Overview
Seoul is No. 10 in Euromonitor International's Top 100 City Destinations Index 2025. South Korea's capital sits on the Han River, ringed by mountains. It was the royal capital of the Joseon dynasty from the late 14th century, and five grand palaces survive from that era.
Today the city combines historic palaces and traditional hanok houses with cutting-edge design, shopping districts, street food and the music, film and beauty culture known worldwide as the Korean Wave. The National Museum of Korea, in Yongsan, was the third most visited art museum in the world in 2025, according to The Art Newspaper.
Best time to go
Spring (April and May), with cherry blossoms in early April, and autumn (late September to early November), with clear skies and autumn leaves, are the best seasons.
Summer is hot and humid, and the monsoon rains (jangma) usually fall from late June to July. Winter is cold and dry, often well below freezing.
Top sights
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1
Gyeongbokgung Palace
The main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty was founded in 1395. Watch the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony at Gwanghwamun Gate, and see the Gyeonghoeru pavilion on its pond. Visitors wearing hanbok enter for free.
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2
Changdeokgung Palace and the Secret Garden
A UNESCO World Heritage Site admired for how its buildings follow the landscape. The Huwon (Secret Garden) can be visited only on a guided tour.
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3
National Museum of Korea In our Top 100 Museums
Korea's largest museum covers the country's history and art, from prehistoric tools to Silla gold crowns and Goryeo celadon. Admission to the permanent galleries is free.
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4
Bukchon Hanok Village
Hundreds of traditional hanok houses line the lanes between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung. It is a residential area: parts of it now restrict tourist visiting hours, so keep noise down and follow the signs.
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5
N Seoul Tower and Namsan
Take the cable car or walk up Namsan mountain to the tower for views over the city, especially at sunset.
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6
Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) Seoul In our Top 100 Museums
The national modern art museum's Seoul branch sits between Gyeongbokgung and Bukchon.
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7
Myeongdong, Insadong and Gwangjang Market
Myeongdong is known for cosmetics shops and street food, Insadong for crafts and tea houses, and Gwangjang Market for bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and other traditional food.
Getting there
Incheon International Airport (ICN) is about 50 km west of the centre. The AREX Airport Railroad runs express trains non-stop to Seoul Station, as well as all-stop commuter trains. Gimpo Airport (GMP), closer to the city, mainly handles domestic flights and some regional routes.
KTX high-speed trains link Seoul Station and Yongsan with Busan, Gyeongju and other cities.
Getting around
The subway is extensive, cheap and signed in English. Use a rechargeable T-money card on the subway, buses and in taxis.
Taxis are good value. International map apps work poorly in Korea, so download a local app such as Naver Map or KakaoMap for directions.
Practical tips
- Currency
- South Korean won (KRW). Cards are accepted almost everywhere.
- Language
- Korean. English is common on transport signs and in tourist areas. The 24-hour Korea Travel Hotline, 1330, helps in several languages.
- Safety
- Seoul is very safe. For the police, dial 112; for fire and ambulance, dial 119.
- Visa & entry
- Citizens of 22 countries and regions, including the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, Japan and several EU countries, are exempt from the K-ETA until 31 December 2026 and fill in an e-Arrival card instead. Other visa-free visitors need a K-ETA before boarding. Apply only at k-eta.go.kr.
- Power
- 220 V, 60 Hz; plug types C and F.
Official information: Visit Seoul (official tourism website). Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.
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