Seoul Travel Guide – a2z Countries

Combining tradition and the pulse of a modern metropolis, Seoul is a holiday destination for shoppers and cultural travelers. According to Abbreviation Finder, the capital of South Korea, Seoul, is a world-class megapole. For the tourist, the oriental metropolis offers endless stimuli and interesting cultural sites.

Half of Koreans live in Seoul

The capital, Seoul, is the most important city in South Korea. Nearly half of the country’s population lives in the capital.

The city is also huge on a larger scale. The Greater Seoul region has a population of twenty million, making it one of the largest cities in the world.

However, there is no reason to worry about the crowds in the city, even though there are often enough people and vehicles until they are crowded. The Koreans are a helpful and courteous people even in congestion, although the language skills of the locals may not always be sufficient.

Seoul is often traveled for its oriental exoticism and popular culture. In a Seoulful city, you can kick off your journey with fiery food, and Seoul is also perfect for a great shopping city. However, the most famous attractions are related to the history of the city: Seoul has many spectacular palaces and historical landmarks.

Despite the fact that Seoul is a modern metropolis, there are still old areas of wooden houses that are kept in good condition as residential areas.

Traditional palaces

Seoul is a mix of skyscrapers and old palaces. For almost five centuries, until the beginning of the 20th century, there are several pieces of art from the Choson dynasty that ruled the country.

Probably the most popular among tourists are Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung and Deoksugung, the former being said to be the largest and most beautiful of the Seoul palaces. Just outside Seoul is Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO site well worth a visit.

Shopping city

For the shopper, Seoul is a dream come true. Shopping malls can be found on almost every corner, and their selection is more spectacular than each other. The city also has a Dongdaemun shopping area for the most busy shoppers, specializing in night opening hours.

Modern markets are counterbalanced by traditional markets. Especially on the large Namdaemun market street, there is plenty of hustle and bustle at both clothes packs and food stalls.

Seasons of Seoul

Despite its maritime location, Seoul has a continental climate, resulting in hot and humid summers while cold and dry winters.

During the summer months, temperatures remain in the heat according to Finnish standards, and city holidays may be a sport, despite the air-conditioned facilities. Highlights of the winter include Christmas, when the city is adorned with a festive atmosphere, but otherwise the viola blowing from Siberia makes the mercury fall to the side of the frost.

Although the city is a good holiday destination regardless of the season, spring and autumn are by far the most pleasant times. In this case, however, most travelers head to Seoul, and the popularity of the high season is felt in the wallet: both money is spent on housing and flights.

If you want to see the blossoms of cherry blossoms, Seoul is a great alternative to Tokyo – the flowers bloom beautifully in South Korea as well.

FLIGHTS, ACCOMMODATION AND MOVEMENT IN SEOUL

Namdaemun’s market is South Korea’s largest traditional market.

Direct flight from Finland

There are quite valid flight connections to Seoul from Finland. On a direct flight, a person traveling from Helsinki does not have to spend more than ten hours. A stopover flight can save you some euros if you are willing to spend more time traveling.

Those who book their flights in good time usually pay around 700 euros for the return trip, while with shorter notice and at the most popular times, the prices of direct flights increase by more than 800 euros.

Accommodation for many tastes

Accommodations in the capital of South Korea can be found to any extent. Price and quality are entirely up to the traveler’s own preferences.

In the cheapest simple places to stay, a double room is available for twenty euros, in the most expensive hotels the prices are calculated in the hundreds. A mid-range hotel costs around 50-80 euros.

Metropolis taken over by subway

The metro is definitely the most convenient option for getting around Seoul. When you have a little time to delve into the ten-line network, it looks much clearer than at first glance. The metro is also a tourist-friendly travel game: English speakers make traveling even easier.

Getting around by public transport has been made easy, and the city, like many other big cities, does not have to worry about its property.

Taxis in the city are quite affordable. However, during the worst peak times, you should be prepared not to trip very nimbly.

SIGHTS OF SEOUL

Deoksugung Palace is one of Seoul’s most popular attractions.

The spectacular palace of Deoksugung

Deoksugung is one of Seoul’s five major palaces. Although, like others, it suffered quite badly during the Japanese occupation, it is still a very impressive revelation.

In addition to oriental architecture, the traditions are exuded by, among other things, a guard change ceremony that is repeated according to a centuries-old pattern and can also be watched by the public three times a day.

Located in the vicinity of the hectic city center, Deoksugung offers a good place to unwind. It is especially worth popping into the magnificent garden, which is also used by the locals for recreation.

Views from Namsan

Namsan is a hill in Seoul, rising just over two hundred meters, to the top of which a tourist can make his way on a hike or cable car.

The view from the top is particularly impressive at night, even if it is not the actual mountain. However, if desired, you can hurt higher. The view of the neon-lit city from the nearly 500-meter N Seoul Tower is stunning.

Shopping at Namdaemun Market

Whatever you are looking for, you will most likely find it on Namdaemun’s market street. There is everything between earth and heaven on offer: you can find clothes, shoes and kitchen utensils to take home from the market.

Although Seoul is one of the most modern cities in the world, Namdaemun has managed to retain its traditional charm even in the squeeze of super shopping malls. Therefore, it is a must-visit other than just for its shopping offer.