When to Go
Best Time to Visit
Now in Seoul—:—Sunrise—:—Sunset—:—
April–June, September–November. Spring cherry blossoms, autumn ginkgo leaves. Winter is cold but dry with clear skies; summer humid.
Warmest in Seoul: Jul (29°C / 84°F) · Coolest: Jan (2°C / 36°F) · Wettest: Jul (~20 rain days)
Daily highs / lows in °C · bars show rain days per month · ERA5 climate normals (2020–2024)
Daily Spend in USD
Budget
Budget
$40/day
Mid-range
$100/day
Luxury
$280/day
- Budget $40/day ≈ €35 · £30 · ₹3,800 · A$58 · C$57
- Mid-range $100/day ≈ €87 · £75 · ₹9,550 · A$145 · C$140
- Luxury $280/day ≈ €245 · £210 · ₹26,500 · A$405 · C$395
Converted at ECB reference rates, refreshed daily.
Street food and convenience-store meals make budget days easy; mid-range gets you into design hotels.
With Kids
Family Travel
Lotte World indoor park, Children’s Grand Park, Hangang River bike rentals. Kid-friendly cafés are everywhere.
Together
Couples Travel
Han River cruise at night, palace ceremonies at sundown, late-night pojangmacha tents.
On Your Own
Solo Travel
Easy and welcoming — Korean café culture supports long solo afternoons; nightlife in Itaewon and Hongdae.
Food
What to Eat
- Bibimbap. Mixed rice bowl, often served in a sizzling stone bowl (dolsot).
- Korean BBQ. Galbi (short rib) and samgyeopsal (pork belly) grilled at your table.
- Kimchi jjigae. Spicy fermented-kimchi stew — comfort food in a bowl.
- Korean fried chicken. Soy-garlic or yangnyeom — pair with cold beer (chimaek).
- Tteokbokki. Spicy rice cakes from street stalls; Sindang-dong is the holy land.
Transportation
Getting Around
Seoul Metro is among the world’s best — fast, signposted in English, clean.
Buy a T-Money card on arrival. Buses are also excellent. Use Kakao T or Uber for taxis.
Where to Base Yourself
Neighborhoods
- Hongdae. Youth culture, clubs, indie cafés, university energy.
- Itaewon. International food, vintage shops, evening rooftops.
- Gangnam. Luxury, modern restaurants, K-pop label headquarters.
- Bukchon Hanok Village. Traditional wooden houses, old-Seoul photo strip.
Get Your Bearings
Seoul Map & Walking Distances
City centerNeighborhoodsClick the map to enable scroll zoom
- Hongdaeneighborhood4.7 km from center
- Itaewonneighborhood3.5 km from center
- Gangnamneighborhood8.2 km from center
- Bukchon Hanok Villageneighborhood30 min walk from center
What to Know
Safety
Very safe. Bars stay open late; subway operates until ~midnight.