Recommendations for Visiting Korea
I began visiting South Korea in the summer of 2022 for work and was immediately enthralled with Seoul as a city. Imagine a bigger New York City that includes more traffic, more people, more buildings, but is overall cleaner, safer, has more food choices and more to see in general – if you can envision it, that’s Seoul.
I can’t credit South Korea enough for the amount of green space, parks, history and recreation activities they’ve kept within their city; while continuing to build around it to keep up with growth. Whether visiting for tourism or business, this city will easily keep you busy.
Here is a summary of my recommendations for visiting the Capital of South Korea!
Arriving
Being based out of Atlanta, there is a direct flight from ATL to ICN (Incheon Airport). From the airport it is easy to take a taxi (cheaper method) or have your hotel arrange a car for pick-up to get to Seoul. By car, dependent upon traffic, it will take you between 1 – 1 ½ hours to reach Seoul.
Where to Stay:
JW Marriott Seoul
Being a loyal Marriott enthusiast, the JW Marriott Seoul is my favorite Marriott stay when visiting. From the breathtaking lobby, to being adjoined to Shinsegae Central City mall and within walking distance to the bus station and underground markets, the Marriott offers it all. If you aren’t a top-tier member, in which Executive Lounge access is included, I do highly recommend purchasing lounge access with your stay. The lounge provides breakfast, non-alcoholic beverages all day, a happy hour, and a light dinner option, along with full-time concierge service.
For a room tour, click here.
Conrad Seoul
My first stay at the Conrad Seoul was forced when the JW Marriott was sold-out; however, now it’s a true toss up between the two! The location of the Conrad makes it my favorite hotel in Seoul – you can be walking on the waterfront, the park, or in the mall within 5 minutes of leaving the hotel. The IFC mall can be accessed through the Conrad itself, while the Hyundai Seoul is directly across the street. The views from the Executive Lounge are world class and the food options within the hotel are diverse.
For a room tour, click here.
Grand Hyatt Seoul
I personally haven’t stayed at the Grand Hyatt Seoul, but its location is prime. Located near Itaewon and the N Seoul Tower, the hotel is surrounded by activities. From the hotel itself, you are at the base of the tower and can hike through the woods/park or up a paved path to reach the tower itself. Just down the back of the hotel are the streets of Itaewon, where authentic food is plentiful.
The Best Activities in Seoul:
Rainbow Bridge Light Tour
Probably the item I’d rank at the top of my list for activities when visiting Seoul! A 60 minute Rainbow Bridge Yacht Tour on the Han River. The light / water show from the bridge is amazing and best seen from the water; you of course can see from the river bank as well.
Be careful to check that the bridge is operating during the time of your stay (during monsoon season or periods of heavy rain they don’t allow for the show to take place).
N Seoul Tower
The hike up to the tower is not for the faint of heart – this was my method of transportation, my own two legs, and it was quite the workout! There are however multiple bus options or the Namsan Cable Car that will take you almost to the very top to enter the tower.
Entry into the observation tower is 16,000 Korean Won (KRW), roughly $11, and well worth it! The observatory floor gives a 360° view of Seoul. I visited during on a clear day in the morning to get these views.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Located right in the City Center, Gyeongbokgung Palace is the perfect place for a history buff. General admission is 3,000 KRW (~$2) and grants access to the entire Palace and grounds. If you are into the history and not just taking in the Palace architecture, I do recommend the audio tour.
You could easily spend half a day here taking in the history of the palace itself, strolling through the grounds, and enjoying a picnic in the scenic forest. I recommend not visiting on extremely hot days, as there is limited shade while walking throughout.
Seoul Sky
Seoul Sky is at the top of the Lotte World Tower. The Lotte World Tower is the tallest building in ROK, and the fifth tallest building in the world. There are nine floors of observation, including a gift shop, cafe, and skydeck. If you want the best 360 views of Seoul, don't miss out of the opportunity to see them at Seoul Sky. As mentioned, there is a skydeck you can step out on, pending weather, and there's even a sky bridge that you can walk across if you're really brave.
Parks & Recreation
To be in such a concrete jungle, the city has quite the offerings of green space, walking trails, and parks. A huge perk is the safety factor, as a younger female I never felt weary venturing out by myself into any of the parks.
One of my favorite parks in the city, and within walking distance from The Conrad, is Yeouido Park. Outside of the walking paths, art, and pond, the best feature of the park is the old C-47 plane on display!
Yeouido Hangang Park, along the Han River is another great park. There are a variety of attractions along the river front, probably most infamous for Instagram - the I Seoul U slogan sculpture. The slogan (and therefore more than likely sculpture) will be scrapped in 2023 after many years of confusion from both the tourist and locals on what it even meant.
Shopping
From one shopper to the next, the US has nothing on a Korean Mall. They are multi-floor, with every designer brand, food type, etc. within. Truly a work of art.
Some of my favorite malls that I’ve discovered:
The Hyundai: Largest mall in Seoul with anything and everything you could imagine
IFC Mall: Close to an American mall with tradition stores like Sephora, Adidas, Zara, etc.
Shinsegae Central City: High-end department store with designer brands galore
Lotte World Tower Mall: Another close to American mall with traditional stores
If you are looking for authentic Korean made items, vendors and shops in Itaewon or on the outskirts of the City Center are a great place to look.