In a single day in Seoul, you can tour an ancient Buddhist temple, browse luxury boutiques in Gangnam, gorge on savory street snacks, steam yourself in a sauna, and sing karaoke to your heart’s content.

The South Korean capital is especially inviting in the spring, when cherry trees bloom and the weather’s mild, and in the crisp days of fall. In our five-minute guide to visiting Seoul, you’ll find recommendations for what to see, where to eat, and where to stay in this lively city.

3 reasons to buy travel insurance for South Korea

1. Flight insurance is essential. The most expensive part of your trip to Seoul may be the long flight from the U.S. Travel insurance with trip cancellation/trip interruption benefits can reimburse you for nonrefundable airfare if you must cancel or interrupt your trip for a covered reason. Your travel delay benefits can reimburse you for eligible expenses, such as meals and lodging, during a covered delay.
2. Emergency medical benefits are highly recommended for South Korea. It’s easy to find high-quality medical care in Seoul… but it’s not so easy to pay for it. “In most cases, health care providers will require payment in advance of treatment or will not release a patient until hospital bills are paid,” the U.S. Department of State says. “We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to include coverage for medical evacuation.”¹ Look for a travel insurance plan with emergency medical benefits and emergency transportation benefits.
3. 24-hour assistance helps you travel with confidence. Many American tourists are surprised to find that English is not widely spoken in Seoul. If you need help communicating with doctors, refilling medication at a pharmacy, or navigating any travel challenge, just reach out to 24-hour assistance by phone or with the Allyz® TravelSmart app.

3 of the best travel insurance plans for South Korea

1. OneTrip Prime includes all the benefits you need for international travel and also covers kids 17 and under for free when they’re traveling with a parent or grandparent (not available on policies issued to Pennsylvania residents).
2. OneTrip Basic is a smart choice for budget travelers. This plan gives you up to $10,000 in emergency medical benefits, up to $10,000 in trip cancellation/interruption benefits, and more.
3. AllTrips Premier protects every trip you take in 365 days—and you can customize your coverage, with tiered benefit levels for trip cancellation/interruption.

3 of the best things to do in Seoul

1. Tour Changdeokgung Palace. Built in the 15^th century, this UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its stunning architecture and lush gardens. Take some time to wander the grounds, where you’ll find the Bulromun Gate, which bestows good health and longevity to those who pass through it, and the Changdeokgung Chinese juniper, which is believed to be over 750 years old.²
2. Take a street food tour. Seoul is famed for its street food, which is inexpensive, delicious and omnipresent. You can try tteokbokki (chewy rice cakes), mandu (dumplings), and gimbap (seaweed-wrapped rolls of rice, egg and veggies) anytime, but a guided tour will introduce you to some Korean foods and traditions you may never have encountered on your own.
3. Relax in a traditional Korean bathhouse. Jjimjilbang are found everywhere in Seoul, where these communal spas are an essential part of the culture. Be sure to observe the rules—shoes off, shower first—and then enjoy the hot and cold baths, sauna, and scrubbing table.³

3 of the best hotels in Seoul

You can’t miss Signiel Seoul: this luxury hotel in Seoul occupies the 87th to the 101st floors of Lotte World Tower, the tallest landmark in South Korea. Every room boasts awe-inspiring views, and guests love the attentive service and lavish breakfast. This hotel is next to Lotte World, a popular theme park.

“Felt like royalty staying here,” one reviewer said of The Shilla Seoul. This five-star hotel stands in the heart of the city, near Namsan Park, and features elegant rooms and five restaurants, plus a bar and bakery. One highlight is the resort-like outdoor pool, with cabanas, sunbeds and a hot tub.

Hotel 28 is something different: a boutique hotel inspired by Korean cinema. Located in the shopping neighborhood of Myeongdong, Hotel 28 is decorated with vintage movie cameras and photographs. Expect thoughtful touches like free popcorn when you check in, face masks, and a free minibar.

3 of the best places to eat in Seoul

Picking out just three restaurants and bars in Seoul is impossible… but here are our recommendations for three delightful—and very different—experiences.

First, the traditional: Woo Lae Oak has been a favorite of Seoul diners since 1946. “Indulge in their legendary Pyeongyang cold buckwheat noodles, served in broth or in a spicy sauce, and their bulgogi, grilled tableside,” Michelin recommends.⁴ Those naengmyeon noodles are a North Korean specialty, made with beef broth, Korean pear, beef, and white kimchi.

Then, the upscale: Jung Sik owner and chef Jungsik Yim is credited with creating the concept of new Korean fine dining. Expect a multi-course meal of delicacies like tender Hanwoo beef, tuna gimbap, and flavorful vegetable side dishes (banchan).

One night, head to Sinheung Market: an assembly of modest storefronts that has been reimagined as a trendy, neon-lit area to eat and drink. One favorite is Gil Bar Dak, a bar with classic cocktails and a friendly resident terrier.

Ready to explore Seoul? See the best travel insurance options for international travel from Allianz Travel Insurance.

What Do I Need to Travel to South Korea?

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