Gyeongbokgung Palace - The Royal Symbol of Korea
Address: 161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁), also known as Gyeongbokgung Palace, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Seoul. The name “Gyeongbok” means “The new dynasty will be blessed with good fortune and prosperity”, while “Gung” means “palace”.
Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung is not only the largest of the “Five Grand Palaces” of the Joseon Dynasty but also the center of the royal architectural complex. This is where you can feel the intersection between traditional architecture and poetic natural beauty.
Từ những mái ngói cong vút, sắc màu rực rỡ của các dãy cung điện, đến khu vườn thượng uyển rợp bóng cây – tất cả tạo nên một khung cảnh cổ kính mà cũng đầy sức sống. Bất kể mùa nào trong năm, Gyeongbokgung đều mang một vẻ đẹp rất riêng. Nhưng theo nhiều du khách, mùa thu chính là thời điểm lý tưởng nhất để ghé thăm nơi này. Khi đó, cả khuôn viên cung điện được bao phủ bởi sắc đỏ thắm và vàng óng của lá phong, tạo nên khung cảnh như tranh vẽ.
If you have the opportunity to travel to Seoul, don't miss the opportunity to visit Gyeongbokgung - the place that preserves the soul of Korean culture and is one of the "legendary" check-in spots that cannot be missed in the journey to explore the land of kimchi.
4.2. Myeongdong Street – Shopping and Food Paradise in the Heart of Seoul
Location: Jung-gu District, Seoul, South Korea
Myeongdong Street is the busiest shopping district in Seoul, famous for its fashion stores, famous cosmetics and unique street food. Here, you will find everything from international brands to domestic cosmetics and famous snacks such as tokbokki, chicken skewers, ice cream cones.
Myeongdong is also the neighborhood with the 9th highest rent in the world, with major shopping malls such as Lotte Department Store, Migliore, Avatar and Hi Harriet.
4.3. Hongdae Street - An ideal destination for young people and art lovers
Address: 83-9 Myeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul
Hongdae is a famous neighborhood with creative arts culture and a vibrant atmosphere, attracting many young people and tourists. In spring, the warm climate is ideal for sightseeing and participating in flower festivals such as cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, and azaleas. Autumn brings cool, pleasant weather, with an average temperature of about 20 - 25 degrees Celsius, very suitable for outdoor activities.
Besides the art spaces, Korean street food is also a highlight of Hongdae, where you can enjoy typical dishes at reasonable prices. This is a place not to be missed for those who love the freedom and creativity of Korean culture.
4.4. Seokchon Lake – The ideal cherry blossom viewing spot in the heart of Seoul
Address: Songpa-gu, Seoul
Seokchon Lake is one of the favorite relaxing destinations for Seoulites and tourists. Surrounding the lake are rows of cherry trees, creating an airy, cool and poetic space. The lake is divided into two parts, East Lake and West Lake, separated by the large Songpadaero road - a 6 km highway with 10 lanes.
In the West Lake area, you will encounter Magic Island - a unique artificial island connected to Lotte Adventure amusement park via a monorail. In addition, there is also Seoul Norimadang, an outdoor stage for traditional Korean performances - a cultural experience not to be missed.
Seokchon Lake is beautiful all year round, but the cherry blossom season from April to May is the most ideal time to visit. At that time, the entire lake is covered in the gentle pink color of cherry blossoms, creating a picturesque scene. The cheerful laughter of visitors and the gentle breeze make the atmosphere even more bustling and exciting.
From October to January, this is also an ideal destination to admire the season of changing leaves, with brilliant red and yellow colors covering the paths. If you want to find a place to temporarily leave the hustle and bustle of life, relax and enjoy nature right in the heart of Seoul, Seokchon Lake is the perfect choice.
4.5. Lotte World Tower – the “crown jewel” of Seoul
Address: Songpa-gu, Seoul
Lotte World Tower is a symbol of modern Korean architecture, featuring a sophisticated design that blends traditional Asian features with modern Western styles. Standing at 555 meters, it is the tallest building in Korea and one of the tallest towers in the world, dubbed the “crown jewel of Seoul”.
From the Seoul Sky observatory on the top floor, you can take in the entire city of Seoul in your sight – especially sparkling when watching the city light up at night. The tower is located near Seokchon Lake, so you can also combine visiting both destinations in the same trip.
Next to the tower is Lotte World amusement park, known as the “Disneyland of Korea”. This complex consists of two main parts:
Lotte World Adventure: an indoor amusement park with more than 22 exciting games and special art performances.
Magic Island: an outdoor entertainment area on an artificial island in the middle of the lake, with 17 adventure games, a fairytale castle and many interactive activities.
4.6. Nami Island – Four seasons love song amidst Korean nature
Address: 1, Namiseom-gil, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do
Nami Island is a small, crescent-shaped island that lies peacefully by the Cheongpyeong River. With its romantic scenery and fresh air, it has long been one of the most popular destinations near Seoul, especially famous for the hit TV series Winter Sonata.
The special thing about Nami Island is that its beauty changes with each season:
In spring, Nami Island is bright with the gentle pink color of cherry blossoms. Walking under the blooming flowers and breathing in the fresh air is an experience that will make anyone fall in love.
In summer, the island is covered in a cool emerald green color. Visitors can cycle among the straight trees, take a boat ride or participate in recreational activities such as cable cars and canoeing.
Autumn is the most ideal time of the year to visit. The whole island is brilliant with the yellow color of ginkgo trees mixed with the red color of maple leaves - creating a vivid, poetic picture.
In winter, Nami Island is immersed in white snow. The space becomes quiet and magical as if coming out of a fairy tale, bringing an indescribable sense of peace.
With its poetic natural scenery and complete experiences in each season, Nami Island is a must-see stop on your journey to explore Korea. Whether you are a nature lover, a photographer, or simply looking for a place to relax, Nami can make your heart flutter.
4.7. Bukchon Hanok Village – A mark of the Joseon era in the heart of Seoul
Address: Near Changdeokgung and Gyeongbokgung Palaces, Jongno-gu District, Seoul
Located in the heart of the capital but with an unusually peaceful atmosphere, Bukchon Hanok Village is an ideal place for you to temporarily leave the modern pace of life and find traditional Korean values. This is an ancient village that is almost completely preserved, with hundreds of Hanok houses (traditional Korean houses) built from stone, wood and clay - bearing the architecture of the Joseon Dynasty.
Bukchon was once home to nobles, officials, and the upper class. Today, the village is not only a popular tourist destination, but also a place where you can rent hanbok, take photos in the ancient scenery, or visit teahouses, art galleries, and small museums hidden in the winding alleys.
Surrounding the village are famous historical sites such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine, making it easy for visitors to combine several attractions in the same area.
Bukchon Hanok is not only a beautiful place, but also a journey back in time – to feel the rhythm of life, culture and rustic beauty of ancient Korea.
5. Cuisine
Food is the soul of every trip, and Seoul is a paradise for food lovers. If you have ever wondered “what to eat in Seoul?”, then get ready for a never-ending journey of taste.
5.1. Kimchi – The soul of every meal
You can’t talk about Korea without mentioning Kimchi. It’s not just a side dish, it’s a cultural icon. In Seoul, you can take a kimchi-making class at the Kimchi Museum or enjoy a variety of unique kimchi varieties from cabbage, radish to cucumber.
5.2. Bibimbap – Colorful mixed rice
A standard mixed rice bowl includes white rice, vegetables, beef, fried egg and gochujang chili sauce – blending to create a rich yet refreshing flavor.
Suggestion: Enjoy bibimbap in Insadong area or traditional restaurants around Bukchon Hanok Village.
5.3. Samgyetang – Ginseng Chicken Soup for Health
A whole chicken stuffed with glutinous rice, jujube seeds, ginseng and herbs, stewed until tender. A bowl of hot samgyetang is especially loved by Koreans in the summer to cool down!
5.4. Tteokbokki – “National” Street Food
Soft rice cakes, mixed with a special sweet and spicy sauce – this dish always makes every tourist “addicted” from the first try. It is best to eat at Myeongdong Street or Gwangjang Market, where you can combine the culinary experience with the bustling atmosphere.
5.5. Korean BBQ – Korean BBQ
Pork belly, beef ribs, shoulder… are grilled directly at the table, served with raw vegetables, kimchi and many special sauces. Try BBQ in the evening at Hongdae or Itaewon – where there are many restaurants open until late.
5.6. Street food at Gwangjang market – “Food paradise”
This is the most famous food market in Seoul, where you can try a variety of traditional dishes such as:
• Bindaetteok (deep-fried mung bean cakes)
• Mayak kimbap (addictive mini rice rolls)
• Sundae (Korean blood sausage)
• Mandu (Korean dumplings)
6. Important notes when coming to Seoul
Always carry your passport and other identification documents with you wherever you go in Korea.
Prepare a T-money card for easy public transportation.
Always carry cash as not all places accept credit cards.
Take off your shoes before entering homes or places like restaurants, museums, and temples.
Check the operating hours of tourist attractions to avoid arriving at a closed place.
7. Experience in booking tickets and hotels on Heyotrip
Booking air tickets is easy!
With just a few steps on Heyotrip, you can find air tickets to Seoul at competitive prices from many reputable airlines. The system allows filtering by time, airline, luggage... very conveniently.
Small tip: You should book tickets 1-2 months in advance to get a good price, with priority landing at Incheon airport.
Flexible hotel booking!
Heyotrip offers thousands of accommodation options in Seoul - from cheap hostels to 5-star hotels. You can filter by area (Myeongdong, Hongdae, Gangnam...), price, amenities and real reviews.
Suggestions: Myeongdong is convenient for shopping, Hongdae is youthful and dynamic, Gangnam is suitable for relaxation.
