South Korea · Asia
Guide to Seoul
K-culture megacity, palaces, street food, and night markets
Overview
Seoul is a megacity balancing ancient palaces, café culture, K-pop and night markets. World-class public transport.
Highlights
Gyeongbokgung & Bukchon
Palace + hanok village — hanbok rental optional.
Hongdae / Itaewon
Nightlife, street performances, international food.
Namsan & N-Seoul Tower
City views; great sunset spot.
DMZ tour
Day trip — bring your passport, book through an official agent.
Hangang Park
Picnics + evening bike rides.
Food
Korean BBQ
Shared set menus; unlimited banchan refills.
Gwangjang street food
Bindaetteok, mayak gimbap — try a few stalls.
Dessert cafés
Seoul takes café-hopping seriously—viral spots often need reservations.
Getting around
T-money card
Subway + bus seamless.
Walking neighborhoods
Each district has its own vibe—pick 1–2 per day.
AREX airport
Fast to Incheon; compare with the limousine bus.
Frequently asked questions
Do Indonesian passport holders need a K-ETA or a visa?
You need a visa. K-ETA is only for nationals of visa-exempt countries, and Indonesia isn’t one of them. Apply for a tourist visa via the official application center or embassy; have your bank statements and travel itinerary ready. Processing takes about 1–2 weeks. Exceptions exist for certain group tours to Jeju, so check the latest requirements before booking.
Where to buy a T-money card and what can it be used for?
Buy one at any convenience store or subway station vending machine, then top up with cash. A single card works for the subway, city buses, some taxis, and payments at minimarts. Transferring from subway to bus is free within the time limit if you tap out. Any remaining balance can be refunded at a minimart counter with a small fee.
Is Google Maps accurate in Seoul?
Not for navigation. Data restrictions mean walking and driving routes on Google are often incomplete. Install Naver Map or KakaoMap—they have English interfaces, real-time bus schedules, and subway exit numbers. For taxis, use Kakao T, and save addresses in Korean to show the driver.
Does renting a hanbok get you free palace entry?
Yes. Visitors in hanbok get free admission to Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, and several other palaces, and rental shops are plentiful around Bukchon. A two-hour rental is enough for photos and exploring the grounds. Check closing schedules first—each palace has one weekly closure day, and Gyeongbokgung is usually closed on Tuesdays.
Is it easy to find halal food in Seoul?
Easiest in Itaewon, around Seoul Central Mosque, which has many halal Middle Eastern, Indian, and Indonesian restaurants. Outside this area, options are limited, so many rely on seafood, vegetarian dishes, or instant meals. Watch out for pork bone broth in soups and gochujang pasta, which sometimes contains alcohol.
Do DMZ tours need to be booked far in advance?
Yes, especially on weekends and holidays. DMZ visits must be booked through a licensed operator—you can’t go independently—and daily slots are limited. Reserve a week in advance, bring your original passport, and follow the dress code and photo restrictions at certain points. The JSA often closes based on security conditions, so have a backup plan.