Seoul

Fashion- and technology-forward but also deeply traditional, this dynamic city mashes up palaces, temples, cutting-edge design and mountain trails, all to a nonstop K-Pop beat.

People relaxing by Cheong-Gyecheon stream in the centre of Seoul on a summer evening

©Richard Sharrocks/Getty Images

Latest Stories
Book
Trip
13 Days in South Korea: Seoul, Jeju-do and Busan
13 days / 12 nights

13 Days in South Korea: Seoul, Jeju-do and Busan

View Itinerary
App
Lonely Planet App on a phone
Brand New!

Get the Lonely Planet App

Holafly advertisement
Trusted Partner

Stay connected in Seoul

Holafly eSIM provides unlimited mobile data with no hidden fees, giving you peace of mind wherever you travel. Stay connected even after your plan ends with Always On. Use code LONELYPLANET for an exclusive discount.

Lonely Planet may earn a commission from affiliate links on our site. All recommendations and reviews reflect our own independent opinions.

Take your South Korea trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

Pick one of our ready-to-book trips or fully customize your own with help from our local experts.

bookable trip

13 Days in South Korea: Seoul, Jeju-do and Busan

13 days / 12 nights

highlights

  1. 1 Touring Korea’s demilitarized zone (DMZ) at the border of North and South Korea
  2. 2 Learning how to cook South Korean staples, from bulgogi to bibimbap, during a chef-led workshop
  3. 3 Visiting Gyeongju’s ancient temples and royal tombs on a day trip from Busan
from $4,690

per person

View Itinerary Customize this trip

Explore more trips

  • 7 Days in South Korea: Seoul, Busan and Gyeongju
    South Korea

    7 days / 6 nights

    7 Days in South Korea: Seoul, Busan and Gyeongju

    FROM $2,830

    per person

    View Itinerary
  • 6 Days in South Korea: Seoul & Jeju Island
    South Korea

    6 days / 5 nights

    6 Days in South Korea: Seoul & Jeju Island

    FROM $1,672

    per person

    View Itinerary
Want our experts to design a custom trip for you?
start planning

Top places to visit in Seoul

Discover the best attractions in Seoul from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

Explore all

Travel Guides

Seoul travel tips from Lonely Planet experts

Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next trip.

Best Things to Do

The top spots in Seoul transport visitors from ancient palaces all the way up to the latest K-Pop sensations, with serene temples for day and neon nights.

Read full article

Best Time to Visit

Perfectly time your trip to South Korea's dynamic capital city of Seoul, with this seasonal guide.

Read full article

Things to Know

These tips will show you the most important things to know when you're visting Seoul, from transportation to etiquette.

Read full article

Transportation

From buses and bicycles to taxis and trains and your own two feet, read on for a guide to all the ways to get around Seoul.

Read full article

Best Neighborhoods

Connect with the dynamic South Korean capital away from the bustle of business in the vibrant neighborhoods where its residents live, eat and unwind.

Read full article

Day Trips

So over Seoul? Delve deeper into South Korea's history and culture with these day trips from the capital.

Read full article

Money and Costs

Stretch your budget in Seoul with these top money-saving tips and a guide to daily costs.

Read full article

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

Explore all books

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Seoul

Lonely Planet may earn a commission from affiliate links on our site. All recommendations and reviews reflect our own independent opinions.

Seoul and beyond

View all