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 Traveller's Tales: Getting around in Seoul, South Korea
Know the most popular landmarks in Seoul, South Korea. You may read about best transportation, recommended travel itinerary, suggested routes and directions. Also, you might want to read our
Jeju city guide,
and Seoul city guide.
Pages (4 of 9):
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| H Schreurs |
29 February 2004 |
Stayed at Sofitel Ambassador Seoul - Seoul, South Korea.
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The hotel in nearby the two main markets in Seoul, which is very convenient. The subway station is only 300 meters and will take you anywhere. If you are interested is a very special souvenir, visit jewelbutton in the arts district (Samcheongdonggit) next to Gyeongbokgung Palace.
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| P Loh |
21 December 2003 |
Stayed at Seoul Prince Hotel - Seoul, South Korea.
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Seoul is actually quite non-Korean speaker-friendly. The subway trains have English signs and announcements, as compared to Japan. It is possible to walk into a local eatery and just point to what you want.
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| J Perkins |
19 December 2003 |
Stayed at YoungDong Hotel - Seoul, South Korea.
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If you haven't been to Seoul you should know the traffic is awful and not all the streets have names. Many directions are given with the descriptions of building names or colors. It can take a very long time to travel/drive to a "local" destination. Not all of the taxi drivers speak English even if they have a sign on their window that says "Free Translation". An alternate to the car/taxi is the subway. Yes, it is confusing. But it is clean, efficient, fast and has better equipment than NYC or Chicago. If you can figure it out, it's great to ride.
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| A Lee |
21 November 2003 |
Stayed at Best Western New Seoul Hotel - Seoul, South Korea.
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The best way to get around Seoul is by subway. Although it seems daunting at first all signs are in English and after knowing the different lines (1-8) that stop at each station and the interconnections quite easy to navigate. Announcements of different stops are in Korean and English. And if you find yourself heading in the wrong direction, just hop off go to the otherside and take the train heading in the other direction.
Taking the taxi is not recommended as most of the roads in Seoul seem to be jammed with traffic at all times of the day. Travelling around Seoul by subway is much cheaper and quicker. However, be aware the access to get in and out of these stations maybe through steep staircases where no escalators or elevators are present (the newer lines will have escalators ie. line 6). Not suggested to plan for the Korean Folk Village if it rains. All performances are cancelled and the streets in the village turn into mud.
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| J Gibbons |
14 October 2003 |
Stayed at Best Western New Seoul Hotel - Seoul, South Korea.
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Seoul is a fascinating city. It's the world's third largest (within city limits) at 9+ million, but is very user-friendly. We had no problem using the highly efficient metro system. Although most locals don't speak much English, we were able to function just fine. Many restaurants have English menus or have the food on display in the window. The Seoul Financial Center has a two-floor underground restaurant mall. We loved walking around the Insadong area and the palaces nearby. Prices seemed reasonable.
The transfer from Incheon Airport takes just a little over one hour in the luxury Korean Air (blue) bus. Passengers from any airline can use this service. It stops across the street from the New Seoul at the Koreana Hotel ($12 one way). From there you must walk down the block, to the pedestrian subway in order to cross the street. The view from Seoul Tower is worth seeing. New Seoul is within walking distance of the enormous Namdaemun Market area.
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| R Payne |
03 October 2003 |
Stayed at Hamilton Hotel - Seoul, South Korea.
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Seoul is a wonderful place to visit. The markets are lots of fun with plenty of great bargains. The national train system, Korail, is excellent and a bargain if you purchase the pass prior to your visit.
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| C Lopez |
01 October 2003 |
Stayed at Sofitel Ambassador Seoul - Seoul, South Korea.
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First timers who just come into Korea from Inchon Aiport should take KAL Bus Limousine. The cost is only 16,000 won = 16US$. You can take this bus in front of the Airport on the first floor straight to the Hotel. If you plan to take a taxi expect to pay 85 US$.
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| R Azran |
23 September 2003 |
Stayed at Crown Insadong, Hotel - Seoul, South Korea.
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Do not miss the 1 hour excursion out of Seoul to the Hoam Art Museum, the gardens are the most beautiful in Asia. A good idea for first timers in Seoul is to hop on the City Tour bus, for $US 10, you see all of Seoul and then can decide where to spend time. For me, just seeing Itaewon from a bus window was enough - who needs all those Western restaurants anyway.
Check out a new veggie resto at the entrance to Insadong, just near the police station and tourist info booth - Sin Sim - great ambiance and food.
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| F Gibson |
19 September 2003 |
Stayed at Best Western New Seoul Hotel - Seoul, South Korea.
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I visited the tourist information site, using it and brochures from my hotel selected different points of interests that most of the tours went on. However, I went to the different palaces myself, using the subway which is fairly easy to figure out with the right guide map. Also, if you look at the map long enough, someone will come up and help you. I spent loads less than a tour would`ve cost. Also, if you`re 24 or younger, you can get a discount in many places so take your ID. I also recommend a visit to the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone), the point between North and South Korea. You have to join a tour to go here and they need at least 24 hours advance notice. Make sure to go on a clear day though. It was raining when I went and I wasn`t able to get a clear view of the North/South Korean border.
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| M Nicolau |
14 September 2003 |
Stayed at Hamilton Hotel - Seoul, South Korea.
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Seoul is quite well organized and prepared to receive visitors from overseas.
Bilingual signs are everywhere and the subway system, although it might intimidate by its complex web shape, in fact it's well signalized and easy to use.
Bon Voyage!
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