In such a lively city like Seoul, adventure truly awaits you at every corner. At first glance, Seoul is a fast-paced, ultramodern metropolis comparable to the world's giants like Tokyo or New York City. But the Korean capital finds spaces between the skyscrapers and action where it seems as though time stands still: buildings, parks, and villages let you exchange the contemporary for the traditional. And as Seoul is surrounded by mountains, trips into nature are effortless, as well.

Good To Know

• Getting There: Flying into Seoul is easy, as Incheon Airport (ICN) has flight connections to most of the world's major airports. Regional visitors can also fly into Gimpo Airport (GMP). Once you've arrived, it's just a short train ride to Seoul Station directly in the city center.
• Getting Around: Seoul has a great public transportation system. So skip the expensive taxi rides and quickly hop on the subway or bus to your destination!
• Where to Stay: Search for accommodations directly in the city center, in Seoul's Jung District. The neighborhoods Insa-dong and Myeon-dong are closest to most of the sights and offer a range of hotels in every budget category.
• When to Visit: Skip the summer months and visit the city either in spring or fall to escape both the high season and the unbearable weather conditions of the humid monsoon season.
• How Long to Visit: We recommend spending 5 days at the very least in Seoul.

Highlights

City Center

In a city that rarely sleeps, the activities are seemingly endless. The city center is full of bustling markets and shopping streets, the roads are never empty, and there is a new attraction behind every corner. The liveliest districts are surely Hongdae and Gangnam. The prior is Seoul's student district and the latter - you guessed it - is the namesake for the 2012 hit Gangnam Style. If you require a great night out on the town, these are the places to go!

Seoul is also home to the world's largest indoor amusement park Lotte World, which, alongside its Disneyland-style outdoor park, is worth a full-day visit. If the hustle and bustle of the city are too overwhelming for you, don't worry. Seoul has plenty of calming activities to offer as well. Venture out into the mountains or simply head to Namsan Park for a half-day hike to N Seoul Tower, the city's most recognizable landmark!

Historic Sites

Despite Seoul presenting itself as such a modern and advanced metropolis, the city also keeps its history visible throughout. Begin by paying a visit to the National Museum and the War Memorial of Korea to gain a deeper understanding of the nation's cultural heritage and the traumatic events of the Korean War.

The 5 Grand Palaces:

Seoul has partially preserved or reconstructed several of its most important historic sites: the 5 Grand Palaces of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897). The city has long been the cultural center of the country as the seat of the royal families, among them the Joseons. All 5 palaces differ from one another and each is worth visiting. Gyeongbok-gung is the largest of the palaces and acted as the nation's seat of power for a large part of the dynasty. Built in 1104, Changgyeong-gung is the oldest by around three centuries. Changdeok-gung is the only palace to have been dedicated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts striking architecture. The style of Deoksu-gung is visibly different from the more traditional palaces as it incorporates many Western elements as well. Lastly the youngest palace, Gyeonghui-gung only dates back to the 17th century, making it roughly 600 years younger than Changyyeong-gung!

Historic Villages

Nestled among the skyscrapers of Seoul are small districts filled with traditional Korean houses, hanoks which also date back to the Joseon dynasty. Two such neighborhoods are Bukchon and Namsangol. The narrow streets, lined with hanoks, drastically contrast the modern urban buildings they are adjacent to. It is a bizarre feeling to experience two, so vastly different, eras at once!

Bukhansan National Park

Bukhansan National Park is just a short subway ride away from Seoul and thus makes for the perfect getaway from the hectic city life. As it is a favorite among locals and tourists alike, Bukhansan's trails can get a little bit crowded. It's best to choose a weekday to explore the mountainous park.

Of course, the main activity within Bukhansan Park is hiking. Choose one of the various trails and explore the forest on foot. A great beginner's trail to follow is the Bogukum Course. On the 2.4 km (1.5 miles) long trail you will experience the serenity of Bukhansan, passing by streams, and Cheongsu Waterfall. If you're fit and adventurous, choose a hike that takes you to a summit. The granite boulders, which peak out through the forest are a stunning sight and from the top, you'll be able to overlook all of metropolitan Seoul! Choose Bukhansan Trail or Bukhansanseong Course to reach the tops of the park.

But the park also has some man-made attractions, such as the Bukhansanseong Fortress, whose foundations had already been laid in 132 AD! Daenammun Course, a simple but charming 5.8 km (3.6 miles) hike, will take you straight to the fortress! In addition to the fort, there are many Buddhist temples located throughout the park. Some, you will merely spot along your hikes. But Hwagyesa Temple you might want to seek out! The complex boasts striking buildings and a beautiful garden. Hwagyesa Temple also offers Temple Stay Programs, where you get to stay at the complex for a few days and experience temple life firsthand!