Is Seoul Worth Visiting? My Honest Review in 2026

So you’re planning a trip to Asia and trying to figure out if Seoul, South Korea is worth visiting, or if you’re better off spending that time (and money) in Tokyo or Bangkok instead. I get it. Seoul wasn’t originally on my travel bucket list either, but when I found a super cheap flight from Tokyo to Seoul, it felt like a sign to add it to my itinerary.

Before visiting, my expectations were pretty surface-level. All I really knew about it was K-pop, skincare stores everywhere, and not much else. But after spending six full days exploring different neighborhoods, eating my way through the city, and hopping between Seoul’s night markets, I now have all the info you need for deciding if it’s the right city for you.

In this travel guide on Is Seoul Worth Visiting in 2026, I’ll break down the real pros and cons of visiting Seoul, share what surprised me most (both good and bad), and help you decide if Seoul deserves a spot on your Asia itinerary!

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Is Seoul Worth Visiting? My Quick Answer

I’ll try to be objective… but honestly, I can’t, lol. Seoul has officially become my favorite big city in Asia, and that’s a BIG task!!

The city just clicked for me. Everywhere you go, people have an iced coffee in hand, bouncing between pop-up stores, and just existing in a way that feels cool without trying. It has an energy that’s easy to fall into fast—and I fell HARD!

I love how clean the city is, the public transportation is super efficient, and I felt safe the entire time. One of the best parts is how many different neighborhoods there are. From well-known areas like Hongdae, Myeongdong, and Gangnam to my favorite and trendier areas like Mangwon and Seongsu, there’s a version of Seoul for pretty much everyone.

That said, it’s not quite as Western-friendly as Japan. English isn’t as widely spoken, Google Maps doesn’t really work, and a few apps require a Korean phone number. Lame, I know, but as annoying as it sounds, it rarely caused issues, and people were always willing to help me, thank god!

My quick answer: yes, Seoul is absolutely worth visiting! But whether it’s worth it for you depends on what kind of traveler you are, so next I’ll break down all the reasons you should or shouldn’t buy that plane ticket!

5 Reasons Seoul Is Worth Visiting

1. Korean culture is everywhere

One of my favorite things about Seoul is how easy it is to experience Korean culture without booking tours or hunting things down. You see it in everyday life. 

People wearing hanbok around palaces, elders playing games in parks, cafés packed at all hours, and late-night meals being completely normal. 

To be honest, I didn’t interact with too many Koreans because of the language barrier, but I never once felt out of place or unwelcome.

2. Seoul is surprisingly affordable

For a city this big, Seoul felt very budget-friendly. Food was inexpensive, public transportation was super cheap as well as grabs, and even accommodation felt reasonable compared to other major cities. 

Now obviously, this is not Thailand or Vietnam, so it might feel more pricey compared to those places. But I never felt like I had to say no to things because of price, which made the whole trip way more relaxed.

3. The food and shopping are on another level

Eating in Seoul was a highlight every single day. From street food and casual local spots to bakeries and coffee shops, there was always something good nearby. The Cafe scene in Seoul was one of my favorite aspects. If you’re a coffee lover, you will have more than enough options. 

My favorite cafe was Permant Bake Shop, I will fly back just for the Fig and Cream Cheese Baguette!

And the shopping is seriously amazing. Honestly, if you’re a girl, make sure to leave room in your suitcase! Between skincare stores, pop-up shops, and trendy neighborhoods full of boutiques, Seoul is a shopping heaven. I spent over $200 JUST at Olive Young, and I could have easily spent more if I hadn’t been supervised by Oliver. Ha! 

4. Seoul is easy to navigate

Seoul is massive, but it’s surprisingly easy to get around. The subway system is clean, fast, and clearly marked in English, and I never felt stressed hopping between neighborhoods. Once I figured out which navigation apps to use, Naver or Kakao, getting around became second nature, even on my first time in the city.

5. Seoul feels very safe

A safe destination is a must for me! And I felt comfortable walking around Seoul at all hours, even late at night. Streets were well-lit, people were always out and about, and there was never a moment when I felt uneasy.

That sense of safety made exploring feel fun instead of cautious, which honestly makes such a big difference when you’re traveling. I would also recommend Seoul for female solo travelers. 

5 Reasons Seoul Might Not Be Worth Visiting

1. The language barrier is real

Out of all the places I’ve traveled in Asia, Seoul had one of the bigger language gaps. English isn’t widely spoken, especially in local restaurants or outside tourist-heavy areas. 

I got by just fine, but there were moments where ordering food, asking questions, or figuring things out took extra effort. If you want a destination where communication feels easy from day one, Seoul can feel a bit intimidating at first.

2. The city is very spread out

Like I mentioned, Seoul is pretty huge, and distances between neighborhoods can be deceiving. Even with great public transportation, getting from one area to another can take time. I loved how different each neighborhood felt, but it does mean you need to plan your days a bit more intentionally instead of bouncing around casually. 

3. It’s not the most beginner-friendly destination

Seoul isn’t difficult, but it’s not effortless either. Familiar apps don’t work properly, Google Maps is unreliable, and some services require a Korean phone number. Once you adjust, it’s fine, but if this is your first international trip or you prefer places that feel immediately intuitive, Seoul might feel inconvenient at times.

Additionally, I wanted to mention solo travelers might have a harder time adjusting than couples or group travelers. This didn’t happen to me personally, but it’s something I heard repeatedly from other travelers. Some restaurants, especially Korean BBQ spots or places with set meals, are designed for two or more people and may turn away solo diners. 

It’s not everywhere, and you can absolutely eat solo in Seoul, but it’s something to be aware of if you’re traveling alone.

4. There aren’t many major landmarks

If your ideal trip is built around iconic sights and must-see landmarks, Seoul might feel underwhelming. The city’s appeal is more about everyday life, food, and neighborhoods than jaw-dropping attractions. I loved that, but I can see how some travelers might want more obvious highlights. 

5. Some local habits can be off-putting

This is minor, but worth mentioning. Things like spitting on the street or different public etiquette caught me off guard at first. It’s part of daily life here and something you adjust to quickly, but if you’re sensitive to those kinds of things, it can be a bit of a culture shock. 

At one point, Oliver was caught in a food market line and had absolutely no idea what was going on, Koreans shouting, people cutting in front of him… it was a lot, turns out we just needed to be a bit more assertive rather than our laidback selves. 

Things to Do in Seoul South Korea

Explore Different Neighborhoods in Seoul

This is hands down the best way to experience Seoul. Every area feels completely different. Spend an afternoon wandering Hongdae for street performances and vintage shops, then switch it up with Ikseon-dong’s hanok-lined streets or Seongsu’s converted warehouses and cafés. I loved letting one neighborhood be the plan instead of trying to see everything in one day. 

Eat All the Amazing Food in Seoul

Seoul is a food city first. Grab street food from night markets, eat traditional Korean BBQ, and don’t skip the casual local spots where you just point at the menu and hope for the best. Some of my favorite meals were the simplest ones, eaten late at night with zero expectations. 

But keep in mind… Korean food is not healthy—ha, I had so much fried food, sugary glazes and iced coffees, I was basically just walking everywhere to balance it all out! 

Visit the Seoul Palaces (in a Hanbok if You Want)

Seoul’s palaces are beautiful and surprisingly peaceful once you’re inside. The Gyeongbokgung Palace is the most famous, but Changdeokgung felt a bit calmer. Seeing centuries-old palaces surrounded by modern skyscrapers is part of what makes Seoul so unique. I went in the fall, and it was absolutely stunning with all the fall foliage around.

Loads of people were renting traditional wear and taking photos. There are quite a few rental places outside of the palaces but they were all rather expensive. But I found this rental option for only $7, which is an awesome deal, You will also be able to get into the palaces for free if you’re dressed up.

Walk Through Bukchon Hanok Village

Right near the palaces, Bukchon feels like stepping back in time. The narrow streets, traditional hanok homes, and viewpoints over the city are worth the visit. 

I will say, it was super crowded when I went, and I had to really make an effort to get a photo without hundreds of people in the background, so I recommend going early in the morning to avoid crowds but there is a time opening because people actually live here. Make sure to be respectful as you walk around.

Book this walking tour if you want to learn more about the 500 year history!

Go Up Seoul Tower (N Seoul Tower)

This is one of the few classic tourist attractions I’d fully recommend. The views over the city are nice, especially at sunset or after dark, and it really shows you just how big Seoul is. There was a performance of Korea drums while I was up there, and it was a nice glimpse into the culture. You can either walk up or take the cable car! 

Walk Along the Han River

When you need a break from the city, head to the Han River. Locals come here to picnic, bike, and hang out, especially in the evenings. We grabbed some ramen and drinks from 7/11, sat by the water, and watched the city slow down for a bit. In the summer or spring with the cherry blossoms, this is a must!

Take a DMZ Tour in Seoul

This was one of the most eye-opening experiences I had in Korea. Visiting the Demilitarized Zone and learning about the history between North and South Korea adds so much context to the country. It’s intense, fascinating, and absolutely worth doing.

I did this half day tour, and I can’t recommend it enough. My guide was so passionate, and shared photos from the top of the Observatory into North Korea with us before they banned cell phones and photos!

Visit Some Amazing Cafes in Seoul

Whether you like coffee, matcha, or just want the best salt bread to exist, Cafe hopping is a must! Seoul’s café culture is next level. From tiny aesthetic coffee shops to massive, multi-story cafés, it’s an experience in itself. I usually planned one café a day and then would stumble upon another afternoon spot! 

Who Seoul is For

If you choose vibes over itineraries, then Seoul is 100% for you. The city is basically one big mood, with great cafés, cool art spaces, and creativity flowing on almost every block. If you like wandering without a strict plan and letting a city show you what it’s about, Seoul deserves a spot at the top of your list.

It’s also a great choice if you like getting a little off the beaten path. Right now, Japan is packed with tourists. I loved it, but it was a lot. In Seoul, outside of places like Olive Young, I rarely felt overwhelmed by other travelers. It still feels like a place you get to discover before it becomes wildly popular.

And if you love skincare or shopping, then I don’t even have to tell you twice. Before visiting, I was using bar soap as face wash… ew, I know. But after my Instagram algorithm turned into Korean skincare overnight, I was right there with everyone else grabbing face masks, new earrings, and anything that promised to make me look 21 again, ha.

I’d also recommend Seoul to travelers who enjoy modern cities. It can feel a little rough around the edges, but it’s organized and easy to navigate. You get big-city energy without the chaos, scooters flying past you, or constant sensory overload.

Who Seoul Might Not Be For

I won’t lie, I can easily see how some people don’t love Seoul. After a few days, it can start to feel like there isn’t that much to do, especially if you’re not the type to enjoy wandering. Some neighborhoods can blur together, and if cafés are your main draw, you might end up feeling underwhelmed since you can find good coffee almost anywhere.

If you’re looking for an in-your-face travel experience with constant sightseeing, obvious highlights, and big “wow” moments, Seoul might not be for you.

I’d also be cautious if you’re brand new to travel. While I truly think anyone can figure out Korea and the navigation apps, it will definitely humble you. I’ve visited over 50 countries, and Seoul’s public transportation still humbled me more than once. If you want easy travel where Google Maps works and English is widely spoken, you might be better off choosing somewhere else first and coming back to Seoul once you’ve built up a bit more travel muscle.

FAQ: Travel Tips for Visiting Seoul South Korea

What are some unique things to do in Seoul?

Seoul really shines when you lean into everyday experiences. Wandering different neighborhoods, visiting pop-up stores, café hopping, walking along the Han River, or exploring places like Bukchon Hanok Village all feel uniquely Seoul. A DMZ tour is also one of the most unique experiences you can have anywhere in the world and adds a lot of context to the country beyond the city itself.

How many days is enough in Seoul?

I’d say 4 to 6 days is the sweet spot for Seoul on a South Korea trip. That gives you time to explore multiple neighborhoods, see a palace or two, do the DMZ tour, and still have space to wander without rushing. Anything less than three days can feel a bit tight, especially if it’s your first visit.

Is it better to visit Tokyo or Seoul?

Honestly, neither is “better,” they’re just very different. Tokyo feels more polished, more tourist-friendly, and easier for first-time travelers. Seoul feels more raw, creative, and less curated. If you love structure and iconic sights, Tokyo might win. If you prefer vibes, neighborhoods, and discovering things as you go, Seoul might be more your speed.

Check out my Is Tokyo Worth Visiting? Guide here to get a better idea!

What are the best free places to visit in Seoul?

Some of the best things in Seoul don’t cost a thing. Walking along the Han River, exploring neighborhoods like Hongdae or Ikseon-dong, visiting Bukchon Hanok Village, browsing markets, and even palace grounds (if you’re wearing a hanbok) are all free or very low cost.

How many days do I need in Seoul?

This really depends on how you travel, but for most people, 5 days feels ideal for a trip to Seoul Korea. It’s enough time to settle in, explore at a relaxed pace, do a day trip or two and really get a feel for the city without feeling overwhelmed.

So… Is Seoul Worth Visiting?

If you can’t tell by now, I absolutely loved my time in Seoul, and I’m already planning my next trip back. I’ve officially run out of the viral toothpaste and some of my skincare, so obviously that means I have to return.

Personally, I think no matter how you usually travel or what you tend to enjoy, Seoul has a way of surprising you. Between the art installations, cool cafés, genuinely kind people, and very good Korean fried chicken, you’re almost guaranteed to have a good time.

So yes, I’d say Seoul is absolutely worth visiting at least once.

Check Out My Other Seoul Travel Guides

Is Seoul Worth Visiting? My Honest Review

The Best Time to Visit Seoul: My Weather in Seoul Guide

Seoul Travel Itinerary: How to Spend 3-5 Days in Seoul South Korea