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Seoul, the lively metropolis and capital city of South Korea, combines a rich history with modern style. This dynamic city has lots to offer everyone, from high-tech commercial areas to historic palaces and temples. However, it might be difficult to know where to begin with so much to see and do, especially if you’re on a tight budget.
This post will offer you advice on how to enjoy Seoul on a budget. We will discuss the history of Seoul, things to do and see, cuisine of Seoul, where to stay, and tips for visiting.
Table of Contents
History of Seoul
The history of Seoul, South Korea’s capital city, begins during the Three Kingdoms period, when it was known as Wiryeseong. Before being conquered by the Silla Kingdom in the seventh century, it served as the seat of government for Baekje, one of the Three Kingdoms. The city was given the name Hanyang during the Goryeo Dynasty, and it thereafter served as the Korean Empire’s capital. The Ming Dynasty took control of the city in the late 14th century, after which it entered a period of decline.
Seoul, however, gained popularity once more in the Joseon Dynasty in the late 16th century when King Taejo proclaimed the city the capital. During the Japanese colonial era, which lasted from 1910 to 1945, Seoul witnessed substantial modernization and growth, and after Korea gained independence from Japan, Seoul became the administrative hub of the fledgling Republic of Korea. Much of the city was devastated during the Korean War, but it was eventually rebuilt and developed into a significant economic, cultural, and political hub. Today, Seoul is a vibrant metropolis with a rich past and a promising future.
Where is Seoul?
Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, is located in the northwest part of the country. It is located on the Han River, and it is positioned between the Gyeonggi Province to the north and the Incheon Metropolitan City to the west.
How far is Seoul from North Korea?
Seoul is located approximately 52 kilometers (32 miles) south of the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Its proximity to the border makes it necessary for there to be numerous bunkers in the city, in case of attack from North Korea.
What to Do in Seoul on a Budget
While there is plenty to see and do in Seoul, here are our recommended top 5!
Explore Gyeongokgung Palace
In my opinion, Dune 45 is the best place to go to see the sunrise. This dune is famously known for its unique shape and is one of the most photographed sand dunes in the world. Climbing to the top of Dune 45 is also an option for those looking for a bit of adventure and exercise. The climb is steep, but the view from the top is truly breathtaking, especially during sunrise.
Visit the Bukchon Hanok Village
Located near Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village is a traditional neighborhood from the same era. This neighborhood is filled with traditional Korean homes, known as hanok. These houses have intricate designs, curved roofs, and wooden frames. I highly recommend exploring the narrow streets in this village and checking out the traditional tea houses.
If you are a fan of seafood, you need to visit the Noryangjin Fish Market! This is the biggest fish market in Seoul. You can select the seafood that you want from the vendors, and go upstairs where there are restaurants waiting to cook it for you. The prices here are very affordable. I ate at least one meal each day here and I saved a ton of money.
Visit the War Memorial of Korea
The War Memorial of Korea is a museum that honors the lives of the South Korean soldiers who fought in the Korean War. Established in 1994, this museum contains different exhibits that show the experiences of these soldiers, including the gear they had, battle reenactments, and the weapons they used. This memorial was a sobering reminder of the brutality of war. I highly recommend everyone visit it to better understand the relationship between North and South Korea. You can learn more about the museum here.
Walk Around Namsan Mountain Park
Located in the heart of Seoul, Namsan Mountain Park is a popular destination for both locals and visitors. The park is a great place for picnics, hiking, and nature walks because it is bordered by thick woodlands. The famous Namsan Tower, which stands over 235 meters tall and has an observation deck with panoramic city views, is also located in the park. The views alone are worth the visit! Read more about the park here.
There are a few other options for hiking around Seoul as well!
Best Time to Visit Seoul
The best time to visit Seoul depends on your preferences and the experience you want.
Spring (March to May) brings cherry blossoms and mild weather, making it perfect for outdoor activities and cultural festivals.
Summers (June to August) get pretty hot, with lively festivals and opportunities to explore the city.
Autumn (September to November) showcases stunning fall foliage, pleasant weather, and traditional performances.
Winters (December to February) offer a unique charm with festive decorations, winter sports, and delicious street food.
Peak seasons are spring and autumn, while shoulder seasons offer fewer tourists and lower prices.
Cuisine of Seoul
The cuisine of Seoul is a diverse mixture of traditional and international flavors. Here are the top 3 foods you should try!
Kimchi
This well-known food is a staple of Korean cuisine. Kimchi is made of fermented cabbage and radish, and can be eaten by itself or with rice, soup, or stews. It would be difficult to visit Seoul and not try kimchi at least once! For a traditional kimchi recipe, click here.
Japchae
This is another staple food of Seoul. Made with sweet potato noodles, japchae is combined with meat, vegetables, and a savory sauce in a stir fry. It is often eaten at special occasions. To learn more about japchae, click here.
Tteobokki
Tteokbokki is a popular Korean street food dish made from chewy rice cakes and a spicy sauce. Often served with vegetables and seafood, it’s a delicious and satisfying snack that’s perfect for a quick bite. Learn more about it here.
Hungry for more street food? Check out the best street food markets in Seoul!
Where to Stay in Seoul
There are a few different neighborhoods worth staying in while visiting Seoul. If you want a centralized location, you can choose Hongdae, Myeongdong, or Gangnam. These locations are popular among tourists for their luxury shopping malls and their nightlife. Itaewon is another neighborhood, popular for its nighlife and international restaurants. You can read more about Seoul’s neighborhoods here.
Most of the cheapest hostel dorms available in Seoul go for around $15-$20 USD/night. It also depends on the neighborhood you stay in. I stayed in a dorm room in Itaewon for about $17.50 USD/night. For an even cheaper option, you can stay at Yakorea Hostel Dongdaemun for $12 USD/night.
If you want a little more privacy, you can book a private room at some of these hostels for about $35-$45 USD/night. If you want highly-rated hotel on a medium budget, check out Sophie’s House for about $62 USD/night.
You can find some luxury hotels in Seoul going for about $125-$250/night. For a luxury hotel with a mountain view, check out the Grand Walkerhill Seoul.
For a complete list of accommodations, check out the map below.
Tips for Visiting Seoul on a Budget
Before your trip to Seoul, here are 5 tips to ensure your visit goes smoothly.
1. Use public transportation
The subway is extremely efficient and cost-effective. With nearly 300 stations, it conveniently covers most of Seoul. To help navigate the subway system, check out this guide.
I recommend buying a prepaid T-Money Card to easily pay for bus and subway fares in Seoul.
2. Check out the free activities
There are plenty of parks, temples, and museums that are free to enter. You can see some amazing architecture and learn about the history and culture of Seoul and South Korea.
3. Try the street food
Not only is there a large variety of delicious street food you can try, it is very affordable! This is the perfect option for a midnight snack or to substitute a meal. Check out this guide to learn more about the street food scene in Seoul.
4. Bring good walking shoes
Seoul is a beautiful and safe city. There are all kinds of things you can easily miss by taking transportation everywhere. Take a walk around the city to find some hidden gems. You will save money too
5. Download Google Translate or a similar app
If you do not know Korean, having one of these apps will help you out a lot. You’ll be able to translate menus at restaurants, ask people questions, etc. This is essential because it will help you avoid some of the tourist traps that charge you more money for service in English.
