Travel Guide To Rock Seoul

Posted by Stephanie Griggs | Asia, Blog, Seoul, South Korea | 31

TRAVEL GUIDE TO

ROCK SEOUL

Seoul is a quick weekend getaway for the expat travelers. It is only a few hours away by plane or train and is located in the northern section of South Korea. You can also travel to Seoul by bus or car for a few more hours. Feel the vibe of this modern city but you can still see some of the peaceful Palaces close by with its interesting history. I made sure to take my Lonely Planet Book, Travel Guide, and Seoul City Map on my adventure through this amazing town.

Travel Guide To Rock Seoul

With so much to do let us get started early so we can plan ahead. These are just a few of my favorite places to go and see when I’m there. This Travel Guide just touches the surface of all that is there to offer, but I have included a few other places that look interesting and fun. There are lots places to take your family on day trips or if you are by your self it is safe too but as in all cities always pay attention to your surroundings. Now, let us see how the city of Seoul is spread out.

Seoul is spread out into 5 zones which can be accessed through their public transportation system which is very user friendly. Subway, trains, and taxis are all available, so find a map and get started. Tickets for the subway are easy to purchase at the Subway Station, and if you don’t understand someone will be very willing to help. Look for the change machine to help you purchase your tickets.

With my many visits to Seoul, I always find new and exciting places to see. Seeing has four seasons and each season has a beauty all their own. One will see the leaves changing in the fall along with flowers blooming in spring. Now, with all those beautify seasons, let us take a look at the different activities available by city zones.

Activities by Zones

Zone 1

Gyeongbokgung Palace: see the changing of the guard’s ceremony @ 1000 & 1500 daily. Palace is closed Tuesdays; guides available, head phones or pamphlet. Adults W3,000; Child W1,500 (7-18). View the two museums on site. Note closure days

National Palace Museum of Korea: dedicated to the royal culture. Closed Mondays; hrs 0900-1800. Located next to the Gyeongbokgung Palace

National Folk Museum of Korea: folklore artifacts exhibited; Closed Tuesdays & New Years day; hrs 0900-1800. Located next to the Gyeongbokgung Palace

Changdeokgung Palace: UNESCO World Heritage Site. Make sure to visit the gardens. Closed Mondays; hrs 0900-1730.

Changgyeonggung Palace: Built in 1418 for the living former queens. Closed Mondays; hours 0900-1730

Seoul Museum of History: divided into 4 zones; Children encouraged to visit Education Hall or Touch Museum where they are allowed to feel relics in person. Closed Mondays; hrs 0900-12100; free admission. (never been but looks interesting).

Insa-dong: Shops that sell antiques, old books, paintings, ceramics, Hanbok, and view the exhibit halls, tea houses and traditional restaurants. Located around 1 street.

Namdaemun Market: Market filled with all kinds of fun things to shop with items of different prices and qualities. Street vendors. Closed Sundays

Myeong-dong: Shopping, fashion, in a metropolitan area.

National Museum of Korea: One of the 6^th largest Museums in the world. Closed Mondays;

Itaewon: Village inside Seoul packed with visitors from all over the world. Tourist shops, vendors one could call it colorful and exotic. Lots of stores closed on Sundays.

Zone 2

Hongik University District

Zone 3

Dongdaemun Fashion Town

Seoul Folk Flea Market

Dapsimni Antique Shopping Mall

Children’s Grand Park

Zone 4

Olympic Park

Jamsil Baseball Stadium

Lotte World

Seoul Art Center

Apgujeong Rodeo Street: find the latest trends in Seoul here.

Cheongdam-dong Fashion Street: Shop Prada, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Gucci, Hermes and more here.

Zone 4

Bongeunsa Temple

Time Square

Seoul Zoo

Travel Guide will make you Rock Wonderful Seoul with 1 AdventureTraveler

DMZ Tour

Tours & helpful websites

DMZ Tour: DMZ/JSA & 3^rd Tunnel Tour (By Koridoor in USO) Reservations required and I suggest the all day tour. Well worth the cost. Must take your Passport and have numbers when reserving.

Metro – Seoul

T card: Traffic card. Used as payment in the subway, trains and taxis. There are Deposit/Refund machines located in the subway to add money to your card or get a refund when you are finished for the day. As of this writing the T-card in Seoul is only good in Seoul. If you go to Busan it does not work.

Breakfast at the Flying Pan Blue in Seoul

Restaurants

Flying Pan Blue: Located in Itaewan. All day brunch; eggs, sandwiches, & salads. Great Western Food that tastes yummy and I usually eat my breakfasts here.

Din Ta Fung: Great Chinese Restaurant that serves great Dumplings that are yummy. The dumplings are made in the restaurant and it is great to watch them make while waiting for your table. (Din Ta Fung English website for the US). Click location and find one in Seoul.

Looking for a great travel book try the Lonely Planet Korea.

Etcetera

There is a lot of information in this Seoul Travel Guide by Zone. Save and Print this for later use. This travel guide will help navigate Seoul for more fun! Keep checking back for more expat adventures from 1AdventureTraveler. Check here for more wonderful places to visit or hike while in Korea.

Remember life is short, go out and have an adventure…

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About The Author

Stephanie Griggs

Hi, I am an expat adventure traveler who has traveled to some wonderful places around the world outside of my comfort zone. One who loves to immerse myself into other cultures and share my experiences with others. Enjoy my travel adventures, guides, and recommendations. "Life is short, go out and have an adventure"

31 Comments

Jill on February 7, 2018 at 20:08

My daughter lives in Seoul and I was able to visit her last spring. I liked Seoul so much more than I thought I might – I’m not much of a big city lover. But Seoul – and it’s people – were wonderful. I also visited Jeju which I also loved.
Reply
- Stephanie Griggs on February 21, 2018 at 18:05
  
  Hi Jill, how exciting you were able to visit your daughter in Seoul. Spring is a beautiful time to visit. Seoul has a beauty of its own with the hustle and bustle of people but a good vibe. Easy to get around on the subway and some tasty local cuisine everywhere. I have heard Jeju was amazing. Sorry I missed visiting there when I lived in South Korea.
Harmony, Momma To Go on February 4, 2018 at 21:56

Is Seoul near the winter olympic city? I am so excited for the olympics!
Reply
- Stephanie Griggs on February 6, 2018 at 16:27
  
  Hi Harmony, Seoul is around 7 hrs from Pyeongchang Olympic Stadium. Seoul has an international airport and most visitors flights will enter there. A stay in Seoul will give one some exciting time before or after the olympics. I agree the Olympics are so exciting.
David on January 16, 2017 at 11:49

I like how you’ve structured the post by zone. I imagine there’s heaps to see in Seoul and would love to visit one day. Would be great to read your account of visiting the DMZ.
Reply
- Stephanie Griggs on January 30, 2017 at 14:09
  
  Thanks David,
  Seoul is vast and has so many things to do and see that by having it separated into Zones works well when using the subway system. That way its easier to plan your day. The DMZ tour was great and a bit scary and I will hopefully be writing that article soon. The tour recommended in this article is the one I highly recommend.
  Happy Travels, Stephanie (1AdventureTraveler)
Raymond Carroll on January 15, 2017 at 15:31

I lived and worked in Taiwan for 6 months and had the chance to go and work in Seoul for a while but I knocked it back because I wanted to spend time with my daughter in Thailand; she was only a baby at the time and I’m glad I made the decision. However, I often wonder what turns my life would have taken had I decided to go to Seoul instead. Nice post. Thanks for sharing.
Reply
- Stephanie Griggs on January 30, 2017 at 14:12
  
  Thanks Raymond,
  Who knows sometimes where our lives would take us if we had taken a different path. I never thought I would live in S.Korea for a few years. Seoul is very interesting place to visit with lots of history. Hope you get a chance to one day visit and if you go check out this guide to help you through the vast city 🙂
  Happy Travels, Stephanie (1AdventureTraveler)
Rob+Ann @TravelLatte(.net) on January 12, 2017 at 10:50

Somehow, Seoul has never been high on our bucket list…but I’m starting to rethink that! Lots to do, and it looks awesome.
Reply
- Stephanie Griggs on January 30, 2017 at 14:19
  
  Hi Rob + Ann,
  If Seoul is not high on your bucket-list it would make a great extended few days as a stop over to another country. If planned just right you could take one of my guides that shows Seoul divided into zones and use it with the Subway System and have a blast. So much history here and worth a visit. It does have 4 seasons so plan you trip when its not to hot and humid.
  Happy Travels, Stephanie (1AdventureTraveler)
James Smith on January 11, 2017 at 06:27

I was once in Seoul but I was really hungover from the previous night in Bangkok so couldn’t really function well. I wish I’d had your guide so I didn’t have to think I could just go zone by zone down your list!
Reply
- Stephanie Griggs on February 7, 2017 at 15:07
  
  Hi James,
  That is very funny. So, for the next time you do a lay over in Seoul have this handy guide printed out and your are all set. Now you can navigate what you want to see twithhe massive subway system. Now if you looking for a pub (Bar), head over to the University District and visit the Blues House. Live band on some nights, great music and a good drink 🙂
  Happy Travels, Stephanie (1AdventureTraveler)
Trippin' Turpins (Kelly) on January 11, 2017 at 03:42

Wow! Seems like there is a huge range of things to do in Seoul, from fun parks, to markets, culture and history. I think there is something for everyone!
Reply
Shona on January 10, 2017 at 06:51

Thanks for the great tips, Stephanie. I’ve saved this for a future adventure to Seoul.
Reply
- Stephanie Griggs on February 7, 2017 at 15:03
  
  Thanks Shona,
  If you every get a chance to visit Seoul print out this guide that shows the wonderful places to visit in Zones. This will help when you navigate the efficient massive subway system. Then you get to experience the culture and food.
  Happy Travels, Stephanie (1AdventureTraveler)
Travel Lexx on January 9, 2017 at 18:17

So many awesome things to do in Seoul! I am seriously considering moving there at some point in the next year or two and I have only heard amazing things. Thanks for sharing and I have to add these to my bucket list!
Reply
- Stephanie Griggs on May 17, 2017 at 11:06
  
  Thanks Alexei,
  How cool you might move to Seoul. So much to do and you get a chance to immerse yourself in the culture. This guide will give some great places to visit according to zones. This helps with location and the subway system.
  Happy Travels 🙂
Angie (FeetDoTravel) on January 9, 2017 at 08:04

Great guide, I didn’t I know Seoul was split into Zones so this is really helpful, thanks for the additional info about flights/trains in your comment as well, this is very handy. This post can certainly help us plan ahead! #feetdotravel
Reply
- Stephanie Griggs on February 7, 2017 at 15:11
  
  Thanks Angie,
  This guide has been so helpful for my many travels there and navigating the subway system. Plus this lets me cluster activities together to get the most of of my days. If you want some nightlight fun, go to the University District for quick food and great pubs 🙂
  Happy Travels, Stephanie (1AdventureTraveler)
Barry on January 9, 2017 at 07:15

I enjoyed visiting Seoul even though it was winter time I had just arrive from the sunny and the much warmer Philippines. I visited a few of the places in your photos. Would love to go back one day.
Reply
- Stephanie Griggs on February 7, 2017 at 15:15
  
  Hi Barry,
  Wow you arrived in Seoul in the winter where it can be bitter cold and snow. Glad you visited a few places mentioned and hope you make it back there. So much to do and this guide will help you plan your activities. Next time a visit in Spring and Fall would be nice 🙂
  Happy Travels, Stephanie (1AdventureTraveler)
Paul and Carole on January 8, 2017 at 14:48

Great information for travelling to this area. Looks an interesting place to visit, never been on our radar before so thanks for sharing! #feetdotravel
Reply
- Stephanie Griggs on November 15, 2017 at 18:16
  
  Thanks Paul and Carole,
  Seoul is very interesting to visit especially with the olympics happening soon. Great stop over even for a few days 😊
Lisa on January 8, 2017 at 11:26

Thanks for this very detailed itinerary it makes it easier when visiting for the first time or if your short on time. So many cool things to see for sure there. Looks like it’s pretty easy to get around too. Will pin this for a future visit.
Reply
- Stephanie Griggs on May 17, 2017 at 11:10
  
  Thanks Lisa,
  Yes, this guide for attractions in Seoul listed in zones does help with the subway system and help you plan your day. Hope you get a chance to visit in the future.
  Happy Travels 🙂
Midori on January 6, 2017 at 07:21

Seoul is an amazing travel destination! Thank you for the tips! Here you can find more information about other neighborhoods! http://www.midorisobsessions.com/2015/11/things-to-do-and-see-in-seoul.html
Reply
- Stephanie Griggs on February 6, 2017 at 15:53
  
  Thanks Midori,
  Seoul is amazing with so much to do that this guide will help navigate and plan your trip. I will have to check out your blog on Seoul 🙂
  Happy Travels, Stephanie (1AdventureTraveler)
Garth on January 5, 2017 at 16:27

This is a really comprehensive guide Stephanie! Thank you for compiling and sharing, I will definitely pin it for a future visit. I know nothing about Seoul apart from I remember watching the Olympics there on TV years ago. It looks like a really diverse city to visit, and hope to visit one day!
Reply
- Stephanie Griggs on February 6, 2017 at 15:56
  
  Thanks Garth,
  The guide has a lot of information but it works well with the large subway systems. It is broken down into zones and will be easy to use and plan. With all the mountains it is so much easier to travel by subway vs taxi. Hope you make it to Seoul someday if only for a stop over to experience the culture and food 🙂
  Happy Travels, Stephanie (1AdventureTraveler)
Diana on April 28, 2014 at 22:11

Hello Stephanie:)

How did you go there? bus, car or Train? Do you know how to get the Train tickets?
Which hotel did you take?

Thank you

Cheers

Damian Guirlet
Reply
- Stephanie Griggs on April 29, 2014 at 07:41
  
  Hi Damian,
  I like to fly or take the train there. There are multiply flights a day for around W100,000 each from Busan. Air Busan and Asiana fly there. Actually same flight since they are code share airlines. The train is good too but you have to drive throught downtown Busan to get to the station. Sometimes during traffic time that is difficult. I have always bought my train tickets when I get there but recommend buying tickets ahead of time during Korean Holidays. Not sure how to do that. Think I saw people mentioned how to do that on the Geoje website.
  
  Friend of mine take the bus and like it. Cheaper in price but it takes 5 hours to get there but worth it for the price and convience. I just usally don’t have the time on short weekend trips to allow 5 hrs each way.
  
  There are so many hotels to choose from but I usually stay at the Hotel Lotte City Hotel in Mapo. It is centrally located and is on top of a subway stop and 3 way interchange. Also the stop of the train that goes from Seoul Station to both airports. The room is moderatly priced and does have individual air con in the rooms. I wouldn’t suggest the breakfast to expensive and not very good. (for reference it is not located at the Mapo subway stop but still in the Mapo area).
  
  If your looking for a lower price hotel thats okay and clean is the Hamilton Hotel located in Itaewon or higher end like the Hyatt. For familes I have heard some like the Somerset and the Lotte World Hotel. It really depends on where you want to visit. I still like the location of the Lotte City Mapo just for its ease and location.
  
  Hope this information helps. Please comment back on which hotel you liked best and your suggests on things to do while there. Enjoy your trip.
  Stephanie