If you’re planning a vacation to South Korea, you probably already have some destinations set on your itinerary. Most trips to Seoul will include popular staples such as the breathtaking Gyeongbokgung Palace, the trendy Myeongdong district, exhilarating theme parks, and the beautiful Nami Island, among other spots- and for good reason! These destinations live up to the hype and are worth the visit.
But, maybe you’re interested in going on a South Korea adventure that’s different from what most people experience? Or maybe this isn’t your first trip and you’re looking for something new. If you want to personalize your South Korea experience and make it suit you, consider adding some of these destinations and things to do in Seoul to your itinerary!
Getting Around Seoul
Before we can curate your one-of-a-kind Seoul experience, we need to figure out the best options for moving, commuting, and getting around Seoul! Luckily, Seoul has transformed into a very tourist-friendly city and you’ll have many apps, websites, and other resources to meet your transportation needs.
Klook Tip: Skip Google Maps while in Seoul. Instead, download Naver Maps! It’s Seoul’s version of Google Maps and is regarded by locals as being more accurate, helpful, and up-to-date!
Via the subway
Using the subway in Seoul (and other rails when traveling out of Seoul) is definitely a great option! It’s extremely cost-efficient, learning the stops and stations is actually easier than you think, and you avoid all the traffic out on the road. Keep in mind, however, the subways are closed from 12:00 AM to 5:00 AM.
Klook tip: Download the official Subway Korea app so that you can plan out your trip, now what time the trains will arrive, and know how much it will cost!
The subway should be your go-to when:
- You want to save on costs
- It’s rush hour and traffic is heavy on the road
- You want to cover great distances in a short amount of time
Via buses
Photo Credit: Nate Thanun on Unsplash
Traveling via buses in Seoul is another great way to get around! Since a lot of the places in the city can be reached via both bus and subway, you can think of buses as an alternative if you’d rather not use the subway for some reason. Buses run 24/7 in Seoul, though there will be fewer buses (called Owl buses) running from 1:00 AM to 4:00 AM.
Travel via bus if:
- Your destination has no subway station near it
- You want to see more of the city in the middle of your commute
- It’s more convenient to travel via bus than subway
Via taxis
Photo Credit: Ryoji Iwata on Unsplash
Compared to the subway and buses, taxis are definitely going to be the pricier option. Communicating with drivers might be an issue as well as trying to navigate Seoul’s rush hour. It’s not all negatives, though! Some positives to using taxis include a more comfortable ride, not needing to walk to and from the station or bus stop, traveling on your own time, and not having to get familiar with Seoul’s subway system or bus routes.
Klook tip: While Uber works in Seoul, we recommend downloading the Kakao T app! It’s a local taxi-hailing app that features more drivers and the ability to book larger vehicles for bigger groups
We recommend taxis if:
- Price isn’t an issue
- Comfort is a priority
- You’re going to be out past midnight/ the subway station closing time
- You’d rather not have to walk to and from subway stations or bus stops
The best way to pay
Regardless of what method you choose for transportation, you’re going to need to pay for it. Of course, cash is always an option when it comes to payment, but it can become a real hindrance for your trip if you find yourself always needing to pay with cash! After all, you can run out of Korean Won pretty quickly and constantly needing to go to a money exchanger or doing mental computations to make sure you have enough cash for your next ride are stressors that your vacation can do without.
So, what’s the solution? A popular and stress-free way for tourists to pay is through the use of prepaid cards! These are cards that you can top up with cash (either at convenience stores and subway stations) which you can then use to pay for nearly all transportation services in the city!
Unique Things to do in Seoul
If you already have the usual Seoul go-to spots covered, then maybe you can surprise yourself and be even more adventurous by trying out these underrated and often overlooked activities! Who knows, sometimes it’s the destinations or activities that we least expect that end up becoming the highlight of the trip!
Explore Seoul’s Great Outdoors
On the lookout for more outdoor-oriented activities in Seoul? Despite being known mostly as one of the most posh and advanced metropolitan cities in the world, Seoul actually has some must-try hiking spots for those who enjoy a good sweat on their vacations!
Morning or Sunset Hike at Mt. Inwangsan
A great choice for beginners or those who want a lighter hike, this Mt. Inwangsan hike only takes about 90 minutes to complete! With the option to do the hike early in the morning or closer to sunset, this hike also comes with a mouthwatering Korean meal!
Fortress Night Hike
Gear up for a fun and friendly hike near Gyeongbok Palace! This hike starts at the marketplace where you get to try delicious Korean street food before heading out on an easy 90-minute hike that offers stunning views of Seoul. You'll also have the option to head to a scenic lantern-lit restaurant if you've worked up an appetite after your hike!
Bukhansan National Park Hike
Ready for something a little more challenging? Head to Bukhansan National Park and take on the city's highest mountain with the help of an expert guide! This hike will take up to 4 hours and requires some amount of 25~45 degree-angle climbing- safely aided by ropes.
Learn How to Cook Authentic Korean Dishes
If you’d rather stay indoors than out but you still want to take a bite out of Seoul, then try signing up for a culinary cooking workshop! This is an easy recommendation for home cooks and foodies who’ve always wanted to know how to recreate those incredible South Korean meals and flavors!
Korean Full-Course Meal Cooking Class
Learn how to make a "Hanjeongsik", or a Korean-style full-course meal with more than 10 dishes! From buying the ingredients at Mangwon market to getting expert Korean cooking tips from your guide, this is definitely an enriching and delicious experience for those who love cooking, eating, and learning!
Traditional Rice Wine-Making Experience
Discover how to make Makgeolli, a traditional rice wine drink that's also one of the most popular drinks in Korea! Learn the craft that goes into making and fermenting makgeolli, as well as which local dishes go well with it.
Klook tip: The fermentation process takes about 5 days, so if you want to taste the makgeolli that you made, we recommend doing this activity at the start of your trip!
Japchae, Tteokbokki, Mandu, and Fishcake Soup Class
If you love any of these dishes and want to learn how to make it at home, then you can't miss this workshop! Learn the secrets and history behind japchae (glass noodle stir-fry), tteokbokki (simmer rice cakes), and more!
Find the Best Places to Socialize and Meet Locals
Want to do something that requires no effort on your end aside from eating, drinking, and making new friends? Going on an authentic Seoul pub crawl hosted by a local tour guide could be the thing that makes your trip to Seoul extra special and extra memorable!
K-BBQ Party Experience with Local Koreans
Want to meet new people, practice your Korean, and enjoy a casual and fun night? This K-BBQ Party Experience might just be the highlight of your trip! Enjoy authentic Korean barbecue and make friendships that will last even after your trip!
VIP Pub Crawl in Seoul
Itching to safely experience Seoul's nightlife but not sure where to start? This Seoul pub crawl is perfect for you! Explore the local bar scene by visiting 3 bars and 1 club and enjoy special drinks, discounts, and VIP access!
Hongdae and Itaewon Pub Crawl Experience
Be the life of the party with the original and absolute pub crawl experience in Seoul! With parties that grow to the size of over 50 people, you're sure to make unforgettable memories with party animals from Korea and all over the world!
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🇰🇷South Korea Essentials🇰🇷
🚄Trains & Airport Transfers
🚇Transportation & Prepaid Cards
