🎨 Description
Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is a dynamic city that blends rich history, modern skyscrapers, and K-culture.
From historical palaces and traditional markets to K-pop districts and high-tech shopping malls, Seoul offers something for every traveler.
In this guide, we’ll cover travel budget, best areas to stay, must-visit restaurants, itinerary, transport, and travel tips to help you plan the perfect Seoul trip! ✈️🇰🇷
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1. Seoul Travel Budget 💰 (Based on a 4-night, 5-day trip, per person)
💵 All prices are in USD ($) (Exchange Rate: $1 ≈ 1,300 KRW)
📌 Estimated Expenses (Per Person)
Category | Estimated Cost ($) |
Round-trip airfare | $500–$1,200 |
Accommodation (4 nights) | $200–$1,000 |
Transport (T-Money Card, taxis, etc.) | $30–$80 |
Food (including street food & fine dining) | $150–$400 |
Attraction tickets (museums, palaces, K-pop tours, etc.) | $50–$200 |
Shopping & souvenirs | Varies |
Total (approx.) | $1,000–$3,000 |
💡 Budget Travel Tips:
- Use budget airlines like Jeju Air, T’way, Air Seoul for cheaper flights.
- Stay in guesthouses or Airbnb in Hongdae or Itaewon for affordable lodging.
- Get a T-Money Card for convenient transport payments.
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2. Best Areas to Stay in Seoul 🏨
📌 Recommended Areas & Hotels
Area | Features | Recommended Hotels | Avg. Price/Night ($) |
Myeongdong | Best for first-time visitors & shopping | LOTTE Hotel Seoul, Nine Tree Hotel | $150–$400 |
Hongdae | Trendy, youthful, K-pop & nightlife | RYSE, L7 Hongdae | $100–$300 |
Itaewon | Best for international food & culture | Hamilton Hotel, Mondrian Seoul | $120–$350 |
Gangnam | Luxury, business district | InterContinental COEX, Andaz Seoul | $200–$500 |
💡 Accommodation Tips:
- Myeongdong is best for shopping & sightseeing.
- Hongdae is ideal for budget travelers & nightlife lovers.
- Gangnam is great for high-end stays & business travelers.
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3. Best Food in Seoul 🍜🍗
📌 Must-Try Restaurants & Foods
🍜 Korean BBQ & Traditional Dishes
- Baekjeong – Famous Korean BBQ ($15–$40 per person)
- Tosokchon – Best Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) ($15–$25 per bowl)
- Jinokhwa Halmae Dakhanmari – Iconic Korean-style chicken stew ($12–$20 per person)
🍗 Street Food & Local Snacks
- Gwangjang Market – Try Korean pancakes (Pajeon) & Tteokbokki ($5–$15 per meal)
- Myeongdong Street Food – Must-try hotteok (sweet pancake) & fish cakes ($3–$10 per snack)
🍰 Desserts & Cafés
- Osulloc Tea House – Best matcha desserts ($5–$15 per item)
- Egg Drop – Famous Korean egg sandwiches ($5–$10 per sandwich)
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4. Seoul 4-Day Itinerary 📅
📌 Day 1: Arrival & City Highlights
- Arrive in Seoul → Check in
- Explore Myeongdong Shopping Street.
- Visit N Seoul Tower for a panoramic night view.
- Dinner at Baekjeong Korean BBQ.
📌 Day 2: Palaces & Culture
- Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace & watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
- Explore Bukchon Hanok Village.
- Lunch at Tosokchon Samgyetang.
- Visit Insadong for traditional tea & crafts.
- Dinner at Jinokhwa Halmae Dakhanmari.
📌 Day 3: K-Pop & Modern Seoul
- Explore Hongdae – street performances, shopping & cafés.
- Visit COEX Mall & Starfield Library.
- Enjoy Gangnam Style Statue & K-Star Road.
- Dinner at Osulloc Tea House.
📌 Day 4: Markets & Local Vibes
- Visit Gwangjang Market for authentic Korean street food.
- Walk along Cheonggyecheon Stream.
- Relax in a traditional Korean spa (Jjimjilbang).
- Final shopping in Dongdaemun.
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5. Seoul Public Transport 🚇
📌 Best Transport Passes
- T-Money Card – Best for subway, bus, and taxi payments ($3 for the card, refill as needed).
- Single Subway Ride – $1.20 per ride (distance-based fares apply).
- KTX Train (for day trips) – $30–$50 for trips to Busan or Gyeongju.
- Airport Express (AREX) – $8 for a one-way ride to Incheon Airport.
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🎭 Conclusion – Key Takeaways
- 💰 Budget: **$1,000–$3,000** for 4 nights, 5 days.
- 🏨 Best areas to stay: **Myeongdong, Hongdae, Gangnam**.
- 🚇 Public transport: **T-Money Card is the best option**.
- 🍜 Must-try food: **Korean BBQ, Tteokbokki, Ginseng Chicken Soup**.
📌 **Plan your trip with this guide and explore the best of Seoul!** 🇰🇷✨
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📌 Free Travel Resources
Download Seoul maps & guides: Visit Korea Official Website