Seoul is a city that moves fast and never apologizes for it. Skyscrapers tower over 600-year-old palace walls. A traditional hanbok rental shop sits next to a holographic K-pop experience. The food scene is relentless — from sizzling Korean BBQ to street food stalls selling tteokbokki at 2am, the city feeds you around the clock.
The best time to visit is April through May (cherry blossom season and mild weather) or September through November (stunning autumn foliage). Summer is hot and humid with monsoon rains in July. Winter is bitterly cold (often below minus 10 degrees Celsius) but the ski resorts are nearby and the city is less crowded.
The historic core around Jongno holds the five grand palaces, with Gyeongbokgung being the most impressive. Bukchon Hanok Village preserves traditional Korean houses on a hillside. Insadong is the cultural shopping street with tea houses, galleries, and craft shops. Myeongdong is the beauty and shopping hub. Gangnam is the modern, affluent south side. Hongdae is the university district with the best nightlife, street performances, and indie culture.
Practical tips: get a T-money card for the subway, which is clean, efficient, and covers the entire metropolitan area. Download Naver Maps (Google Maps is unreliable in Korea). Korean BBQ etiquette: the youngest person at the table pours drinks. Convenience stores (CU, GS25) are excellent for quick meals. Many restaurants have ordering kiosks — point and tap. Jimjilbangs (Korean bathhouses) are a cultural experience not to miss.