Seoul

Seoul is a place where you can get lost in a serene, ancient palace in the morning and then be surrounded by neon lights, K-pop music, and the smell of street food by night. The vibe is a fascinating mix of deep respect for tradition and an intense, forward-thinking drive that permeates every corner.

Seoul is an absolute must-visit for several compelling reasons. First, the food scene is out of this world. This isn't just about the famous Korean BBQ (which is incredible), but also the endless street food stalls, the comforting stews (jjigae), and the thousands of unique cafes. Second, the public transportation is a dream. The subway system is clean, efficient, and extensive, making exploration of this massive city surprisingly easy and affordable. Lastly, there's an amazing blend of history and hyper-modernity. You can spend hours wandering through the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace, feeling like you've stepped back in time, and then walk a few blocks to a district filled with futuristic architecture and cutting-edge fashion. It's a city that continually surprises you.

People in Seoul are generally polite and reserved, but also very helpful if you're lost or need assistance. While younger Koreans, especially in tourist areas, often speak some English, do not expect everyone to be fluent. Learning a few basic Korean phrases like "Annyeonghaseyo" (Hello) and "Gamsahamnida" (Thank you) goes a long way and is always appreciated. It's a very trend-conscious society, so you'll see many incredibly well-dressed people. One social norm to be aware of is the concept of "ppalli-ppalli" (hurry, hurry), which reflects the fast-paced nature of life here. Things move quickly, from walking to eating, so just go with the flow!

The food in Seoul is a genuine highlight of any trip. The cuisine offers so much more than just Korean BBQ. You have to try Chimaek, the heavenly combination of Korean fried chicken and beer (maekju). Also, don't leave without trying a bubbling pot of Kimchi Jjigae (kimchi stew) or Sundubu Jjigae (soft tofu stew). Street food is everywhere and delicious; Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and Hotteok (sweet pancakes with a brown sugar filling) are particularly great, especially in winter. A meal at a casual restaurant can cost around $8-15 USD, while street food is just a few dollars. Gwangjang Market is an amazing place to dive headfirst into the traditional food scene.

The infrastructure in Seoul is top-notch, almost futuristic in some ways. Internet speeds are famously blazing fast, and free Wi-Fi is available in most subway stations, cafes, and public areas. The power grid is stable, and modern amenities like air conditioning are standard. The public transport system, particularly the subway, stands out as one of the best available—it's clean, punctual, and covers a massive area. The city is also incredibly clean and well-maintained. The only real downside is that during the summer monsoon season (July-August), heavy rains can sometimes cause localized flooding.

You'll almost certainly fly into Incheon International Airport (ICN), which is consistently ranked as one of the best in the world. It's located about an hour outside of the city center. The best and fastest way to get into Seoul is the AREX Express Train, which runs non-stop to Seoul Station in about 43-51 minutes and costs around ₩9,500 for adults. For a cheaper, albeit slower, option, the AREX All-Stop Train makes several stops and takes about an hour. Airport limousine buses are also a great option; they're comfortable and go to various parts of the city, which can be convenient if your hotel is on one of their routes. A taxi from Incheon Airport to Seoul city center costs around ₩48,000 (€32/$35 USD), based on a metered fare for a 50 km ride, plus tolls and potential late-night surcharges.

Getting around Seoul is incredibly easy thanks to its world-class public transport. The subway is the star of the show – it's extensive, clean, and has signs in English. To use it, you absolutely must get a T-money card. It's a rechargeable smart card you can buy at any convenience store or subway station for around ₩3,000-₩4,000. You can use it on subways, buses, and even in taxis and convenience stores. Tapping your T-money card also gives you a discount on fares, with a base fare of ₩1,550 for adults (as of June 2025), and allows for free transfers between buses and subways within 30 minutes. Major tourist areas are very walkable, but the city itself is massive, so you'll be relying on the subway a lot. For navigation, Google Maps doesn't work well for walking or driving directions; you'll need to download a local app like Naver Map or KakaoMap.

Seoul is one of the safest-feeling cities you'll ever visit. It's very common to see people leave their laptops and phones on cafe tables to reserve their spot. Violent crime is extremely rare. The biggest thing to be aware of is the traffic. Mopeds and cars can be quite aggressive, sometimes driving on sidewalks or running red lights, so always be extra careful when crossing streets. While South Korea is generally a very safe country with a low crime rate, the proximity to North Korea means that tensions on the Korean Peninsula remain elevated. North Korea continues to conduct missile launches and other military activities, which can lead to increased regional instability. The South Korean government regularly conducts civil emergency drills, which visitors should be aware of and follow local instructions during. Beyond geopolitical concerns, large-scale public demonstrations can occur in Seoul with little notice, potentially disrupting transportation and public services. While often peaceful, some past demonstrations have turned violent, and visitors are advised to avoid these gatherings. Although rare, instances of sexual assault and other violent crimes, particularly around nightlife areas like Itaewon and Hongdae, have been reported. It is advisable to remain vigilant, especially at night, and exercise the same precautions one would in any major city.