Seoul captivates all who visit with its fascinating blend of historical depth and contemporary flair, delicious cuisine and vibrant culture.
From the serene beauty of the Gyeongbokgung Palace to the vibrant, neon-lit streets of Gangnam, Seoul is equal parts past, present and future. Visitors can explore historic temples by day and delve into the city’s nightlife after dark.
Seoul’s Incheon International Airport is one of the world’s busiest hubs, boasts connections from all corners of the globe. And, once on the ground, exploring Seoul is remarkably convenient due to its extensive public transportation, allowing visitors to explore the city’s diverse districts with ease.
This combination of accessibility and depth makes Seoul an enticing option for both short visits and deeper cultural immersion.
For those pressed for time, a two-day stay can cover the major highlights and provide an introduction to Korean culture. However, EXO suggests staying at least four days, like our Seoul City Explorer tour, for a more in-depth discovery of the city and its surroundings.
Read on to learn more about the capital, EXO’s recommended experiences
and tips for making the most of a Seoul holiday.
Introduction to Seoul
In Seoul, visitors can experience a culture that blends deep-rooted history with contemporary trends.
EXO’s Seoul Discovery tour begins at Gwanghwamun Plaza, where towering bronze statues depict famous historic figures. Then guests visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, to learn about its remarkable history and the legacy of the Joseon Dynasty, which ruled Korea from the 14th to 19th centuries.
After witnessing the ceremonial changing of the guards, EXO’s Seoul tour continues with a visit to the National Folk Museum before moving on to Insadong Arts and Crafts Street, for a look at Korean traditional culture and craftsmanship.
EXO’s introduction to Seoul continues to Namsangol Hanok Village, where five restored hanok houses offer a glimpse into traditional Korean life. Wrapping up the Seoul city tour is a visit to Gwangjang market, one of the oldest and largest markets in Korea.
Beyond the highlights
Beyond the capital’s highlights, here are some of EXO’s favourite Seoul experiences.
- Traditional Market & Cooking Class– Embark on a unique Seoul adventure, combining vibrant market visits with hands-on culinary experiences and an opportunity to hunt for hidden antique treasures.
- K-Culture Odyssey– Fans of K-pop and K-drama will have boundless opportunities to indulge their passions on this curated Seoul day tour.
- Seoul After Dark- Explore the enchanting vibes of Seoul after dark, visiting illuminated landmarks and sampling street food
- Suwon & Korean Folk Village Delve into Korea’s past, travelling to Seoul’s outskirts to visit Suwon’s Hwaseong Fortress and the Korean Folk Village.
- A trip to the DMZ – Gaze over the border into North Korea and explore the monuments and museums of the DMZ for a deeper understanding of the past and present of this infamous region.
Planning a visit:
Seoul experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons.
Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are the most popular times to visit Seoul. During the spring, the weather is mild and ideal for being outside and enjoying the season’s cherry blossoms. The fall months bring crisp air and vibrant foliage, a spectacular backdrop for the city’s lively festivals, like the Seoul Lantern Festival.
The summer months (June to August) are warm and humid, with daily temperatures around 27-30°C. Although rain is common, travellers who visit Seoul in summer will be rewarded with fewer crowds. The same is true for winter (December to February). Though cold, the winter months offer their own charm with snow-dusted cityscapes and festivals like the Seoul Light festival.
EXO recommends at least three nights in Seoul, enough time to see the highlights and be introduced to Korean culture. Travelers who stay longer will be rewarded, with deeper cultural discovery and an opportunity to explore personal interests such as food, art, nature, K-culture and more.
Getting there and around
Getting to Seoul is a straightforward affair, thanks to its well-connected Incheon International Airport (ICN), one of the largest and busiest in the world. Most major airlines offer direct flights to Seoul from cities across North America, Europe and Asia.
In addition, Seoul’s Gimpo Airport (GMP), located less than 20km from the city centre, links the city to domestic and regional destinations with a wide range of flight offerings..
To explore Seoul, travelers can take advantage of the city’s efficient public transport system, including buses, subways and taxis. Traveling beyond Seoul is easy, with a wide range of options including KTX bullet trains, buses and domestic flights connecting the capital to popular Korean destinations like Andong, Jeju, Busan and more.
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