Seoul

South Korea's capital seamlessly blends 600-year-old palaces with cutting-edge K-pop culture. Incredible street food, traditional hanok villages, and buzzing nightlife districts await.

Seoul skyline
Best time to visit

Apr, May, Oct, Nov

Essentials

Currency: KRW
Language: Korean
Timezone: Seoul

Average temperatures
Jan 1°Feb 4°Mar 10°Apr 17°May 23°Jun 27°Jul 29°Aug 30°Sep 26°Oct 19°Nov 11°Dec 3°

Things to do

Tour Gyeongbokgung Palace in a hanbokExplore Bukchon Hanok VillageShop in MyeongdongEat Korean BBQ in GangnamVisit N Seoul TowerExplore Hongdae's nightlife

Local cuisine

Korean BBQBibimbapTteokbokkiKimchi

Gyeongbokgung Palace, built in 1395, is the largest and most iconic of Seoul's five grand palaces. The changing of the guard ceremony and the mountain backdrop make it spectacular.

Travel Tips for Seoul

Best Time to Visit

The ideal months to visit Seoul are April, May, October, November, when the weather is at its most pleasant for sightseeing and outdoor activities. During these peak months, you can expect average highs of around 17°C in April, 23°C in May, 19°C in October, 11°C in November. Temperatures across the year range from 1°C to 30°C, so layers are a good idea as temperatures can vary throughout the day. Right now in May, the average high in Seoul is 23°C.

Getting There

From the UK, you can reach Seoul in approximately 11h (with connection). As this involves a connection, it's worth comparing routes to find the most convenient stopover. Booking in advance and being flexible with your travel dates can help you find better deals and shorter layovers.

Money and Language

The local currency is the KRW. It's a good idea to exchange some currency before you travel or withdraw from ATMs on arrival. Card payments are becoming more common, but carrying cash is recommended for local markets, street food, and smaller businesses. The main language spoken is Korean. While you may encounter some English speakers in tourist areas, learning a few basic phrases in Korean will go a long way and is always appreciated by locals.

What to Expect

South Korea's capital seamlessly blends 600-year-old palaces with cutting-edge K-pop culture. Incredible street food, traditional hanok villages, and buzzing nightlife districts await. Whether you're interested in tour gyeongbokgung palace in a hanbok or explore bukchon hanok village, there's something for every type of traveller. Seoul is also known for its food scene, with local specialities including Korean BBQ, Bibimbap, Tteokbokki. Plan your visit for the best months to make the most of what Seoul has to offer.

Popular Activities in Seoul

Seoul offers a fantastic range of activities for every kind of traveller. From cultural experiences to outdoor adventures, here are the top things to do during your visit.

Tour Gyeongbokgung Palace in a hanbok

Get an in-depth look at one of the destination's highlights.

Explore Bukchon Hanok Village

Wander through and discover hidden gems at your own pace.

Shop in Myeongdong

Browse unique finds and pick up souvenirs to remember your trip.

Eat Korean BBQ in Gangnam

Treat your taste buds to authentic local flavours.

Visit N Seoul Tower

A must-see attraction that draws visitors from around the world.

Explore Hongdae's nightlife

Wander through and discover hidden gems at your own pace.

Food & Drink in Seoul

No trip to Seoul is complete without sampling the local food and drink scene. From street food to sit-down restaurants, there's an incredible variety of flavours to discover. Here are some dishes and drinks you absolutely must try:

Korean BBQ

The signature dish of Seoul that every visitor should try at least once.

Bibimbap

A beloved local favourite that showcases traditional flavours and techniques.

Tteokbokki

Ask any local for their recommendation and you're in for a treat.

Kimchi

A delicious way to round off your culinary exploration.

Practical Information

Everything you need to know before travelling to Seoul. Use this quick-reference guide to help plan your trip.

Currency

KRW

Language

Korean

Timezone

Seoul

Visa (UK citizens)

K-ETA required for UK citizens (apply online before travel)

Best months to visit

Apr, May, Oct, Nov

Temperature (May)

23°C average high

Flight time from UK

11h (with connection)