Are you thinking about visiting Seoul, South Korea? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Seoul worth visiting?
Seoul is worth visiting for three to seven days so that you can explore everything that the city has to offer. Seoul is loved by visitors for many reasons, and is routinely on national "best of" lists, including Travel and Leisure's Best Places to Visit in 2023 - Big City Thrills. Seoul is the capital city of South Korea. It's a high tech city that has many skyscrapers and a modern subway system. There's also a long history with many temples and palaces to explore. The city is a foodie paradise with many street markets as well as award winning restaurants. While its not as popular a tourist destination as some other major Asian cities, it has an authenticity that makes it a unique destination.
Gyeongbokgung Palace at night, Seoul, South Korea
Reasons to Visit Seoul
Food
Food is a cultural obsession here, and you'll find everything from world class street food to award winning restaurants. The dishes are so much more diverse than Korean barbecue and kimchi. Many dishes are very spicy, with popular local foods including gamjatang (pork and potato soup) and jeon (savory pancakes).
Music
K-pop has put the city on the map for music, but you'll actually find a wide range of genres here including rock music and electronic dance music.
Shopping
This bustling city offers traditional local items as well as Korean cosmetics and trendy fashion. Although shopping malls are spread throughout the city, some of the most popular shopping areas are found around Myeong-dong and Dongdaemun.
Museums
The museums and landmarks are diverse, with notable sights including N Seoul Tower, the Bukchon Hanok Traditional Village, and the National Museum of Korea.
Nightlife
This is definitely a work hard/play hard city, with locals working long hours during the day and then partying hard late into the night. The nightlife scene is strong both during the week and on weekends. There are bars, clubs, and lounges that are frequented by locals and tourists alike.
Authenticity
Seoul has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Seoul worth visiting in the Summer?
The weather in Seoul is fairly warm during summer, and stays around 26°C (78°F). But it can get as warm as 29°C (84°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
The peak season for travel is summer in Seoul, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is somewhat popular with travelers, and in the high season it's busier than usual.
The activities of the city are numerous, and this is a great time of year to explore all of them. From family-friendly attractions to romantic getaways, as well as budget-friendly things to do, there's something for everyone. Famous landmarks, museums, tours, and more are all available. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable city, especially in the nice weather. This is a great time of year to wander through the museums, enjoy the city's energy, and grab some drinks at a bar.
Summer Weather in Seoul
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 26°C (78°F) | 369 mm (14.5 in) |
| August | 26°C (80°F) | 294 mm (11.6 in) |
| September | 22°C (71°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) |
Is Seoul worth visiting in the Autumn?
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Seoul. This destination is somewhat busy with tourists, but in the shoulder season you'll find less crowds and better deals.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 15°C (59°F).
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to browse through museums, discover the big city activities, and enjoy the live music scene.
Autumn Weather in Seoul
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 15°C (59°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| November | 8°C (46°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| December | 0°C (33°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
Is Seoul worth visiting in the Winter?
This is the low season for travel in Seoul. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.
The weather in Seoul can be quite cold during winter, and averages around -3°C (27°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
You'll like that you can take public transit easily in the winter, too. You can get around quickly while avoiding bad weather if needed. During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums, the cuisine, and the nightlife scene. Also, you'll be able to listen to some live music and soak up the big city atmosphere.
Winter Weather in Seoul
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | -3°C (27°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| February | -0°C (32°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| March | 6°C (42°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
Is Seoul worth visiting in the Spring?
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 13°C (55°F).
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Seoul, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is somewhat busy with tourists, but in the shoulder season you'll find less crowds and better deals.
This is a great time of year to browse the shops, browse the museums, and enjoy the live music scene. Also, you can experience the nightlife.
Spring Weather in Seoul
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 13°C (55°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 18°C (65°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| June | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
Related
What is Seoul most famous for?
Seoul is most famous for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy. The city is very popular for its food, music, and shopping. It's also known for museums and nightlife. It is often described as modern, high energy, colorful, cultural, and bustling.
What is the most famous sight in Seoul?
The most popular sight in Seoul is Gyeongbokgung Palace. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Seoul on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Gyeongbokgung Palace and other attractions here.
How touristy is Seoul? Is it a popular city to visit?
Seoul is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Mini Van Private Guided Tour in Seoul (Optional Layover): $220
- Rare Chance : Korea's White House Walking Tour: $36
- K BBQ Experience & Soju Pairing: $50
- Private BTS Location Tour from Seoul City with Pickup: $230
- Private DMZ Tour and Suspension Bridge + Korean BBQ: $250
- Han River Urban Nature Bike Tour in Seoul: $45
- Morning Pedicab Heritage Tour: $200
- Private Nami Island Photo Shoot and Tour with a Photographer: $200
How long should I spend in Seoul?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Seoul is at least three or as many as seven days. Since Seoul has a variety of activities such as dining, music, and shopping, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Seoul?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Seoul?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Seoul?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.