By Bumjoon Park
Seoul is the economic, political and cultural capital of South Korea. Some have argued that, for better or worse, South Korea is effectively a city-state due to the centrality and prominence that Seoul commands in relation to all other parts of the country; around half of South Korea’s population resides in the Seoul Metropolitan Area. This fact, coupled with the city’s accessibility by road, rail and air, makes Seoul the logical destination for many travellers seeking to experience South Korea.
Top three places to visit in Seoul
Bukchon Hanok Village
Nestled between Gyeongbokgung and Changgyeonggung palaces, Bukchon Hanok Village, accessible by Anguk Metro Station to the south, is one of the few remaining neighbourhoods with preserved traditional Hanok Korean houses in Seoul. It is the perfect place within urban Seoul to get a rare feel for the traditional streets of early modern Korea. The area is within walking distance of Insa-dong in the Jongno district, where numerous traditional crafts and tea shops line the streets, as well as the two aforementioned historical palaces that are also worth touring. Seoul’s central Gwanghwamun Plaza is also easily accessible from the area.
Itaewon
Itaewon may not be on the must-visit list of many tourists, but the area is truly a unique place within Seoul. Itaewon is the go-to place for international cuisine and is a popular gathering location for Seoul’s international residents, creating a unique atmosphere that mixes Korean and international aspects, sometimes described as being like a painting that blended aspects of various cultures together as paint to draw on the canvas that is Seoul. The War Memorial of Korea and the National Museum of Korea are also nearby and worth visiting. The Magpie Brewing Company in Itaewon is rated as one of the best places for craft beer and pizza in Seoul.
Yeouido Hangang Park
Yeouido Hangang Park is one of several parks along the banks of the Han River, which bisects Seoul into its older northern half and later expanded southern half. The river is perhaps Seoul’s most iconic geographic feature and is worth observing up-close. Yeouido Hangang Park is one of the more accessible of the 12 parks comprising the capital’s Hangang park system, as passengers from Yeouinaru Metro Station exit right beside the park.
Various events including open markets and performances are expected to resume this summer following a COVID-19-related hiatus. River cruise options ranging between 40 and 90 minutes are also available from the piers in the park during the afternoon and early evening.
Travel risk tips
Seoul has excellent public transport, including nine subway lines, 14 rail and light rail lines and an expansive bus network, all of which are generally safe and reliable to use. Taxis can easily be hailed on the streets or by a ride-hailing app but some drivers have been known to overcharge foreigners by abusing the language barrier, particularly on rides to and from Seoul-Incheon (ICN/RKSI) and Gimpo (GMP/RKSS) airports.
Seoul has a very low crime rate and is generally a safe city to travel in. Nevertheless, travellers should exercise caution when travelling alone after dark, especially in popular nightlife areas such as Gangnam, Hongdae and Itaewon. While not a common occurrence, many street incidents in Seoul have been alcohol-related so travellers should avoid anyone visibly under the influence of alcohol.
Although major weather-related disruptions to overland travel are rare in Seoul, heavy rainfall during the monsoon and typhoon seasons between May and October can disrupt flight schedules and flood low-lying streets as well as destabilise hillsides. Travellers should consult local weather forecasts prior to departure to ensure the viability of intended travel.
Bumjoon Park is a Japan-based political and security risk analyst covering East Asia.
