Seoul Travel Guide: The Perfect Handbook for You

When it comes to traveling to Seoul, tourists immediately think of a city where tradition and modernity blend perfectly.

Overview of Seoul Travel

Seoul, the capital of South Korea, covers more than 605 km² and serves as the cultural, artistic, and technological center of the country. According to the Korea Tourism Organization, Seoul attracts over 14 million international visitors annually. Here, you will find ancient palaces standing beside modern glass towers. At the same time, bustling shopping streets are just steps away from quiet alleys.

Seoul has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons: winter temperatures below 0°C and summer up to 32-34°C. Thus, your experience will vary depending on the season.

Seoul is not only beautiful but also a preferred destination for Vietnamese travelers due to convenient flights and cultural similarities. It is an ideal city for young groups, families, and anyone passionate about art and cuisine.

Read more: Traveling to South Korea in November

Perfect Preparation for Your Seoul Trip

A smooth trip starts with thorough preparation. When exploring Seoul, having all necessary documents, luggage, and supporting devices ready will make your experience more complete and avoid unnecessary troubles.

Giấy tờ cần có khi đi Hàn Quốc

Before flying, ensure all documents are valid to avoid issues at the airport. Here is the checklist:

• Passport valid for at least six months
• Korean tourist visa
• Round-trip flight tickets between Vietnam and Korea
• Hotel booking confirmation
• Seoul sightseeing itinerary and travel plan

If you want to obtain a visa quickly, choose iVISA’s Korean tourist visa service. With their experience, they provide full A-Z support, making your journey to the Land of the Morning Calm much easier.

Preparing Luggage for Seoul

According to iVISA’s Seoul travel guide, preparing suitable luggage will save time and allow you to fully enjoy Seoul. The climate in Seoul changes significantly across seasons, so choosing the right clothing will help you move comfortably and enjoy outdoor activities without fatigue.

• Winter in Korea: Bring a thick coat, scarf, and gloves for warmth.
• Spring & Autumn: Light jackets, thin shirts, and comfortable sneakers are enough.

South Korea uses different plug types than Vietnam, so prepare a Type F adapter for your stay. This ensures you can capture beautiful moments and stay connected throughout your trip.

Proper preparation not only helps manage your schedule efficiently but can also save 20-30% of travel time and reduce extra expenses. This allows you to enjoy Seoul more comfortably, happily, and effectively.

Transportation for Exploring Seoul

Knowing the transportation options will save time, reduce costs, and ensure a smoother trip. Seoul is famous for its modern transport system, from airport transfers to a comprehensive subway network.

From the Airport to Seoul City Center

Seoul has two major international airports: Incheon and Gimpo, with Incheon serving over 70 million passengers annually. Transportation options from the airport include:

Transport	Duration
AREX Express	43 minutes
AREX All-stop	60 minutes
Airport bus	40-70 minutes
Taxi	70-90 minutes

Di chuyển trong thành phố Seoul

Seoul’s dense and flexible subway network connects central districts, suburbs, tourist spots, and shopping areas. Tourists can travel quickly and conveniently without getting lost, especially using subway maps or route apps like Naver Map or Kakao Map.

The T-money card is essential for MRT travel. This prepaid card allows easy payment and convenient transit. Using the subway and T-money is a key tip in Seoul travel, enabling safe, flexible, and enjoyable exploration of the city.

Read more: South Korea Travel Experience 2025

Sightseeing and Must-Experience Activities in Seoul

Seoul blends traditional culture, modern life, and shopping paradise. According to Seoul travel guides, an ideal itinerary starts with cultural landmarks, explores vibrant neighborhoods, and experiences unique entertainment.

Highlighted Destinations in Seoul

• Gyeongbokgung Palace: Heart of the Joseon dynasty, explore ancient architecture and watch the traditional changing of the guard.
• Bukchon Hanok Village: Preserves over 900 traditional houses, reflecting historical Korean life.
• Namsan Seoul Tower: Panoramic city views, especially stunning at sunset or nighttime.
• Myeongdong: Cosmetic, fashion, and street food paradise.
• Hongdae: Youthful district with street art, unique cafes, and live music.
• COEX Mall & Starfield Library: Modern shopping center and one of the most beautiful libraries in Seoul.

Read more: Independent Travel to South Korea

Suggested 5-Day Seoul Itinerary

Day 1: Myeongdong & Namsan Seoul Tower: Explore cosmetics, fashion, and street food, then enjoy city views at sunset.

Day 2: Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon Hanok, Insadong: Visit palace, wander historic streets, shop for souvenirs, and try traditional tea.

Day 3: Hongdae & Yeonnam-dong:  Discover street art, unique cafes, and creative neighborhoods by walking or cycling.

Day 4: Gangnam, COEX Mall, Bongeunsa Temple: Experience modern city life, shop, visit the library, and enjoy Buddhist culture.

Day 5: Lotte World or Everland: Spend the day at a theme park for fun and adventure.

Seoul Cuisine: From Tradition to Modernity

Food is an essential part of the Seoul travel experience. Seoul offers a variety of flavors, from traditional dishes to creative street food. Enjoying Seoul’s cuisine allows you to experience Korean culture through taste and service.

Must-Try Dishes	Locations
Kimchi Bibimbap Tteokbokki Samgyetang Korean BBQ Gimbap Ramyeon	Myeongdong Gwangjang Market Hongdae Food Street Namdaemun Market

Culture, Festivals, and Customs in Seoul

Seoul attracts visitors not only with its modern cityscape and vibrant Korea shopping districts but also with its unique culture and festivals rich in local identity.

Major Festivals Throughout the Year

Seoul is not only the cultural and economic hub of South Korea but also a city known for its impressive annual festivals. Each festival is more than just entertainment-it is an opportunity for both locals and tourists to connect and experience traditional culture. Some notable festivals you should not miss include:

• Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival: When spring arrives, the streets along the Han River are covered in pink cherry blossoms, attracting thousands of locals and tourists who come to enjoy the scenery and take photos.
• Seoul Lantern Festival: A dazzling event where thousands of lanterns light up the Cheonggyecheon Stream, creating a magical nighttime atmosphere.
• Seoul International Fireworks Festival: One of the most exciting annual events, where international fireworks teams compete and create spectacular displays across the night sky of the capital.

Important Etiquette When Joining Festivals

According to Korean travel experiences, understanding and following local etiquette allows you to blend in better with the culture. Here are some important reminders:

• Keep quiet on the subway and in public areas
• Queue in an orderly manner
• Ask for permission before taking photos of others
• Respect sacred and religious spaces

Following these simple rules will not only help you avoid cultural misunderstandings but also ensure a more respectful and enjoyable festival experience in Seoul.

Read More: Things to Know Before Coming to South Korea

Accommodation and Shopping in Seoul

When traveling in Seoul, choosing the right accommodation and shopping wisely are key factors that make your trip more meaningful. The city offers a wide range of options for international visitors, from luxurious 5-star hotels and budget hostels to serviced apartments. Central areas such as Myeongdong, Insadong, Hongdae, Gangnam, and Jongno are popular choices because they provide easy access to attractions, restaurants, and public transportation.

When it comes to shopping, Seoul is a paradise for fashion lovers, beauty enthusiasts, and fans of local specialties. Travelers can explore Myeongdong, Dongdaemun, COEX Mall, Lotte Department Store, as well as traditional markets like Namdaemun and Gwangjang. Well-known brands include Innisfree, Laneige, Etude House, Samsung, and LG, along with local gifts such as almond snacks, ginseng products, and green tea.

It’s time to turn your Seoul travel experience with iVISA into a real journey! Apply for your Korean visa now and get ready to discover the vibrant city of Seoul this spring!

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