The First-Timer’s Travel Guide to Seoul, South Korea
Did you know that Seoul has a population of over 25.4 million people? It’s the third largest metropolitan area in the world, behind only Tokyo and Jakarta. It’s absolutely ginormous.
I remember telling Ren during our trip how much Seoul reminded me of New York. A massive, living, breathing crush of humanity and technology, it felt like no matter where you went, no matter what subway stop you got out of, there would always be something exciting going on. Like Manhattan, it always felt alive.
Recognized as the world’s most wired city, here’s a first-timer’s travel guide to this mega metropolis known as Seoul.
WHEN TO GO
Like Japan, South Korea has four distinct seasons — Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. The most popular times to visit Seoul are during the Spring (March-May) and Fall (Mid-September-Early November) months when the weather is ideal and the landscape is at its most striking. Both seasons are characterized by a dramatic change in color – Spring for its cherry blossom pinks and whites, and Autumn for its fiery reds, oranges, and yellows. Either season would be the perfect time to visit.
If you want to catch the cherry blossoms, then you should plan on being in Seoul around the second week of April (around April 9-10). That would be safest. However, please be advised that the cherry blossoms are largely dependent on the weather so it’s no guarantee that they’ll be blooming then. If it gets warmer earlier, then they’ll bloom earlier. If the weather stays cool, then they’ll bloom later.
WHERE TO GO / WHAT TO DO
1. Watch the Changing of the Guard at Changdeokgung and Gyeongbokgung Palaces
Seoul has five Joseon royal palaces and these two are the ones that you can’t miss. Each arguably the most beautiful, Gyeongbokgung is the primary palace while Chandeokgung is a UNESCO Heritage Site and home to Huwon or the “Secret Garden”. If you come at the right time, you can watch the changing of the guard as well.
2. Get Lost in a Maze of Traditional Houses at Bukchon Hanok VillageAs ultramodern as Seoul can be, it was nice to find a place like this right in the heart of the city. A maze of narrow alleyways and traditional Korean houses called hanoks, Bukchon Hanok Village will take you back in time and introduce you to a 600-yr old Seoul.
3. Lock your Love and Climb to the Top of N Seoul TowerWhen it comes to great views, this place towers over the competition. Standing 480 meters above sea level, N Seoul Tower is the best place to get bird’s eye views of the city. It’s also the only place where you can “lock your love” for all eternity.
4. See the Future of Design at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) This place is awesome. If you like design, any kind of design, then you need to put DDP in your itinerary. It’s like a museum, design supermarket, and space ship all rolled into one. I suggest devoting several hours there if you can, and be sure to come back at night when the building really comes to life.
5. Shop and Eat like there’s No Tomorrow in Insadong, Myeongdong, and HongdaeSeoul is a shopaholic’s paradise. There are many shopping districts in the city but Insadong, Myeongdong, and Hongdae are three that you can’t miss. They each have their own unique personality. Insadong is known for its artsy-craftsy items, Myeongdong for its brand names and cosmetics, and Hongdae for its hip, college town vibe. All have great street food.
