Tips for Traveling to Seoul, South Korea

Seoul, the bustling capital of South Korea. It’s a traveller’s playground full of things to do, places to see, new foods to try, and interesting people to meet. With a population of 10 million, you can bet there are countless opportunities to explore this metropolis and discover its fascinating history and the future this tech center is forging. If you are a first time traveler to Seoul, you may have some questions, so Knightsbridge Foreign Exchange is here to answer them.

When Should I Visit Seoul?

South Korea has four seasons just like North America. The spring and fall months (March to May, and mid-September to early November) are typically the most popular time to visit because the weather is ideal and is when the surrounding countryside is the most picturesque. Visit Seoul around the second week of April because this is when the annual cherry blossom bloom festivals are held.

How do I Get There?

The majority of international flights to Seoul land at Incheon International Airport just outside of the city. There are several ways to reach downtown Seoul from the airport, with the easiest being the Incheon Airport Railroad Express (AREX). This train is affordable and will take you to Seoul station, at the heart of the city. There are buses that will take you to Seoul but they are generally more expensive and take longer than the AREX.

How Much Money Should I Bring?

Seoul is a surprisingly affordable city. If you stay at an inexpensive guest house, travel mainly by subway, keep shopping to a minimum and frequent cheaper food options, you should be able to get by spending between 60,000 and 70,000 KRW per day (about $68 to $80 CDN). Multiply this by how many days you plan on staying and you will have a rough idea of how much to bring.

What Should I do in Seoul?

Given its size, there are countless things to see and do in Seoul. For a glimpse into the city’s history, pay a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace or Bukchon Hanok Village. For a panoramic view of the city, head to the top of Seoul’s Namsan Tower. If you brought your kids along for the trip, spend a day at Everland or Lotte World, both large amusement parks that have plenty of fun rides and games. Lastly, Seoul is full exquisite cuisine. From high-end restaurants to inexpensive street food, you will find endless opportunities to experience the unique and mouth-watering flavours that come with Korean cuisine.

How do I Get Around?

The best way to get around Seoul is their extremely efficient subway system. Renowned world-wide, you will have no trouble navigating the Seoul Metropolitan Subway; signs are in English, making it easy to know where you are at all times, and delays and service interruptions are minimal. If you do plan on regularly using Seoul’s subway. it’s best to buy a T-Money card, a reloadable card that can be used to pay for subways, buses, taxis, and even at convenience stores. T-Money cards are available to purchase at most convenience stores and subway stations.

With these handy travel tips, you’re sure to have a great time exploring and experiencing all that Seoul has to offer. If this is your first time visiting, use these tips to make the most out of your trip.

Want to save when you exchange currency? Call Knightsbridge Foreign Exchange today at 416-479-0834 or check out our services online.