South Korea is a vibrant country beaming with culture, history, and exquisite cuisines. Seoul, its lively capital and its largest city, is a popular tourist destination—one that you can’t go wrong with if it’s your first visit to the beautiful country. From historic palaces to modern architecture, Seoul provides a diverse range of experiences that’s an absolute pleasure for tourists of all kinds.
I had the lovely opportunity to visit Seoul in May 2024, and I’ve come back with a few must-see spots as well as some helpful tips. Ready to plan your trip to Seoul? Let’s get started.
Top 3 Locations to Visit in Seoul
1. Starfield Library
You’ve probably seen it on social media or in k-dramas—the viral and much-loved Starfield Library is a must-see location if you’re into books, cool architecture, and shopping. Yes, shopping. Starfield Library is located inside Starfield Coex Mall, conveniently above Bongeunsa Station. Its stunning layout and design make it a popular insta-worthy spot. Although most books are in Korean, there are quite a handful of English books laid out if you’re interested in sitting down and having a read. Otherwise, admire the beautiful design and go on shopping—the mall features a wide variety of shops including a UFC merch store as well as many restaurants.
2. Gyongbokgung
South Korea is a country rich in history, and Seoul offers some of the most stunning ancient architecture to marvel. Gyongbokgung is one of the largest palaces of the Joseon Dynasty and served as the dynasty’s main palace. Conveniently located above Gyeonbokgung station, visitors should note the palace’s opening hours and ceremony times. For those who want to fully immerse themselves in history, consider renting a hanbok—a traditional Korean attire—and get free admission into the palace! Hanbok rental shops are readily available nearby the palace, so plan ahead if you want to fully immerse yourself in Korean history—otherwise you can go in your usual attire.
3. The Hyundai Seoul
If you love shopping, look no further—visit the Hyundai Seoul, Korea’s newest landmark! It’s an ultra-modern shopping mall that’s one of Seoul’s largest, and it’s filled with delicious restaurants, trendy shops like Gentle Monster, Le Labo, and even photobooths! It’s right above Yeoinaru station in the heart of the city. Don’t forget to keep your receipts and submit them to the tax refund booth! Remember, tourists shop duty free!
Tips for travelling in South Korea
1. Bring cash and get a T-Money card
Korea’s transit system is cash only. The easiest way to navigate it is by buying a T-Money card—Korea’s transit system card—and load it with cash. I bought mine at a 7-Eleven nearby my hotel.
2. Stay on the right side of the escalator
Korea drives on the right side, and people walk upstairs and ride on escalators on the right. So don’t forget that—no one likes awkward tourists who don’t abide by local etiquette!
3. Download Naver or Kakao Maps
Due to legal restrictions, Google Maps isn’t very accurate in Korea. If you want to get around hassle-free, use apps that the locals use, like Naver or Kakao Maps.
4. Get an eSim
You’ll always want an accurate location of where you are when you’re travelling, and the easiest way to do that is by downloading an eSim for instant Internet access. eSims are cheaper than buying data roaming from mobile providers and very convenient—especially when navigating. All you need to do is download the eSim—no physical sim card needed! Do remember to check if your device is compatible with an eSim before purchasing one.
If you’re planning on touring Asia, visiting Korea is a no-brainer. I hope this blog entices you to visit the beautiful country even more! I, for one, will be visiting again, and might opt for Busan or Jeju Island next time around!
Looking for more travel tips? Check out our Travel Tips for Cherry Blossom Season or Exploring Cartagena, Colombia’s Most Instagram-Worthy Spots.
Safe travels,
Suki
