The Ultimate Seoul Guide for First-Time Travelers: Attractions, Food, and Transportation Tips!
Hello everyone! This is your Korean travel buddy, Travel Blog. ๐ I'm here to tell you everything about Seoul travel, based on my own experiences and recommendations, especially for those visiting for the first time. Seoul might seem complicated, but with this guide, you won't get lost and can enjoy your trip to the fullest!
Exploring Seoul's Heart: Essential Attractions ๐ฐ
Seoul is a city where tradition and modernity beautifully harmonize. Here are the must-visit core attractions for first-time visitors.
- Gyeongbokgung Palace & Bukchon Hanok Village: This is where you can see Korea's beautiful traditional architecture. Walking through the palace in a Hanbok (traditional Korean dress) feels like time travel! Bukchon is charming with its quaint Hanok alleyways.
- Myeongdong: A shopping and street food paradise! It's full of various Korean cosmetic brands and fashion stores, and don't miss out on the delicious street food.
- Namsan N Tower: The best place to see a panoramic view of Seoul. Especially at night, the vibrant city lights are truly a work of art!
- Hongdae & Ewha Womans University: Streets brimming with youth and vitality. Trendy cafes, unique select shops, and performances that last late into the night – highly recommended if you want to feel the energy!
Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed every Tuesday, so be sure to check before visiting. There are many Hanbok rental shops nearby too, so trying it on is a great experience.
Conquering Korean Food to Satisfy Your Palate ๐
The highlight of a trip to Korea is definitely the food! Here are some representative dishes that even first-timers can enjoy. I was a bit hesitant at first too, but now I can't get enough of them!
- Kimchi Jjigae & Bibimbap: Two iconic Korean dishes! Kimchi Jjigae is famously spicy and refreshing, while Bibimbap offers the fun of mixing various vegetables and meat.
- Samgyeopsal (Pork Belly): A soul food beloved by Koreans! Grilled thick pork belly with fresh lettuce wraps is truly fantastic.
- Chicken & Beer (Chimaek): The perfect duo for a Korean night out! Crispy fried chicken with a cold beer will wash away all your travel fatigue.
- Tteokbokki & Eomuk (Fish Cakes): The kings of street food! Spicy and sweet Tteokbokki with warm fish cake broth are must-try snacks in Korea.
If you're not good with spicy food, try saying "Deol maep-ge hae-ju-se-yo" (Please make it less spicy)! Or choosing non-spicy options is also a good idea.
Many Korean restaurants offer free side dish refills, but it's good practice to only ask for what you can eat to avoid waste.
Seoul Transportation: All You Need to Know! ๐
Seoul's public transportation system is incredibly well-developed. It might look complex, but with a few tips, anyone can use it easily.
Essential Item: T-Money Card
The T-money Card is essential for using Seoul's public transportation. You can easily buy and recharge it at convenience stores or subway stations.
Using a T-money card is super simple:
1) Step One: Purchase a T-money card at a subway station or convenience store and charge it with your desired amount. (I usually start with about โฉ20,000!)
2) Step Two: Simply tap your card on the card reader at subway gates or when boarding/alighting buses! Transfer discounts are also automatically applied.
→ Don't worry, you can get a refund for any remaining balance at the end of your trip!
๐ข Public Transportation Fare Calculator
Pro Tips for a Perfect First Seoul Trip ๐
Knowing these tips will make your first Seoul trip much more comfortable and enjoyable!
- Use Translation Apps: Installing apps like Papago or Google Translate beforehand will be a great help for communication.
- Portable Wi-Fi or SIM Card: Internet access is crucial in Korea! Prepare for stable internet throughout your trip.
- Use KakaoMap/Naver Map: In Korea, KakaoMap or Naver Map are more accurate and useful than Google Maps. Their public transportation navigation feature is especially convenient.
When taking a taxi, using the Kakao T app is convenient, and there are also 'International Taxis' for foreign tourists!
Conclusion: Wishing You a Successful First Seoul Trip! ๐
How was your first Seoul trip? I sincerely hope this guide has been of some help for your journey to Seoul. Seoul is a truly charming city, and once you visit, you'll want to come back again! I know I did. ๐
If you have any more questions or want to know my special tips, please feel free to ask in the comments! I wish you a wonderful trip to Seoul. May your day be filled with happiness and love! ๐
Seoul Travel Key Summary! ๐บ๏ธ
Frequently Asked Questions โ
