Seoul is one of the world's great cities — a dynamic megalopolis of 25 million people that has become a global cultural powerhouse through K-pop, K-drama, K-beauty, and extraordinary food. It seamlessly blends 600-year-old palaces with cutting-edge design and technology.
Palaces and Historical Seoul
Gyeongbokgung Palace is Seoul's grandest Joseon Dynasty palace — the Changing of the Guard ceremony happens at 10am and 2pm daily and is free. Wearing hanbok (traditional Korean dress, available for rent near the palace) allows free entry and makes for spectacular photos. Bukchon Hanok Village is a neighbourhood of 600+ preserved traditional Korean houses (hanok) on the hillside between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces. Changdeokgung's Secret Garden (Huwon) is extraordinary — a 78-acre rear garden of pavilions, lotus ponds, and ancient trees.
Expert Tips
- ✓Hanbok rental near Gyeongbokgung runs about ₩15,000–20,000 for 2 hours
- ✓Changdeokgung Secret Garden requires a guided tour and advance booking
- ✓Bukchon Hanok Village is quietest on weekday mornings — it has become very crowded
Modern Seoul: Gangnam, Hongdae, and Itaewon
Gangnam (south of the Han River) is Seoul's upscale commercial district — COEX Mall, the Bongeunsa Temple amid skyscrapers, and the K-Star Road with its character statues. Hongdae is the university art district — street performances, indie music, vintage shops, and some of Seoul's best clubs and bars. Itaewon is the international neighbourhood — incredibly diverse food scene including excellent halal, Indian, and Western options. Bukchon and Insadong in the north are more traditional.
Expert Tips
- ✓Hongdae is most alive Friday and Saturday from 9pm onward
- ✓Noryangjin Fish Market is a must for seafood lovers — buy at auction and take upstairs to be cooked
- ✓The N Seoul Tower on Namsan mountain has the best 360° city view
Korean Food: Where to Start
Korean food is one of the world's great cuisines. Korean BBQ (KBBQ) is the social dining ritual — Mapo-gu neighbourhood has the best samgyeopsal (pork belly) restaurants. Bibimbap (mixed rice bowl), kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew), and japchae (glass noodles) are the essential gateway dishes. Gwangjang Market is Korea's oldest market and best food destination — the mung bean pancakes (bindaetteok) and raw beef yukhoe are extraordinary. Mapo Tofu in Hapjeong is a legendary cold noodle restaurant.
Expert Tips
- ✓At Korean BBQ, the staff will often cook for you — let them at first
- ✓Gwangjang Market is best 10am–2pm and 5–9pm
- ✓Convenience store (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven) food in Korea is genuinely excellent — try kimbap and ramen
