T‑Money card and public transit: Seoul’s metro and bus network is extensive, cheap and punctual. Buy a reusable T‑Money card from any convenience store, load it with credit and tap in and out on buses and subway gates. Trains and buses run until around midnight; after that you’ll need a taxi. A taxi is affordable and safe for late‑night journeys but is unnecessary during the day thanks to the metro.

Navigation apps: Google Maps is unreliable in Korea because of data restrictions. Locals use Naver Map or KakaoMap for transit directions and live bus arrival times. Download one of these apps before your trip. A translation app like Papago is also useful when you need to read restaurant menus.

Stay near a subway station: Seoul is sprawling; choose accommodation within walking distance of a metro lines. This makes day trips around the city much easier.

안녕 (안녕) = well-being, peace

하세요 (haseyo) = you do / please do (polite)

안녕하세요 (annyeong haseyo) = hello (formal)

감사 (gamsa) = appreciation, thankfulness

합니다 (hamnida) = I do / I am doing (formal)

감사합니다 (gamsahamnida) = thank you (formal)

네 (ne) = yes / I agree / that's correct

아니요 (aniyo) = no / disagreement

카페 (카페) = coffee

좋아해요 (joahaeyo) = I like it (polite)

카페 좋아해요? (keopi joahaeyo?) = Do you like coffee?

네, 좋아해요 (ne, joahaeyo) = Yes, I like coffee.

아니요, 안 좋아해요 (aniyo, an joahaeyo) = No, I don't like coffee.

네, 맞아요 (ne, majayo) = Yes, that's right.

조느드만 (jondaenmal) = polite speech

안녕 (annyeong) = peace (hello/goodbye informal)

안녕히 계세요 (annyeonghi gyeseyo) = Goodbye (you’re leaving, others staying)

안녕히 가세요 (annyeonghi gaseyo) = Goodbye (you’re staying, others leaving)

세요 (seyo) = polite/formal tone ending (adds respect)

비니른편트 (binilbongtu) = plastic bag

필요하세요? (pil-yo-ha-se-yo?) = Do you need? / Would you like?

비니른편트 필요하세요? = Do you want a plastic bag?

무엇 (mwo) = what

드릴까요? (deurilkkayo?) = Shall I give you? / May I offer?

무엇 드릴까요? (mwo deurilkkayo?) = What can I get for you?

Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palaces: These 15th‑century royal compounds offer a glimpse into the Joseon era. Changdeokgung’s Secret Garden is UNESCO‑listed and considered Korea’s most beautiful palace. Rent a hanbok (traditional dress) to get free entry and wander the courtyards like a royal.

Bukchon Hanok Village: Located between the palaces, this hillside neighbourhood has hundreds of preserved wooden hanok. Respect residents’ privacy and visit early in the morning to avoid tour groups.

Insadong & Ikseon‑dong: Shop for calligraphy brushes, ceramics and antiques along Insadong‑gil, explore the four‑storey Ssamzigil craft mall, and drop into a traditional teahouse like Jidaebang. Nearby Ikseon‑dong blends renovated hanoks with hip cafés and boutiques.

Namsangol & Naksan Hanok Villages: For a quieter alternative to Bukchon, head to Insadong Hanok Village or climb Ihwa Mural Village. The latter is covered in colourful street art and leads to the peak of Naksan Mountain, where you’ll find sweeping views and cosy cafés.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP): Designed by Zaha Hadid, DDP looks like a silver spaceship and hosts exhibitions and night markets. The surrounding Dongdaemun area is a 24‑hour shopping district with street‑food stalls and the historic Heunginjimun Gate.

COEX Mall & Starfield Library: In Gangnam, the COEX complex houses an aquarium, duty‑free stores and the Instagram‑famous Starfield Library with towering bookshelves. Nearby is Bongeunsa Temple, a serene Buddhist sanctuary.

Lotte World Tower & Sky Bridge: Korea’s tallest building (555 m) features an observation deck and a hair‑raising sky bridge. Tours require buying tickets on‑site due to non‑Korean card restrictions; go early to reserve a slot.

Joseon Royal Tombs: These World Heritage burial mounds are scattered across the city; they offer peaceful walks among ancient pines.

War Memorial of Korea: A sobering museum documenting the Korean War and earlier conflicts; free to enter and highly educational.

DMZ tour: Day trips to the Demilitarized Zone let you peer into North Korea from the Dora Observatory and explore the Third Tunnel. Bring your passport and book via a registered tour.

Namsan Park & N Seoul Tower: Take the cable car or hike through forests to Seoul’s central peak, then enjoy panoramic views from the tower. Couples often attach love locks here; solo travellers can instead enjoy a coffee at the rotating restaurant.

Naksan Park: Less crowded than Namsan, with murals along the climb and quiet cafés near the top.

Hangang Parks: Picnic beside the Han River at Yeouido Park or watch the Rainbow Fountain Show at Banpo Bridge. Order delivery fried chicken to your picnic spot using local apps.

Seoul Forest: A 3,000‑acre park with deer enclosures, butterfly conservatories and bike paths. Close to Seongsu’s cafés and craft breweries.

Gwangjang Market: Seoul’s oldest food market is open daily (8:30 am–6 pm). Dishes cost around US$4–20 and the sociable atmosphere makes it easy to chat with stall owners. Try the mung bean pancakes (bindae‑tteok), fried to crispy perfection with a sweet‑sour dipping sauce, and knife‑cut noodles (kalguksu). Look for the famous Netflix‑featured stall.

Myeongdong Street Food: In the evenings, vendors line the shopping streets selling tteokbokki (rice cakes), egg bread, skewered meats and lobster tails. It’s an excellent place for affordable dinner while people‑watching.

Seoul Folk Flea Market: Wander through this old‑fashioned market to browse antiques, vintage electronics and souvenirs. The clientele is mostly elderly locals, offering a glimpse into Seoul’s past.

Seongsu‑dong: Known for street art, pop‑up stores and coffee roasteries, Seongsu is a creative hub. Sip craft beer at Seoul Brewery or Amazing Brewing Company, browse independent clothing boutiques and relax in Seoul Forest.

Mullae Artist Village: Former iron‑works buildings have become studios and galleries. Visit after 4 pm when cafés, bars and live music venues open.

Euljiro: An industrial neighbourhood filled with hardware stores by day and speakeasies by night. Look for Mind Your Head Bar, hidden behind a small metal door and lit by fairy lights.

Ikseon‑dong: Maze‑like alleys lined with renovated hanok housing dessert cafés (try Mil Toast), boutiques and cocktail bars.

Hongdae: The main nightlife district for students and travellers. Start at a casual pub like Corner Pub or Thursday’s, then head to clubs such as Juntos, La Bamba, Mike’s Cabin or NB2. Bar‑hop along Hongdae’s side streets until you find your vibe.

Itaewon: Begin with rooftop drinks at G Guesthouse or The Fountain bar, then wander down Itaewon‑ro. Expect an international crowd and diverse music.

Gangnam: Nightclubs here enforce strict dress codes and sometimes restrict entry to locals; they’re also expensive. If you’re curious, try a cocktail bar in the trendy Nonhyeon-dong backstreets.

Craft beer and speakeasies: In Seongsu, sip microbrews at Seoul Brewery. In Euljiro, squeeze into Mind Your Head Bar. In Mullae, catch live music at Gallery Mullae.

Dessert & Coffee: Seoul is dotted with themed cafés. Try the 32 cm soft‑serve cone at 32 Parfait in Hongdae or join locals waiting for souffle pancakes and tiramisu in Ikseon‑dong.

Korean BBQ (samgyeopsal): Grill thick slices of pork belly at your table, wrap them in lettuce with garlic and ssamjang, and wash them down with soju. Recommended restaurants include Choseon Hwaro Gui and Maple Tree House.

Kimbap & street snacks: Gimbap is Korea’s answer to sushi rolls; tteokbokki provides a spicy kick. Vendors in Gwangjang and Myeongdong sell both.

Mung Bean Pancakes (bindae‑tteok): Thick, crispy fritters made from ground mung beans and onions.

Knife‑cut Noodles (kalguksu): Comforting broth with handmade noodles; look for the stall run by the “Netflix lady” at Gwangjang Market.

Soju & Makgeolli: Korea’s traditional rice liquors. Soju is clear and strong; makgeolli is milky and slightly sweet. Both are cheap and widely available.

Jjimjilbang: Public bathhouses where locals socialise and relax. Spend an evening soaking in various baths and sweating in hot rooms, then sleep overnight on a heated floor. Many offer communal sleeping areas and cafeterias; good options include The Spa in Yongsan and Siloam Sauna near Seoul Station.

Language exchange cafés: Many cafés in Hongdae and Gangnam host language exchange nights where locals practice English and foreigners practice Korean. Look for posters or search online.

K‑pop dance classes: Studios offer drop‑in classes where you can learn choreography to popular songs. Great for meeting other travellers and locals.

Board‑game & PC rooms: Koreans love gaming; PC bangs (computer cafés) and board‑game cafés stay open all night. These are fun, inexpensive places to interact with locals.

Cooking classes & food tours: Join a guided food tour at Gwangjang Market or a kimchi‑making class to meet fellow foodies.

Add hikes along the Seoul City Wall from Dongdaemun to Naksan and Namsan; take a jjimjilbang break; visit Ewha Womans University for architecture and affordable shopping; explore Mullae Artist Village and Euljiro’s speakeasies; join a K‑pop dance class; reserve a slot for the Lotte World Tower Sky Bridge.

Naver Map or KakaoMap – More accurate than Google Maps in Korea.

KakaoMetro – Subway directions with real-time updates.

KakaoTaxi – Safer and easier than hailing a cab.

Papago – Best for Korean-English translation (by Naver).

Google Translate – Handy for quick text/voice/photo translations.

LINE or KakaoTalk – Messaging apps to connect with locals or hosts.

Wise or Revolut – For better currency exchange and card payments.

Currency converter app – To keep track of prices (KRW ↔︎ your home currency).

VisitKorea App – Official Korea Tourism guide with events and recommendations.

Mangoplate – Korean version of Yelp for restaurant reviews.

T-money card – Transit card for buses, subways, and some taxis.

Universal adapter – South Korea uses Type C or F plugs (220V).

Portable Wi-Fi egg or SIM card – Easy access to maps, translators, etc.

Cash (KRW) – Many places are still cash-preferred, especially markets and street vendors.

Portable hand fan (summer) or heat packs (winter).

Lightweight umbrella – Weather can be unpredictable.

Wet wipes / tissues – Public toilets may not provide these.

Reusable water bottle – Tap water is safe to drink.

Mini toiletry pouch – For rest stops, hostels, etc.

Copy of passport & ID – Always carry a digital or physical copy.

Emergency contact card – With local address & embassy details in Korean.

Light jacket or windbreaker

Long-sleeve layers (can still be chilly)

Air-purifying face masks (fine dust common in April)

Breathable, loose clothing

Sunblock & hat – UV is intense

Portable fan and cooling wipes

Sandals + walking shoes (expect rain & heat)

Light layers with a warm sweater or jacket

Comfortable jeans or pants

Scarf (light but effective)

Heavy padded coat (Koreans wear long puffers)

Thermal underlayers (top + bottom)

Gloves, beanie, scarf

Heat packs (buy from Daiso or convenience stores)

Good grip shoes (can be icy)