Seoul

Seoul

Seoul in Seoul (South Korea)

Seoul guide

Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is an open city full of places of interest to know. With a continuous contrast between the most traditional and the most modern, the city of Seoul offers tourists a wide variety of possible options to visit.

What to do in Seoul

Explore the neighborhood of Ikseon-dong

The central area of ​​Ikseon-dong has become a fashionable neighborhood, as young artists and entrepreneurs opened restaurants, coffee shops, designer shops and handicrafts. In its labyrinth of streets you will be surprised by stores like Vintage Bonnie, specialized in all kinds of handmade items of retro design.

Get lost in the Insa-dong area

From the main street of this neighborhood, Insadong-gil, starts a fascinating network of narrow streets, full of shops of all kinds. They also offer leisure options, art galleries and there are countless street artists. There you will find restaurants such as Bukchon Sonmandu and Sanchon, and plenty of street stalls that sell very tasty food.

Have fun at the Lotte World complex

This complex hosts exciting attractions, both in the Magic Island Park and in the largest indoor theme park in the world, and all on a giant scale. In the place there is also a cinema, the luxury hotel Lotte Hotel World and a spa.

Rest on the banks of the Cheonggyecheon brook

The banks of the Cheonggyecheon brook offer an oasis of peace and freshness amid the bustle of the city. At night, the area is illuminated with a contemporary laser show that amazes all attendees.

Take a trip to the Bukhansan National Park

This park houses more than 1300 species of plants and animals. It stands out for its ecological quality, its natural beauty and the ancient temples and fortresses that are scattered throughout the area.

Food in Seoul

Gogi-gui
 
Commonly known as Korean BBQ, it is a selection of beef, pork and chicken prepared on a grill at your table. The most popular variety is bulgogi, thin and marinated slices of sirloin or tenderloin steak. It is accompanied with several sauces.

Bibimbap

Another classic dish to eat in Seoul is the Bibimbap. It is a mixture of white rice with a paste of chili (gochujang) and sautéed vegetables, such as radishes, spinach and mushrooms. It is usually accompanied with an egg.

Samgyetang

One of the most popular soups in Korea, it is prepared with chicken, glutinous rice, ginger, garlic, jujube, garlic and ginseng. Its recipe is secret and is ideal for cold weather.

Kimchi

Present in practically any food, kimchi is a basic preparation of Korean gastronomy. It consists of a mixture of different fermeted vegetables (such as cabbage, radish and cucumber), marinated with red chili, ginger and garlic.

Bossam

One of the richest things to eat in Seoul, the bossam is pork belly cooked in a broth with spices. It is served with salad of radish, garlic, shrimp and kimchi. It is eaten wrapped in leaves of lettuce, cabbage and mint. This dish is usually eaten in the company of alcoholic beverages.

Japchae

The japcha is a dish consisting of transparent sweet potato noodles, accompanied with vegetables, beef and mushrooms. They are fried in sesame oil and seasoned with soy sauce, sugar, sesame and chili. It is one of the preferred choices of places to eat in Seoul.

Chimaek

Chimaek is one of the most popular nightlife options in Seoul. It is the combination of fried chicken (normal or spicy), accompanied by beer.

Ganjang Gejang

The Ganjang Gejang is a must for lovers of marine products. It is marinated crab in soy sauce, chili, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, chives and ginger. Of the richest thing to eat in Seoul!

Seolleongtang

The Seolleongtang is a stew prepared with beef leg bone, cooked over low heat, and seasoned with salt and onion cambray. It is served with boiled rice

Banchan

Banchan refers to dishes served in small portions that accompany the main course. Some examples are kimchi, namul (steamed vegetables), jorim (marine foods such as tofu in soy sauce), and salads.

Another thing you have to eat in Seoul is your street food. There are many options to try, such as:
 
Pajeon: a kind of Korean hot cake; try the version with vegetables

Toasted bread with egg: an egg sandwich with vegetables, canned ham (SPAM) and sugar

Tteokbokki: Spicy rice cake: rice sandwiches bathed in a sweet and spicy sauce. They can be accompanied by egg, noodles and cheese.

Eomuk: fried fish cake skewers (prepared with white fish, starch and vegetables)

Hotteok: sweet hot cakes filled with liquid caramel.

Gyeran-Bbang: steamed bread stuffed with a whole egg.

Mandu: stuffed dumplings; They can be fried or steamed.

Twigim: vegetables covered in fried dough (similar to tempura).

Sausage covered in french fries.

Octopus and fried squid.

Soondae: a kind of black pudding, prepared with rice or noodles.

Gimpap: rolls of rice covered by seaweed and stuffed with pickled vegetables and egg. Those of sushi.

Steamed bread stuffed with red beans.

Where to stay in Seoul

Areas such as Jongno and Hongdae offer multiple affordable housing options. Hostel Korea, for example, offers rates that are around .3 22,343 per night. If you prefer a higher class hotel, you can book your room at the JW Marriott Hotel Seoul, which has its own golf course and an Olympic-size swimming pool. Their rates are approximately ₩ 453,440 a night. The Pacific Hotel, meanwhile, offers a 4-star service and rooms starting at ₩ 105,150 per night.

Popular neighborhoods in Seoul

Gangnam Released to fame by the song "Gangnam Style" by rapper Psy, this district is distributed around the Gangnam station and houses a large selection of bars and clubs. Here are the Bongeunsa Temple and the Yangjae Citizen Forest.

Jongno Located north of Gangnam, this district is characterized by its skyscrapers and its various clubs. It is home to Gyeongbokgung, Changgyeonggung and Changdeokgung palaces and charming neighborhoods like Bukchon.

Jung It stretches east from the historic center of Seoul, and is the ideal place for you if you love shopping. It integrates the commercial areas of Myeong-dong and Dongdaemun.

Climate in Seoul

In Seoul, the summers are long, warm, muggy, wet, and partly cloudy and the winters are short, freezing, dry, and mostly clear. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 21°F to 85°F and is rarely below 11°F or above 91°F.

The best times of year to visit Seoul for warm-weather activities are from late May to early July and from late August to early October.