Looking for the best activities, hidden gems and addresses in South Korea's capital? Get this travel guide specially designed for budget travelers!

Séoul, Corée du Sud

Seoul Travel Guide

Built
as a “refuge” for the king in case of trouble or unrest, the
palace later become more important for dealing with more serious
matters.


Fights
for independence are never pretty, but they are still part of a
history, often necessary for a country’s freedom.


This
famous spot, once a simple stream, has undergone many changes since
the Joseon period. Once even covered, it was only after restoration
that it became this green haven of peace right in the middle of
Seoul!

Seoulsup 2-gil, Seongdong-gu, Séoul, Corée du Sud

Annyeonghaseyo (Hello) and Welcome to the bustling capital of South
Korea: Seoul! 
I'm Ginger, an introvert, but also a fun,
free-spirited soul who likes to travel the world one step at a time,
so let me help you discover the historic city of the Land of the
Morning Calm! 

Seoul, the first point of entry for most visitors, is the kind of
city you can’t miss on your journey across the country.

Located in the northwestern part of the country, Seoul only became
the official name of South Korea in 1948, after the division of the
country. 


 Although the country has had a tumultuous
history, Seoul has almost always been the designated capital. Palaces
and residences of Kings were established here, as were the famous
city walls to protect against possible attacks.


It’s
location, near the Han River, was also more than ideal, not only from
a strategic point of view but also for transporting goods and
trading, attracting a steadily growing population until the early
2000s.


But Seoul’s history wasn’t always so rosy! It
was only after overcoming numerous wars and invasions that the
capital became what it is today: South Korea’s economical, cultural
and political center.


So if you want to discover a strong,
well-preserved natural heritage in a city that never really sleeps,
Seoul is the place for you!

Whether you want to enjoy some fun
activities or learn more about the culture, I’m here to show you
that visiting Seoul is actually cheaper than you think, and that the
city has it all!

 Although it
tends to be more crowded and busier than other parts of Korea, the
capital is a must-see, if only for its magnificent palaces and unique
shopping experience!


South
Korea has visa waiver agreements with over 100 countries, so you
probably won't need a visa and can enter the country for between 30
and 180 days, depending on your nationality.

However,
you may need to apply for a K-ETA (electronic travel authorization)
before you leave (~$10).

Here's
the link to the official
K-ETA website for
more information, or if you'd like to apply for one!

Welcome - K-ETA

As Seoul is the capital of South Korea, you shouldn’t have any trouble booking a ticket, whatever your country of departure.

If you're already in South Korea:By car rental 

You
can rent a car for as long as you like from the airport or city
center, and choose the car that suits your needs. Bear in mind that
while this option gives you more freedom, it's also the most
expensive.
Expect to pay $60/day for an economy car.

High-speed
trains (KTX) in Korea are excellent and not as expensive as you might
think, but remember to check and book your ticket in advance, as
seats tend to sell out very quickly!


If you'd like to
check prices or train schedules, here's the link to the Korail
website.  

Korail

Buses
are my favorite means of transport in Korea because they're the best
option if you want to save money, and you won't have to stress about
not having a ticket as there are lots of buses a day and the
likelihood of them selling out is pretty low (except during
vacations).


You can visit the TxBus website directly for
more information.  

TxBus

Want
to feel like you’re stepping back in time, surrounded by many
well-preserved traditional houses? 


That’s where the
hanok villages come in. Explore the narrow alleyways, admire the
murals and step into one of the quaint cafes while taking in the
peaceful and enchanting atmosphere.


For a less-crowded
visit, opt for Seocheon Village!

Built
over 600 years ago, it represents the city and its history, but it’s
also a great place to stroll around Seoul, offering charming and
breathtaking views of the city. 


Numerous trails are
available, following Seoul’s four main mountains (Baegak, Naksan,
Namsan and Inwangsan).


My favorite: Inwangsan Mountain
Trail!    

Escaping
from the hustle and bustle of the capital is sometimes essential for
our mental health, and what better way to get away than in a superb
citizen park flanked by an even more splendid lake?

Calm
your mind in this hanok-library located at the foot of Inwangsan
mountain!


Offering a peaceful panorama, it’s the ideal
place to forget time while reading the pages of the book of your
choice, or to relax before tackling the hike to the peak!  


Beautiful by the day and even more so by night: a
must-see in the capital!

Home
to the Donhwamun Gate, Seoul’s oldest main entrance, the palace,
located at the foot of Baegaksan Mountain will dazzle you not only
with its historic charm but also with its peaceful
surroundings.


Don’t forget to visit the magnificent
Secret Garden: a haven of peace right in the heart of the capital.
However, it’s best to book your ticket in advance (5,000 KRW), as
it sells out very quickly (within hours), especially in high season .

Originally
built to house queens and concubines, it later became a zoo as well
as a botanical garden, before being restored to its former grandeur
and glory.


A visit to this palace is a must, if only for
its architectural landmarks and 600-year history!    

First
royal palace of the Joseon dynasty, Gyeongbokgung is an iconic sight
not to be missed on a trip to Seoul.


Its curved roofs,
intricate details and beautiful gardens are sure to fascinate. Ready
to step back in time while being in harmony with nature?  

Although today it’s the smallest of all the
palaces, its beauty and deeply engraved history are nonetheless a
must-see in Seoul!  

Located
just off the popular Stone-Wall street (THE romantic street,
especially at night) of Seoul and characterized by its traditional
and Western architecture, Deoksugung Palace is the perfect place to
learn more about the Joseon Dynasty and Korean Empire.


It’s
also the ideal location to satisfy your cravings or shopping spree,
as the palace is just a few minutes away from the popular Myeongdong
district.  

Would
you like to know more about Korean history, or are you simply
interested in art and culture? This free museum, located right next
to Deoksugung Palace and Namdaemun Market, is the perfect place to
feed your creative side and calm your mind. The contrast between the
Renaissance-style exterior and the modern interior isn’t what you’d
expect at first, but that’s what makes it unique.


Plus,
you don’t need to be bilingual in Korean, as everything is well
explained in English too (rather rare in the country).  

With
its vast collection of over 400,000 relics, this is the museum you
absolutely must include in your itinerary when visiting the capital.
Its varied and unique treasures dating back to the Prehistoric period
are a veritable paradise for any history buff.


And as with
most museums in Korea, it’s free. An ideal rainy-day activity too!  

If you
want to learn more about Seoul, from the Joseon era to the present
day, and see how the capital, after many hardships, became what it is
today: a cultural powerhouse perfectly blending traditon and
modernity, this is the place for you!


Free, interesting
and interactive: definitely worth a visit!  

Here,
you can experience what life was like for locals in the 19th and 20th
centuries, thanks to an instructive and pleasant exhibition. It’s
also a great museum for learning more about Korean traditions and
important events.


Now you know where to go if you’re
interested in K-culture!  

Used under
Japanese colonial rule to imprison Korean independence activitists,
this place will transport you back to painful times of
oppression.

Seoul Travel Guide

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