Travel to Seoul is much more than simply visiting the capital of South Korea. Seoul is a megacity – one of the world’s largest – and the center of politics, history, culture and cuisine in the Republic of Korea.
There is more to Seoul than being another huge Asian metropolis. The city, blending local traditions with influences from across the world, is an excellent destination for travelers seeking a destination of fun and food.
Seoul is a modern city with glimpses of Korea’s ancient history, serving delicious food in between. Here are five fun tips for travel to South Korea’s capital:
Seoul Sky
See the city from Seoul Sky!
Seoul Sky occupies the top several floors of Lotte World Tower, offering the best view of Seoul and the surrounding area. Sitting high above Jamsil station and Lotte World Mall, the world’s 5th tallest building towers over the city, topping out at over 1,800 feet tall.
The most important thing to consider before going to Seoul Sky is the visibility. Seoul can be crystal clear on some days, but can also be disgustingly hazy with poor air quality, thanks to Chinese pollution. Go on a clear day to get the most out of your visit. If you have a fear of heights, stick to the shopping down below.
The tower is new, having been completed in 2017, and can be busy at times. It is best to buy your tickets beforehand at the ticket office. Tickets are 25,500 Korean Won, which translates to about $23 USD. Considering Seoul is an expensive city, and compared to similar structures around the world, the price is reasonable. For the best view in the city, head up to Seoul Sky.
Korean Baseball Game
Catch a baseball game!
One way to travel to Seoul and immerse yourself in local culture is sports. Baseball is the most popular spectator sport in South Korea, and the country is home to one of the top professional leagues in the world, the KBO. Korean baseball players have gone on to success in North America and many rosters have former MLB players filling the ranks.
The KBO runs from March to October, so try to schedule your visit to Seoul during this time to catch a game. A Korean baseball game is a far more exciting event than a Major League game in the United States.
Baseball is America’s Favorite Pastime, and there are fewer things better than a hot dog, cold beer and watching the Yankees win in the Bronx. That being said, even the most exciting games in the US are not as raucous as a KBO game. The teams have cheerleaders who excite the crowd, leading chants to noise levels reserved in the US for the World Series. It sounds as though every fan knows the cheers and has his own set of thunder sticks. These games get loud.
Korean baseball is often what is referred to as “small ball.” The game is fast-paced. Instead of seeing players strike out with the occasional moment of excitement, the players actually try to hit the ball and steal bases. The result is a more exciting game.
A baseball game is supposed to be the place to get a hot dog, popcorn and nachos with fake cheese. Concessions at Korean baseball games are completely different. Except for the beer, which (unlike beer in Southeast Asia) is still painfully expensive, you can get fried chicken, dumplings, rice dishes and some weird pizza. Pizza with bulgogi, pineapple, sweet potatoes and other unknowns is a fun substitute for peanuts and Cracker Jacks.
Korean BBQ in Seoul
Enjoy authentic Korean barbecue.
Food is the best part of travel. And food in is reason enough to travel to Seoul. Korean barbecue has become a popular dining experience in Western countries. What commonly passes for real Korean BBQ is questionable. Often times, Korean BBQ in the west is hunks of strangely-named meat served in a sweet, “Asian” sauce. Whatever it really is, the food is usually good.
Authentically, Korean BBQ is basically the same as hot pot dining that is so common in East Asia. The main difference are the many side items and the quality of meat, which is top notch in South Korea.
Eating Korean BBQ is a different experience than in the United States. Much like the hot pots found throughout East Asia, you prepare your own meal on the table. The various sides and garnishes are thoroughly confusing for most foreigners, but staff is understanding and helpful. If possible, bring a local for advice and direction.
Even without knowing exactly what you are eating or how to eat it, Korean barbecue is still a fun experience. It is the perfect opportunity for culinary insight into Seoul. And it’s damn good food.
Myeongdong
Eat and people watch in a chaotic neighborhood.
The neighborhood of Myeongdong is one of the busiest and most popular areas of Seoul. If you have the funds for some expensive shopping, this is the place in the city. There are shops of every kind lining the streets and lighting up the sky, turning Myeongdong into a madhouse. It feels like a larger, Times Square labyrinth without the rats.
For budget travelers or those whose priorities lie away from retail excursions, Myeongdong is an excellent place to people watch and enjoy street food.
With thousands of people around every corner, it’s only natural that the neighborhood is a hot spot for people watching. Although it is popular with tourists, Myeongdong is filled with locals as well. While Seoul is modern and westernized in some senses, you will see relatively few western tourists as you wander throughout the city.
The best part of Myeongdong is the mass of food stalls scattered throughout the streets. There are plenty of restaurants around, most of which are annoyingly expensive. But the street food is perfect for any backpacker, budget traveler or street food enthusiast.
Wandering the busy streets of Myeongdong is more than an affordable food option. There are options ranging from cheesy lobster tails and crazy corn dogs to pizza cones. For the best all-in-one shopping, people watching and street eating experience in Seoul, spend some time wandering the crowded streets of Myeongdong.
Royal Seoul, South Korea
Tour the history of Seoul.
Intermingled with the modern and the chaos of Seoul, the city is also full of old and important ancient sites of South Korea. There are remnants of the history of South Korea, especially Seoul’s royal history, across the city. Despite a ruthless and destructive Japanese occupation, the palaces have been restored to all of their former glory.
Gyeongbokgung Palace is the crown jewel of Royal Seoul. The enormous complex is a nice escape from the surrounding city, and, as a bonus, admission is free for anyone who shows up in traditional dress.
The site is a landmark of history and culture. And tourists. Gyeongbokgung is one of those sights you have to see when visiting Seoul, and it’s great, but the crowds make visiting the Palace slightly overwhelming.
Deoksugung Palace is an easy, 20-minute walk from Gyeongbokgung. These two can be covered in a half a day with ease. After passing through the heart of Seoul’s city center, you will arrive at the gate to the complex. Within is another escape from the city and further examples of Korean History. Despite Deoksugung’s close proximity to City Hall and Seoul Plaza, the complex is not nearly as busy as Gyeongbokgung.
Changdeokgung Palace, Jongmyo Royal Shrine and Changgyeonggung Palace are near each other and can all be visited in a few hours. If possible, devote the better part of a day to stroll the area and fully enjoy the complexes. The crowds at these sites are not as dense as some of the other palaces, which makes visiting quite fun.
With the Royal Palace Pass, available at any of these Royal sites for 10,000 Won, about $9 USD, access is very cheap. This is the best deal in Seoul. Buy the Pass (it is good for three months) and spend a couple days enjoying the best of Seoul’s storied history, architecture and culture.
Seoul, South Korea
South Korea is a great place to travel, and Seoul is a destination in its own right. To fully understand Seoul, and to learn about the city, it would take months at a minimum. Travel in South Korea is exciting, and travel in Seoul is fun and overwhelming.
These five tips, although just a sampling of all the possibilities, are a good place to start your travel in Seoul. South Korea, while a challenging destination for backpackers and budget travelers, is a great place for exploring the old and new with fantastic food in between.
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