should i visit seoul or taipei

• Travel Planning Guide

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Taipei vs. Seoul for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

• Which is Cheaper, Taipei or Seoul? (Travel Cost Comparison)

Which is Bigger, Taipei or Seoul?

Should you visit taipei or seoul, which is cheaper to visit which is more expensive for vacation.

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Taipei and Seoul. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Taipei or Seoul?

Few cities in the world are full of more diverse opportunities than the cultural crosshairs city of Taipei . As the capital of Taiwan, this 300-year-old city is the financial, cultural and governmental center of Taiwan. Located in the northern part of the island between the Yangming Mountains and Central Mountains, this city of 2.6 million people is always ready to welcome more visitors.

With a population of more than 11 million, Seoul is easily the largest city in South Korea. It is also the financial, political, and cultural capital of the country and has much to offer open minded travelers. It is often overlooked by travelers who instead head to Tokyo or Shanghai, but Seoul has a wide range of cultural experiences, food options, and historical sights. Seoul is a city of contrasts with ancient traditions, flashy technology, religious temples and a modern youth culture. It is also more affordable than many of the other Asian metropolis' to which it is often compared. If you're looking for an interesting and different experience that is a little off the tourist trail, Seoul can definitely offer that opportunity.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea , and The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea .

Which place is cheaper, Seoul or Taipei?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

• Taipei Prices Taiwan Prices Seoul Prices South Korea Prices
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day Taipei $ 184 Seoul $ 110

The average daily cost (per person) in Taipei is $184, while the average daily cost in Seoul is $110. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Taipei and Seoul in more detail.

Accommodation

• Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person Taipei $ 147 Seoul $ 56
• Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room Taipei $ 294 Seoul $ 112

Compare Hotels in Taipei and Seoul

Looking for a hotel in Taipei or Seoul? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Taipei

Hotels in Seoul

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.

Local Transportation

• Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. Taipei $ 10 Seoul $ 16

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Taipei

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Taipei:

• Easycard $ 2.03
• Easycard $ 9.39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Taipei

Also for Taipei, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

• Taoyuan Airport (TPE) Return Bus Transfer: $8.76
• Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Taipei APT-HTL (TSA): $28
• Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Taipei HTL-APT (TSA): $28
• Taiwan Taoyuan Airport (TPE) to Taoyuan/Taipei hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $39
• Bicycle transfer (Taipei - Hualien) 4 persons: $40
• Private Transfer：Taoyuan International Airport to Hotel: $40
• Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Taipei APT- HTL (TPE): $41
• Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Taipei HTL- APT (TPE): $41
• Private Transfer from Taoyuan airport Taiwan to Taipei: $52
• [Chinese driver charter sedan] 1 to 4 people ☆ Taoyuan Airport ⇔ Taipei City Hotel Airport Transfer [one way]: $54
• Taipei Arrival Private Transfer: Taoyuan International Airport to Hotel: $55
• Keelung Cruise Port to Taiwan Taoyuan Airport (TPE) - Departure Private Transfer: $58

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seoul

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Seoul:

• Subway Card $ 3.72
• Short Taxi Ride $ 5.21
• Metro Ride $ 1.00
• Seoul City Pass Plus $ 7.44

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seoul

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seoul:

• Seoul Incheon International Airport to from Incheon Private Transfer: $85
• Seoul Airport: Private Departure Transfer from Seoul City Center: $87
• Private Transfer Service from Seoul City Hotels to Gimpo Airport: $57
• Private Airport Transfer: Seoul City to Incheon Airport 1-12 pax: $215
• Private Airport Transfer: Seoul City to Incheon Airport (1-5 pax): $115
• Private Airport Transfer: Seoul City to Gimpo Airport (1-12 pax): $180
• Private Airport Transfer: Seoul City - Gimpo Airport (1-5 pax): $120
• Private Airport Transfer: Gimpo Airport to Seoul City (1-12 pax): $160
• Private Airport Transfer : Incheon airport to/from Seoul(~7 pax): $99
• Private Airport Transfer - Incheon Airport ⇔ Seoul (Up to 7 or 11 people): $138
• Private Airport Transfer * Incheon Airport <-> Seoul (1-5 people): $104
• Incheon Airport Transfer Service private transport to/from Seoul: $110

Is it cheaper to fly into Taipei or Seoul?

Prices for flights to both Seoul and Taipei change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.

• Food Meals for one day Taipei $ 16 Seoul $ 31

Typical Food Prices in Taipei

For Taipei, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:

• EasyCard $ 16
• Lunch at The Can $ 6.88
• EasyCard $ 31
• Lunch $ 2.97
• Lunch $ 1.88
• Dinner $ 6.26
• Lunch $ 3.60
• Lunch $ 4.69
• Louisa coffee $ 2.97

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Taipei

For Taipei, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

• Taipei Food Tour: Historic Night Market Including Full Meal: $45
• Ximending Vegan Food Tour Snack, Dessert & Main!: $47
• Taipei at Night: Din Tai Fung Dinner & Raohe Street Night Market Guided Tour: $52
• Taipei Food Tour: Yongkang Street for Foodies: $58
• Taipei Food Tour: $58
• Yansan Night Market Food Tour: $62
• Taipei Food Tour and Colorful Bubble Tea Making: $65
• Turnip cake, Pork thick soup, Tofu pudding. Taiwan Traditional Light Meals Experience-C (Taipei Cooking Class): $65
• Xiao Long Bao, Pork thick soup, Bubble milk tea. Taiwan Traditional Light Meals Experience-B (Taipei Cooking Class): $65
• Xiao long bao, Pork thick soup, Bubble milk tea. (Taiwan Cooking Class)-B : $65
• Taipei Food Tour and Colorful Bubble Tea Making: $70
• Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $75

Typical Food Prices in Seoul

Some typical examples of dining costs in Seoul are as follows:

• Rice with Kimchi & Bacon $ 4.46
• Waffle $ 0.74
• Dippin' Dots $ 1.49
• Chicken Fried Rice $ 4.09
• Chicken Stick $ 1.49
• Drinking Yoghurt & Mi Chew $ 1.41
• Lunch Buffet $ 4.46
• Donut $ 0.74
• Mushroom Burger $ 3.87
• Green Tea Ice Cream $ 2.46
• Udon & Sushi $ 5.21
• Fresh Burger $ 3.57
• Soba Noodles Lunch $ 3.35
• Bibimbap Lunch $ 3.72
• Fried Rice $ 4.09
• Vietnamese Dinner $ 7.07
• Breakfast and Coffee for 2 $ 7.07
• Donut $ 1.86

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seoul

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seoul.

• Sunset Walking Tour in Naksan Park with Dinner: $61
• Seoul Ultimate Food Tour: $65
• Energizing Korean Cooking Class in a Local Home in Seoul: $71
• Night Market Food Tour: $72
• Authentic Korean Home Cooking and Market Tour: $76
• K-FOOD one day cooking class: $77
• Korean Cooking Class with Full-Course Meal & Local Market Tour in Seoul: $81
• [Seoul] Cooking Class for Korean Food with NOW COOKING Studio: $81
• Secret Food Tours Seoul w/ Private Tour Option: $99
• Noryangjin Fish Market Dinner: $123
• 3-Hour Seoul Night Food Tour: Hongdae & Yeonnam: $130
• Seoul Food n Night view with Local Korean BBQ dinner Hongdae st.: $150

Entertainment

• Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc. Taipei $ 17 Seoul $ 27

Tours and Activities in Taipei

For Taipei, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

• Taipei Old Town - Taiwan Introduction Walking Tour: $1.00
• Taipei's Origin & Longshan Temple - Taiwan Cultural Walking Tour: $1.00
• Taipei's Origin & Longshan Temple - Taiwan Cultural Tour: $1.00
• Chiang Kai-Shek Shilin Residence Ticket: $3.13
• Miramar Ferris Wheel Ticket: $6.25
• Scavenger Hunt and City Exploration Self-Guided Tour: $8.91
• Taipei Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
• Taipei Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.10
• Taipei Makong Cable Car: Ticket & Combos: $10
• Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
• National Palace Museum E-Ticket: $11

Typical Entertainment Prices in Seoul

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Seoul are as follows:

• Palace Tickets $ 5.95
• Movie Ticket $ 5.95
• Kimchi Museum $ 2.23

Tours and Activities in Seoul

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seoul are as follows:

• Private Tour Nami Island with Petite France 'and/or' The Garden of Morning Calm: $98
• (Private tour) Nami Island + Railbike + Garden of morning calm: $220
• 2-Hour Makgeolli Tasting Experience in Seoul: $39
• 2D 1N Phoenix Pyeongchang Reseot Stay + Trout Ice-Fishing Festival Tour: $144
• 3-Hour Self-guided Sokcho Tour with Private Transportation: $24
• 3-Hour Seoul Tasting Tour: Cityhall, Gwanghwamun & Jeongdong Area: $108
• ARMY must visit BTS tour in Seoul: $50
• Activity - Mt. Bukhan Hiking Guided Tour: $150
• Afternoon Half Day Seoul City Tour, visit Queen's dorm: $67
• Alive Museum Discount Ticket at Insa-dong(내국인불가): $9.70
• Alpaca World & Nami Island Private Tour : $285
• Alternative A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
• Alcohol Drinks for one day Taipei $ 18 Seoul $ 12

Sample the Local Flavors in Taipei

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Taipei:

• Taipei Nightlife: Taipei Pub Crawls (2 Different Options): $30

Sample the Local Flavors in Seoul

Also in Seoul, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

• Chunpoong Makgeolli Brewery Tour: $10
• The Seoul Pub Crawl [official]: $21
• Soju Tasting at Distillery - story of 3 pigs: $42

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Taipei and Seoul, we can see that Taipei is more expensive. And not only is Seoul much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Seoul would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Seoul and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Taipei would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Taipei than you might in Seoul.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Taipei Expensive? and Is Seoul Expensive? .

Seoul has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Taipei. When comparing the sizes of Taipei and Seoul, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

Related Articles for Taipei

Related articles for seoul.

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The best cities for first-time visitors to Asia

Update : Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

Asia is huge and diverse, with so many attractive travel destinations. From Indonesia to China, Nepal to Cambodia, and Vietnam to Japan, there's so much to love about this fascinating and vibrant continent. But with almost 60% of the world's population (yes, you read that right) and some seriously crowded cities, all but the most experienced of travelers may feel daunted considering where to start for a first-time visit to the continent.

All visitors to Asia's major cities must come to terms with the fact that they are very crowded, with an almost endless amount to see and do. But that doesn't automatically mean that they're difficult to navigate or stressful places to spend time.

Certain East and Southeast Asian cities are best suited to first-time travelers to Asia, as they're highly organized, generally very safe for travelers and you don't need to know much (if any) of the local language to get around, while other South and Southeast Asian destinations (such as India or the Philippines) are probably better left until you have more travel experience in the region.

We've identified a few of the best cities for first-time travelers to Asia to check out. They're all worth a city-break vacation in their own right, or can be used as jumping-off points for exploring other parts of the country and region.

Tokyo, Japan

Major airports: Narita International Airport (NRT), Haneda International Airport (HND)

Related: Tokyo Narita vs. Haneda: Which airport should I fly to?

Who flies there: Many major international airlines fly to Tokyo's airports, including United, American Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, ANA (All Nippon Airways), Japan Airlines , Qantas and Singapore Airlines. ( Both ANA and Japan Airlines have announced that many of their flights will move from Narita to Haneda. )

Related: 3 ways to do Tokyo on points

Why first-time travelers to Asia should visit Tokyo: Tokyo is the definition of a mega-city, with around 10 million inhabitants, but it's not intimidating. Everything from the public transit to the garbage disposal runs smoothly and efficiently, Japanese people are generally very polite and introverted in public spaces, the crime rate is very low and tourists are highly unlikely to be a target. There's an enormous amount to see and do, whatever your interests. And if crowds aren't your thing, there are many peaceful parks and temples to which you can retreat.

While Tokyo is generally an expensive destination to visit, there are many ways to keep spending in check. Lots of attractions in Japan are free, including some parks and temples. Transportation is not very expensive, and you can make it even more affordable by buying a pass corresponding to the length of your stay.

Language(s) spoken: Japanese. English is spoken and understood by many in the travel industry, and English signs can be found in most public transportation situations. In general, though, the use and comprehension of English is not high, and the average Japanese person on the street won't understand you if you stop them to ask for directions in English.

How to get around: Tokyo has an extremely extensive network of public transportation, so there's no need to rent a car or take taxis most of the time. Overland and subway trains are generally more useful and user-friendly to international visitors than buses. There are many train lines run by different companies, and while tickets are not always interchangeable between these networks, you can buy daily or weekly transport passes to reduce costs. The subway is handy for getting around the central city, as is the circular above-ground JR Yamanote line.

Top sites: Whatever your interests, Tokyo will satisfy you. The neighborhood of Asakusa is a great place to start your Tokyo exploration, as it has a more traditional feel than most other parts of the city. In July and August 2020, the Olympics will be held in Tokyo. To experience quintessential neon Tokyo, head to Shinjuku and Shibuya. For a glimpse into the future, check out the artificial island of Odaiba. For a peaceful temple experience, visit Hikawa Jinja. For high-end shopping (or browsing), don't miss Ginza.

Top points hotels: Tokyo is an expensive destination, but there are many points options to reduce the cost of your stay. Here are a few:

• Courtyard Tokyo Station (Category 5, 35k Marriott points on standard nights or use a 35k free night certificate )
• Hyatt Regency Tokyo (Category 3, standard rooms from 12,000 World of Hyatt points per night or 17k for a room with Club Lounge access. Or, use a Category 1–4 free night certificate .)
• ANA Intercontinental Tokyo (From 55k IHG Rewards Club points per night)
• Conrad Tokyo (95k Hilton Honors points per night or use a Free Weekend Night certificate )
• Park Hyatt Tokyo (Category 7, standard rooms from 30k points per night)
• Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho (Category 8, 85k Marriott points on standard nights)

Related: 3 of the best-value points hotels in Tokyo

If you're looking for a more affordable stay in Tokyo, look for business hotels. They are generally not spacious and lack character, but come with all the basics and are a decent place to lay your head for the night in a lower price point. You could also try a capsule hotel; here's what it's like to stay in a capsule hotel with kids .

Major airport: Changi International Airport (SIN)

Who flies there: Many major international airlines fly to Singapore, including United, Singapore Airlines, British Airways, Emirates and Qantas. East Coast-based travelers can even take what is currently the world's longest flight , from Newark to Changi.

Related: How to book Singapore Airlines awards using Alaska miles

Why first-time travelers to Asia should visit Singapore: The city-state is a major financial hub in the region, which is evident in its glitzy high-rises and waterfront developments, but you can also find pockets of older, more traditional Southeast Asian culture, as well as green spaces both within the city and just outside. It's a very safe city (the country's notoriously strict punishments play a major part in this), and English is one of its four languages, so you won't have trouble being understood. Plus, Singapore's reputation for orderliness and cleanliness is not a myth.

Singapore is also an excellent destination for first-time family travelers to Asia, as the mix of indoor, cultural, and nature-oriented attractions should appeal to all members of the family (not to mention the general cleanliness).

Related: 3 ways to do Singapore on points

Language(s) spoken: Malay is the official language of Singapore, and Mandarin Chinese, Tamil and English are also widely spoken. Most Singaporeans are either fluent or conversant in English, even if it's not their first language, as it's the language of instruction in schools. All public signs are in English as well as Malay, Chinese and Tamil.

How to get around: Singapore has a good network of trains (the MRT) and buses, plus taxis are very affordable.

Top sites: A bumboat cruise down the Singapore River is a good and relaxing way to get an overview of the central city area, as is a circuit on the Singapore Flyer, an enormous Ferris wheel. The futuristic Gardens by the Bay could entertain you for an hour or a day. Don't miss the famous Merlion Statue. The Singapore Zoo is highly respected. To get out of the concrete jungle, head to the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve for a hot and steamy forest hike. Note that Singapore is a tropical country, so it's hot and humid year-round, which may affect your sightseeing plans depending on how you like your weather.

Top points hotels: Singapore is a major business hub, so there is a huge range of hotels catering to different types of traveler. Some great hotels where you can use and earn points include:

• JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach (Category 7, from 60k points per night on standard dates)
• The Westin Singapore (Category 6, from 50k Marriott points per night on standard dates, or use a 50k free night certificate )
• Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong (From 35k IHG Rewards Club points or use an Anniversary Night certificate from the IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card)
• Six Senses Duxton (Pay with a card like the Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card that allows you to "erase" travel purchases from your statement using your Capital One miles .)

Related: These are the best times to visit Singapore

Bangkok, Thailand

Major airports: Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK), Don Mueang International Airport (DMK, mainly for regional low-cost carriers).

Who flies there: A large number of international airlines fly to Bangkok, but travelers coming from the U.S. may need to stop elsewhere first, or board a code-share flight. Airlines that fly to Suvarnabhumi include Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Emirates and Cathay Pacific .

Related: The best ways to get to Thailand using points and miles

Why first-time travelers to Asia should visit Bangkok: Bangkok offers an enticing mix of glitzy modernity and traditional Thai culture. The spectacular, sparkling temples and palaces are unlike anything that most first-time visitors to Asia will have seen before, and the shopping experiences combine high-end glamor, outlet bargains and traditional markets. Plus, once you've had your fill of big-city Thai life, it's easy to get to the beautiful islands and beaches of Thailand from Bangkok. Although you should keep your wits about you, as you would in any large city, Bangkok is relatively safe.

A very, very important thing for first-time visitors (or, any visitors for that matter) to understand is Thailand's strict lese majeste laws. Saying or writing anything that could be understood as insulting the king is a highly punishable offense. If you have opinions on the monarchy, keep them to yourself while in Thailand. Read more in the following article: 11 Mistakes Tourists Make in Bangkok and Beyond

Language(s) spoken: Thai. English is not commonly understood, although it is used by people working in tourism and at restaurants frequented by tourists. Road and transport signs are also usually in English. You can't expect taxi drivers or other Thais not working in tourism to understand or read English: ask your hotel for a business card in Thai in case they have trouble understanding where you want to go. (Unfortunately, it's not uncommon to find taxi drivers who can't read Thai either, which is a good reason to opt for the Skytrain when you can).

How to get around: While taxis and tuk-tuks are abundant in Bangkok, the traffic is often gridlocked, so a better way of getting around is the elevated Skytrain system. While you can't get everywhere in the city on the Skytrain, it does criss-cross much of Bangkok, so if you combine it with shorter taxi or tuk-tuk rides you'll save yourself a lot of time. Water taxis are a convenient way of getting between parts of the city located along the river.

Top sites: Bangkok's temples and palaces should be a first port of call for first-time visitors to the city. The Grand Palace complex is absolutely dazzling -- literally and figuratively -- and contains many temples within its walls. Other unmissable temples include Wat Pho and Wat Arun. If you're in Bangkok at the weekend, head to the enormous Chatuchak Weekend Markets. If you're interested in Thai art and culture, head to the beautiful Jim Thompson's House. To get out of the city for a day, make a day trip to Ayutthaya, the old capital, dotted with ruined temples.

Top points hotels: Bangkok has a huge range of hotels to suit any budget, from backpacker to boutique to luxury. Here are a few of the best points hotels in the city:

• St. Regis Bangkok (Category 5, from 35k Marriott points per night on standard dates, or use a 35k free night certificate )
• Waldorf Astoria Bangkok (From 74k–80k Hilton Honors points per night or use a Free Weekend Night certificate )
• The Athenee Hotel (Category 5, from 35k Marriott points per night on standard dates, or use a 35k free night certificate)
• Park Hyatt Bangkok (Category 5, from 20k World of Hyatt points per night)

Taipei, Taiwan

Major airport(s): Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)

Who flies there: Several international airlines fly to Taipei, including United Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, All Nippon Airways (ANA), EVA Air , China Airlines , Emirates and Cathay Pacific.

Related: 8 things to know before you go to Taipei

Why first-time travelers to Asia should visit Taipei: Taiwan's capital is often overlooked by travelers in favor of other East Asian giants like Tokyo or Hong Kong, but that's all the more reason to visit. Infrastructure is well set up for tourists, without the city being "touristy." Plus, Taipei is more affordable than, say, Tokyo or Singapore. First-time travelers to Asia shouldn't just stick to Taipei, as the small island of Taiwan is underrated, with beautiful outdoor attractions like mountains, beaches, forests and interesting indigenous cultures within easy reach of the city.

Language(s) spoken: Mandarin Chinese, and other dialects of Chinese (Hokkien and Haka). While many Taiwanese people don't speak or understand English, traveling to Taipei without any knowledge of Chinese isn't a problem. Major signs usually have an English translation, and in many places you'll be able to find an English speaker if you really need one.

How to get around: The extensive Taipei Metro is the best way to get around the city. Most points of interest to travelers are reasonably close to a station, and it's fast and efficient. There are also buses if you want to go somewhere a little further afield that's not covered by the metro, but they can be harder to navigate if you don't read or understand Chinese.

Top sites: Night markets are a big deal in Taipei, and they're both a great way to try tasty local food on the cheap and experience local culture. For a literal overview of the city from what was, for a few years, the tallest building in the world, head on up to the 89th-floor observatory of Taipei 101.

Top points hotels: Taipei is an affordable city, so if you can't (or won't) use points to book a hotel, you can easily find a central-city room in a decent hotel for a very good price. But, here are a couple of points hotel suggestions:

• Grand Hyatt Taipei (Category 4, from 15k World of Hyatt points per night for a standard room or from 21k points for a room with Club access, or use a Category 1–4 free night certificate)
• Hotel Eclat Taipei (Category 3, from 12k Hyatt points per night, or use a Category 1–4 free night certificate)
• Le Meridien Taipei and W Taipei (Both are Category 6, from 50k points per night on standard dates, or use a 50k free night certificate)
• Holiday Inn Express Taoyuan (not actually in Taipei per se, but conveniently close to the airport)

Seoul, South Korea

Major airports: Incheon International Airport (ICN), Gimpo International Airport (GMP, mainly for short-haul flights to China and Japan).

Who flies there: Many international airports fly to Incheon, including United, Hawaiian Airlines, Korean Air , Qantas and Emirates.

Why first-time travelers to Asia should visit Seoul: Like Taipei, Seoul is not as well-known to international travelers as Tokyo, but it's just as big and vibrant. The capital city of South Korea is a great first-time-Asia travel destination if you're looking for somewhere a little different. Korean food is distinct from that of its neighbors and growing in popularity around the world. Seoul is a very modern city in many respects, but some of the most beautiful and fascinating attractions here are historic, including numerous palaces and temples. Plus, for a change of pace, Seoul's nightlife is fun.

Language(s) spoken: Korean. English is not widely spoken in Korea, although many people in Seoul will understand some, and transportation signs are usually in English as well as Korean. You will usually be able to find someone who can understand you in Seoul, although less so in other parts of Korea. Some restaurants have an English menu or one with pictures that you can point to. Hotel staff will likely speak and understand some English.

How to get around: The subway is the easiest way to get around Seoul. It's extensive, and most places of interest to travelers are within walking distance of a station.

Top sites: Seoul is heavy on history and culture, which to the uninitiated will appear as a mix of Chinese and Japanese elements, since Korea's two giant neighbors have had a lot of influence on the country over the centuries. Some top sites to check out include Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Changdeokgung Palace and Gardens, and the National Folk Museum of Korea. If you're interested in 20th-century history and contemporary global politics, day trips to the DMZ, the border with North Korea, can be taken from Seoul. The city's markets and shopping districts are also fun, whether you're shopping or not; check out the Myeong-dong neighborhood, Insa-dong neighborhood, and Namdaemun Market.

Top points hotels: Because Seoul isn't as popular as neighboring Tokyo, fewer points will get you further in the South Korean capital. Here are some top picks:

• The Westin Seoul Chosun (Category 5, from 35k Marriott points per night, or use a 35k free night certificate)
• Grand Hyatt Seoul (Category 3, from 15k World of Hyatt points for a standard room, or from 21k points for Club access)
• Park Hyatt Seoul (Category 6, from 25k World of Hyatt points per night)
• Four Seasons Seoul (Book using Chase Ultimate Rewards points through the Chase travel portal)

Bottom line

We've included these top cities but, of course, there are many other destinations across Asia that would also suit first-time visitors to the region. There's no need to feel overwhelmed by planning a first trip to Asia, as there are experiences, sights and price points to suit all needs. Selecting one of these entry points and then exploring the country or region from there is a great way to start. Have fun!

Note: Hong Kong is not on this list but it's a fabulous city to visit. Just be aware that protests at the airport and throughout the city have been an issue for the past several months . Now might not be the best time for timid or nervous travelers to explore the city.

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BEST First-Time Visitor’s Seoul Itinerary (3-7 Days)

Last Updated: Nov 11, 2023 by Max · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

South Korea is a land of mountains, palaces, and busy streets, and this 3 to 7 day Seoul itinerary will put you right in the middle of it all. With the city’s futuristic architecture and state-of-the-art technological advancements, people sometimes get culture shock when they see how integrated they are into more traditional lifestyles.

Everywhere you go, there’s always an event happening or a festival on, and there are plenty of surprises in store – especially if you visit any of the Seoul hotspots detailed below. But while Korea is truly a magical place, it’s far from what we see in the K-Dramas.

Fans often come here expecting to meet a dashing chaebol randomly in the streets (which is highly unlikely), and are disappointed when they’re not hit on in the nightclub. Dramas and idols are just a small fraction of Korean culture .

To truly experience it for yourself, you’ll have to immerse yourself in Seoul for 3 days or more, before heading further south. That way you’ll get to try everything Korea has to offer; from delicious food to astounding historical landmarks.

So if you’re figuring what to put in your Seoul itinerary, let us help you plan how many days in Seoul you should spend, and what to do and where to go during your South Korea vacation. Use the 'Jump To' box below to go to a specific section.

Basics of Travel in South Korea

How to maximize your seoul experience, faq about seoul, where to stay in seoul, seoul itinerary 3 days, seoul itinerary 7 days, tips for visiting seoul.

Visa: Most travelers will need a K-ETA ( Korean Electronic Travel Authorization ), applied for at least 72 hours before departure. If you needed a visa before, you'll need a K-ETA now. Note that from April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, passport holders from 22 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and several EU nations, can visit visa-free – no K-ETA required!

Currency: South Korean won ( KRW or ₩ )

Arrival in Korea: all international flights arrive at Incheon Airport (ICN), one of the best-rated airports in the world. It usually takes about 1 hour to get through security & pick up checked bags.

Getting Around: Korea has an extensive & reliable public transport system. A refillable T-Money card is your ticket to buses and trains across the country; you can buy and refill yout TMoney card at any subways station or convenience store in Korea.

Internet & SIM Cards: Rent a Wi-Fi egg or purchase a prepaid SIM card at the airport, available for up to one month of connection.

Travel Insurance: always recommended, though some credit card companies offers limited coverage when booking.

How many days should I spend in Seoul? While most guides will tell you that three days in Seoul is enough, we recommend that you stay in Seoul for a week.

But for those with tight budgets, we can help maximize your Seoul itinerary for as many days as you have, and thanks to the advanced metro system in Seoul, you’ll jump from one place to another without issue.

That being said, Seoul at night is a treat for the eyes, and most of the attractions in Seoul occur when the sun begins to set. Banpo Bridge, for example, has an incredible fountain show and the title of the World’s Longest LED-light display.

Around the same time each evening, stalls are set up where people enjoy delicious foods while waiting for fireworks to decorate the sky. The best part is, there’s a way to do all of these things in Seoul for free.

Simply purchase a Discover Seoul pass before your trip, and you can get into most of these attractions (once each) without worrying too much about your budget. There are three kinds of passes you can choose from (24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours), and even if you run out of hours, you can still use it to avail of discounts in any of the partner tourist attractions.

Other sites that provide discounts are kkday , Trazy and Klook .

Unfortunately, each attraction’s opening hours may change due to public holidays or unforeseen events. So if you follow this Seoul itinerary, please develop a habit of checking attractions’ schedules first if you don’t want to wait hours for a show that has already been cancelled.

For a solo traveler, a vacation in Seoul may cost between ₩1,000,000-2,000,000 ($800-1,600USD). This takes into account 3 meals a day, a public transport card, and a week in a hotel, which can all vary widely in price. The rest of your money will go to experiences and souvenirs.

The best time to visit Korea is from May to June and September to October, since this is the best time to see the cherry blossom trees bloom or watch the fall colors in the mountains. Moreover, the weather at this time is generally pleasant for locals and foreigners alike, making walking around more pleasant than in summer or winter.

Three days should be sufficient for a first trip to Korea, especially if you have a Discover Seoul pass , though one week is ideal. The pass enables you to visit key locations once for free, and best of all, get discounts on other destinations and experiences.

Here are the essentials to pack for Seoul: passport, credit cards, and travel medical insurance, as well as shorts, a sun hat, and tops with sleeves. Moreover, certain cellphones do not work in Korea, so you need to check if your phone is not region-locked or that it is equipped to intercept the networks provided in Korea, and possibly rent a phone for your trip.

Seoul is known for having culturally diverse neighborhoods, full of history, good food, and memorable experiences. There are several fantastic neighborhoods I'd recommend staying in when you visit Seoul.

There’s always something that will pique your interest, but you have to make sure that the neighborhood matches your preferences - since you might choose to add to your Seoul itinerary by experiencing the bustling Seoul nightlife .

Specifically in Ichon-dong, this is probably the most convenient place to look for accommodation, especially if you want something quick and cheap. This is also a convenient location if you want to visit the most popular areas in Seoul for free , like the National Museum of Korea, Yongsan Family Park, and Ichon Han River Park.

Creatives and digital natives love coming to this hub because this neighborhood is panned towards the younger crowd. If you’re reminiscing about your college days, this is the neighborhood in Seoul for you.

Cafés regularly host language exchange parties, coffee and pub crawls , and art appreciation guilds. Sometimes buskers hold small concerts in the streets, from late afternoon into the wee hours of night.

Rub elbows with the rich and famous by staying in this Seoul neighborhood . With large-scale suites with spectacular views of the Seoul night sky, this area boasts popular attractions for those with luxurious tastes.

Apgujeong-dong and Garuso-gil, for example, hold multiple high-end luxury chains with clothes made by internationally renowned designers, and worn by the famous K-Celebrities we know and love (like Lisa of BLACKPINK and V of BTS).

This is the city where tradition meets modernity, and you deserve to experience both sides during your 3 days in Seoul. This itinerary covers the basics and the must-sees of the city if you have limited time, with an optional extension to 7 days below.

Seoul Itinerary Day 1: Embracing Korea’s Traditional Side

Note: If your first day falls on a Monday or a Tuesday, you’ll want to move this day’s schedule to a later date— most of the palaces are closed on both those days.

Did you know that entry to any of the five Grand Palaces in Seoul is free when dressed in a hanbok ? Be sure to reserve a full day’s use online ahead of time to avoid the stress of long lines on the day of. The best thing about reserving online is that it also comes with a hefty discount.

Try checking the massive selection provided by the Hanboknam Gyeongbokgung Store , which actually has a Korean hairstyling service too! 

Stop 1: Gyeongbokgung Palace

Time: 9:30AM

Address: 161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Fee: Adults: ₩3,000, Children: ₩1,500; Groups have a discount, with ₩2,400 for Adults and ₩1,200 for children; It is free if you come wearing a hanbok.

The best way to start your day is to arrive at Gyeongbokgung Palace 30 minutes before it opens. That way you get to see the Opening Ceremony of the Palace Gates, and the procession that takes place as the guards shift their duties.

As you enter, the first thing you should do is fall in line to see Geunjeongjeon Hall. It’s quite a bit of a walk, and you’ll initially pass by the pumgyeseok (the markers court officials used to indicate where they should stand if the King calls for a meeting) before reaching the steps.

However, the view of the majestic ancient Korean architecture and the people wearing hanboks will make you feel like you have time-traveled all the way back to the Joseon Dynasty. As soon as you get to the red throne, you only have a few minutes to admire its splendor, so make sure to bring your camera with you.

If you’re able to join an English-language tour, your guide will certainly point out the parts of the palace that were heavily influenced by Chinese architecture , a fact quite revealing of the times.

Other notable parts of the palace are the Gyeonghoeru Pavillion, or what used to be the setting for lavish official banquets, and the beautiful Hyangwonjeong, a small temple-like structure on top of an artificial island on Hyangwonji Lake. 

There are plenty of things to do at Gyeongbokgung, but there’s a special tea ceremony that lets you drink the tea that delighted the King and Queen back then, and I’d highly recommend it. You’ll feel like royalty after just one sip. 

Stop 2: Hwangsaengga Kalguksu

Address: 78, Bukchon-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03053 South Korea

Prices: ₩₩-₩₩₩

Notorious for being the “best noodle and dumpling shop” near Gyeongbukgung Palace, expect long lines of people dying to have a taste. Since these dishes don’t take long to cook, people don’t have to wait long to try some of their most famous offerings, like the cold soybean soup or the rich ox bone noodles. 

Stop 3: National Palace Museum of Korea

Time: 2:00 PM

Address: 12 Hyoja-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Nearest Metro Stop: Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3, Exit 5)

Once you’ve enjoyed your meal, head back to the steps leading to the museum and walk further on in. This facility has everything you need if you wish to know more about Korea’s glorious and often difficult past.

Fourteen of Korea’s ‘National Treasures,’ including recovered pieces from the Joseon Dynasty and the Korean Empire, are housed in this free museum . Periodically they even host events to educate the people who come, usually involving activities like calligraphy, tea ceremonies , and even Korean traditional dance lessons.

Stop 4: Gwanghwamun Square

Time: 4:00PM

Fee: Adults: ₩3,000, Children: ₩1,500; Groups have a discount, with ₩2,400 for Adults and ₩1,200 for children.

This wide park is actually a huge commemoration site for the military strategist that led Koreans to victory during the Japanese invasion, Admiral Yi Sun-sin. His statue stands proudly next to the water fountain which entertains local kids every summer, and may be even more famous than the statue!

But this installation actually has a meaningful story behind it, because the water jets shoot exactly 18 meters high, with 300 smaller jets to symbolize the battles the Admiral fought on sea.

Meters away from the great admiral’s statue, an intimidating gold statue of Sejong the Great watches over you, perfect for taking selfies and startling visitors.

Stop 5: Cheonggyecheon Stream and Cheonggye Plaza

Time: 5:00PM

Address: 530 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul

Just a 10-minute walk from Gwanghwamun Square is a long man-made stream that doubles as a public recreation space. I recommend coming here in the late afternoon because the sunset view is legendary; you can rest your weary feet in the stream as you wait for the night to come.

By then, the lights will turn on, illuminating the traditional lanterns above and the long strip that makes the stream sparkle below. This makes for a beautiful sight, most especially if you look at it from above.

If your trip hits around summer, the sunset may come around 8PM, and the wait can get quite hot & sweaty. So if you have plans to really see the sunset, swing by Cafe imA, a coffee shop next to the Ilmin Art Museum. Visitors rave about their Hamburg Steak (₩13,500), but you can also try their desserts and waffles (₩6,500-₩8,000).

There’s also Dal.Komm Coffee on the other side of the stream, near the starting point. Most of their coffee, juice, and tea selection ranges from ₩4,100 to ₩6,100, but their Real Strawberry Lemonade (₩5,300) is the best drink to beat the summer heat.

Stop 6: Deoksugung Palace

Time: 7:00PM

Address: 99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul

Fee:  Adults: ₩1,000, Children: ₩500; Groups have a discount, with ₩800 for Adults and ₩400 for children; It is free if you come wearing a hanbok.

Cap off your first day by visiting Deoksugung , or the small palace that used to be the residence of Korea’s Royal Family. Unlike the other Five Grand Palaces , this one has the Seokjojeon , a building that features a more prominent modern & western style that King Gojong would use to enthrall the diplomats who came to visit Korea.

It’s also a beautiful sight at night, and if you arrive before 7:30 PM, you should sign up for “Seokjojeon at Night.” This is an evening tour program that lets you stroll and observe Deoksugung’s highlights, enjoy tea at the terrace, and watch a musical performance at the reception area (where the King used to meet with important figures in history).  

Seoul Itinerary Day 2: Feel Young Again in Hongdae

Stop 1: Thanks Nature Cafe 

Time: 8:30 AM

Address: 29 World cup buk-ro 4-gil, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Fee: ₩₩-₩₩₩

For breakfast , there’s a famous cafe nearby that lets you make friends with two massively fluffy and docile sheep. You can mingle with them in the playpen while waiting for your breakfast, or watch from afar if you’re just there for the pics.

They have a wide selection of coffee, smoothies, and breakfast waffles; you have to try the latter, as they only use seasonal fresh fruits on the waffles. Unfortunately, breakfast in Korea is always enjoyed at home, so not many spots are open super early.

An alternate nearby recommendation for vegans or vegetarians is Salad Brothers , a fantastic salad bar that lets you put as much dressing as you want. Their Cobb Salad is a crowd favorite because it packs quite a punch, even though the portions are small. Plus, the food is just as photogenic as their menu.

Stop 2: Coconut Box – formerly known as the Trick Eye Museum

Time: 10:00 AM

Address: 20 Hongik-ro 3-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Fee: ₩23,000  

I was sad to learn that they closed the Trick Eye Museum in Seoul; I had many fond memories there. Still, the replacement attraction of Coconut Box is a worthy visit— they reinvented the entire place into a Southeast Asian beach, with sand on the floor and wooden huts you can sit in.

You can pretend that you’re vacationing in a tropical island garden, but the real highlight of the visit is the “metaverse play” in one of their bungalows. Getting there at 10am, shortly after they open, will guarantee you’ll have the chance to enter & interact in one of the most famous paintings in the entire world: Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night.

Stop 3: Abiko Curry

Address: 25, Hongik-ro, Mapo-gu Hotel Seokyo Annex B106, Seoul

Fee: ₩-₩₩

If you’re craving a good Japanese curry, Abiko Curry lets you enjoy variations of this dish at a reasonable price. Sure it’s a little cramped, but if you don’t mind that, I swear their tonkatsu is to die for, and Koreans basically consider it a local dish at this point. Set meals are also good for sharing, and the servers are kind to foreigners. 

Stop 4: Caface Seoul

Address: 20 Hongik-ro 3-gil, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Near Abiko Curry stands Caface Seoul. This popular spot is one of those ‘only in Korea’ kind of things, that lets you have your face printed as latte art. This is also the perfect way to commemorate your day in Hongdae, and then bring your masterpiece on a stroll around the neighborhood.

Just give them any of the selfies you took earlier, hand over ₩2700, and you can have a “face latte.” I know you’re too pretty to drink, but their coffee definitely tastes better warm – so drink it while it’s hot!

Stop 5: Hongdae Shopping Street

Time: 3:00 PM

Address: 365-8 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul

In any trip, it is important to have a bit of time to do some quick retail therapy. In Hongdae, where the hip, young, and fashionable gather, most of the clothes for sale are aimed at the younger crowd.

But it’s amazing how much branded stuff has heavy discounts here, albeit mostly ‘free size’ (generically large or stretchy clothes), and there are a lot of ‘2 items for $8’ offers.

Stop 6: Mapogalmaegi

Time: 7:00 PM

Address: 14 Hongik-ro 5an-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Expect lots of young women in here, because this restaurant is located close to Ehwa Women’s University. I’m a meat-lover, so I can’t let you vacation in Seoul without eating in at least one typical barbecue-type restaurant.

All Korean BBQ spots are best enjoyed with a group of people due to the layout, but most places will accept a single person unless they’re packed. Aside from meat, this spot offers soju or beer, and you can try a variety of delicious banchan to go with your meats of choice.

Another option is the Analog Garden, a charming coffee house that serves delicious salads. Though most of their dishes have meat and egg in it, a there's a vegan-friendly option called the "Falafel Wrap" worth ₩7,500.

If that is too small for you, get the "Falafel Plate" instead for ₩11,000. But what people actually come for is a homemade fake-meat set meal (soy-based), that’s said to go well with their roasted coffee.

Stop 7: Come back to Hongdae Shopping Street

Time: 9:00 PM

Come back here after dinner, because this is when the buskers come to perform. Around the performance areas are food stalls packed with delicious Korean foods for a couple bucks each; if you couldn’t or didn’t want to eat KBBQ for dinner, you can find something here.

The beauty about this place is that you can stay out late and still spot people roaming around, browsing and entering restaurants and bars. This is why most shops close past midnight here.

Seoul Itinerary Day 3: See Iconic Locations in Seoul

Stop 1: K-Pop Square

Time: 10:30 AM

Address: Right outside Samseong Station, Exit 5

K-Pop Square is a large public area in Samseong, featuring a massive LED-screen that promotes show-stopping performances from the past. This is an ode to K-Pop, which is responsible for a large portion of the country’s tourism, and why Korea is so well known across the world.

Fans will also be happy to know that somewhere in the area is a wall that lets them hold hands with their favorite idols. Also known as the “K-Pop Handprint Wall,” big stars like BTS, Shinee, and even EXO are among the artists featured here.

Stop 2: Statue of Gangnam Style

Time: 10:45 AM

Address: 524 Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

At first I just thought this was a strange gold installation of two hands shielding you from the sun, but when I finally got close to it, I knew immediately who it was: Psy oppa !

Though this ‘Gentleman’ has been relatively quiet since his 2012 hit, the song Gangnam Style remains in the Youtube hall of fame as one of the fastest to hit a billion views. If you know how to dance Gangnam Style, this is the perfect location for you to shoot a dance cover of the video. 

Stop 3: Bongeunsa Seoraewon ( 봉은사 서래원)

Address: 531 Bongeunsa-ro, Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Imagine enjoying a warm meal inside a small Korean temple, without ever leaving Seoul. Bongeunsa Seoraewon lets you have that experience in the heart of the city, and the noodle prices are affordable too; most especially the sets.

After your meal, you can just walk outside and visit Bongeunsa Temple directly. What’s cool about this place is that it also has options for vegans (ask for their Bongeun Tofu).

Stop 4: COEX Starfield Library

Time: 1:30 PM

Address: 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

This is by far the most famous library in Seoul. It’s a real operating library, located inside the largest underground shopping mall in all of Asia: CoEx Starfield. Book lovers will cry at the sight of tens of thousands of books filling the 13-meter shelves.

Visitors also come to watch famous authors do book signing events, and famous poets visit to motivate young children to write.

The downside about this place is only that it is always crowded and noisy – it’s hard to appreciate the rare book you found if there are couples chatting on either side of you. But did I mention that this space is free? This is why people often try to sneak out the books, which I discourage you from trying. 

Stop 5: COEX Aquarium

Time: 5:00 PM

Address: 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, 서울특별시

Fee: Adults: ₩28,000; Children: ₩24,000; Senior Citizens: ₩20,000

CoEx Aquarium in Seoul is for those who want to see marine life up close, with more than a hundred display tanks and over 40,000 sea creatures in various themed zones. Shark lovers will be thrilled to know that this is the aquarium that houses the highest number of sharks in Korea.

Touch pools also let you feel the fish (like the manta ray), allowing you to have a healing experience with nature in a safe setting.

Stop 6: Gosoo Dalgalbi Gangnam

Time: 7:30 PM

Address: 20, Teheran-ro 5-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Fee: Adults: ₩-₩₩

For dinner, you should definitely try the tastiest dakgalbi in Seoul. This is a famous Korean dish not common internationally, but very popular domestically. The dish consists of loads of chopped cabbage with tender bits of chicken rib meat, stir-fried in a thick, spicy sauce (that tastes so much better with cheese, in my opinion!).

What’s so wonderful about this place is that their special, the 치즈모듬사리 ( Cheese Modeumsari ), is a party plate full of cheesy rice cake and glass noodles that is perfect for sharing.

For a fun vegan option, come to Veg Green, a delicious vegan buffet that has a homey vibe - the staff will still smile at you, even if you come late at night for dinner. At just ₩12,000 per person, it’s full of options for those who enjoy large mixed salads, including fruits and jam in a cozy ambiance.

Stop 7: GSM Terrace

Address: 327-45 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Fee: Adults: ₩10,000 for unlimited drinks

Friends are important, and meeting fun people from diverse, cultural backgrounds may also make your stay in Korea a fulfilling one. Sure, it’s an activity for international people, but you may spot some Koreans who are seeking places to practice their English.

Additionally, you can play all sorts of games with them if you run out of things to talk about. Everything comes easy and natural here, and all people are welcome to join in the fun.

If you find that 3 days in Seoul is not enough, you’re not alone. Most visitors spend 5-7 days in Seoul to get a taste of the culture, nightlife, and food in Korea.

The suggestions below are ideal for people who are looking for other things to visit on their Seoul vacation, since the first three days have pretty much hit all the popular places. A good alternative to Everland is Lotte World.

Seoul Itinerary Day 4: Everland Theme Park

Everland is a popular theme park in Seoul, perfect for people who just want to have a magical day with their date, family, or friends. With over 40 attractions scattered across five different themed areas, it might take an entire day or two to exhaust all of the attractions.

What I love about this place is that it always has festivals and seasonal events to entertain guests of all ages.

Operating Hours: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Address: 199 Everland-ro, Pogog-eup, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do

Fee: Adults: ₩54,000 to ₩64,000; Children: ₩43,000 to ₩51,000; If you want to skip the line, you can buy the tickets ahead of time . There’s also a fun option of wearing a Korean school uniform, which you can rent online or on-site.

Stop 1: Global Fair

If you’ve always wanted to travel to far-flung destinations, this fair lets you see the world all at once. Historical structures, both existing and ancient, line one area of this zone - and here you can see various architecture from different points in time, instantly turning you into a time traveler.

Stop 2: Live Hologram Adventure (Global Fair)

Time: 11:00 AM

Never been to a K-Pop concert before? That’s okay, because the Live Hologram Adventure lets you experience a 30-minute snippet of a K-Pop concert in high definition.

If you also decide to take pictures and videos, it’d look so realistic that you can trick your friends into thinking that you actually went to a BIGBANG concert.

Stop 3: Snack Buster for Lunch

When you’re in a theme park , you need a lot of grub to keep your energy levels high. Unlike other theme parks with food in small, reduced servings, Snack Buster has generous servings of high-quality Korean foods sold at an affordable price.

I highly recommend their Korean fried chicken with french fries and tteokbokki, because it’ll come in a plate that’s big enough to share with your family or friends.

Stop 4: Carnival Square (European Adventure)

Time: 2:30 PM

Around this time you should join the people gathering by the Carnival Square, because this is when you get to witness a spectacular event only seen in Everland.

Here they’ll launch flowery floats with vivacious dancers and mascots, all inviting you to come join their party. Imagine being in Rio de Janeiro, but when you leave, you’re back in Korea.

Stop 5: Panda World (Zootopia)

Time: 3:15 PM

Need I say more? Pandas are such gentle creatures, and imagine entering a world full of these adorable bears. Everland’s Zootopia should be in your Seoul itinerary for this very reason. If you don’t like pandas and prefer a different animal, then next to this enclosure is the Friendly Monkey Valley.

Stop 6: Lost Valley (Zootopia)

Enjoy zipping through a safari, riding a tram that crosses difficult terrain dotted with real animals. To enjoy this experience, then join the queue at the Lost Valley, where you’ll find your ride crossing the stream.

The trip will take you  into landscaped enclosures full of large animals including elephants, giraffes, camels, and rhinos. And then, if there’s still time, your guide will let you hand-feed these animals, giving you a chance to interact with them up close.

Step 7: Thunder Falls (Magic Land)

Time: 6:00 PM

Speaking of getting wet, there’s a fun flume ride in Everland that features backward drops and steep falls. It’s such a thrill to be on this ride, and the danger can be so exhilarating! But if you need more adrenaline rush, see if you can queue for the T-Express (aka. Everland’s Scariest Ride).

Step 8: Robot VR and Gyro VR (American Adventure)

Have you ever fantasized about channeling your inner Han Solo? These rides let you pilot a futuristic spaceship and navigate the stars. Sci-fi fans love this ride because the effects feel so real— the ride itself even follows the joystick you’re controlling!

Step 9: Four Seasons Garden & Rose Garden

Time: 8:00 PM

When the sun sets, this is the best area to end your day in Everland.  There’s always a light show with fireworks around this time, and a variety of performances that go along with it.

Seoul Itinerary Day 5: Feel the National Pride

As a tourist, one of the best ways to experience Korea is to visit the location where they played host to countries from all over the world. Coming here, you’ll see the effort Korea puts forth in promoting peace and harmony, as well as soak in the welcoming spirit. Plus, Olympic Park is 100% free to visit!

Stop 1: World Peace Gate

Time: 9:30 AM

Address: 424 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul

The World Peace Gate is a marvelous winged structure that reveals a beautiful painting of a phoenix, tiger, turtle, and a dragon if you stand beneath it. This is called “A Painting of Four Spirits,” signifying the desire of Korea to be friends with everybody in the world.

As you stand underneath, it’s like a gate that genuinely welcomes you to enter and experience Korea. I’ve always thought it was a beautiful place to stand and reflect on your experiences in the country.

Stop 2: Olympic Museum

Learn more about the athletes that represented Korea in the past Olympic Games! Documentation about Korea’s best athletes, their training process, and even their histories are comprehensively explained here. Also, thanks to this museum, you’ll get to closely observe the gear used in the recent 2018 Winter Olympic Games in PyeongChang. 

Stop 3: Olympic Park’s Peace Square

Address: 326, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul

If you time your visit around the last week of September to the first week of October this year, there will be a grand festival called the Hanseong Baekje Cultural Festival in the Olympic Park’s Peace Square.

Coming here lets you experience the rich Hanseong era in Korea, featuring food tastings, tea ceremonies, parades and performances, and even a demonstration of a hawk-aided hunting!

Moreover, the reason why they’re holding it here is because the Mongchontoseong Fortress area is known to be a remnant of the Baekje capital. Hopefully you’ll get to see this festival in person, because it truly is a fascinating way to learn more about Korea’s fascinating past.

Stop 4: Bukchon Hanok Village

Time: 4:00 PM

Address: 37, Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Perhaps one of the oldest villages in Seoul, this area dates back all the way to the Joseon Dynasty. Also called the “northern village,” this is also where two significant Seoul landmarks, Cheonggyecheon Stream and Jongno, are located.

What’s admirable about this area is that people hold traditional events here, giving curious tourists an opportunity to get to know the Joseon dynasty even better. Fun activities such as hanbok wearing, etiquette demonstration, and even tea ceremonies are hosted by the people here, and all of these usually occur in the afternoon.

Stop 5: Insadong Street

Address: Insadong, Jongro-gu, Seoul

One of the popular destinations in Korea, Insadong Street has a long array of lively stalls and shops to give you something to look at everywhere.This is also the best place to grab a quick snack, because they serve a variety of Korean foods you should make it a point to try.

If you’re interested in trying something new and enjoy green tea , track down O’Sulloc Tea House and order their matcha cake. Since this is one of your last days in Seoul, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that Insadong is one of the best places to buy souvenirs for your family and friends!

Stop 6: Noryangjin Fish Market

Address: 674 Nodeul-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul

I know that capping your day in a fish market is unusual, but after you swing by Insadong Street, head to the Jonggak Station and ride the subway to Noryangjin , because this is where people can eat the freshest seafood in Seoul.

You can even try the unique dishes they serve, most especially try delicacies that you definitely haven’t before - like the penis fish. You should come try the small octobps, king crab, and hwe (sliced raw fish) here, for example.

Don’t be shy if you can’t speak a lick of Korean because the people are so used to seeing foreigners that they have devised a way to make things easier and enjoyable for you.

Seoul Itinerary Day 6: See Korea’s Highest Point

Stop 1: Namsan Park

Address: 231, Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul

This public park is a nature-friendly rest area smack in the middle of the city. It has clear walking trails leading to Namsan Seoul tower, but I’d encourage you to take your time appreciating this quiet, vast expanse, because it has more facilities than your average park.

Aside from seeing gardens and free physical activity facilities, there’s also a library, a botanical garden, a memorial hall, and a culture center. 

Stop 2: Mok Myeong San Bang

Address: 71 Toegye-ro 20-gil, Namsandong 2-ga, Jung-gu 1F, Hannam Building, Seoul 04629 South Korea

People might have a hard time locating this place, but keep your eyes peeled for a hanok within Namsan Park. Mok Myeong San Bang is a vegetarian-friendly, healthy, traditional lunch restaurant that serves authentic Korean cuisine.

In fact, they pride themselves as chefs who never use artificial seasoning. I highly recommend their bibimbap , which is known to be the best in Seoul, but you should explore dishes like the crispy cheesy pancake and the yukhoe (raw beef).

Stop 3: Namsangol Hanok Village

Address: 28 Toegye-ro 34-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

After a savory lunch, walk to Namsangol Hanok Village on the north side of Namsan Mountain. Here you get to see homes that were restored to their original form to give tourists a sense of how people in the Joseon dynasty used to live.

Sometimes you may chance upon demonstrations that show people how to play a traditional board game ( yunnori ) or fold a traditional paper called hanji . Sometimes there’s also a fun segment on how traditional herbal medicines are made and used.

Stop 4: N Seoul Tower

Time: 4:30 PM

Address: 105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Fee: (Observatory) Adults: ₩11,000; Children: ₩9,000

Also known as the second highest tower in Seoul, Namsan Tower’s Observation Deck provides an unobstructed view of the whole city. There’s also a powerful telescope available for use that lets you have a high quality LCD view of wherever you’re pointing it at. 

Aside from museums and exhibitions, what people really come here for is attaching their own lock to Love Lock Bridge. This is the infamous site in Seoul where couples fasten a lock to symbolize their everlasting love— hence why there’s an area full of locks, and a booth that lets you customize your own to add to the bridge.

Stop 5: Lotte World Tower

Address: 300, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul

Fee: Adults: ₩27,000; Children: ₩24,000; Fast Pass for all ages: ₩50,000

After seeing the second highest point, go to the tallest building in the entirety of Korea! Lotte World Tower, just 55 minutes away from Namsangol Hanok Village. Sleek and slender with a gentle curved design, you can end your evening in a fantastically fast elevator, taking you directly to the highest point in Korea.

The ride also allows you to take great photos, because you get to see the entire city transition to night time as you arrive. Inside you can also test your courage as you walk through the highest indoor glass floor, giving you perspective of how high up in the sky you are (and how teeny every person looks from above).

Seoul Itinerary Day 7: Enjoy the Night at Dongdaemun

Stop 1: Dongdaemun Seonggwak Park

Address: right outside Dongdaemun Station Exit 1

If you feel like doing a bit of walking in the afternoon, this little tourist trap has an uphill road that takes you to a nice park. It’s not as pretty as the other ones, but it has everything you need, and it's very conveniently located for a chill afternoon out.

Since it is a little bit elevated, you get to have a clear view of Dongdaemun , which lets you see the fusion of traditional and modern elements scattered around the city. Moreover, this is where the beautiful Heunginmun gate is located, perfect for pictures on your last day in Seoul.

Stop 2: Heunginjimun (Dongdaemun Gate)

Address: 288 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Don’t skip this gate before you leave. This is an ancient monument which used to stretch longer, as it used to be a fortress with three other gates. All four gates apparently have a meaning attached to their name, and Heunginjimun is loosely translated as “benevolence, with good energy.”

There’s also a semi-circular ongsung inside, which is a pagoda-like traditional structure that makes it stand out compared to the existing gates in Seoul. Plus, the reason we’re coming to see it at 6pm is because it lights up beautifully against the backdrop of cars.

Stop 3: Bulgwangsikdang ( 부광식당 )

Time: 6:30 PM

Address: 207-26 Sungin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Not many are comfortable in crowded places, but for this one, most will surely make an exception. If you feel like eating a proper home-cooked meal for dinner, this is the best option in Seoul. Since this is more frequented by the elderly and locals, most of the meals are made to appeal to their taste.

But who knows, you might find your favorite Korean meal here! Plus, the owners are kind and friendly, making it a less intimidating place for foreigners to try. Vegans might want to swing by Vegan is Hip (비건이즈힙), a wide sandwich and waffle bar that offers choices that range from sweet potato, tofu salad, fruits, and vegetables.

Their waffles are super delicious, even if they are made with rice flour and plant-based cream, a combination that most non-vegans find challenging to like. If you choose to come here, try their apple jam whipped cream waffle, and you won’t regret it.

Stop 4: Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Address: 43 Eulji-ro 45-gil, Sindang-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul

See that majestic neon embryo thing? That’s Dongdaemun Design Plaza. This huge building is absolutely worth seeing at night, since it glows brightly and makes for a good aerial photo. There are lots of free things to do inside since this also doubles as a museum and an exhibition center.

Speaking of which, there’s a large LED screen that allows you to relax your eyes with soothing colors that dance along to therapeutic music. Take your time strolling around inside. There are plenty of fun things you can do, like browse inside for things to buy or check out the books on the shelves.

You can even play on the funny chairs that let you spin without falling! There are also rest areas that let you charge your phones while you sip the coffee from the food carts outside. If you’re a K-Pop fan and you like artists from SM Entertainment, you’ll be happy to know that SM Town is inside.

Stop 5: Dongdaemun Night Market

Time: 10:30 PM

The reason you should come here late in the day is to experience one of the best night markets in Seoul . Known as a fashion destination throughout Seoul, plenty of people frequent Dongdaemun Night Market to shop, play, and eat. The best part? Most of the stalls are open until as late as 5am!

So you’re finally coming to Korea. Your bags are packed and your ticket is ready. Congratulations! But before you leave, here are helpful tips for visiting Korea that you might want to read before you arrive.

• Learn some key phrases in Hangul – or download Papago

While most of the buildings and public spaces in Seoul provide English translations for foreigners, it is rarely enough to travel without learning a few key phrases . Trust me, you’ll want to know what to say if you need to know where the nearest station is or the cost of something.

If you cannot cram these many Korean phrases into your memory, I can relate, and I recommend that you have the Papago translation app ready to assist you just in case.

• Learn basic etiquette 

Of course people don’t expect you to bow everywhere, but you should show them respect. One way to do this is, when you are giving or receiving things, you use both of your hands. As a foreigner, never call strangers ‘ahjussi’ or ‘ahjumma’ if you happen to talk to them, and most of all, learn how to respectfully address people in Korea .

• You can connect to the internet almost everywhere in Korea, but get a sim card or wifi egg just to be safe 

Don’t assume that everywhere you go, the Internet will always be with you; most Koreans have cell phones with unlimited data now, so wifi is ironically harder to access. One of the hacks I’ve used to be able to connect while on the go is to find a metro station and connect to the free Wi-Fi in there.

But in cases where a station is quite far from you, and you need to use apps like KakaoMaps to sort out your route, it’s best to have a Korean sim card handy.

• Bring a power bank!

You never know when you’ll run out of battery, and Korea is a big city. Even though cafes let people stay for a long time, you may happen to come on days when most are either closed or crowded, so you can’t count on that.

Sometimes you can visit a convenience store and ask if they have ports to charge your phone, but if you don’t want a dead battery to ruin your trip, take a power bank with you (or buy one when you arrive).

• Don’t rely on Google Maps

I cannot stress this enough! Google Maps doesn’t work in Korea, and what’s worse is that what they tell you is rarely accurate. Instead, download Kakao-brand apps when possible. Even though KakaoMaps is made primarily for Koreans in Korea, it is foreigner-friendly and even has an English version.

• Ride public transportation instead of taxis

Taxis are expensive, but Seoul is even more expensive. Also known as the 7 th most expensive capital in the world, most of the fun things to do require you to shell out more money than you might want to.

So to save on your vacation to Seoul, when you can, choose to ride the subway or the bus. Both systems are very clean, extensive, and reliable.

• Carry your own trash

Bring your trash back home with you. Unlike other cities where you can freely throw garbage in any bin, Seoul has very few public trash cans and a very specific system for sorting their waste.

In South Korea, there’s actually a national Zero Waste Policy which has resulted in 5 different types of trash and recyclables, each of which warrant a separate type of bin (I got a stern talking-to a few times over the years for using the wrong types of bags to toss my various types of trash).

I know this has been quite the Seoul travel guide, but that’s just proof that there’s plenty of things to do in Seoul. So whether you’re in Seoul for a week or just three days, I hope this Seoul itinerary can help you make the most of your trip.

More South Korea

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vincent Liptrot says

July 13, 2023 at 2:57 am

great info in here about Seoul. As you can see many fun places are in small allies and harder to reach places. it can be tricky to navigate on your own an tiring by foot to get between sights, though have a wonderful time in Seoul and enjoy this excellent blog!

July 16, 2023 at 10:05 am

Thanks, Vincent!

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12 Reasons Why You Should Visit Taipei at Least Once in Your Lifetime

Taipei is now one of Asia ’s most popular tourist destinations, with Taiwan ’s capital city seeing tourist numbers increase dramatically over the last decade in particular. Whether it’s the amazing buildings or the unique shopping experiences that form part of the attraction, here are twelve reasons we believe Taipei warrants a place on your travel bucket list.

The perfect hosts, the people of Taipei are so eager to engage with their tourist visitors that it’s not uncommon for locals to strike up conversations with a complete stranger in the street. This is particularly true if said stranger is entangled in the accoutrements of a tourist and looks quite lost. Visit Taipei just once, and you’re guaranteed to make at least one local friend for life.

The street food

It matters not what neighborhood your hotel is in or how close it is to a night market, take a walk down a Taipei street, and within fifty paces you’ll find a street vendor selling something delicious on a stick. The street food in Taipei is beyond compare. Of course, many will point out that other cities in Taiwan are just as diverse in their streetside culinary delights, but in Taipei, there’s just so much to choose from.

The night markets

Quite possibly the single most important aspect of a Taipei resident’s choice of home is the proximity to the local night market. Less than a five-minute walk is ideal, while a five-minute scooter ride is acceptable – anything else and a landlord has no chance renting out that nice apartment. The night markets of Taipei are a rather pleasant assault on the senses – the sounds, the smells, the tastes, and the sights are things that once experienced, are never forgotten.

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The incredible buildings

Sure, everyone thinks of Taipei 101 when they consider a trip to the Taiwan, but in truth, the one-time tallest building in the world isn’t actually the most impressive Taipei has to offer. From the incredible Grand Hotel to the stunning Longshan Temple, there’s much more to Taipei’s architecture than a single skyscraper.

Grand Hotel, 1 Zhongshan North Road Section 4, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan

Longshan Temple, 211 Guangzhou Street, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan

Taipei has a reputation as a city that never sleeps, and the clubs throughout the capital do their best to maintain that position of renown. Quite often going until dawn, a night out clubbing in Taipei usually ends with a ride home on the next morning’s MRT metro. From salsa to hip hop, if it’s worth dancing to then there’s a club in Taipei that’s playing your tune.

The museums

As the capital city, Taipei has many of the leading museums in the country. The National Palace Museum is home to one of the largest collections of Chinese imperial artefacts in the world, while the National Taiwan Science Education Center is full of interesting exhibitions and activities.

The National Palace Museum, 221 Zhishan Road Section 2, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan

National Taiwan Science Education Center, 189 Shishang Road, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan

1. The amazing parks

Forest, Park

The people of Taipei live in a built-up city with a lot of traffic, but to counterbalance this, the government has made sure that there are plenty of green spaces throughout the capital . From the huge Da’an Forest Park to the many riverside parks and their endless cycle paths, Taipei has plenty of spots to get away from the bustle of city life.

Da’an Forest Park, 1 Xinsheng South Road Section 2, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan

The shopping

From thrift stores to designer boutiques, the shopping possibilities in Taipei are endless. The many night markets offer incredible savings on budget clothing, while the city’s huge number of department stores stock all the latest fashions from the world’s biggest brands and labels.

The coffee shops

For the busy citizens of Taipei, a much-needed caffeine shot is never more than a few minutes’ walk away as the city is crammed with innumerable cafés and coffee shops . While it’s tea that the country is most often associated with, it’s coffee that its capital city’s residents imbibe in great quantities.

2. The souvenirs

No matter the budget, Taipei has the right souvenir for you to take home from your trip. Try the Taiwan Handicraft Promotion Center located near Taipei Main Station for souvenirs to suit all tastes.

Taiwan Handicraft Promotion Center 1 Xuzhou Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan

The markets

Not to be confused with the night markets, Taipei has quite a few other markets where visitors can buy everything from stunning pieces of jewelry at the Jade Market to the latest parts for your computer at Guang Hua Digital Plaza.

Jade Market, Jianguo South Road Section 1, Daan District, Taipei City, Taiwan

Guang Hua Digital Plaza, 8 Civic Blvd Section 3, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan

3. The hot springs

Head out on the MRT to Xinbeitou, and you’ll find that there are scores of hotels that offer both private and public hot spring facilities. It’s the best way to relieve the stress of a long-haul flight or your days and nights of hitting the markets around the city.

Xinbeitou MRT Station, 700 Daye Road, Beitou District, Taipei City, Taiwan

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Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

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Girl Eat World

A girl's adventure in food and travel around the world, taipei itinerary: complete travel guide and things to do in taipei.

So, I’ve been pretty lucky to have been able to visit Taipei multiple times in the past decade. In total, I’ve visited Taipei three times: Once when I was a newbie traveler in 2011, then once more in 2018 when I got to go on a food marathon , and then most recently after COVID restrictions were lifted in 2023.

From the fact that I kept coming back, you could tell that I really enjoyed my time in Taipei. After all.. what’s not to like? The city is easy to travel in, you can find affordable and delicious food anywhere, and the people are friendly and polite. Taiwan is definitely one of my favorite countries to visit, so I’m here to impart my knowledge to make your trip to Taipei easier!

Taipei Travel Tips for First-time Visitors

How many days should i spend in taipei, when is the best time to visit taipei, how to get to taipei city from the airport, how to get around taipei, where to stay in taipei, what to eat in taipei.

• Taipei Itinerary Example

What to do in Taipei

Recommended trips from taipei.

One of the reasons why I kept coming back is because Taipei is a very safe and tourist-friendly city. I saw it as a combination of Japan, Shanghai, and Singapore. When you don’t have to worry about safety, things are cool and dandy. I was not concerned to go by myself, even as a solo female traveler.

Here are some tips that would make your trip even easier:

1. Buy a prepaid SIM Card – I cannot stress how important it is to have an internet connection during your visit to Taiwan, especially if you don’t speak the language. With an internet connection, you can easily find directions, research on the go, and translate what you need to say into the local language.

You can get your prepaid SIM card here and pick it up when you are at the airport. The pickup counter is located right where you exit the immigration section.

I find that the validity of the SIM card excludes the day of activation. For example, I bought a 5-day SIM card – I landed on April 19 in the afternoon and activated the SIM card right away, and the SIM card worked until April 24 at 23:59.

2. Buy an EasyCard – EasyCard is the transport card used across Taiwan. It works on the local trains as well as buses. You’ll definitely want to get the card so that you can use public transport easily while you’re in Taiwan.

You can get your EasyCard here and pick it up when you are at the airport.

I recommend preloading it with around NT$ 400 of balance, depending on how long you’re going to be in Taiwan. A train/bus ride usually costs NT$ 15-18 per way and the airport MRT costs NT$ 160 one way. Don’t worry about putting in too much money – you can return the balance of the EasyCard later at the end of the trip, minus NT$ 100 for the cost of the card.

3. Buy Taipei attractions tickets via Klook – During my time in Taiwan, I bought all of the ticket attractions from Klook. It was super easy as Klook provides direct entry for most attractions, meaning you don’t need to redeem another ticket – just show the QR code from your voucher!

What is Klook? Klook is the leading travel and experiences booking website in Asia. And yes, they are legit! I personally always book my activities through them whenever I am traveling. See my review of Klook here .

4. Download Google Maps – This is my tip for pretty much every destination. Pre-download Google Maps so that you can use it when you don’t have the internet on your phone. Not only that, it will help you keep your data usage down! Here is how to download maps offline .

5. Download the traditional Chinese language pack from Google Translate – Taiwan uses traditional Chinese, so download the traditional Chinese language pack from Google Translate! You can then use this to take a picture of any text you need to be translated and Google will provide a translation for it. It doesn’t always work perfectly, but it’s better than nothing.

6. Download Uber – Uber basically owns this city. From food delivery to ride-sharing, you can get it easily via Uber. I’m pretty sure I don’t need to explain what Uber is to you, just make sure you have the app downloaded on your phone. I find that the Uber rate in this city is very reasonable, and might be cheaper than taxis.

7. Luggage storage at the train station – If you need to check out of your accommodation and your flight is not til night time, there are plenty of lockers at the station, especially major stations like Taipei Main Station. Also, don’t be deceived by the size of the locker from the outside – each locker can fit a lot! We managed to fit 2 of our carry-on luggage and 3 backpacks inside. Just make sure you remember which lockers you’ve put your stuff into because the main station is huge and you don’t want to lose your luggage later on.

8. Monitor the weather – If you happen to visit during rainy or colder months, you can monitor the weather forecast here or see the rain weather radar here . That said, on my recent visit it was forecasted to rain a lot, but in the end, it only rained on the first day. I also find that the rain is not too bad – usually just a drizzle.

9. Go on a free walking tour in Taipei – This is a great way to get yourself familiarized with Taipei, while learning the history and culture of Taipei. The tour is free, but tips are encouraged!

Taipei is a large city. You won’t run out of things to do here. If this is your first time visiting Taipei and you want to see most of the must-do things, I recommend spending at least 2 days in Taipei, maybe 3 days if you want to take things slow or if you want to take day trips outside of Taipei.

I would recommend visiting Taipei from March to April when the weather is still somewhat cooler and there is not much rain. Starting from mid-May, it might get hot and a little bit rainy in Taiwan. There is also a possibility of typhoons in the region around September or October. November to December might also be a good time to visit when it’s not yet too cold.

I personally visited Taiwan in April, May, and November. Out of those times, I feel April was the best for me personally. In April, the weather in Taipei is still cool, but not too cold. There could be some rain but in my experience, it was only minimal, barely a drizzle.

Getting to Taipei City, where you’d likely be staying, is easy from the Taoyuan Airport. Here are some ways you can get there:

1. Take the Airport MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) from Taoyuan Airport

Taking the MRT to Taipei City is really easy from Taoyuan International Airport. From Terminal 1 or 2, once you’ve exited the immigration area, just look for the sign that says “MRT”. The train will take you to Taipei Main Station, and from there you can resume your journey via the Taipei Metro train to the closest station to your destination.

The MRT journey from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei Main Station will cost NT$ 160 , while the metro will cost NT$ 18 per ride.

Use Easy Card – All of the train journeys, including the airport MRT, can be paid for by just tapping the EasyCard at the gantry, which is why I recommend buying the EasyCard and pick up at the airport !

When taking the MRT from Taoyuan Airport, make sure you take the express train and not the commuter train! It will be about 15 minutes faster because there are fewer stops. You can check the train schedule on Google Maps.

2. Private Car from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei City

If you’re traveling with a lot of luggage, you might want to book your own private car to take you from the airport .

A quick search seems to say this is cheaper or comparable to taking Uber or Taxi. It cost us NT$ 1,200 to take Uber to our hotel in the Zhongxiao Fuxing / Da’an area, but only NT$ 1,080 using the link above to the same destination.

3. Take an Uber or Yellow Taxi

If all else fails, Taxi and Uber are plenty in Taipei. For a quick price reference, it cost us NT$ 1,200 to take Uber to our hotel in the Zhongxiao Fuxing / Da’an area from the Taoyuan International Airport.

As I said before, Taipei is a really tourist-friendly city. And part of the reason why that’s so is because it’s easy to get around in Taipei! Here are your options:

By Train (Taipei Metro) – This is my favorite option to explore Taipei. Taking the train is the most convenient method: it’s safe, clean, and most of the instructions will be in English. The train comes every 5 minutes and there are plenty of stations close to most tourist attractions. A ride on the train costs NT$ 18 per ride.

By Bus – The bus in Taipei is not a terrible way to travel. Most bus stops in Taipei will even have a display sign that tells you when the next bus will arrive. However, the frequency of the bus is way less than the train. Some buses might even only come once every 30 minutes. A ride on the bus costs NT$ 18 per ride.

Ride-sharing via Uber – I’m pretty sure I don’t need to explain what Uber is to you. I find that the Uber rate in this city is very reasonable. I took Uber many times when I was in Taipei when I don’t feel like walking or dealing with public transport.

Yellow Taxi – The yellow taxi can be easily hailed in the city and other touristy spots. They are a good alternative if you don’t want to use Uber.

Any location close to a metro station would be good, but I would recommend staying near the following stations specifically:

• Taipei Main Station – This will be convenient if you plan to travel to other parts of Taiwan that might require inter-city travel by train. Most of the journey will begin at Taipei Main Station. It’s also close to other locations like Ximending and Zhongshan station.
• Ximen Station / Ximending – This area is great for shopping with tons of food nearby. It’s fairly close to Taipei Main Station.
• Zhongxiao Fuxing station – on the blue and brown line, easy to reach from Taipei Main Station and takes you from central to west or east (Sun yat sen memorial hall) easily. Zhongxiao Fuxing is a convenient area with lots of shops and restaurants.
• Da’an station – on the red and brown line, easy to reach from Taipei Main Station and takes you from central to west or east (Taipei 101) easily. The Da’an area is very nice and quiet but still has a lot of eateries around.

Here are some of my recommended hotels:

• Kimpton Da An Hotel – Located within a few minutes walk to Zhongxiao Fuxing Station. One of the most convenient locations in the city!
• Star Hostel Taipei Main Station – If you’re looking for a budget dorm near the main station, this is it! The hostel is clean and modern. Their amenities are really nice and the staff speaks English. They also give you a good breakfast for free with each stay. Towels can be rented for NT$ 30. The location is only a 5-minute walk from Taipei Main Station (Y13 exit). A stay at one of the 6-bed female dorms cost me only NT$ 936.

• Hotel Howard Plaza Taipei – This is an older hotel located strategically between Zhongxiao Fuxing and Da’an station. Even though the hotel is a bit dated, their rooms are very spacious. There are tons of buses that stop directly outside of the hotel, and you have the option to walk 7-8 minutes to either Zhongxiao Fuxing or Da’an station.

There is so much good food in Taipei, that I’ve dedicated a separate post for food in Taipei.

For more ideas on what to eat in Taipei, check out my must-eats in Taipei !

3-Day Taipei Itinerary Example

In order to make your trip more efficient, here are my recommended way to group the spots to see in Taipei so that you don’t have to travel back and forth. You don’t need to do them in the exact same order as below, just take note of the grouping!

Day 1: West Taipei

• Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
• Walk around Zhongshan District
• Ximending in the afternoon or nighttime
• Ningxia Night Market for dinner

Day 2: East Taipei

Songshan cultural and creative park.

• National Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall
• Taipei 101 Observatory
• Elephant Mountain trek
• Raohe Night Market

Day 3: Central Taipei and everything else

• National Palace Museum

Huashan 1914 Creative Park

• Shida Night Market or Shilin Night Market

Day 4: Trips outside of Taipei

There are plenty of quick day trips or short 1-2 day trips you can do from Taipei. I’ll elaborate more in the “ Recommended trips from Taipei ” section below. However, if this is your first time in Taiwan, I recommend visiting Jiufen for a quick day trip!

Taipei is a large metropolitan city, and there are lots to do here! In no particular order, here are some things you can do when you’re in the city.

1. Taipei 101 Observatory

As the name suggests, this building stands at 101 floors. It is currently the tallest building in Taiwan. At the time of its completion in 2004, Taipei 101 was even the tallest building in the world, standing at 508m, until Burj Khalifa in Dubai took the throne five years later.

Entry to Taipei 101 is timed, so I definitely recommend pre-booking Taipei 101 tickets online via Klook to guarantee entry at the time you want. Plus, it could be cheaper via Klook sometimes!

The regular ticket gets you access to the observatory on the 88th and 89th floors. There are some photo props up there you’d want to take photos with, but the most exciting part for me is that you’ll get to see the tuned mass damper . This is the technology that is responsible for the stability of Taipei 101 during the event of a strong wind or earthquake.

The mass damper is stationary most of the time (and really, you would want it to be stationary while you’re up there) but you will be able to see a video of it in action during the 2015 earthquake, as well as scientific explanations on how and why it works. Super cool!

You can buy an extra ticket that lets you go up to the 101st floor, but as someone who has been there before… I think the 88th and 89th floors will do just fine. The 101st floor is definitely more quiet, so it could be a good option if you’re after some exclusivity, but it is a lot smaller than the observatory and the view is more or less the same as the 88th and 89th floor.

➡️ Pre-book your Taipei 101 ticket here to ensure you can go at the time slot you want!

2. Stroll around Ximending

Ximending is a popular shopping and eating district in the eastern part of Taipei. The concept is similar to a night market, but the shops are located in actual shophouses inside a building. The area is for pedestrians only, and closed to all cars, making it really easy to walk around in. If you’ve been to Seoul – it’s kind of like the Myeongdong area.

Ximending is a lot more alive on weekends and at night. So if you’re looking for that hustle-bustle atmosphere, consider visiting it on a Saturday or Sunday night. Even if you’re not into shopping, it’s fun to visit so that you can people-watch or see the street performers.

To get to Ximending, take the blue or green metro line to Ximen station , and take Exit 1 or 6. This will drop you to the crossing where you can start your journey into Ximending.

Don’t miss the rainbow street at the entrance for a really cool photo op! This street is right off Exit 6 of Ximen station.

3. Eat your heart out at the night markets

Taiwan Night markets are, to put it in one word, AMAZING! They are the ultimate definition of what a night market should be: bustling atmosphere, great shopping, and most importantly:  a large variety of street food with an affordable price tag!

The most popular night in Taipei food markets are:

• Shilin Night Market  – Shilin needs no introduction. This is Taiwan’s biggest and most popular night market. For most tourists, this is the ultimate night market since it has both: food and shopping!
• Shida Night Market  – I would say Shida is more about fashion than food. I was told this is where Taiwanese students go to find cheap yet fashionable and good-quality clothes. Most of the styles I found were inspired by Korean fashion, which is all the rage across Asia these days. I found some cute earrings for a reasonable price here. That said, you can still find solid food options at Shida too, such as Shi Yun fried chicken and Hsu Ji Shen Jiang Bao.
• Raohe Night Market  – Raohe spans across a narrow street called Raohe Street. While the two rows of temporary stalls in the middle of the street consist mostly of snacky street food and drinks, you can find some night market goodies in the shophouses that line up the street. This night market is extremely popular so expect it to be very crowded over weekends and peak tourist seasons . My favorite food here is the Fuzhou pepper bun.

If you prefer smaller markets that aren’t as crowded, you can try these markets:

• Ningxia Night Market  – In comparison to the other night markets, Ningxia is very small. However, I think they’re great to visit, especially if you are trying to avoid crowds. They still have at least one stall for each famous night market meal. My favorite here is the peanut ice cream stall.
• Nanjichang Night Market  – I have not been to Nanjichang, but I expect it to be similar to Ningxia Market, where it’s slightly smaller and more subdued compared to other markets.

Except for Nanjichang, I have been to all of the above markets. Shida and Ningxia are probably my favorites, simply because I get overwhelmed easily and those markets were on the quieter side. Shilin and Raohe were too big and too crowded for me with way too many options. However, Ningxia and Shida might be too quiet if you’re looking for a bustling night market vibe.

4. Visit Taipei’s Creative Parks

A “creative park” is a concept that exists all over Taiwan. It’s a place designated for modern arts and culture. At these creative parks, you can usually find shops with products made by local designers, art exhibitions, trendy coffeehouses or restaurants, and a space where people can hang out or for live performances. Furthermore, the creative parks in Taiwan are usually located in abandoned old buildings from the Japanese colonial era that have been renovated and repurposed to their current state.

Creative parks are great to visit on Saturday or Sunday, especially if you’re visiting during Spring time in April or May. There might even be some live music, open-air markets, and other activities.

Here are the creative parks you can visit in Taipei:

A former sake factory during Japanese colonial time, located in the center of Taipei. My favorite brand here is Wooderful Life , where they sell kids’ toys and everyday goods all made from wood.

A former tobacco factory in the 1930s. There are plenty of locally-made accessories, clothes, and everyday goods. On the other wing, you can find the Taiwan Design Museum and library space.

16 Creative Boutique

Located at The Red House in Ximending, a former public market, bookstore, cinema, and most recently a theatre. This boutique is much smaller than the creative parks, but it houses similar brands as the two creative parks mentioned above.

5. National Palace Museum

The National Palace Museum is located in the northern part of Taipei, in Shilin. It’s a bit out of the way from everything else, but it’s worth a visit. The museum houses thousands of Chinese artifacts from the mainland.

You can buy tickets to the museum here via Klook . The museum is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm.

One of the most notable items on exhibit at the National Palace Museum is the Jadeite cabbage , a piece of green and white jade that has been carved into the shape of a very realistic miniature of a cabbage. If you go to the museum to see this item, you might find a line of people waiting for their turn to view the jadeite cabbage up close.

However, my personal favorite is actually the item behind it, the meat-shaped stone , which is a piece of jasper stone that has been carved into the shape of a very realistic braised pork belly. Yes, you’ve got to see it to believe it.

6. Hike up Elephant Peak

The hike to elephant peak is very close to the city and can be done easily. It involves a 1.5 km long set of stairs and takes only about 20 minutes to complete. I recommend doing this in the late afternoon, almost at sunset time when the weather is good and visibility is fair.

To get here, simply take the train to Xiangshan station and take Exit 3. From there, the start of the trail is easy to find by just following the Google Maps instructions.

The Elephant Peak trail is a very popular and easily accessible trail, so don’t expect to be the only one here! In fact, when I was there it was very crowded at the peak.

7. Sip on world-famous coffee at Simple Kaffa

If you’re a fan of coffee, you must stop by Simple Kaffa. They rose to prominence when the owner of the cafe, Berg Wu, won the 2016 World Barista Championship.

Simple Kaffa has a few branches around Taipei:

• Simple Kaffa Flagship near Huashan 1914 Creative Park
• Simple Kaffa Sola on the 88th floor of Taipei 101 (Requires reservations and has a minimum spend)
• Simple Kaffa Super Kiosk on Jinshan Rd
• Simple Kaffa The Coffee One on Jinshan Rd
• Simple Kaffa at Taoyuan T2 Terminal Public Area (newly opened!)

The one I would recommend is the Simple Kaffa Flagship store, because of its convenient location. Takeaway coffee is pretty easy – but if you’re thinking of getting a table here, be prepared to wait! The good thing is you can put your name down and then walk around Huashan 1914 Creative Park nearby.

You can also purchase some beans here to take home for about NT$ 450-500. They’ll provide an instruction card on how to enjoy the beans (best enjoyed 10 days after the date printed on the bag, to let the coffee beans age), as well as give you a sticker to cover the slits on the bean bags if you are planning to take it on a flight.

8. Go on a food marathon!

A visit to Taipei is not complete unless you eat until you’re full. There is so much good food in Taipei, that I’ve dedicated a separate post for food in Taipei.

For ideas on what to eat in Taipei, check out my must-eats in Taipei !

With Taipei being the capital city of Taiwan, it’s really easy to travel in and out to the rest of Taiwan. Below are some ideas for trips that you can do easily from Taipei:

1. Jiufen (Day trip)

You can easily visit Jiufen from Taipei as a day trip, or you can extend your trip and include other activities such as hiking up the Teapot mountain.

I’ve written all about visiting Jiufen from Taipei in this post , including all the transportation modes you can take to get to Jiufen!

2. Tainan (1-2 Days)

Tainan is located in the south of Taiwan, and is the oldest city in Taiwan. I recommend setting aside at least 2 days to visit Tainan.

I’ve also written a separate post about Tainan, so be sure to check it out here .

3. Beitou (Day trip)

If you’re a fan of the Japanese onsen (hot spring) experience, you’ve got to come to Beitou.

4. Taichung and Sun Moon Lake (2 days)

Taichung is the second most populous city in Taiwan. Sun Moon Lake is the largest body of water in Taiwan and one of the most popular places to visit in the country. Sun Moon Lake can be visited on a day trip from Taichung.

5. Alishan (1 day)

Alishan is a mountainous region in Taiwan. It’s great for hiking trails, sacred trees, and beautiful sunrises.

And that’s all I know about visiting Taipei! Please leave a comment below if you have any questions or comments about this post. See you in the next post 👋🏻

• January 30, 2024

What’s the weather for in between and end of April? Is it raining often? What to wear also?

Hey there, when I went in April the weather was pretty good. There were some rain but only a drizzle and passed by quick. There was one day when a hurricane passed but it was ok after. It was not very cold too. I only need a light hoodie in Taipei.

• January 3, 2024

Your blog is so helpful! We are planning to go to Taipei in March, and it’s my first time to travel outside the Philippines so I’m really anxious about how to plan the trip. I appreciate the complete details. Thank you so much. All the best! ✨

• February 7, 2024

Hi Sang Hyoon! I don’t know if you’re reading this and I’m planning to go to Taipei too in March! It’s my first time too and I’m very anxious. I hope I don’t mess up and most importantly don’t get too lonely during the trip. I’m visiting from 4-11 March. Maybe we can meet somehow? Good luck with your trip!! ✨

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Itinerary Planning Cheatsheet For East Asia — Japan, South Korea, Taiwan (incl. deals and pro-tips)

1-for-1 flash deals, promo codes, and other exclusive deals for those travelling to Taiwan, Japan or Korea this year-end!

First it was Korea, then Japan and finally, Taiwan opened its borders on 13 October. Stretch out those fingers — now all that’s left to do is to book that holiday you’ve been waiting for!

Yet the thing with holiday-planning, there’s just so many bookings to account for. Hotels, transport passes, SIM cards, attraction tickets — the list goes on. 

If you’re having trouble creating your “List of things to book”, we’ve collated a checklist of travel essentials and highly recommended activities for that East Asia trip. Bookmark this article for your next holiday to any of these East Asian countries!

There are also attractive deals to score this weekend at Klook’s Travel Fest — more details at the end !

Jump to: Japan | Taiwan | Korea

Travel Necessities

Before diving head-first into the exciting activities, let’s get the important stuff out of the way.

Travel insurance: Be sure to find a plan that has Covid coverage, covers adventurous activities you might be planning to do, and worldwide travel assistance — TravelCare

SIM Card and Hotel Transfers: Get connected once you land by pre-booking your SIM Card. Book your hotel transfer too, if you usually struggle to find your bearings in a new place, and want to save that hassle when travelling with family.

Transport Passes

Photo credit: Central Japan Area

Japan’s transport networks are extensive but can be disorienting for first-timers. Save yourself some confusion by booking transport passes pre-trip and checking out this Japan Rail JR Pass guide .

Do some research before booking your passes as they vary in coverage categorised by prefecture. Some options include the JR Kansai WIDE Area Pass (~S$95), JR West Kansai Pass (~S$23), Hokkaido Rail Pass (~S$237), JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area)  (~S$192) and more.

Read also: 10-Day Japan Rail Itinerary For First Timers Under S$900 — Tokyo to Osaka

Alternatively, the Whole Japan Rail Pass (from S$284) is great for travellers exploring the whole of Japan. For your choice of 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days, it covers travel along the Hokkaido Shinkansen, Tokyo Shinkansen, Kyushu Shinkansen, and more. 

All-inclusive/Activity Passes

A good budget tip when exploring city areas is to purchase activity passes. These passes cover a range of tourist essentials including unlimited trips on subways, buses, free entry to attractions, redeemable vouchers, and more. 

Each pass varies in coverage. For example, some operate on a day-basis (eg. 1-day inclusive pass), while others work on an activity basis (eg. 3 free activities chosen from a list of options). Some cover transport rides while others do not, so double check these details.

Some activity passes to consider in Japan:

Theme Parks

Japan’s theme parks are notoriously crowded all year round. While you can purchase tickets on-site, save time on queueing by pre-booking these tickets — more time chasing rides!

Consider pre-booking these if they’re in your Japan itinerary: – Universal Studios Japan (USJ) (~S$80) — with 1, 1.5 and 2-day studio passes – USJ Express Pass 4 (from S$65) or Express Pass 7 (from S$103) – 1-Day Passports to Disneyland or DisneySea (from S$85)

Check out our ultimate USJ guide and Disneyland and DisneySea guide to find your way around!

Cultural Experiences

Check out lesser-known cultural experiences like this Sumo Morning Training Visit (~S$144) where you’ll get a sneak peek into the lives of professional Sumo wrestlers.

If you love dressing up, check out the Kyoto Kimono Rental and Maiko Dinner Show (~S$670), or this Ninja Experience in Tokyo (S$74) — learn ninja tricks like the shuriken and blowgun as you visit some of Japan’s iconic shrines in a ninja outfit.

Guided/Day Tours

Remember to explore other neighbouring cities too! If you’re short on time to plan, consider booking day tours. They offer both the flexibility of a self-planned trip together with the convenience of guided tours. Some options include the Nara Park Half-day Bus Tour from Kyoto (~S$77), the Hakkoda Ice/Snow Monsters Snowshoeing Guide Tour (~S$74), or a Mt. Fuji and Hakone Day Trip (~S$122).

Limited-time Exhibitions

Photo credit: Klook

If you’re travelling before the end of 2023, check out TeamLab Planets TOKYO Toyosu (S$30). This is a limited-time exhibition offering visitors a barefoot museum experience with a collection of 9 artworks discovering teamLab’s concept of “Body Immersive”.

Taiwan’s transport system includes three types of train services: Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR), Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) and Taipei Metro (MRT) train services.

The THSR travels up to 300km/h across Taiwan, connecting travellers from the Northern end of Taipei to the Southern tip of Kaohsiung. The slower TRA connects smaller cities uncovered by the THSR. Lastly, the Taipei Metro serves areas in New Taipei.

Choose transport passes that best suits your Taiwan itinerary best:

You can also get discounted individual tickets for the THSR starting from Taipei , Taichung , Taoyuan , Zuoying , Tainan , Banqiao , Chiayi , Hsinchu or Nangang  

One of the best ways to discover the best food in a country is to ask a local! If you’re too shy to talk to strangers, consider a Shihlin Night Market Food Walking Tour (~S$15) for a blend of food and vibrant culture!

Travelling solo? Meet up with other like-minded travellers by signing up for a Taipei Pub Crawl (~S$30).

After a night of alcohol, consider detoxing with a Taipei Tea Culture Day Tour (~S$120) at Bagua Tea Plantation.

Iconic Attractions

Catch Taipei’s famous night view from the Taipei 101 Observatory Tower (or the sky lounge) (~S$24).

Then head to Yehliu Geopark for its natural landscapes (~S$5) showcasing an array of unique rock formations. While you’re there, also stop by the Yehliu Ocean World (~S$16) for a fascinating water show with underwater animals.

Transport Passes & T Card

The Korea Tour Card (T-card) also offers discounts at tourist spots and allows payment at retail outlets. Any unused balance at the end of your visit can be refunded.

*Note: The Discover Seoul Pass acts as a T-money transportation card as well, so you won’t have to purchase the Korea Tour Card separately if getting the Discover Seoul Pass.

All-inclusive/Activity Passes 

With many tourist attractions to visit in Seoul, you’ll want to grab activity passes to enjoy additional discounts when touring the city. There are two options for touring Seoul: one operates on a day basis (eg. 1-day inclusive pass), while the other works on an activity basis (eg. 3 free activities chosen from a list of options).

Attractions

Korea’s theme parks too are often packed with long queues. Pre-booking entrance tickets help you skip queues and save time. If these are in your Korea itinerary, definitely have them pre-booked: – Everland (~S$30) – Lotte World (from S$40)

A Korean holiday must-do — don a Hanbok with Korean hairstyling (~S$6.50) as you stroll Gyeongbukgong Palace. For a closer look into Korea’s culture, check out the Nami Island and Gwangjang Market tour (~S$144). For Hallyu fans, there’s also a Seoul Hallyu Kpop tour (~S$45) for a chance to meet your favourite idols!

Seasonal winter experiences

For those heading over during Winter, check out the Cheongyang Ice Fountain Festival (~S$60) or the Garden of Morning Calm Lighting Festival (~S$80).

Score attractive travel deals at Klook’s Travel Fest from 29th – 30th Oct 2022

Alright, if you’re heading to East Asia this year-end, Klook’s Travel Fest is the event you won’t want to miss.

This includes event-exclusive 1-for-1 flash deals for top attractions like Everland, Universal Studios Japan, Osaka Amazing Pass, Taiwan High-Speed Rail, and other items mentioned in this article.

Not only can you redeem event-exclusive promo codes offering up to $80 off , but the first 100 visitors for each day also win goodie bags with extra promo codes. One lucky visitor will also find a golden ticket in the goodie bag to redeem a 3D2N Genting Dream cruise! Other prizes to redeem include $800 Klook e-Gift Card, a Swiss Travel Pass, etc.

Prepare yourself and check out the full list of deals and promotions before heading down!

Meet us there

The Klook Travel Fest will be held at Suntec City West Atrium on 29 and 30 October 2022, from 11am to 9pm. Entry is free, but note that registration is required .

On 30 October, TTI will be sharing a Japan spotlight at 3:30pm — join us for an overview on travelling with the JR Pass and car rental! Check the full schedule for sessions with other travel gurus as well.

Make a note on your calendars, and be sure to say hi when you catch us there!

Which East Asian country are you visiting this year-end? Share with us in the comments below!

This post was brought to you by Klook .

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What to know before you visit Seoul

Feb 4, 2024 • 8 min read

The hustle and bustle of Seoul can be overwhelming, but we've got the top insider tips to make your trip a success © Mongkol Chuewong / Getty Images

When I moved to Seoul , I had a clear plan that I was determined to stick to – teach English for one year and then move on to explore other parts of the world. But my plan didn't account for the way Seoul captivated and delighted me, and that single year I was committed to soon rolled into two, three, and then, ultimately, six years.

From the moment I stepped off the crowded bus from the airport and onto its bustling streets, I became enamored with its colorful neighborhoods, eclectic markets and diverse nightlife.

Here are my top insider tips to make your first trip to Seoul as special as mine was.

1. Buy a local SIM card

While many businesses around Seoul offer free wi-fi, a local SIM card ensures you're connected when you're out and about, too. Order a prepaid SIM card from Internet providers like KT and SKT and pick it up when you arrive at Incheon Airport, or purchase one from almost any convenience store around the capital.

Having a local SIM means making calls and accessing apps for restaurant reservations and late-night taxis won't result in a painful bill once you're back home again. It's also a great way to ensure you don't get lost on one of the many hikes outside of the city. SIM cards are cheap, and prices are based on the length of your stay, starting from about ₩5500 for one day.

2. Choose accommodations based on the Seoul attractions that inspire you most

Each of Seoul's neighborhoods has its own personality  – consider which district best matches your interests and base yourself there. Relish nightlife and multicultural menus? Itaewon is the place to be. Shopaholics and foodies should stay in Myeongdong or Dongdaemun , where outdoor food stalls and high-rise (and high-end) retail empires reign.

Art connoisseurs and history buffs will thrive and delight in the local art galleries and Gyeongbokgung Palace in Insadong. If staying up all night for pop-up art shows, buskers and noraebangs (karaoke rooms) is your thing, then Hongdae won't disappoint.

To dive into Korean culture, book a stay at a hanok (a traditional Korean house). These homes show off Korea's past through traditional architecture, complete with ondols (heated floors) and scenic courtyard gardens tucked away from the noisy city.

3. Download this app to navigate Seoul's subway system

Seoul's subway system is clean and safe, and it's the most efficient way to cruise around the sprawling city. Entrances and exits are marked with numbers and station names in English. Use a subway navigation app like Subway Korea (available on both iOS  and Android ) to figure out which exit number will get you closest to where you want to go. All stations and trains have wi-fi.

While subways get crowded during rush hour, the rest of the day is an easy ride. Even when the trains are packed with people, you'll find your personal space is always respected.

4. Use Kakao Taxi for late-night travel

The subway closes at midnight and doesn't reopen until 6am, so taxis are the only options for late-night journeys. The hardest places to find a ride are the bar districts – especially Gangnam , Itaewon and Hongdae – so download the Kakao T app to get better visibility of available cars. You can select exactly where you want to go and secure the price of the ride before getting into the car. It's fine to pay in cash, and the price won't change after the ride is secured.

5. Buy a Tmoney card for public transportation

Tmoney cards are rechargeable, easy-to-use travel cards that cover all of Seoul's public transportation, and they cost just ₩2500. Just pick one up from any of the ubiquitous convenience stores around the city and load it with money – congratulations, you no longer need to wait in line to buy individual tickets! Each time you scan your card, the balance is shown. When the amount gets low, head back to a convenience store or subway station kiosk to add more funds. All kiosks have a button for English-language options.

6. Korean navigation and translation apps are essentials

Some popular phone apps that work fine in other countries don't fare well in Korea, including Google Maps. While it can be useful when searching for restaurants in English, attempting to find that restaurant is a challenge. Instead, download KakaoMap to easily navigate the city – it also highlights nearby sightseeing spots and popular restaurants with user reviews.

If you're not fluent in Korean, don't despair – download Papago , which translates text, speech and images of Korean words. You can take a picture of nearly anything with Korean writing on it, from signs to bags of potato chips, and the app will translate any words it detects.

7. Familiarize yourself with Korean etiquette and key phrases

Korea embraces social harmony as an extension of the Confucianism engrained in the culture. Being polite when you speak is imperative, and knowing a few words and phrases in Korean goes a long way. Practice saying simple greetings such as " gamsahabnida " (thank you), " annyeonghaseyo " (hello) and " juseyo " (please).

In every subway car and bus, a specific seat is designated for pregnant women. It's very much frowned upon to use it unless you're pregnant. Age is highly valued in Korean society, and elders are treated with the utmost respect. If offered food or drink from someone older than you, accept it and show gratitude. A small bow will go a long way.

8. Use two hands when giving or receiving gifts, drinks and money

When meeting someone for the first time, it's best to clasp their hand with both of yours. The rule is also key when drinking in Korea. Never pour your own drink – instead, take turns pouring for one another. Whether pouring or receiving, always use two hands.

Also, when giving or accepting a gift or exchanging money in a store, the two-hand rule also applies.

9. Mind your table manners

Dining out in South Korea is a social affair. Soju (Korean rice liquor), beer and banchan (Korean side dishes) are set out on the table to share before the main course. In many restaurants, pushing the yeo-gi-yo ("over here") button located on the table summons the server. If there isn't a button, it's fine to wave down staff to get their attention. It might feel rude, but it's customary in Korea, so don't feel shy.

Koreans use metal chopsticks, which tend to be more slippery than the wooden kind. No one judges chopstick skills or lack thereof, but it's important not to pick up chopsticks until the eldest at the table does first. Avoid sticking chopsticks straight into a bowl of rice, which symbolizes a funeral ritual. Koreans use a spoon to eat rice.

Tipping is not required at restaurants and is considered impolite.

10. Take caution on Seoul's sidewalks

Seoul is not dangerous, but its traffic is a different story. Motorbikes speed down sidewalks without much regard for who's in the way, and cars use them as parking spaces. When exploring Seoul on foot, stay alert and be prepared to get out of the way quickly.

11. Public restrooms are fine to use

Many cafes and restaurants give the passcode to their restrooms only after the customer has ordered from the menu. To save some time and money, keep an eye out for public bathrooms. They are clearly marked for men and women in English and are commonly found in subway stations as well as busier districts.

Seoul's public toilets are clean, and they are one of the only places to find trash cans when you're out and about. They're also often quite sophisticated, with bidets, heated seats and a button that you can push to play rushing water if you get stage fright.

12. Understand Korea's drinking culture

Drinking alcohol is a national pastime in Korea, and Seoul is a haven for throwback dive bars and strobe-lit nightclubs. You might spot young revelers rallying outside convenience stores at 7am or suited business people passed out on benches after rowdy hoesiks (after-hours business dinners and drinks). Korean drinking etiquette encourages no glass to be left empty as a rule. If someone offers you a shot of soju , it's rude to refuse it. Stores selling alcohol are open 24/7, and there are no open container laws. Walking the streets with a drink in hand on the way to the next bar is common and accepted.

13. You'll feel safe in the city

Confucianism teaches that mutual respect and trust are of the utmost importance. Take the usual big-city precautions, but walking back to your accommodations alone at night is generally pretty safe. You can save a seat at bars and restaurants with your jacket or purse without worrying too much about it being stolen. Phones left in taxis are usually dropped off at the police station by the driver.

14. Don't worry about North Korea, but stay informed

What appears to be an ominous threat an hour and a half to the north is one mostly felt outside of Korea's borders. North and South Korea have been at a stalemate since the 1950s, and while scaremongering headlines are frightening to read, the actual threat is apparently low . You'll find Korean citizens generally unconcerned about their northerly neighbor.

This article was first published August 2022 and updated February 2024

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39 EPIC things to do in Seoul perfect for first timers

By: Author Sylvia

Posted on Last updated: August 2, 2023

Wondering what to do in Seoul?

Seoul is a bustling city full of old palaces and modern skyscrapers. In Seoul, you wander seamlessly from charming old streets into wide boulevards with towering skyscrapers. 

You can shop till you drop for the newest gadgets and dive into the nightlife in the trendy and cosmopolitan Itaewon district.

The view from the top of N Seoul Tower is breathtaking but we were completely blown away by the views of Seoul from Bukhansan National Park. 

This park with its imposing mountains and historic temples borders the city in the North and is a great place to unwind.

Here we compiled 39 of our favorite things to do in Seoul, South Korea.

These include some of the best places to visit in Seoul, the most popular Seoul attractions, and ideas for getting more off the beaten track. 

For information on how to fit these recommendations into your travel plan, check out our Seoul itinerary for 3 to 7 days. If you are looking for a 4 day Seoul itinerary, click here. 

If you are looking for a Seoul 1 day itinerary, click here.

If you like to make Seoul your base to discover other highlights in South Korea, check out our Seoul day trips guide.

You may also want to check out our article which covers a complete 7-day itinerary in Korea.

A self-drive is an excellent way to discover Korea.

There is a really good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

Seoul essentials

• The best time to visit Seoul  is during the months of April,  May, September, and October. 
• Since foreign credit and debit cards don’t always work, we recommend that you bring some extra cash.
• Consider getting the  Discover Seoul Pass  which covers 50 of Seoul’s best tourist attractions. At the same time, it also functions as a T-money rechargeable card that can be used on public transport. Here you can find more information about this and other Seoul Discount Passes.
• If you are short on time, you might prefer to go on a  city tour of Seoul  instead of exploring the city on your own.
• Visiting the DMZ is on the bucket list of many travelers. Check out the  best DMZ tours here.
• If you plan on making a day trip to Nami Island, check out this guided tour.
• For those looking for a fun night out, check out the Nanta Show. It was one of the best activities we did in Seoul.
• The best place to stay in Seoul is Myeongdong or Insadong.
• Check out our guide about where to stay in Seoul. If you want to spoil yourself by staying in a  cool hotel in Seoul, click here. 
• For an overview of Boutique hotels, click here.
• If you prefer Airbnbs, check out our overview of the best Airbnbs in Seoul.
• If you prefer a Hanok stay in Seoul, click here.
• Don’t lose time upon arrival at the airport and order your  Korea travel SIM  or  portable WIFI device  in advance so that it’s ready and waiting for you at the airport when you arrive.
• Will you also be visiting the rest of South Korea? Learn why renting a car might be a good idea and read everything you need to know about  driving in South Korea.  
• Don’t forget travel insurance. If you don’t yet have travel insurance, have a look at HeyMondo Travel Insurance.
• Here you can find  all our posts about Korea.  Everything you need to plan an unforgettable trip. Use our step-by-step guide to plan your Korea trip.
• Looking for more travel tips for South Korea, check out this post.
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Seoul E-Guide

For the price of a single cup of coffee, you can get a complete 3-7 Seoul itinerary as a nicely formatted PDF document.

It contains all the information of this post.

You can print it or store it on your phone so you can access it anytime during your visit to Seoul.

Have a look here for more information and a preview.

What to do in Seoul

Wander around gyeongbokgung palace.

Seoul is certainly rich in palaces.  The city boasts no less than 5 palaces that are currently open to the public.

Gyeongbokgung Palace is the largest and often considered the most beautiful palace of the Joseon dynasty. It is one of the top things to do in Seoul.

The palace site houses more than 300 buildings and together they account for almost 6,000 rooms.

The changing of the guard ceremony is free and definitely worth seeing. It occurs twice daily at 10 AM and 2 PM.

This is one of the best things to do in Seoul.

Free entrance to the palace with the discover Seoul pass or if you wear a Hanbok. 

We have more details about the other palaces in our Seoul Itinerary

Nearest subway station: Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit #5. 

Stroll around Bukchon Hanok Village

Bukchon Hanok Village is a lovely neighborhood full of traditional Hanok houses.

It’s absolutely one of the places you need to go to when you are in Seoul. 

There are about 900 traditional houses, all made of stone, wood, earth, and rice paper.  Bukchon lies on a hill and if you walk all the way to the top you can see an abundance of sloping roofs. 

Some houses can be visited, in others, you can follow workshops. 

Take your time to wander around and to discover this lovely neighborhood. 

It’s also a great spot to take beautiful Instagram worthy pictures.

  Nearest subway station: Anguk Station, Exit #2

Go up the Namsan Seoul Tower 

The 236-meter high N Seoul Tower is an iconic landmark in the city.  It’s one of the tallest observation towers in Asia. 

The observatory offers 360-degree panoramic views of Seoul.

You can buy skip the line tickets for the observatory here.

The N-Seoul Tower is a romantic place of pilgrimage for couples who want to declare eternal love to each other. T he fences are completely covered by padlocks in all colors and sizes that bear the names of couples in love. 

Once the sun sets the tower gets colorfully illuminated.

The tower stands on top of Mount Namsan.

There are 3 options to get to the tower. 

You can take a public bus or cable car.  The third alternative is to hike to the top.  There is a pathway that leads from the bottom station of the cable car to the top.

  Nearest subway station: Myeongdong Station, Exit #3. When leaving the exit head South. 

Unwind in Namsan Park

Namsan Park is the largest Park in Seoul, it attracts more than 20,000 people daily.

An absolute highlight of the park is the Cherry Blossom path, the longest trail of cherry trees in Seoul.

The park is well known for its beautiful walking trails.  As it’s situated on a mountain many trails offer beautiful vistas of the skyline of Seoul. 

The Seoul Tower is located in the center of the park.

On Sundays, it can be very busy.

  Nearest subway station: Myeongdong Station, Exit #3. When leaving the exit head South.

Visit the DMZ

Although the DMZ zone, one of the few active remnants of the cold war, lies 60 km from Seoul, it’s absolutely one of the best things to do in Seoul. 

By visiting the DMZ zone, you will learn more about Korean history and get a better understanding of the differences between North and South Korea. 

One of the most interesting sites you can visit is the Joint Security Area ( JSA ).  This is the border post with the blue barracks where the official meetings take place. 

It’s also the only place in the DMZ area where you will have the chance to enter North Korea. (at least without getting arrested or shot 🙃)

How to visit the DMZ zone

The DMZ region can really only be visited with a guided tour.

There is the option to travel to the region with the DMZ peace train but once at the station, you need to join a guided tour as well. 

For this reason, our recommendation is to join a tour that leaves from Seoul.

The advantage of such a guided tour is that you can visit the JSA zone (the Joint Security Area) and you will get more background information about the things you visit. In addition, if you compare the price of a tour from Seoul with what you pay for the train + tour, the difference is negligible.

Since DMZ tours are very popular we advise you to book well in advance.

More information and booking: DMZ Tours

Or have a look at our comprehensive overview to decide on the best tour for you.  It’s a  full guide about the DMZ  that explains the differences between the tours and gives more detail about the different areas that you can visit.

Explore Insadong

Another thing you absolutely must do during your Seoul sightseeing tour is exploring Insadong.

Insadong is a colorful neighborhood full of shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Seoul’s main shopping street cuts the neighborhood in half.

It’s a great place to buy Korean souvenirs and feast on Korean street food and snacks. 

Insadong also houses some interesting museums such as the Kimchi Museum where you can learn everything about this quintessential Korean dish.

There’s also the entertaining Alive Museum, the largest 4D art museum in Korea. This is a great activity when it rains in Seoul.

Calculate around 1-1.30 hours depending on how many pictures you want to take.

Nearest subway station: Anguk Station, Exit #6

Stop by the beautifully decorated Jogyesa Temple

The Jogyesa Temple dates from the Joseon era. 

It is a lovely serene hideaway in the middle of the busy Insadong shopping district in Seoul.

The main sights of the temple are the 3 gigantic buddha statues and the 10-story high stupa. 

The charming authentic temple contrasts sharply with the towering skyscrapers that surround it. 

The temple is a nice place to drop by and relax for a few minutes as you explore Insadong.

At night this temple is also beautifully lit.

Nearest subway station: Gwanghwamun Station, Exit #2

Shop till you drop at Myeongdong

If you love shopping and you wonder where to go in Seoul, we recommend Myeongdong. 

Shops sell everything from skincare and other beauty products to bags, shoes, clothes, and accessories.

Most of the stores offer an immediate tax refund service if you spend more than 30.000 Won.

When the clock strikes 4 PM vendors start lining up street food carts.  You will be surprised by the wide variety of snacks that are sold.  

Be sure to bring cash if you want to taste some of the street food. Chances are credit cards won’t be accepted.

If you are a shopaholic, take a look at this shopping in Seoul guide. 

Nearest subway station: Myeongdong Station

Experience vibrant Hongdae

Hongdae’s location near Hongik University Street makes it a very vibrant neighborhood that is alive day and night.

The district has a definitive party vibe and karaoke places and gaming halls will make you feel young again. The district is also dotted with budget-friendly clothing and gadget shops. 

This is a good place to visit in Seoul if you are looking for unique souvenirs.

If you’re looking for free entertainment you need to stop by Eoulmadag-ro street after dark.  There’re always many street performances ranging from K-pop dances to live singing.

Hongdae is also home to the Trick Eye Museum , a fun and interactive museum with lots of 3D optical illusions.

Download the trickeye app to take full advantage of the optical illusions.

Free admission to the Trickeye museum with the  Discover Seoul Pass  or you can  buy discounted tickets on Klook .

Nearest subway station: Hongik University Station, Exit # 9

Mingle with Koreans at the Gwangjang Market  

This street market is the perfect spot to mingle with Koreans and try local street food while you are in Seoul. This is one of the best local things to do in Seoul.

One of the strangest things you can have at the market is San-nakji, a raw octopus that is cut in pieces and served while the tentacles are still writhing. Apparently, it’s a Korean delicacy. 

Pose in front of the “I-Seoul-U” sign

Note that the signs currently are gone since they are changing the slogan.

I Seoul U has been Seoul’s slogan since 2015.  Opinions differ on what it actually means. 

Koreans think it means “Yours and my Seoul” and not all are happy with the slogan which is, as they argue, not picked by someone who was fluent in English.

That aside, the I-Seoul-U sign, travels around Seoul and can always be found in a nice picture spot.  

The park is a nice place to relax and the sign offers great opportunities for fun Instagram-worthy pictures.

Nearest subway station: Yeouinaru Station, Exit # 2 or # 3

Observe Seoul from the world’s highest glass-floored observation deck

Seoul Sky is the world’s highest glass-floored observation deck and the world’s third-highest observation deck overall.

It’s on the top floors of the Lotte World Tower, the tallest building in Korea and the 5th tallest building in the world. 

The observation platform has floor-to-ceiling windows all around so you get a breathtaking 360-degree view of Seoul. 

The daring can also walk over the glass floor, 555 meters above the ground. 

This is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Seoul, sometimes the lines can be very long. We advise you to go early in the morning to avoid the queues.

Book your tickets here: Lotte Tower tickets

Jamsil (Green Line 2, Pink Line 8) Exit # 1, # 2, # 10 or # 11

Go hiking in Bukhansan National Park

Not many megapolises have such a beautiful national park in their front yard as Seoul. 

Bukhansan National Park borders Seoul in the North, it’s so close to the city center that it’s a breeze to get here by either bus or subway.

Nature lovers, like us, will love the park.  It’s the perfect spot to escape from the hustle and bustle of busy Seoul. 

Hikers can choose from a whole range of trails, you have them in different lengths and difficulty levels.

You can find more information on the National Park’s website. 

Nearest subway station: The Dobongson metro station (Line 1 or 7, exit # 1). From the exit, it is about a 10-minute walk to the park’s entrance.

Admire the Seoul street art at Ihwa Mural Village in Ihwa-dong

This may well be Seoul’s most colorful neighborhood. 

The whole district is brightened up by numerous unique pieces of street art. If you are wondering what to see in Seoul and you love street art, you should definitely head to the Ihwa Mural Village in Ihwa-dong. 

This project was created in 2006 by more than 70 local artists in an attempt to revive the neighborhood that was scheduled to be demolished.

Then the district gained extra popularity when some music videos of popular K-pop bands were shot here.

The village has turned from what used to be almost a slum into a popular neighborhood for both locals and tourists.

So popular in fact that its residents have overpainted some of the art pieces as a protest against the numerous tourists that flood their streets.  

Since then the city administration has intervened and has taken some measures to save the residents from hordes of tourists at their doorstep. 

It’s fun to wander around the Ihwa Mural Village in search of fun mural art.

Please respect the privacy of the residents when you go.

There are at least 60 murals in the village. To see them, just follow the signs. 

Ihwa Mural Village is also often referred to as “daldongnae” which means moon village.  This because it lies on a hillside and thus closer to the moon. Know that some streets can be very steep.

Nearest subway station: Hyehwa Station, Exit #2.

Visit Lotte World

Lotte World is located in the middle of Seoul.

It houses 3 theme parks: Lotte World Adventure, Lotte Magical Land, and the Lotte World Aquarium. 

Lotte World Adventure, a Korean version of Disneyland,  is the world’s largest indoor amusement park and is perfect for kids.

Lotte Magical Land, the outdoor park, houses some amazing thrill rides. At the center of the park is a castle that looks very much like Disney’s castle.  It’s easy to see where they got their inspiration. 😉

The Lotte World Aquarium offers a large variety of sea creatures such as belugas, penguins, seals, octopuses, etc.  In total there’re more than 55,000 marine animals of 650 different species.

The highlight of the Lotte World Aquarium is the giant water tank.

You can buy  a combi-ticket to visit all three parks on the same day, but in Lotte World Adventure and Magic Island alone, you can already easily spend a day. Lotte World Adventure and the Aquarium are great destinations for rainy days.

Jamsil (Green Line 2, Pink Line 8) Exit #4

Admire the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

The Dongdaemun Design Plaza was designed by Zaha Hadid , also nicknamed the queen of curves. 

The building has a distinctively neo-futuristic design and the many curves clearly give away that it was Zaha Hadid’s design.

It’s a beautiful building featuring large global exhibition spaces, futuristic retail stores, restored parts of the Seoul fortress , and a walkable park on the roof.

At night the building is beautifully illuminated.

The permanent LED rose exhibition is also a favorite gathering place of Seoulites for romantic evenings.  The roses automatically light up as soon as the sun sets.

Here you will find more amazing things to do in Seoul at night. 

Nearest subway station: Dongdaemun Station Exit 8 or Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station Exit #1 or #14.

Stroll around the Cheonggyecheon Stream

The stream used to be a pitful part of the city until a large renewal project upgraded it along with the adjacent streets. 

The whole stretch of the stream, which starts at the Cheongye Plaza and eventually flows into the Hangang River, received a boardwalk and is now a popular hangout.

The boardwalk is almost 11 km long and attracts many residents who come here to chill and relax after a busy day.

You can dip your feet in the water and there’re frequent street performances along the river banks and at Cheongye Plaza.

There’s a weekend market along the river banks just off Gwangtongyo Bridge. 

Every Saturday Starting at 5 PM food trucks will try to seduce you with their tasty snacks. (on Sunday the markets open at 4 PM)

There are also cultural performances and some local handicrafts on sale.

This is definitely one of Seoul’s points of interest.

Nearest subway station: Gwanghwamun Station Exit #5.

Visit the secret garden (Huwon)

Palaces have always had some kind of mysterious and at the same time romantic spirit. 

The secret garden at Changdeokgung palace is a lovely example. 

Up till today, it keeps its mysterious flair as there are only a limited number of people admitted.

The secret garden is a UNESCO heritage site and together with Changdeokung palace, it is a nice place to unwind. The garden has many trees, ponds, pavilions, and buildings. 

The secret garden can only be visited with a guided tour.

Entrance is included with the four palaces ticket but you need to reserve your tour well upfront if you want to visit this mysterious site.

If you love gardens, the secret garden is one of the best attractions to see in Seoul. 

Since visits to the secret garden book up really fast, we advise you to reserve your spot early.

Nearest subway station: Anguk Station Exit #3.

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Go see a Nanta show 

A Nanta show guarantees a fun night out.  The show is a classic in Korea, the first-ever performance of this musical-like show was in 1997.

The performance is nonverbal, it includes drama, comedy, magic, and also some acrobatics. The story is set in a kitchen. 

Three cooks are rushing to finish a wedding banquet in time.  In an attempt to help, the manager installs his nephew, but he turns out to be rather incompetent.

This is a fun night out for young and old.

Since it’s Korea’s most popular performance, tickets tend to sell out quickly, so purchase your tickets well in advance.

Check reviews and book: Nanta Show Tickets

Visit the War Memorial and Museum

This is a very well-kept and maintained museum that has a great collection of inside and outside exhibits related to the Korean War. 

Outside you will find a number of memorial statues and a large assortment of aircrafts, rockets, and tanks.  Inside there’re 6 halls, each one dedicated to another aspect of the war.

The museum covers the ‘Korea War’ topic very broadly, it has exhibits that date back to the prehistoric era and not only shows elements of the Korean army but also those of friendly forces.

Free English speaking tour at 10 AM and 1 PM

Entrance: Free Hours : 9 AM – 6 PM / closed on Monday

Nearest subway station: Samgakji Station Exit #12

Things to do in Gangnam- Stroll along the streets of Gangnam

The Gangnam district is also called the Beverly Hills of Korea. It’s the district where many wealthy South Koreans live. In Gangnam, you will be able to mingle with the rich and famous.

If you still have some time left and you wonder what to do in Seoul the Gangnam district is worth a visit.

The district became a hit worldwide thanks to PSY’s song Gangnam Style.

Those who want to dance to the popular tunes right in the middle of the district that the song is about can do so on the Gangnam Style stage at exit 11 of Gangnam station. 

Believe it or not, despite that the song was a parody about the neighborhood it still got a stage as a tribute because it became so popular. 

The song used to play on loop 24/7 at first but I’m not sure if that’s still the case.  If not you will have to dance to an imaginary beat…

There’re many famous clubs spread across the district but you can also burn a hole in your wallet in the many designer stores . 

At Chenongdam Fashion Street you will find lots of designer shops such as Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Gucci. Besides upscale brands, you will also find more affordable clothing in the large underground shopping center at Gangnam station.

The COEX Mall is also located in Gangnam. It’s one of the world’s biggest underground shopping centers and besides shops, it contains a movie theater, a concert hall, and an aquarium.

What is Seoul famous for

Technology fans need to stop by Samsung D’light .  This exhibition center showcases the latest technological innovations by this Korean Chaebol.  There’s a floor about the current technological capabilities and one that shows Samsung’s vision for the future.  The basement houses Samsung’s flagship store.

You should also visit the Bongeunsa Buddhist temple .  It is right in the middle of this metropolitan district and the contrast with its surroundings couldn’t be starker.

The moment you set foot in the temple you will experience the serenity of this place.  These temple grounds feel much more secluded than those of Jogyesa we wrote about above.

Here is more info about the Gangnam district

Nearest subway station: Gangnam (Green line 2)

Take great pictures at Common Ground

Common Ground is a very trendy shopping mall near Konkuk University.  What makes it so special is that it is made from containers. 

The mall houses about 200 stores, many of them from young designer brands, and several restaurants.  Most of the restaurants are located on the rooftop terrace, a terrace that turns magical after dark when it is atmospherically lit.

If you don’t find anything to your taste at the restaurants you can try one of the food trucks that are stationed outside.

Sometimes you may also run into exhibitions, events or random performances held in the mall’s square. 

This mall is popular with Instagrammers. 

It used to be a very “hipster” place and it spread quickly on Instagram. 

Since then the place has gone somewhat more mainstream.

Nearest subway station: Konkuk University Station Exit #6.

Make a cruise on the Han river

The Han river traverses Seoul from East to West.  

Cruising the Han river is a great way to discover Seoul in a comfortable way.

You can sit back and relax while cruising the river from Yanghwa Bridge in the west to Banpo Bridge in the east. 

As the city floats by you will see popular sights such as N Seoul Tower, Jamsil Olympic Stadium, Hanwha 63 City building, the LG Twin Towers, and more.

There are several different cruises to choose from. Some go during the day and others at night.   

The night cruises tend to be the most popular because of the onboard entertainment program and the city’s illuminated skyline. 

One of the highlights of the evening cruises is also the rainbow fountain of the Banpo bridge. 

On Saturdays, there’re additional cruises with live music and fireworks. 

More information and tickets: Han River Cruise Tickets

Stroll around the largest underground mall in Asia

The Coex Shopping Mall is the largest underground mall in Asia.

It might seem a bit odd to call a shopping mall a highlight, but COEX deserves its place in this list.

Not only because it’s the largest mall in Asia, but also because it’s more than just a simple mall. 

The mall counts about 250 stores and 800 restaurants.  There are 2 large food courts. 

One noteworthy store is SMTown.  This is a shop run by SM Entertainment, a large local record label that represents many K-pop artists. 

The huge 6-floor complex in the Coex mall boasts a museum, a café, and a theatre. 

This place is heaven for K-pop fans and those who have never heard of this music, like us, can get an idea of what the hype is all about.  In the theatre on the 5th floor, you can even attend hologram concerts.

COEX is the abbreviation of Co nvention and Ex hibition center so those are present on-site as well.

Besides all this, there’s also a movie theater, a huge public library, a casino, and an aquarium. 

The latter is not as big as the Lotte World Aquarium but it still has over 40,000 animals including the largest number of shark species in Korea. 

A highlight of a visit to the aquarium is the shark tunnel which leads through the Shark basin, one of 90 different exhibition tanks.

Nearest subway station: Samseong Station Exit #6

Try the delicious Korean street food

While you are in Seoul you definitely must try some of the delicious street food the capital has to offer. 

As you discover the city you will get plenty of opportunities for tasting some local sweet or spicy delicacies. 

Gwangjang Market, Myeongdong, and the evening market at Cheonggyecheon Stream are just a few of the many places that are popular with locals.

Here are some things you can try: Kimbap or Gimbap (Korean sushi), Hweori Gamja (Tornado Potato), Yangnyeom Tongdak (Fried Chicken), Eomuk (fishcakes), and Hotteok (sweet Korean pancake) or check out this Seoul food guide. 

Rent a Hanbok

A Hanbok is a traditional Korean dress used during traditional events such as festivals and ceremonies.

While you are in Seoul you will see lots of locals and tourists wearing one. 

Besides that wearing a Hanbok is a lot of fun and offers amazing picture opportunities, it also gives you free entrance to the palaces. 

You will see many shops where you can rent a Hanbok and you can also rent one online.  So what are you waiting for? 

Rent a Hanbok online: Hanbok Rental

Take a spiritual tour inside the Jongmyo Shrine

The Jongmyo Shrine is a good example of a Confucian shrine. It is the oldest and most authentic of the royal shrines to have been preserved. 

It is dedicated to the deceased kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty.

Inside the shrine are 25 sinjus, one for each deceased king of the dynasty. 

A sinju is a small wooden tablet with the name of a deceased person written on it.  It was believed that the spirits of the deceased would find rest in the tablets.

The Jongmyo Shrine measures 109 meters in length, it is said to be the world’s longest single wooden structure.

Thanks to how well the shrine has been preserved over the years and its significance in Korea’s cultural history the shrine has also been recognized as a UNESCO world heritage.

You can only visit the shrine as part of a tour.  Exceptions are Saturdays and the last Wednesday of every month which is designated as ‘ Culture day ‘ in Korea since 2014.  On Culture day many museums, galleries, as well as other cultural sites can be visited for free.

It is always nice to discover places on your own but with a guided tour you will learn more about how Koreans cope with their ancestors and death. I recommend planning your visit according to your preferences.

English tours are available at 10 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM, 4 PM

Opening hours:  

February-May and September-October: 9 AM – 6 PM

June-August: 9 AM – 6:30 PM

November-January: 9 AM – 5:30 PM

Nearest subway station: Jongno 3-ga Station Exit #8-11

Explore Olympic Park

Olympic Park is a huge park that was built for the 1998 Seoul Summer Olympic Games. 

It contains the Olympic stadiums and various museums, of which some are related to the Olympics, but most importantly it’s a vast stretched-out park that covers 1,4 square kilometers.

It’s a popular hangout for Seoulites on the weekend who take their friends or family for a picnic.  The landscaping is beautiful and you can rent bikes, and skates, or use any of the other sports facilities.

The park is divided into different zones.  Besides the impressive leisure facilities in the sports zone, there’s also a culture and art zone, and a history zone. 

A highlight of a visit to the park is the sculpture park next to the SOMA Museum of art.  It has over 200 sculptures in the open air.

If you want to visit the park but don’t like to walk or bike, you can also buy a ticket to ride the Hodori Train that goes through the park.

Nearest subway station: Olympic Park Station Exit #3 or Mongchontoseong Station Exit #1.

Visit a themed café

Themed cafés have long been a popular thing in Japan. 

This country wasn’t the one to invent the cat café but it was the first country where the concept made headlines. 

Since then cat cafés have mushroomed in its capital Tokyo . 

Now we have good news for those who want to experience such a café but don’t have plans to go to Japan.  The hype has crossed the border and in Seoul, you can find several themed cafés that are just as amazing as their Japanese counterparts.

Animal lovers will find lots of places to have a drink while in the meantime petting their favorite animals. There are the usual cat and dog cafés but also more exotic sheep, meerkats, raccoons, and reptile cafés. 

Hello Kitty is a big thing in Asia so a Hello Kitty-themed café couldn’t be missing from the list. 

Fans of this cartoon character must definitely visit the Hello Kitty café in Hongdae. 

Harry Potter fans can indulge themselves in the immense King’s cross Harry Potter café . 

This café has 4 floors and inside there’s a replica of the Hogwarts steam train. 

Make sure to explore all floors as you will stumble across great surprises everywhere.

One of the most unusual themed cafés you can visit is the Poop café in Insadong. 

Food is shaped like poop and your favorite espresso will be served in a toilet bowl.

Stroll around the Korean Folk Village

The Korean Folk Village is a replica of a traditional Korean Hanok Village dating from the Joseon dynasty.

The village contains many traditional houses and visitors can see a working traditional crafts workshop.

Every day there are also several shows. 

There’s a tightrope walking show, music, and dance performance but especially the horseback martial arts show gets high grades.

How to get there:

There are several ways to get to the Korean Folk Village

By subway and bus:

Take the Seoul S-subway Line 2 to Gangnam Station. Take exit 10 and take bus 5001-1 or 1560 to the Korean Folk Village.

Take Seoul Subway Line 1 to Jonggak Station. Take exit 3-1. and take bus 5500-1 to the Korean Folk Village.

Take the DX Subway Line to Sinnonhyeon Station. Take exit 6. and take bus 5001-1 or 1560 to the Korean Folk Village. 

Take the Bundang Subway Line to Sanggal Station. Take exit 3 and take bus 37, 10-5 or 5001-1 to Korean Folk Village or Nagok Village. 

Take the Seoul Subway Line 1 to Suwon Station. Take exit 5 and take bus 10-5 or 37 to the Korean Folk Village.

By subway and free shuttle bus:

This is probably the easiest option.  Take the Seoul Subway Line 1 to Suwin station. Take exit 4 and take the free shuttle bus.

Suwon Station → Korean Folk Village: 10:30, 12:30, 14:30 Korean Folk Village → Suwon Station: 14:00, 15:30, 16:30

You can find more information about the different  possibilities to go to the Korean Folk Village here.

Ride a roller coaster at Everland

Everland which is located 1 h from Seoul is South Korea’s largest theme park. 

The park is huge, it has 5 different theme zones and attractions for the whole family. If you are into thrill rides, you should definitely ride the T-Express, South Korea’s first wooden roller coaster.

Magic land also contains many attractions for the little ones and there is of course much more to experiences such as water rides, a 4D movie theater, and even a zoo.  

The future of theme park attractions is probably VR and in Everland you already find 2 VR attractions today.  One is called Robot VR, the other is Gyro VR.  Both require a supplement.

We would recommend visiting Everland on a weekday since the park is sometimes super crowded during the weekends and on public holidays in South Korea .

How to get there

The park is located 46 kilometers from Seoul.  There are different ways to go there.

If you want to reach  Everland on your own  there are 2 options.

The first option is to take a combination of subway and bus, this will take about 1 hour and 45 minutes:

By subway from Myeongdong, Dongdaemun, and Hongdae. Take the subway to Gangnam station on line 2 (Green). Continue on bus 5002 for 9 stops where the bus will stop at a bus terminal. At this bus terminal, you can change buses for the Free Everland Shuttle Bus.

Alternatively, you can also take a combination of several subway lines so you don’t have to take the bus. This alternative is slightly longer and will take around 2 hours.

Make your way to Wangsimni station. Take the Bundang Line to Giheung station.  Switch to the Yongin Everline to Jeondae Everland Station and take Exit 3.  Here you can take the Free Everland Shuttle Bus which will take you to the park.

A more hassle-free, quicker, and more comfortable way to get to Everland is with  the park’s  shuttle bus service.  The shuttle bus has several pick-up locations in Seoul and then heads directly to the park entrance.  Depending on where you board the bus the journey takes between 40 and 70 minutes.

More information and tickets:

Everland Ticket + Shuttle

Everland 1 Day Ticket

Here is an overview of more amazing amusement parks in Korea.

Visit Nami Island

Nami Island is located 63 km away from Seoul.

Getting there takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. 

The island is a green oasis in the middle of the Han River. The government even decided to lay all wires underground to keep this valuable unspoiled landscape as it is.

You may spot some animals such as wild bunnies or ostriches.  

The island is a pilgrimage site for fans of the popular Korean drama series “Winter Sonata”.  Many scenes of this TV series were shot here and all over the island are statues and other tributes to the program.

The only way to get to the island is on a ferry.  As Nami Island is a micronation, in 2006 the island inhabitants self-declared their independence and founded the Naminara republic, you need a “visa” to enter the island. Don’t worry about this, the Visa is issued together with the ferry tickets.  The visa is a fun souvenir of your visit.

The Naminara republic has its own flag and passports but also their own stamps.  If you want to surprise your family at home you can send a postcard from the Naminara Republic, bet they have never heard of it.

How to get there: 

The most popular way to get to Nami Island is by joining  an organized day tour.  It is the quickest way to visit Nami Island, Petite France, and the Garden of Morning Calm as you can skip the queues for buying ferry and entrance tickets.

More information and tickets: Nami Island Day Tour Tickets

If you want to go independent:  Here you can find more info about the different ways to get there.

Stay overnight at a Korean Buddhist temple

The majority of Korean temples are located in the mountains and are surrounded by dramatic landscapes. 

A temple stay is mostly popular to escape the rush of the city’s daily life and find inner peace in nature.

But a temple stay is not just about that.  It’s also about introducing you to the daily routines of temple life.  There are various programs ranging from deep spiritual multi-day stays to vegetarian cooking classes or meditation sessions.

Typical programs include one overnight stay, a delicious vegetarian dinner, and participation in the morning prayers.

We would prefer a temple stay in a green environment but if that doesn’t fit your schedule you can book one in the Jogyesa temple in Seoul or the Myogaksa temple in Seoul.

Explore Yongma Land Abandoned Theme Park

Urban explorers will absolutely love this abandoned theme park. 

The park opened in the ’80s but failed to adapt to people’s appetite for newer and faster attractions.  As a result, it closed down in 2011. 

A visit to the park today feels like a flashback to the eighties.

The park is technically open again today. 

None of the attractions are open though, all the attractions still look as deserted as they were left in 2011. 

What has changed is that somebody is now taking care of the site, making sure that it can be visited safely. 

He has reopened the site as an attraction for urban explorers. There’s no need to jump across fences to visit this place, in return for an entrance fee of 10,000 Won (about $8) you can safely take as many pictures as you want. It’s one of the best sights in Seoul to take Instagram-worthy pictures.

It may not be the same charm you experience when you roam around a site that you have all to yourself but the pictures you can take here are truly amazing.

The site becomes even more ghostly once the sunsets.  After dark, the owner will lit the lights around the merry-go-round for some extra special pictures. 

You will easily spend 3 to 4 hours taking the funniest and spookiest pictures.  If you plan your visit in the late afternoon you can stay till dark to see the illuminated merry-go-round.

Nearest subway station:  Mangu Station Exit #1. From here it’s a 10-15 minute walk.

Savor a local food scene in Noryangjin Fish Market

Noryangjin Fish Market extends over 2 buildings and is located right next to Noryangjin Subway Station. 

The vendors are gradually moving from the old to the new building but up till today some stalls in the old building are still open.

The market is a wholesale market and those that suffer insomnia or are willing to get up early enough can attend the lively wholesale auctions at 3 AM.  If that’s too early for you, you don’t need to worry.

The market is open 24/7 and you can just as well drop by for lunch or dinner or come visit the place at any other time of the day.

Do not wear any fancy shoes.  Both buildings are very clean but the constant cleaning means that the floor is always wet.

The market is an inexpensive place to eat. 

As you wander through the corridors you will see all kinds of fish, octopus, and shellfish.   

Most of them are alive and in aquariums.

Vendors are usually more than happy to explain what they have to offer.  If you want to buy something they will weigh it and quote you a price.  Negotiating is quite common in the market so you can try to get the price down a little before you bite.

All vendors are associated with restaurants and they will escort you to their associated restaurant.  The restaurant will charge a small service fee but everything summed up your meal will cost less than what you would pay in a regular restaurant.

The restaurants in the new building are located on the first floor and are remarkably cleaner than those in the old building

This market is an excellent place to taste San-nakji, a specialty that is sometimes seen as the national dish of Korea. 

San-nakji is a live octopus, the tentacles are cut from a live octopus and they will still be squirming on your plate when it is served to you.

The taste is supposedly mild and it is usually served with some chili dipping sauce.  I must admit that I didn’t try it…

Nearest subway station:  Noryangjin Station Exit #1. Walk around100 meters over the train tracks via the footbridge, following the English signage.

Sweat it out at a Korean sauna, Jjimjilbang

Just like the Japanese, Koreans love to take good care of their body and soul.

To do so they spend much time relaxing and unwinding in Jjimjilbangs.  Jjimjilbangs are a combination of hot pools of various degrees, similar to Onsen in Japan, and saunas,  stone, or clay kilns with temperatures usually ranging between 50 and 90 degrees Celsius. 

You may also find indoor and/or outdoor pools.

Bigger establishments are usually open 24/7 and have sleeping rooms or capsule-like hotels.  If you arrive after the night rate kicks in and you can stay overnight for less than 16,000 won (about $13).

Want to add an original overnight stay to your vacation?  Why not stay in a Jjimjilbang for one night?

A visit to a Jjimjilbang will introduce you to the Korean art of de-stressing.

The baths and hot tubs are to be enjoyed naked.  Don’t be afraid, this is very normal for Koreans so you can just blend in with the locals.  All Jjimjilbangs are also gender-segregated so you don’t risk running into somebody from the other gender.

Do you still feel uncomfortable by the idea that you will stand out among the Koreans?  Dragon Hill Spa  in Seoul was already featured in the New York Times and on CNN and is a tourist-friendly place.

Visit Seodaemun Prison

This prison is a remnant of the dark period of the Japanese war.  It was constructed by the Japanese rulers during their occupation from 1908 to 1945. Afterward, it has been turned into a museum.

The woman’s wing has been well preserved and in it, you can see the various cells and torture chambers that the Japanese used to suppress the Koreans. 

Dolls have been used to show the horrors the prisoners had to undergo.

Nearest subway station: Dongnimmun Station Exit # 5.

Take the Wine Train

This train is excellent for those who enjoy a glass of wine every once in a while.  The train runs every day from Tuesday to Saturday and departs on the third floor of Seoul station.  

After leaving the station you get the chance to taste several different wines along with some cheese and fruit until the train pulls into Yeongdong station.  Here you will visit Korea’s only winery.

You have plenty of time for a delicious lunch, more wine tasting, a visit to the vineyard, a visit to the caves, and a relaxing wine foot bath.

Those who wish can also attend a drumming class and hike up to the nearby Okgye Falls.

Next, you board the train back to Seoul where you can enjoy more wine while you watch a movie in the cinema car.

Sweet tooths will probably love the Korean red wines which tend to be a lot sweeter than traditional red wines.

Make a Seoul ghost walking Tour

Once you have experienced the normal side of Seoul it’s time to discover the dark side.  Just like any other town Seoul has got its series of scandals, violent rapes, and bloody murders.

This tour leads you along weird and surprising landmarks and foul-mouthed tour guides will tell you the cruel history of the places that you may already have visited before.

The weekend tour is different from the week tour, both last about 1,5 hours. 

Ghost enthusiasts may consider joining the extended tour which combines both and lasts 2,5 to 3 hours.

When we arrived in Seoul it was love at first sight. The combination of the historic palaces with the modern skyscrapers gives the city a unique appearance. 

We looked in awe at the modern shiny office buildings and it felt like we were flashed back in time as we crossed the thresholds of the magnificent palaces.

The city is vast and counts almost 10 million inhabitants but it never felt too crowded and the various parks, palaces, and temples serve as zen hideouts if you want to escape the bustle of the metropolis.

As we traversed the city it felt like there was no end to the picturesque spots we passed.   I took loads of pictures. 

Our short visit gave us enough time to see many of the highlights but there remains so much to be explored. 

Seoul, we will be back!

Here is an overview of more great things to do in South Korea.

If you like this post, pin it. 

East Asia Two Weeks Itinerary: South Korea, Taiwan and Japan

East Asia Essentials: Seoul, Busan, Taipei, Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo

An epic 15-day adventure through some of East Asia’s most exciting destinations! Explore the bustling streets of Seoul and Busan, soak up the culture and history of Taipei and Kyoto, experience the futuristic cityscape of Tokyo, and much more! This itinerary will take you on a journey through three diverse and fascinating countries: South Korea, Taiwan, and Japan. Get ready to fire up your wanderlust, eat amazing food, and make unforgettable memories on this trip of a lifetime!

Days 1-2: Seoul, South Korea

After your visit to the palace, head to nearby Bukchon Hanok Village , a charming traditional Korean neighborhood filled with hanok (traditional Korean houses). You can wander the streets and admire the architecture, and even try on traditional Korean clothing, called hanbok, for a fun photo opportunity.

In the afternoon, head to Namsan Tower , a landmark tower atop Namsan Mountain reachable by cable car that offers stunning panoramic views of the city, and also several attractions and restaurants to explore.

▽More things to do in Seoul!▽

After shopping, visit the nearby Gwangjang Market , one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in Seoul. Be sure to try some Korean street food, such as tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), kimbap (seaweed rice rolls), and hotteok (sweet Korean pancakes). 

In the evening, dive into one of Seoul’s vibrant neighborhoods for nightlife, such as Hongdae or Gangnam . Hongdae is known for its indie music scene, street performances, and clubs, while Gangnam is known for its upscale bars and clubs.

Days 3-5: Busan, South Korea

In the afternoon, head to Busan Tower , a landmark tower that offers stunning panoramic views of the city. You can take the elevator to the top of the tower to enjoy the view, and there is also a museum and observation deck to explore.

After visiting Gamcheon, go to Beomeosa Temple , a historic Buddhist temple located in the foothills of Geumjeongsan Mountain , which can be accessed by cable car. The temple was first built in the 7th century and has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times. You can explore the different halls and buildings, and enjoy the serene surroundings of the temple.

In the afternoon, you can go to one of Busan’s other attractions, such as Jagalchi Fish Market or Gukje Market , to experience the local culture and cuisine. Jagalchi Fish Market is the largest seafood market in South Korea, and you can try fresh seafood at one of the on-site restaurants. Gukje Market is a traditional market with a variety of goods, from clothing to food to electronics. Be sure to try some of the local street food, such as hotteok (sweet pancakes) and ssiat hotteok (sweet pancakes filled with seeds).

Days 6-8: Taipei, Taiwan

After your visit to Taipei 101, head to the nearby Elephant Mountain for a hike and even better views of the city. The hike is moderate in difficulty and takes about 30 minutes to reach the top. Be sure to bring water and wear comfortable shoes.

In the evening, visit Shilin Night Market , one of Taipei’s most famous and lively night markets. You can find a variety of food, from stinky tofu to fried chicken cutlets, as well as games and souvenirs.

After your visit to the memorial hall, head to Longshan Temple , one of Taipei’s oldest and most famous temples. The temple was first built in the 18th century and features a mix of Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian elements. You can explore the different halls and courtyards, and even make a wish at the wishing pond.

In the afternoon, visit the trendy Ximending neighborhood for shopping and entertainment. You can find a variety of shops, from local boutiques to international brands, as well as restaurants and cafes. Be sure to also check out the street performers and live music.

Start your day by visiting the National Palace Museum , one of the largest and most comprehensive museums of Chinese art and artifacts in the world. The museum houses over 700,000 pieces of ancient Chinese imperial artifacts and artwork, including paintings, calligraphy, ceramics, and jade.

In the afternoon, visit Beitou Hot Springs , a popular spot for relaxation and rejuvenation. The hot springs are located in a scenic area surrounded by mountains and forests. You can soak in the natural hot springs or visit one of the public or private hot spring spas in the area.

In the evening, visit the Raohe Night Market , another popular and bustling night market in Taipei. You can find a variety of food, from oyster omelets to pork buns, as well as games and souvenirs. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as black pepper buns and Taiwanese-style fried chicken.

Days 9-11: Osaka-Kyoto, Japan

Afterward make your way to Dotonbori , a famous shopping and entertainment district in Osaka. This area is known for its bright neon lights, large billboards, and a wide variety of street food vendors where you can eat to your heart’s content the local specialties like takoyaki and okonomiyaki, and shop for souvenirs.

Make sure you visit Umeda Sky Building before sunset, so you can enjoy the stunning views of the city and see the sunset from the observatory deck. You can finish the day at the nearby Hankyu Umeda Station, with an enormous underground shopping center with lots of restaurants and entertainment options. 

For more information about the best things you can do in Osaka, check the following article:

Then, head to Arashiyama , a district on the western outskirts of Kyoto. You can walk through the picturesque bamboo forest, visit the Tenryu-ji temple, and take a boat ride down the Hozu River. The district also has a popular shopping street with local souvenirs and snacks.

In the evening, visit the Gion district to experience Kyoto’s traditional geisha culture. You can stroll through the narrow streets lined with traditional wooden buildings, and try to catch a glimpse of a geisha or maiko (apprentice geisha) on their way to a performance.

For more information about what to do around Gion, check the following article:

After your visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha, head to Nishiki Market , a long and narrow covered market in central Kyoto. You can find a variety of local foods and goods, including fresh seafood, pickles, and sweets. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as Kyoto-style sushi and matcha-flavored snacks.

In the afternoon, visit the Higashiyama district to see more of Kyoto’s traditional architecture and culture. You can walk through the historic streets, visit the Kiyomizu-dera temple, and enjoy the view from the temple’s wooden balcony.

For more information about what to do in Kyoto, check the following article:

Days 12-14: Tokyo, Japan

After your visit to the Tsukiji Fish Market, go to Ginza , Tokyo’s famous shopping mecca. It’s a chic and upscale district famous for its high-end boutiques, restaurants and department stores. There are also historic landmarks such as the Kabuki-za theater and the Imperial Palace is within walking distance. 

In the evening, visit the Roppongi district, a popular nightlife spot with a variety of restaurants, bars, and clubs. You can also visit the Mori Art Museum in Roppongi Hills or the Tokyo Tower for a panoramic view of the city at night.

After your visit to Senso-ji, go to Akihabara , also known as Electric Town, famous for its many electronics shops and anime/manga merchandise stores. You can visit one of the many themed pop-up cafes and explore the different shops for quirky and fun items.

In the evening, visit the Odaiba district, a man-made island in Tokyo Bay with a variety of shopping malls, amusement parks, and museums. You can also enjoy the view of the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower from the waterfront.

If the energy allows it, try to go as early as possible, after daybreak, to Meiji Shrine , a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort Empress Shoken. The peaceful surroundings with the sound of the morning prayers will be worth it. The shrine is located in a large forested park, and you can walk through the woods and see the traditional architecture of the shrine buildings.

After your visit to the Meiji Shrine, head to Shibuya , a bustling commercial and entertainment district famous for its Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world. You can also visit the Hachiko statue, a popular meeting spot for locals and tourists alike.

In the evening, visit Shinjuku , another popular entertainment district with a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops. You can also visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, which has observation decks with panoramic views of the city.

For more information about the best things to do in Tokyo, check the following article:

Day 15: Depart from Tokyo, Japan

If you have some time in the morning, you could visit the Tokyo National Museum , which houses a large collection of Japanese art and artifacts or just take a relaxing stroll around Ueno Park . 

After your final activities in Tokyo, make your way to the airport to catch your flight home. Depending on your flight time, you may need to leave for the airport quite early, so be sure to plan accordingly.

Overall, this 15-day itinerary should give you a great overview of some of the best sights and experiences that South Korea, Taiwan, and Japan have to offer. Of course, there are many other great destinations to explore in each country, so if you have more time, be sure to check out some additional places as well!

For more information about traveling around Japan, check out the following articles!

▽Related Articles▽

▼Editor’s Picks▼

Photographer, journalist, and avid urban cyclist, making sense of Japan since 2017. I was born in Caracas and lived for over 10 years in Barcelona before moving to Tokyo. Currently working towards my goal of visiting every prefecture in Japan, I hope to share with readers the everlasting joy of discovery and the neverending urge to keep exploring.

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Guide to Public Transportation

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48 Hours in Seoul

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Things to Do in Seoul

Amazing Temples

Where to Go Shopping

Best Museums

Foods to Try

Best Restaurants in Seoul

Nightlife in Seoul

Best Time to Visit

The Best Time to Visit Seoul

The best times to visit Seoul are during the spring (March to May) or fall (September and October). These months are generally considered the high season and for a good reason. With spring comes the delicate blush-colored blooms of the cherry blossom trees, while fall foliage makes the city glow with fiery reds, oranges, and yellows. Winter and summer have their charms but are not for the faint of heart, as temperatures plummet and soar, respectively.

No matter when you choose to visit, use this guide to help you delve into genteel temples, sprawling palaces and historical hanok houses juxtaposed with cutting-edge technology, a renowned food scene , and innovative architecture and design.

The Weather in Seoul

Each of the four seasons is distinct in Seoul. Winter can be bitterly cold, with icy blasts sweeping down from Siberia. Spring temperatures range from 50 to 70 degrees F, perfect for frolicking amid the pink blossoms of the cherry trees. Summer is hot and extremely humid, driving many Koreans into the city’s thousands of air-conditioned coffee shops. Keep in mind that June through September is also typhoon season, with high rainfall and a chance of heavy storms. Fall brings a return to mild weather ranging from 50 to 80 degrees F and makes for an excellent time to explore the many hiking trails within the city limits.  

Peak Season in Seoul

Boasting the most agreeable weather, spring and fall are naturally congested times in Seoul, though school holidays in the summer make it a fierce contender for the city’s busiest season award. However, with the plethora of cafes, museums, and galleries sprinkled near all the major attractions throughout the city, a refuge from the weather is never far away, meaning a visit to Seoul is enjoyable during any season.

The Seoul sprawling metropolitan area has a population of over 26 million.   With that number of people calling the city home, it ensures there’s no real “off” season—most major attractions even remain open during Korea’s national holidays. While outdoors landmarks such as palaces and temples are open year-round, they may occasionally close due to inclement winter weather or summer typhoons.

Though winter can be slightly cheaper, prices in South Korea’s capital remain steady during most of the year except for two main spikes—the national holidays, Seollal, and Chuseok, the dates of which fluctuate annually but generally occur during February and September. During these times, the entire country mobilizes, making train tickets, flights, hotels—you name it—more expensive.

Key Festivals and Events in Seoul

Korea has a deep love of festivals that range from traditional to kooky. Observing everything from history and film to food and music, Seoul is a city that loves a party. No matter what month you visit, you’ll find an event to suit your mood. It's impossible to avoid the citywide festivities and cultural events during the Seollal (the Lunar New Year) and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) holidays.

With Christmas festivities complete and the average temperatures hovering around 25 degrees F, you’d think the crowds would be minimal in January. But this month marks the winter school holidays in South Korea, which adds domestic tourists to the city’s already buzzing population. Seoul can get even more packed and expensive when Seollal falls at the end of January, which it does every few years.

It’s chilly and dry in Seoul in February, but the streets are packed with shoppers and visitors in anticipation of the Lunar New Year, which generally falls this month. Colorful displays in shop windows, performances in city squares, and special holiday menus at restaurants make February a fun time to visit South Korea’s capital.

Events to check out:

• Seollal is Korea’s Lunar New Year celebration, with traditional performances and activities taking place at Seoul’s major royal palaces.

Don’t put your coat away yet! Though spring technically begins this month, Seoul’s northern latitude means temperatures in March linger in the 40s. In recent years, however, warm temperatures have surprised everyone, including the trees, making an early cherry blossom season a real possibility.

• The Seoul International Marathon has taken place since 1931, making it Asia’s oldest marathon. The race begins at Gwanghwamun Palace and finishes across the Han River at the Seoul Olympic Stadium.

April is said to be Seoul’s most beautiful month, a time when cherry blossoms float through the air giving the city a whimsical pink glow. With temperatures mainly in the 50s and 60s Fahrenheit, it’s the ideal time to visit, which also makes it more crowded and expensive. It’s still possible to get good deals, though, since the weather can be fickle, and no one knows exactly when the cherry blossoms will make their highly anticipated appearance.

• Yeongdeunpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival consists of performances, activities, and exhibitions that take place amidst the cherry trees.
• Held in honor of Buddha’s birthday is the Lotus Lantern Festival (Yeon Deung Hoe) , which has taken place for over 1,300 years, and consists of a vibrant parade that lights up the city center. (Buddha’s birthday is observed on different dates each year, meaning this festival is sometimes held in May.)

May is Seoul’s Goldilocks window when it’s not too hot or too cold, kids are in school, and the rainy season hasn’t yet begun. It’s also a relatively inexpensive time to visit, as there are no major holidays or festivals in the city this month.

• Jongmyo Daeje is a remembrance of Korea’s royal ancestors and includes a parade, costumes, and traditional performances.

June is a weather wildcard, where temperatures can range from the 60s to 80s. It’s also the beginning of typhoon season, meaning rain becomes more of a possibility.

• The Seoul World DJ Festival draws music lovers the world over for a weekend of continuous mixing.
• Though not as widely celebrated as Seollal and Chuseok, Dano is another of Korea’s major holidays and is observed with traditional customs and costumes at the National Folk Museum of Korea.

Let the humidity begin. July is the start of Korea’s hottest and most humid months. If you do plan to visit during the dead of summer, plan outdoor activities in the morning and evening, and schedule indoor visits during the scorching midday heat.

• Cool off by participating in the Sinchon Water Gun Festival—always a crowd-pleasing favorite since July is one of the country’s hottest months.

Korean children have school holidays in August, and you’ll likely find them splashing in one of the city’s multiple fountains and streams. Temperatures peak around 90 degrees F, and August is also one of the rainiest months in the ROK. If the weather doesn’t scare you away, then you should be able to find good deals on flights and accommodation.

• Becoming more popular every year is the Seoul Fringe Festival, bringing both local and international artists and performers to the streets of Seoul.

Chuseok generally occurs in September, making it a bustling month in Seoul. While thousands of people depart the capital to visit their hometowns, thousands more spill in to celebrate the festivities. It’s a crowded and slightly more expensive time to visit, but the fall colors and the festive atmosphere make it worth the trade-off.

• Korea possesses a thriving film industry, with many movies making their debut at the Seoul International Film Festival.
• Traditional Chuseok celebrations are held at the city’s main palaces and temples.

Tourist numbers are relatively low in October, despite it being the time when the leaves begin to show off their brilliant hues. The city’s central focal point, Namsan mountain, is the perfect place for an autumn walk and features panoramic views from N Seoul Tower at its peak.

• The Hanwha Seoul International Fireworks Festival is one of the country’s largest festivals, drawing over one million people to Han River Park to watch the dazzling displays.

Seoul temperatures start to drop in November (think somewhere between 30 to 50 degrees F). Still, this month brings with it fewer crowds, autumn feasts, and the colorful lanterns that make up one of the city’s most anticipated and beautiful festivals.

• Kimchi is omnipresent in Korea, and there’s no better way to get acquainted with the ubiquitous side dish than by making and eating it at the Seoul Kimchi Festival .
• Millions of visitors flock to see the inventive displays at the Seoul Lantern Festival , where colorful lanterns stretch nearly a mile along the human-made Cheonggyecheon Stream winding through central Seoul.

Baby, it’s cold outside. By December, temperatures drop back into the 20s and 30s, which makes a visit to one of the city’s many teahouses or steamy bathhouses a priority. Christmas is widely observed in South Korea, and shops and department stores deck their halls accordingly. Combined with the country’s tax-free shopping program, it’s a busy time of year to visit.

• Korea’s two main theme parks, Lotte World and Everland (just south of Seoul), host Christmas celebrations with decorations, parades, and performances that rival anything produced by Mickey Mouse.

Spring or fall is the best time to visit Seoul. Not only are the days comfortably warm, but the city is covered in spring cherry blossoms or fall foliage, making it one of the most beautiful times to be there.

In a city as big as Seoul, it's always bustling with people. However, the major holidays of Seollal (usually in February) and Chuseok (usually in September) are particularly busy travel times.

The summer months are intense in Seoul. Not only is the weather hot and muggy, but it's also typhoon season. Rainstorms are common throughout July and August, so be prepared to spend the day indoors.

Weather Spark. "Average Weather in Seoul, South Korea." Retrieved February 23, 2021.

World Population Review. "Seoul Population 2021 (Demographics, Maps, Graphs)." Retrieved February 23, 2021.

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Seoul   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Alex Barlow | Getty Images

Best Times To Visit Seoul

The best times to visit Seoul are from March to May and from September to November, when the weather is mild (average daily high temperatures stay below the mid-70s) and travel expenses are low. If you're a powder hound, you'll want to visit between December and February, when average daytime temperatures stay around the freezing mark and snow can be frequent. It's best to avoid the summer months, also known as monsoon season. During these months, Seoul is uncomfortably humid and full of tourists. What's more, hotel room costs are at fever pitch.

Weather in Seoul

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

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Popular Times to Visit Seoul

Tourism volume is estimated based on in-market destination search query interest from Google and on travel.usnews.com in 2015-2016. Hotel prices are sourced from a sample of U.S. News Best Hotels rates through 2015-2016.

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I'm mainly interested in seeing the local landmarks (ie. temples, museums, etc). Then any interesting sites at night (ie. night markets, cleverly lit up structures/fountains). Plus in Seoul, I'm mainly interested in seeing the DMZ . Other than that, I don't plan to do any day trips out of town. At least not on this trip.

Should I pretty much break it down evenly? more time to Tokyo?

Eek, that's a tough question. There are so many factors involved. Length of the trip, timing (holidays/festivals), weather/season, budget......

I was hoping to find someone who has visited all 3 and tell me which deserves the most time and which deserves the least time. I'm looking at October. There isnt a forum that covers all 3 places so I just picked one.

I don't know the length yet, I just know I want to start in seoul and end in taipei.

I started making a list of places I might want to see in each city. I havent finished my research so this isnt a complete list nor do I need to see everything on the list:

Common Ground

Gyeongbokgung Palace 6pm

Changdeokgung? 5pm

Bukchon Hanok Village

rainbow bridge

Cheonggye Plaza

Gwanghwamun Square

N Seoul Tower

Meiji Jingu

Edo-Tokyo Museum

Pedestrian Scramble

Ghibli Museum

Imperial Palace ?

Nakagin Capsule Tower?

Bridge/Odaiba Statue of Liberty

Tokyo Sky Tree

Tokyo Tower

National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

National Palace Museum

National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall

National Museum of History

Dalongdong Baoan Temple

Miniatures Museum of Taiwan?

Living Mall?

Raohe Street Night Market

Shilin Night Market

Ningxia Night Market

I spent 5 nights in Taipei last year, and still did not get to see everything I wanted. I would say Tokyo and Seoul also deserve a similar amount of time. So I think the three cities deserve equal time. I have to admit that I have not visited all of the places on your wish lists for any of those cities.

I have been to all three places.

I have not gone to all the places you wrote.

However, for a city, it will be able to turn around 4-5 days.

Just go to the DMZ / JSA and you will be using it all day.

Personally I like Taipei more than Seoul .

However, it depends on personal preference.

Recently, since It got a ferry route from Ishigaki Island to Hualien in Taiwan, I am interested.

I went to Seoul for 2 nights 3 days, 3 days and 4 days in Taipei.

Note that DMZ is not exactly the same as JSA. JSA is a part of DMZ.

I also have not been to all of those places, so only going to comment on those I know about.

Common Ground - might be OK if you are into shopping and knock-off goods. Personally I found the nearby University more interesting.

Rainbow Bridge - worth it if you can go at night in nice weather (ie - not rainy/cloudy).

Most of my other Korean travel has been down South, around Chinhae and Busan, where I worked for a few weeks years ago.

Japan : Been to all those at one time or another. I would probably skip going up Tokyo Tower , but see it at night from a good vantage point, like Skytree .

Ginza worth browsing the high end shops such as Mikimoto just for grins in the daytime. Not much here after 19:00 or so. For night lights Shinjuku and Shibuya much better.

Never been to Capsule Tower, but it sounds like more of a curiosity than anything to actually go see.

I would agree with most on your list. I found the Memorial halls to be briefly interesting but not much more. But we might have vastly different interests.

I would look at this list and see what interests you https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g293913-Activities-Taipei.html

Nakagin capsule tower usually can not see inside.

It can be seen at the time of the tour and staying at Airbnb.

Other than that, you can see the inside if Kita-urawa Park in Saitama Prefecture. (From window)

There is only one exhibited there.

Seoul -- 3 days + / you can visit all places you mentioned in one day except DMZ for schedule reasson.

Taipei -- 4 days + / you can go halls and temples in one day, but add museums in a day is hard ; take time.

You have to check DMZ tour schedule & system.

Taiwan is island, looks small; but they have MANY scenic places to see! Having high mountans/Native Taiwanese (Aborigini) culture/Japan's 19-20th century's architectures that we Japanese lost for war & disasters.

If you will do side trips, you need more time.

Tokyo -- Nikko , Kamakura, Hakone or Mt. Fuji .Fuji 5 lakes area etc.

Seoul -- Suwon, Jeonju, Gyeonju ( 2N3D+ ) , Sokcho/Seoraksan (1N2D)

Taipei -- Yanminshun, Beitou, Yehliu, Jiufen / Sun Moon Lake, Alishun, Taroko Gorge are popular, but need more than 1N2D.

Like I said, I'm not necessarily interested in going to all the place. They are just places that I marked down to take another look at. Some places I might have want to spend an hour or two at, some I may just want to take a quick photo. Plus, you go to enough temples, they will all start to look the same. Also, I forgot to mention I tried to split "day" attractions from "night" attractions.

I don't plan to do any side trips (other than DMZ).

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Automatic reviews helped block 256 at border last year: immigration.

• By Kayleigh Madjar / Staff writer, with CNA

Last year, 256 people suspected of criminal involvement were blocked from entering the country, the National Immigration Agency said on Wednesday.

The agency was invited to give a report to the legislature’s Judiciary and Organic Laws and Statutes Committee on the digitization of personnel services.

The agency said it uses pre-flight screening to identify and prohibit potential smuggling and trafficking groups from entering the country.

People use e-Gate immigration portals at an airport on Jan. 19 last year.

Photo: Chu Pei-hsiung, Taipei Times

Last year, 256 people were stopped from entering, while 106 were caught using fake passports and 11,081 people were automatically flagged for review, it said.

The agency also uses a smart scheduling system that estimates heavy traffic times at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport and suggests assignments accordingly, its report to the committee said.

Work is also underway this year to replace first-generation e-Gate portals at the Taoyuan, Taipei (Songshan), Taichung and other airports with the newest fourth-generation model, it added.

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