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Seoul - five culinary treats

Seoul – a brief overview
South Korea’s high-tech capital is one of the largest cities in Southeast Asia. Seoul is modern, cosmopolitan and frenetically energetic, with relentless noise and bustle and an intense drive for progress. Nevertheless, reminders of its centuries under dynastic rule still remain: immaculately preserved temples, palaces and shrines rub shoulders with gleaming high-rise
towers and sparkling shopping malls. Two of Seoul’s big attractions are shopping and eating out. You can easily cover both bases by visiting its colourful markets, working up an appetite as you haggle for a lacquerware vase, then feasting on delectable street food.
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24 hours in Gangnam

Gangnam’s lifestyle topped the world’s music charts. Its beauty is anything but a question of luck. And its car-crazy cool guys, oppan, go for names like Gallardo, Carrera and Cayenne.
Gangnam is the most expensive and trendiest neighborhood in all of Korea, and the people who reside there have everything – and more. Welcome to the madness. Welcome to the life of the Korean elite.
10:00 a.m. – An oasis to start the day: Where tradition lies hidden in the future
Gangnam-gu
Seoul
South Korea
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Let’s take things nice and slow. Tucked away amid the congested highways, flashy neon signs and phallic skyscrapers, two fantastic wormholes to the past await us: the Buddhist temple Bengeunsa, completed in 794 A.D. and blotted from view by the massive COEX Center, and an extensive park with royal tombs dating from the days of the Joseon dynasty.
The temple often holds mass on Sunday mornings and attracts quite a crowd, but with practically no other tourists present and no admission to pay, you can experience a particularly solemn, festive atmosphere here.
12:00 p.m. – Le Séoul: Where Paris meets Berlin and Los Angeles for coffee
Seocho-gu
Seoul
South Korea
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Paris Croissant, Caffe Bene and Coffee Factory – you’ll see one of these stylish Starbuck lookalikes on every – no really, every – street corner of Gangnam. Cafés bathed in trendy industrial lamplight, furnished with shabby chic designer armchairs, and with brightly colored cupcakes in the display. But don’t be deceived: Behind these apparently European or U.S. franchises, there is usually a Korean enterprise whipping up millions with frothy milk. The young latte consumers are less concerned with flavor – which, by the way, would satisfy even the most fastidious coffee lover – and more with “swag,” with style, with seeing and be seen.
Give it a try: Order yourself a tasty banana chocolate mint bubble shake, sit back and observe. Then, if you’re willing to risk a bout of original Korean indigestion, cross the street and tuck boldly into a snack from one of the gradually disappearing traditional street kitchens. The deep-fried shrimp taste wonderfully crisp and juicy, and the suspect soup burns dangerously hot and spicy on the tastebuds. An added extra here is offered by the low plastic stools from which you can enjoy a refreshingly new perspective on the Gangnam stylers strolling by.
03:00 p.m. – Luxury, please: What “Oppan Gangnam style” really means
Seoul
South Korea
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You won’t find Gucci, Armani, Valentino and their likes dominating a single shopping mile in Gangnam; instead, they are scattered liberally across a large area and also, the crowning glory, in a truly enormous, exclusive shopping mall. Compare the density of luxury outlets in this neighborhood with Zurich’s Bahnhofsstraße, Hamburg’s Neuer Wall and the Upper East Side in New York and they look almost modest. That’s why, to achieve the perfect “Gangnam style,” you should have at least four weighty shopping bags with glittering logos at your side – and an “oppa,” a “boyfriend” – preferably one with a platinum credit card.
As the Rolls Royce isn’t available just now, hail yourself a taxi. That is also gentler on your wallet, by the way, because the ubiquitous orange Hyundai taxis will chauffeur you from one high street to the next amazingly cheaply because at a fixed rate of 2400 wons even on short trips, that’s roughly 1.65 euros. Only at peak times is the subway your better plan because it gets you to your next stop faster. On the underground you will also finally come face to face with Gangnam’s working class, whose Louis Vuitton bags look suspiciously like they’re made of plastic.
06:00 p.m. – Doing beauty: how 2000 plastic surgeons fit onto 1.7 square kilometers
Gangnam-gu
Seoul
South Korea
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One in five Korean women has already had “work done” – her nose straightened, her eyelids Europeanized, or her breasts enhanced. In her eyes, beauty ultimately has little to do with the luck of the gene pool or divine grace; it’s about work. Why put up with the bags under your eyes that your grandmother passed on when there’s an alternative? The center of the “refurbishing industry” is located right in the middle of Gangnam – obviously. An estimated 2000 cosmetic surgeons practice their craft along the less than two square kilometers of Seoul’s “beauty belt” and compete for improvement seekers with before-and-after photo ads in subway stations and on television – and not just in Korea, by the way, but abroad, too.
Thousands of clients from China and overseas take a beauty vacation here, making Seoul the “world capital of plastic surgery,” as an outraged CNN reported. Have some fun and try in a little surgery spotting, “She definitely has! And so has she!” Then turn into one of the many nail studios and treat your weary feet to a massage. That’s refurbishment enough.
08:00 p.m. – Long live the night! What puffer fish and karaoke have in common
Seoul
South Korea
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“They sip coffee by day and let their hair down at night” – that’s roughly how Psy describes the ideal Gangnam girl. In other words: She will slip into the kinds of high heels you would never risk, clamp a clutch bag under her arm and cover half of her face with an oversized smartphone – but no way will it be an iPhone! Then she’s into a taxi and off to the hippest drag in hip Gangnam: to Garosu-Gil for some late-night retail therapy and her final espresso of the day before heading to the vibrant nightlife area around Gangnam Station – to one of the endless bugeo (puffer fish) restaurants or karaoke bars, where rice wine and Korea’s wheat-based vodka, soju, flow freely. Cheers! Geon-bae!
Flight and accommodation
Top 10 sights in Seoul

Changdeokgung Palace
Seoul
South Korea
Tel. +82-2/36 68 23 00
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Opening times:
Daily 0900-1830 (Jun-Aug)
0900-1630 (Nov-Jan)
Tue-Sun 0900-1800 (Feb-May and Sep-Oct)
The Palace of Illustrious Virtue was the Joseon kings’ official residence for 270 years. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of Seoul’s most popular attractions. Highlights include the throne hall and the Huwon garden.
N Seoul Tower
Seoul
South Korea
Tel. +82-2/34 55 92 77
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Opening times:
Sun-Thu 1000-2300
Fri-Sat 1000-0000
This slender telecoms tower stands on top of Namsan hill, overlooking downtown Seoul. Its observation platform gives magnificent views across the city and beyond.
Deoksugung Palace
Seoul
South Korea
Tel. +82-2/771 99 51
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Opening times:
Tue-Sun 0900-2100
This, the appropriately named Palace of Virtuous Longevity, was the last home of the Joseon Dynasty, which ruled for more than 500 years. Its dramatic Changing of the Guards ceremony should not be missed.
Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art
Seoul
South Korea
Tel. +82-2/20 14 69 01
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Opening times:
Tue-Sun 1030-1800
This impressive modern gallery showcases contemporary art by Korean and international artists, as well as traditional Korean arts and crafts. An outdoor area includes modern sculptures by world-famous artists such as Louise Bourgeois.
National Palace Museum of Korea
Seoul
South Korea
Tel.: +82-2/37 01 75 00
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Opening times:
Tue-Fri 0900-1800
Sat-Sun 0900-1900
With some 40,000 exhibits, this museum inside the old walled city recounts the more than 500 years of the Joseon royal Dynasty. As well as displays of ceremonial costumes and regalia, exhibits include a replica of the first water clock and a collection of vintage automobiles.
Jongmyo
Seoul
South Korea
Tel. +82-2/765 21 24
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Opening times:
Wed-Mon 0900-1800 (Feb-May and Sep-Oct)
Wed-Mon 0900-1830 (Jun-Aug)
Wed-Mon 0900-1730 (Nov-Jan)
The UNESCO World Heritage site Royal Ancestral Shrine is a Confucian monument dedicated to the 27 Joseon kings and queens. On the first Sunday in May, costumed worshippers bring offerings to the spirits, accompanied by traditional regal music.
Gansong Museum
Seoul
South Korea
Tel. +82-2/762 04 42
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This private collection of Korean antiquities includes many of the country’s most priceless treasures, protected against plunder during the Japanese occupation. Please note: The building is being renovated, so the museum’s exhibits can currently be viewed at the Dondaemun Design Plaza (DDP, ddp.or.kr).
Biwon
Behind Changdeokgung Palace, the Secret Garden is a gorgeous retreat from the city crush. Walk down shady paths to pavilions and ponds, all lovingly tended.
Gyeongbokgung
Seoul
South Korea
Tel. +82-2/37 00 39 00
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Opening times:
Wed-Mon 0900-1830 (Jun-Aug)
Wed-Mon 0900-1800 (Mar-May and Sep-Oct)
Wed-Mon 0900-1700 (Nov-Feb)
The first seat of the Joseon Dynasty, this huge palace was built in 1395. It served as the official centre of government, with formal ceremonies held in its magnificent throne room.
Lotte World Adventure
Seoul
South Korea
Tel. +82-2/16 61 20 00
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Opening times:
Mon-Thu 0930-2200
Fri-Sun 0930-2300
This vast theme park offers a global mix of family entertainment, with dozens of fun and fast rides, from a French Revolution roller coaster to a Jurassic water flume.
Flight and accommodation
Seoul – one city, two faces

The world’s second-largest city, Seoul is a sprawling conurbation and home to 26 million people. So it’s monster of a metropolis, tumultuously noisy?
Absolutely. But the South Korean capital also has its quiet side.
Head for the hills
Jungang-dong
Gwacheon
South Korea
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Every year a million people turn their hiking boots south and head out of Seoul to Gwanaksan Mountain to climb to the top of ist 632-meter slopes.
Try a different pitch
495-81 Sangam-dong
Mapo-gu
Seoul
South Korea
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Book a hotel room? Boring! Instead, put up a tent on one of Seoul’s five urban campsites and enjoy a good night’s sleep (almost) beneath the open sky.
A glorious way to glow
40-713,Hangangno 3(sam)-ga
Yongsan-gu
Seoul
South Korea
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A jimjilbang is rarely truly peaceful, but the classic Korean version of a bathhouse is an institution no guest departs without a deep sense of relaxation.
Lovers' Lane
Seocho
Yongsan-gu
Seoul
South Korea
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Or rather, bridge. In Seoul, young couples often head for Banpo Bridge to see the nightly Moonlight Rainbow Show, a shimmering water feature 1140 meters long.
Buy, buy, buy!
Jung-gu
Seoul
South Korea
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Everything must go? Nope, this is just business as usual. Every day, around one million people jostle through Myeongdong, Seoul’s favorite shopping district.
Reaching for the sky
300, Olympic-ro
Songpa-gu
Seoul
South Korea
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Opened in 2017, the123-level Lotte World Tower in the city’s southeastern district of Jamsil is one of the world’s tallest skyscrapers at 555 meters. On the 118th floor, some 500 meters above the ground, it has a glass-floor observation deck – breathtaking!
Legendary Nightlife
645 Nonhyeon-ro
Gangnam-gu
Seoul
South Korea
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Seoul is famous for its clubs. Some of the largest, veritable dance temples, are located in the Gangnam district. Most popular music style: electro.
Fish for all
688 Nodeul-ro
Dongjak-gu
Seoul
South Korea
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The stallholders at Noryangjin fish market create a cacophony of sound as they vie for custom – and offer passersby delicious sashimi tidbits to sample. Open: 24/7.
Fun unlimited
240 Olympic-ro
Jamsil 3(sam)-dong
Songpa-gu
Seoul
South Korea
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A quiet day out? Not at Lotte World, the largest indoor theme park on the planet. One truly unmissable ride is the breathtaking French Revolution rollercoaster.
Flight and accommodation
Country information
Country overview
The quantity of beautiful national parks, remote beaches, islands in the south, and rugged
mountain peaks make Korea a stunningly diverse country and one that is great for outdoor adventures.
Geography
The Republic of Korea (South Korea) is a peninsula that shares borders to the north with the demilitarised zone (separating it from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea), to the east with the Sea of Japan (East Sea), to the south with the Korea Strait (separating it from Japan), and to the west with the Yellow Sea. There are many islands and bays in the Korea Strait, including the largest, the volcanic island of Jeju-do, which lies off the southwest coast and is also home to South Korea’s highest mountain, Mount Halla, at 1,950m (6,397ft).
Most of the country consists of hills and mountains with the 30% of flat plain home to the majority of the population and cultivation. Most rivers rise in the mountains to the east, flowing west and south to the Yellow Sea. The Naktong River flows into the Korea Strait near the southern port of Busan, Korea’s second largest city after Seoul. The eastern coast is rocky and steep with mountains rising from the sea.
General knowledge
Key facts
Population: 51,5 millions (2016)
Capital: Seoul.
Language
Korean (Hangul), with English widely taught in school and generally understood in major centres.
Currency
Won (KRW; symbol ₩). Notes are in denominations of ₩50,000, 10,000, 5,000 and 1,000. Chon means ‘one thousand’. Coins are in denominations of ₩500, 100, 50 and 10.
Electricity
220 volts AC, 60Hz. Round two-pin plugs are used.
Public holidays
Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2019 – December 2020 period.
2019
Sinjeong (New Year’s Day): 1 January 2019
Seollal (Lunar New Year): 4 to 6 February 2019
Samiljeol (Independence Movement Day): 1 March 2019
Eorininal (Children’s Day): 5 May 2019
Seokgatansinil (Buddha’s Birthday): 12 May 2019
Hyeonchung-il (Memorial Day): 6 June 2019
Gwangbokjeol (Independence Day): 15 August 2019
Chuseok (Harvest Moon Festival): 12 to 14 September 2019
Gaecheonjeol (National Foundation Day): 3 October 2019
Hangeullal (Hangul/Korean Alphabet Day): 9 October 2019
Christmase (Christmas Day): 25 Dezember 2019
2020
Sinjeong (New Year’s Day): 1 January 2020
Seollal (Lunar New Year): 24 to 27 January 2020
Samiljeol (Independence Movement Day): 1 March 2020
Seokgatansinil (Buddha’s Birthday): 30 April 2020
Eorininal (Children’s Day): 5 May 2020
Hyeonchung-il (Memorial Day): 6 June 2020
Gwangbokjeol (Independence Day): 15 August 2020
Chuseok (Harvest Moon Festival): 30 September to 2 October 2020
Gaecheonjeol (National Foundation Day): 3 October 2020
Hangeullal (Hangul/Korean Alphabet Day): 9 October 2020
Christmase (Christmas Day): 25 Dezember 2020
All information subject to change.
Flight and accommodation
Between Gangnam style and teahouses
“Seoul can give you everything – quiet, traditional places where you can be by yourself and cool new trendy neighbourhoods.” 32 year old flight attendant Ho-Young rediscovers his hometown on a trip that takes us from teahouses and temples to the hustle and bustle of Noryangjin Market.
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Flight and accommodation
Nightlife in Seoul
Seoul has a thriving live music scene. Find heaving nightclubs blasting out techno and electronica,
cool jazz bars, and a host of buzzing bars and cafés populating areas such as Itaewon, Gangnam and Hongdae.
National Gugak Center
137-073 Seoul
South Korea
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This leading performance arts centre hosts first-class traditional Korean music, dance and drumming concerts.
Once in a Blue Moon
Seoul
South Korea
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Listen to top local and international artists in this sophisticated jazz club.
Hangang River Ferry Cruise
Seoul
South Korea
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An evening cruise on the Hangang River is probably the most agreeable and convenient way to admire the Seoul skyline. Boats depart from Yeouido, Jamsil and Ttukseom ferry terminals. A number of routes are available and passengers can choose either a round trip or different points of departure and arrival. Enjoy the view as you glide past Jeoldusan Park, the 63 City Building, the N Seoul Tower and the city’s many other landmarks.
Luxury Su Noraebang
Seoul
South Korea
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A noraebang is a Korean karaoke bar, and this one, close to Sangsu subway station, is one of the most famous. Floor-to-ceiling windows make up the facade of the multistory bar. Opt for one of the rooms giving onto the street here and you can entertain passersby with your dance skills. Less extrovert visitors will prefer one of the back rooms. Boasting all the latest in excellent technology, this bar appeals to a mixed crowd.
Comfort Zone
Seoul
South Korea
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Come to this multistory lounge bar and experience the laid-back side of Seoul. It has comfy sofas and inviting cozy corners, and food is served at wooden tables on the veranda, and attracts a mostly young crowd.
Flight and accommodation
Restaurants in Seoul
Seoul has many culinary hotspots – in particular in its spectacular markets.
One of the most popular upscale districts is on Namsan hill, while for a traditional teahouse experience head to Insadong.
Korea House
Seoul
South Korea
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Price: Luxurious
This city institution serves delicious traditional food, with a touristy but tasteful live show.
Seokparang
Seoul
South Korea
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Price: Luxurious
Enjoy exquisite Korean cuisine at this delightful 19th-century house and garden.
Congee House
100-860 Seoul
South Korea
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Price: Moderate
Authentic congee (savoury rice porridge) is the speciality here; try it with abalone or octopus.
O’Sulloc
Seoul
South Korea
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Price: Moderate
This venerable teahouse also concocts sweet treats such as green tea ice cream and tiramisu.
Jyoti
Seoul
South Korea
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Price: Budget
Superbly spicy Indian and Nepalese food; it’s a bit out of the way but worth the effort.
Flight and accommodation
Calendar of events
Jongmyo Daeje
May 2019
Website
Venue: Jongmyo Jeongjeon Shrine, Jongno-gu
This ancestral rite has been performed for over 500 years, earning it an UNESCO World Heritage listing. The spirits of former kings and queens, believed to reside in tablets at Jongmyo Shrine in Seoul, are honoured with elaborate bowing and food-offering rituals from massed ranks in colourful traditional costumes.
Lotus Lantern Festival in Seoul
3 – 5 May 2019
Website
Venue: Jongno, particularly around Jogyesa Temple
Over 100,000 lanterns illuminate the streets of Jong-ro in central Seoul to celebrate Buddha’s birthday. Performances and other festivities take place outside Jogyesa Temple in Insa-dong, and a parade of glowing lanterns and floats takes place one evening.
Boryeong Mud Festival
19 – 28 July 2019
Website
Venue: Daecheon Beach, Seocheon-gun, Chungcheongnam-do
Two and a half hours south of Seoul, you can wallow in everything from therapeutic mud massage to mud-sliding at this spectacularly dirty and fun festival held each July on Daecheon Beach – the longest on Korea’s West coast. The mud is rich in minerals and said to be good for the skin. Most participants will want to bring a swimsuit they won’t care to ever wear again and plan on being covered in mud from head to toe.
Icheon Rice Cultural Festival
October 2019
Venue: Sulbong Park, Incheon
This harvest celebration takes place at Icheon, one hour’s bus journey from central Seoul. Activities include rice-cake making and there’s traditional cultural entertainment.
Hi Seoul Festival
October 2019
Website
Venue: Yeouido Hangang Park and downtown Seoul
This annual cultural celebration showcases Seoul’s unique history, tradition and diversity through performing arts. It takes on a different theme each year.
All information subject to change. Please check the dates on the relevant event organizer’s website.
Flight and accommodation
Hotels in Seoul
Seoul enjoys some of the most luxurious hotels in the world, but there are also plenty of cheaper options, such as traditional hanok guesthouses.
Myeong-dong is the hectic central district, but for somewhere quieter try Bukchan-dong and Samcheong-dong.
Banyan Tree Club & Spa
Seoul
South Korea
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Category: Luxurious
Seoul’s ultimate in hotel luxury features private spa pools in each suite, and has spectacular views from its rooftop terrace.
Shilla Seoul
Seoul
South Korea
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Category: Luxurious
With its elegant style, impeccable service and peaceful grounds, the Shilla is a cosy haven.
Best Western Premier Gangnam
Gangnam-gu 135-826
South Korea
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Category: Moderate
A dependable business hotel in the heart of lively Gangnam.
Ibis Ambassador
Seoul
South Korea
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Category: Moderate
This centrally located modern hotel features a spa and international restaurant.
UWA Guesthouse
100-282 Seoul
South Korea
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Category: Budget
The rooms of this small guesthouse close to Hong Dae subway station are minimalist in style. Cheap, clean and with shared bathrooms, this hostelry is especially popular with young travelers.
Flight and accommodation
Best time to visit
Today: Thursday, 21.02.2019 18:00 UTC

sunny
temperature
-1°C
wind speed
3.125 mph7 days forecast
Saturday
23.02.2019
11°C / 1°C
Sunday
24.02.2019
12°C / 2°C
Monday
25.02.2019
10°C / 3°C
Tuesday
26.02.2019
10°C / 1°C
Wednesday
27.02.2019
11°C / 3°C
Thursday
28.02.2019
11°C / 4°C
Friday
01.03.2019
14°C / 5°C
Climate & best time to visit South Korea
Moderate climate with four seasons, making any season a fine time to visit as long as you wear appropriate clothing. The hottest part of the year is during the rainy season between July and August, and the coldest is December to February. Occasional typhoons bring high winds and floods. Spring and autumn are mild and mainly dry and are generally considered the best times to visit.
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absolute max | absolute min | Ø absolute min | Ø absolute min | relative humidity | Ø precipitation | days with deposit > 1mm | sunshine duration | |
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Jan | 14 °C | -22 °C | 0 °C | -7 °C | 66 % | 23 mm | 3 | 5.2 h |
Feb | 17 °C | -19 °C | 3 °C | -5 °C | 65 % | 25 mm | 3 | 6.0 h |
Mar | 22 °C | -14 °C | 9 °C | 0 °C | 65 % | 47 mm | 6 | 6.4 h |
Apr | 29 °C | -4 °C | 16 °C | 6 °C | 63 % | 94 mm | 6 | 6.6 h |
May | 34 °C | 1 °C | 23 °C | 12 °C | 64 % | 92 mm | 7 | 7.4 h |
Jun | 37 °C | 9 °C | 26 °C | 17 °C | 73 % | 134 mm | 9 | 6.1 h |
Jul | 37 °C | 12 °C | 28 °C | 21 °C | 82 % | 369 mm | 14 | 3.9 h |
Aug | 38 °C | 13 °C | 29 °C | 22 °C | 79 % | 294 mm | 10 | 4.9 h |
Sep | 35 °C | 3 °C | 25 °C | 16 °C | 73 % | 169 mm | 7 | 5.9 h |
Oct | 30 °C | -5 °C | 19 °C | 9 °C | 68 % | 49 mm | 5 | 6.7 h |
Nov | 25 °C | -11 °C | 11 °C | 2 °C | 67 % | 53 mm | 5 | 5.0 h |
Dec | 17 °C | -23 °C | 3 °C | -4 °C | 67 % | 22 mm | 5 | 4.6 h |
year | 38 °C | -23 °C | 16 °C | 7 °C | 69 % | 1370 mm | 80 | 5.7 h |
Flight and accommodation
Elevated cuisine in Seoul
Every morning Duncan Robertson climbs to the top of Namsan Hill, and every evening he climbs back down again to “mellow out,” as the Briton says. The N Seoul Tower, which is the city’s landmark, is situated at the top of Namsan Hill, and its rotating lookout platform houses the restaurant belonging to the star-studded chef. In a video, Duncan Robertson explains how he fuses European and Korean cuisine in a restaurant that boasts an incredible view.
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Flight and accommodation
Phone calls & Internet
Telephone/Mobile Telephone
Dialing code: +82
Telephone
Public telephones are not ideal for making international calls, and a number of rip off “phone cards” are available on the street or even the airport itself. Your best and least expensive bet is to use Skype or another voice-over-ip (VoIp) service to call home from one of the innumerable internet cafes.
Mobile Telephone
Native cellphone service is so good in South Korea that many Koreans do not know the meaning of the term “dropped call,” but international calls and roaming can be prohibitively expensive. You may still have to hire a relevant Korean handset even though your SIM card works. Cellphones can be easily rented at airport kiosks or at offices in Seoul.
Internet
Internet is widely available in Korea. The country is one of the highest user of internet in the world; according to the OECD, Korea’s population has the highest number of wireless broadband subscriptions. There are internet cafes around the country in public places such as airports, train stations and bus terminals in Korea.
Flight and accommodation
Shopping in Seoul
Key Areas
Seoul is truly a shoppers’ heaven, particularly for exotic foodie delights. Myeong-dong is good for general stores, Insadong has specialist shops – particularly for antiques and furniture – and the city’s traditional markets are major attractions in their own right.
Markets
Seoul’s traditional neighbourhood markets are too numerous to list, but a couple of gems worth seeking out are Gwangjang Market, 6-1 Yeji-dong, Jongno-gu, which has everything from fresh produce to tailor-made clothes, and Namdaemun Sijang, by the Great South Gate, which has hundreds of stalls, selling bric-a-brac, seafood snacks and more.
Shopping Centres
Shinsegae, in Jung-gu is one of the biggest malls, with top-name designer brands; a couple of others worth checking out are Dongdaemun in Jongno-gu, and Kyungbang Times Square in Yeongdeungpo-gu.
Flight and accommodation
My Seoul
When I’m in Seoul, I like to go to the district around Insa-dong (St. Mary’s Alley). There and in the neighboring streets, there are several small restaurants, where I enjoy sampling the local fare.

Alex Mikamo, purserette
Flight and accommodation
Traveller etiquette
Social Conventions
Shoes must be removed before entering a Korean home. Small gifts are customary; traditional etiquette requires using the right hand for giving and receiving. Seniority should always be respected – don’t eat before the oldest person at the table has started. Koreans often ask your age and marital status to quickly gauge societal seniority. They can be very reserved, shy and resistant of body contact until they get to know you.
Never leave chopsticks in your rice, and never beckon anyone with palm up using one finger, as this is the way Koreans call their dogs.
Writing someone’s name in red is bad as this symbolises death. The number four is considered unlucky and to give gifts in multiples of four is considered taboo; giving seven of an item is considered lucky.
Traditional costume, or hanbok, is mainly worn on holidays and special occasions. For men it consists of a short jacket and loose trousers, called baji, that are tied at the ankles. Women’s hanboks comprise a wrap-around skirt and a bolero-style jacket and is often called a chima-jeogori.
Flight and accommodation
Health
Food & Drink
Though tap water is potable and thus safe to drink, tourists often avoid it due to taste. Bottled water is available, as is powdered or tinned milk. Korean cuisine is rich and varied and as such, includes all sorts of raw, uncooked, or undercooked meats, seafoods, and delicacies. Use common sense when ordering. Those with health concerns may want to exercise caution and avoid unpasteurised milk and products made from it, such as ice cream. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked, fruit peeled. Food from street vendors is usually safe but should be eaten at your own risk.
Other Risks
Japanese encephalitis may be transmitted by mosquitoes between June and October in rural areas. A vaccine is available, and travellers are advised to consult their doctor prior to departure. Hepatitis B is highly endemic. Tuberculosis occurs. Rabies may be present. For those at high risk, vaccination should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay.
Contractual physician of Lufthansa
Dr. Jang, Yong-SeogSeoul City Medical Center
Department Head of Surgery
#156 ShinNae-Ro
ChungRang-Gu
131-130 Seoul
South Corea
Tel. +82-2-2276-7875 (Mon/Wed/Friday)
Tel. +82-2-2276-7621 (Tue/Thursday)
Please note that Lufthansa accepts no responsibility for the treatment nor will it bear the cost of any treatment.
Flight and accommodation
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IATA Travel Centre
The IATA Travel Centre delivers accurate passport, visa and health requirement information at a glance. It is a trusted, centralized source for the latest international travel requirements. The IATA Travel Centre is the most accurate source available because it is based on a comprehensive database used by virtually every airline, and information is gathered from official sources worldwide, such as immigration and police authorities.
Flight and accommodation
5 things to eat in Seoul
The South Korean capital of Seoul beckons with all manner of delicacies, which have earned fame far beyond the country’s borders. Particular favorites are kimchi, maeuntang, mandu, samgyeopsal and hotteuk, which are also often sold at street markets. Our video lets you in on exactly what goes into these tasty Korean specialties.
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