Seoul Visitor Guide 2024: Everything you need to know

Published by: BouncePosted
Seoul, South Korea, at night

The capital of South Korea, Seoul is one of the world's great cities. It's also one of the world's biggest, with almost half the population of the country living within the greater metropolitan area. This huge population and Korea's relentless drive to be at the cutting edge of technology makes Seoul a fascinating place to visit.

That's not to say that Seoul doesn't have a proud history, because it does. And perhaps surprisingly for a city its size, it also offers some places where you can get away from the crowds, including Bukhansan National Park, which lies within the city limits. As a result, no matter what kind of trip you are looking to enjoy, you'll be able to do it in Seoul. Drop off your unneeded bags at a suitcase storage in Seoul and get ready for an unforgettable experience.

8 Best Ways to Experience Seoul in 2024

Seoul might not be recognized as one of the big tourist destinations but boy is that changing fast. Here ancient temples snuggle up to modern high-rise buildings and top-class chefs struggle to outdo one another by fusing traditional food with modern culinary techniques. 

This is a vibrant city surrounded by stunning natural beauty. If you are going to take full advantage of your time there, you are first going to need to free yourself from the burden of having to haul heavy bags. Bounce luggage storage services have teamed up with local partners to offer you the perfect way to do this. 

Best Seoul tours by car – Seoul City Tour

This company offers a wide variety of tours on a daily basis that will really open your eyes not only to what the city has on offer but to destinations further afield. Their packages are extremely varied and include such highlights as ancient temples right through to the DMZ.

To find out more about all that this company can do for you call 822-774-3345 or email them at mail@seoulcitytour.net

Best Seoul tour for food lovers – Gastro Tour Seoul

Here is a company with a passion for sharing the delights of their county's cuisine and culinary heritage. They offer half-day, full-day and multi-day tours where you can delve into street food culture, enjoy a gourmet tour or even experience a little of the Korean brewing culture. They also arrange unique packages based on their client's requests and these can include cooking classes.

Email at info@gastrotourseoul.com or call them on 82-70-8888-3500

Best day tours from Seoul – Tagy Travel Korea

This is a company that offers a wide range of different tour options, often building tours around the specific requirements of their clients. They can provide their experience in providing as diverse a range of tours as visits to the DMZ, hiking tours, island tours, and even kid-friendly experiences. If there is something specific you would like to explore, they can arrange it for you; if not, take a look at the tours that they provide on a regular basis.

To find out more email at info@tagytravelkorea.com or call them on  82 10-5481-8362

Best layover tours of Seoul – Joy Tour Korea

This is a company that specializes in small party tours, and who don't believe that you need to spend hours stuck in a bland airport when you can be discovering the delights of a new destination. Whether you are laying over for three hours or nine hours, and even if you are arriving late at night, this company would be happy to show you some of the local highlights. Plan your own agenda or let them build one for you.

Book your inter-flight break by calling 82 1089-5494 27 or email them at operator@privatetourkorea.net 

Best hiking tours of Seoul – Honey Trail

When most people hear the word Seoul, they tend to think of just the city environment. One of the highest peaks overlooking the city is in the Bukhansan National Park and this company would love to guide you through this rugged region. In addition, they also offer a range of other hiking adventures for those who prefer their travels to include some outdoor adventure. If exploring the outdoors is your thing, then these are the people to talk to.

Book your adventure by calling 82 10-4149-9909 or email to find out more at honeytrailkorea@gmail.com 

Best tours of Seoul by bike – Outdoors Korea

Biking is such a great way to get to know a place and Seoul is a bike-friendly city. Whether you fancy gliding through the city streets or taking in a more suburban adventure such as the Yeouido Hanriver park, this is a company that can supply you with the gear and the guides. They specialize in small groups and can collect you from your hotel. 

Cycling is not the only outdoor activity they cater to so call to find out what is on offer. 82 10-9007-5414 or email them at outdoorskorea@gmail.com

Best walking tour for history enthusiasts – Korea By Local

This company believes that behind every great experience is a great team. They also adhere to the principle that it is locals who will be able to give you the most in-depth experience of Seoul. After starting your morning off with a talk and a coffee, why not stroll the King's Palace and learn about the exquisite architecture as well as some of the history of this unique city? Let a local open your eyes to those important little details that weave themselves gently together to create this unusual slice of Asian culture.

Call 82 10-8884-5777 or email them at koreabylocal@gmail.com

Best tour for great photos – Hab Korea

Hab stands for Have a Ball and this is a company that is determined to help you do just that. Among their extensive range of tours, they are able to offer unique photoshoot opportunities which are bound to provide you with lasting memories and make you the envy of all your friends. Whether it's the famous Korean cherry blossom or a full-on costume shoot, this company offers packages that you simply won't find elsewhere.

To explore the full range of tour options email at inquiry@habkorea.com or call them on 82 10-7239-3691

Rooftops of Seoul, Korea

A weekend in Seoul

A weekend in Seoul can never be enough to experience everything the city has to offer. For that matter, a lifetime might not be enough either. But Seoul has such a diversity of attractions to offer that in only a couple of days, you can see a wide variety of historical sites, fascinating cultural institutions, and a vision of the future. Leave the bags behind at a Seoul luggage locker and dive right in.

  • Dongdaemun Design Plaza, also known as DDP, is worth visiting just for its appearance. These futuristic buildings look like landed UFOs, especially when lit up at night. Inside, you'll find a cultural hub that includes Korea's largest fashion district, an art gallery, a shopping center, and even a rooftop park.
  • Gyeongbokgung Palace is the biggest of Seoul's five Grand Palaces. Built in 1395, this stunning building is a great place to explore the history of Korea in the place that was once home to the country's royal family.
  • Take in the view from the N Seoul Tower. This almost 800-foot tall tower sits on top of a mountain, offering stunning views over the city and the surrounding countryside. There's also a restaurant and an observatory located in the tower.

Seoul lockers

Seoul is a city that rewards exploration, whether it's your first visit or your thousandth. This vibrant city is always changing, and so even locals constantly find something new to explore. But it can be overwhelming. Make things easier on yourself by dropping off your bags at a Seoul suitcase storage. Traveling light is the best way to enjoy your trip to this fascinating city.

Off the beaten path in Seoul

With such a massive population, it may seem hard to believe that there is any corner of Seoul that remains undiscovered. But if you’re looking to escape the crowds, there are a few places worth visiting that most tourists never make it to. Leave your bags behind at a Seoul luggage locker and enjoy some of these hidden gems.

  • Bukhansan National Park is far from unknown. In fact, it’s one of the most popular attractions in the city. But with 30 square miles of wilderness to visit, this is still a place where you can find a little space for yourself. Marvel at the soaring granite peaks of the park and discover hiking trails that take you past waterfalls, forests, and stunning gorges.
  • See a darker side of Korean history at Seodaemun Prison. This prison became famous during the Japanese occupation of Korea in the first half of the twentieth century. Some important figures in the Korean independence movement were imprisoned and even killed here. Although it can be a grim place to visit, it’s a fascinating insight into the troubled history of the country.
  • See what was once the tallest skyscraper outside North America at the 63 Building. This reflective building's gold exterior is as striking today as it was when it was built in the 1980s for the Seoul Olympics. The building contains an aquarium, a convention center, and many stores. Best of all, you can ride the elevator to the sixtieth floor to enjoy the view and the world's highest art gallery.
Street at night, Seoul, Korea

What to do alone in Seoul

Seoul is a fantastic place to visit by yourself. Traveling alone makes it easy to navigate the often crowded streets, and you can enjoy whatever you're into without having to worry about whether anyone else likes it. Whether you're traveling on business or for a vacation, drop your bags off with a Seoul luggage storage service to enjoy your solo adventure.

  • Gwangjang Market is well known for its fabrics, such as silk and satin, that have made the place famous. But perhaps even more exciting is the food alley and its dozens of vendors. Try authentic Korean delicacies such as bibimbap and yukhoe, and you may discover a new favorite.
  • Get some peace and quiet at the Buddhist Temple of Bongeunsa. The beautifully sculpted grounds are an oasis of serenity, and if you really want to develop your spiritual side, the temple even allows visitors to participate in Zen meditation and tea ceremonies.
  • South and North Korea are separated by the Demilitarized Zone, a two and a half-mile wide strip of land that belongs to neither country. This area makes a fascinating day trip from Seoul, where you can learn more about the only partially resolved conflict between the two Koreas and get a glimpse of one of the most mysterious countries in the world, North Korea.

The best souvenirs in Seoul

Seoul is a shopper's paradise. Visit the beautiful neighborhood of Insa-dong for high-end art and antiques. There are over 100 galleries in the area, and Hakgojae gallery is a great place to pick up folk art. For something more traditional, visit the National Souvenir Center and pick up a Buddhist incense burner or a traditional Korean mask. Or you could pop into Hottracks paper shop and buy some exquisite Hanji paper, the product of a Korean tradition that goes back a thousand years.

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