Seoul (서울) Travel Guide & City Profile

Last reviewed: October 25, 2026 · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.

Overview & City Profile

Seoul (서울) is a municipality in Seoul, Seoul (coordinates 37.5833°N, 127.0°E; population 9,659,322). Visitors use Seoul as a base to explore Seoul's historic town centers, regional markets, and culinary specialties such as Korean BBQ, Gwangjang Market bindaetteok, Michelin & pojangmacha dining.

Within Seoul Region (Seoul region), Seoul (서울) serves as a prefectural capital of seoul region. Travelers exploring Seoul often combine a stop in Seoul with regional highlights such as Gyeongbokgung & Bukchon Hanok Village, Myeongdong, Hongdae & Seongsu-dong, N Seoul Tower & Cheonggyecheon, Insadong & Dongdaemun DDP.

Getting to Seoul & Getting Around

Via the regional hub (Seoul Central Station (KORAIL KTX & SRT High-Speed Rail)): AREX Airport Railroad from Incheon (ICN) & Gimpo (GMP); 9+ subway lines and KTX hub at Seoul Station & Yongsan.

• Local rail & IC cards: Once in Seoul Region, KORAIL regional trains and intercity buses connect Seoul with Seoul. Nationwide Korean transit cards (T-money, Cashbee / EZL, and NAMANE) work on subways, city buses, and taxis across South Korea; for rural branch lines or local buses, keep ₩1,000 bills and ₩100 coins handy for the onboard fare box.
• Luggage & station lockers: Main stations in Seoul have coin lockers for day-trippers. If you are stopping in Seoul en route between larger bases, check your suitcase dimensions in our Luggage & Locker Checker or use Zim Carry or T-Luggage same-day hotel delivery.
• Driving & car rental: While city centers around Seoul are accessible by train and taxi, renting a car from a major KORAIL KTX & SRT High-Speed Rail station or airport in Seoul can be rewarding for reaching mountain gorges, coastal viewpoints, and countryside hot springs and mountain temples. Read our Renting a Car in South Korea Guide.

What to Eat in Seoul & Seoul

Seoul shares the culinary traditions of Seoul Region and the wider Seoul region. Don't miss these local specialties during your visit:

• Korean BBQ — a signature specialty across Seoul Region.
• Gwangjang Market bindaetteok — a signature specialty across Seoul Region.
• Michelin & pojangmacha dining — a signature specialty across Seoul Region.
• Chimaek (fried chicken & beer) — a signature specialty across Seoul Region.
• Royal court cuisine — a signature specialty across Seoul Region.

For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our South Korea Phrasebook & Show-to-Staff Cards to display clear South Korea dietary explanations at restaurants in Seoul.

Best Time to Visit & Seasonal Highlights

Best time to visit Seoul: Apr–May, Sep–Nov.

Regional highlights across Seoul Region that pair well with a visit to Seoul include: Gyeongbokgung & Bukchon Hanok Village, Myeongdong, Hongdae & Seongsu-dong, N Seoul Tower & Cheonggyecheon, Insadong & Dongdaemun DDP.

Practical Travel Tips for Seoul

• Tourist Information Center (관광안내소): Look for the official Gwangwang Annaeso counter (or call the 24/7 1330 Korea Travel Hotline) inside or right outside the main train station in Seoul (or at Seoul Central Station (KORAIL KTX & SRT High-Speed Rail)) for free walking maps, bus timetables, and festival calendars.
• Cash & ATMs: While hotels, chain stores, and convenience stores in Seoul accept international cards and IC payment, smaller family-run restaurants, traditional market stalls, and T-money reload machines require KRW cash. Global ATMs at Woori, KB, Shinhan, Hana Bank, and convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven) accept foreign debit cards reliably.
• Dining hours: Outside major metropolitan hubs, lunch typically runs 11:30 AM–2:00 PM and dinner spots open around 5:30 PM, with earlier last orders (around 8:00–9:00 PM) in smaller cities.