Careful planning is at the core of making it work in a brand new destination you’ve never been to before. This is why perusing this guide to South Korea’s capital will work wonders for you.
Get a K-ETA
Applicable solely for visa-free entrants, obtaining a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation) is mandatory. For this, you may submit an application to www.k-eta.go.kr where you can expect a result within 72 hours of your submission.
When to go?
March to May is Spring in Seoul and is by far, the most favourable season to be on holiday. Though you will still need a jacket to stay away from the chilly weather, April is when Seoul is filled with blooms in the likes of daisies, tulips, and cherry blossoms. Summer (June to mid-September) is the hottest time which would inform you that the best regions to visit would be either the beaches or the mountains.
Where to stay?
In short, the touristy places are your best bets. Centrally located and an outstanding destination for avid shoppers, Myeongdong also provides ease of access to leisure escapes on the back of an efficient public transportation network that will have you dropped off within 20 or 30 minutes of accessing the same. Also, Hongdae is for those who fancy art, live music, and the hipster lifestyle with various restaurants and cafes added to the mix. The vibrant neighbourhood of Dongdaemun is next for it is a stone’s throw from the north and in turn affords convenient access to the south. Hotels near Dongdaemun such as the preferred Travelodge Dongdaemun Seoul will be a sound base to be at.
Places to visit
The changing of the guard ceremony at Deoksugung Palace cannot be missed and nor should Gwangjang Market which is reputed for its authentic nibbles. Further, the numerous riverside parks that run the length of Han River will be excellent havens to catch your breath at. For a bird’s eye view of Seoul, go up Seoul Sky Tower and pick any of the floors between the 117th and 120th.
