Introduction
Seoul is ancient and modern with progressive new architecture sitting next to palaces that can date back 600 years. The Han River divides the sprawling metropolis into two and each side of the river has its own subculture. The pace of life in this vibrant city of 10 million is hectic. Yet, in the middle of it all, there are areas where you can take leisurely strolls and hear the birds sing.
More from Seoul PDF VersionEssentials
- Don't be offended when people bump into you and offer no apologies. Koreans have little sense of personal space.
- Virtually everything can be done 24 hours a day - eating, drinking, shopping, haircuts, massages.
- After a meal, look for the free breath-freshening gum. It's offered for a reason.
- City traffic is unpredictable, allow plenty of time when meeting clients.
- Drinking etiquette requires that you pour drinks with two hands. Accept the drink with two hands too.
Two-hour tour
-
Changdeok Palace — Call ahead for guided tour times to the palace and gardens.
+ 82 2 762 8261
Visit website -
National Museum of Korea — Vast collection of artifacts and art works provides an introduction to Korean culture.
137 Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu
+ 82 2 2077 9000
Visit website
Hotels
-
Metro Hotel
199-93 Eulji-ro 2-ga, Jung-gu
+ 82 2 752 1112
Visit website -
Park Hyatt
606 Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu
+ 82 2 2016 1234
Visit website -
The Shilla
202 Jangchung-dong 2-ga, Jung-gu
+ 82 2 2233 3131
Visit website
Dining
-
Wood & Brick Bakery
170-2 Dangju-dong, Jongno-gu
+ 82 2 735 1151
Visit website -
The Ninth Gate at the Westin Chosun Hotel
87 Sogong-dong, Jung-gu
+ 82 2 317 0366
Visit website -
Namusairo
1F Gyeonghee cung ae achin, Naesu-dong 71, Jongno-gu
+ 82 70 7590 0855
Visit website -
Yum China
160 Samseong 1-dong, Gangnam-gu
+ 82 2 562 0779
-
Dugahun
109 Sagan-dong, Jongno-gu
+ 82 2 3210 2100
Visit website -
Café Sobahn
Gwanghwamun Officia Building, 134-2 Sinmunno 1-ga, Jung-gu
+ 82 2 730 7423
Visit website -
Paper Garden
653-11 Shinsa-dong, Kangnam-gu
+ 82 2 3443 8880
Visit website -
Homyeondang
118-4 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu
+ 82 2 511 9517
Visit website -
Anzu (Jung Sik Dang)
577-20 Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu
+ 82 2 518 4654
Visit website -
Poom Seoul — (At least one day advance reservation required)
358-17 Huam-dong, Yongsan-gu
+ 82 2 777 9007
Visit website -
Coffee Bar K
89-20 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu
+ 82 2 516 6201
-
Coffee Lab
327-19 Seokyo-dong, Mapo-gu
+ 82 2 3143 0908
Reading
-
Kyobo Bookstore
Gwanghwamun Store, 1 Jongno 1-ga, Jogno-gu
+ 82 2 1544 1900
Visit website
Shopping
-
Market M
188-10 Tongin-dong, Jongno-gu
+ 82 2 733 4769
Visit website -
Shinsegae Department Store
52-5 Chungmuro 1-ga, Jung-gu
+ 82 1588 1234
Visit website -
Pottery from Bada Design Atelier
1F 521-5, How Building, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu
+ 82 2 592 5342
Visit website -
Sophisticated clothing from TROA
113-3 Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu/ 206 Gahoe-dong, Jongno-gu
+ 82 2 556 8010
Visit website
Transport
-
Metro — The cheapest and fastest option to get around.
Seoul
Visit website -
Airport Pickups — These buses leave every 20 minutes to and from the city’s major hotels.
Seoul
+ 82 2 1577 2600
Visit website