# Seoul Travel Guide: Getting Around, Eating Well, Spending Less
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> Seoul is one of the easiest Asian cities to navigate, with the world's best subway system and affordable food everywhere. Here's your complete guide.

## TL;DR
- Seoul: 5 hours from HCM; currency Korean Won (KRW); airport ICN
- T-money card: essential — works on subway, bus, taxis, convenience stores
- Subway runs 5:30am-midnight, covers entire Seoul
- Korean BBQ from $8-12/person at local restaurants
- Street food markets: Gwangjang, Myeongdong, Hongdae
- Michelin-quality meals under $10 at local spots

## Quick summary
Seoul is a fast-paced metropolis where historic palaces sit next to high-tech architecture. Navigating its extensive subway system and enjoying Korean BBQ are central to the experience.

## Seoul at a Glance
<p>Seoul is where 600 years of royal history collides with K-pop, K-drama, and some of the best street food in Asia. For Vietnamese travelers, South Korea has become the second most popular destination after Thailand, driven by the Korean Wave cultural phenomenon. The city is incredibly efficient — a world-class subway system, 24/7 convenience stores that serve actual meals, and fast WiFi everywhere. Seoul rewards the curious: ancient palaces at dawn, design cafes at noon, BBQ at dusk, and karaoke at midnight.</p><table><tbody><tr><th scope="row">Country</th><td>South Korea</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Airport (IATA)</th><td>ICN</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Flight time from Vietnam</th><td>5 hours from HCM</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Currency</th><td>Korean Won (KRW)</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Language</th><td>Korean</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Time zone</th><td>UTC+9</td></tr></tbody></table><p><strong>When to go:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>September – November:</strong> Autumn foliage. Perfect 15–22°C. Clear skies. Festival season.</li><li><strong>March – May:</strong> Cherry blossom season (early April). Comfortable weather. Seoul's parks at their best.</li><li><strong>December – February:</strong> Cold (-5 to 5°C) but ski season, winter festivals, and cheapest flights.</li></ul><p><strong>Top experiences:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Gyeongbokgung Palace:</strong> Seoul's main royal palace (1395). Rent a hanbok (traditional dress) for free entry. Guard changing ceremony at 10am and 2pm.</li><li><strong>Bukchon Hanok Village:</strong> 600-year-old traditional Korean houses on a hillside between two palaces. Best visited early morning (before 10am) to avoid crowds.</li><li><strong>N Seoul Tower (Namsan):</strong> Iconic tower with panoramic city views. Take the cable car up. The love locks fence is a must-see at sunset.</li><li><strong>Korean BBQ in Mapo-gu:</strong> Locals eat BBQ in Mapo district, not Myeongdong. Try Maple Tree House or any restaurant with Korean-only menus — that's where the real food is.</li><li><strong>DMZ Tour:</strong> Visit the Korean Demilitarized Zone separating North and South Korea. Must book organized tour — cannot visit independently. Half-day trip.</li></ul><p>Full guide: <a href="https://pingsme.com/en/destinations/seoul">Seoul destination guide on Pingsme</a>.</p>

## Who this guide is for
Travelers eager to explore Korean culture, food, and shopping while navigating the city like a local.

## Suggested plan
Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace in Hanbok, shop in Myeongdong, eat street food in Gwangjang Market, and explore the trendy cafes of Hongdae or Seongsu.

## Practical tips
Google Maps doesn't work well for walking or transit in Korea; download Naver Map or KakaoMap instead. Get a T-Money card for subways and buses.

## Budget and timing notes
Spring (cherry blossoms) and Autumn (fall foliage) are stunning but crowded. Winters are freezing. Dining out is relatively affordable.

## Mistakes to avoid
Don't forget to pack an adapter (Type F). Don't speak loudly on public transit—it's considered very rude.

## What to do next with Pingsme.com
Plan smarter with Pingsme.com. Compare flight deals, explore local experiences, or let AI suggest your next itinerary.

## FAQ
**Q: When is the best time to visit Seoul?**
September to November is Seoul's most sensational season: autumn foliage (danpung) peaks from mid-October to early November, turning Gyeongbokgung Palace, Namsan Park, and nearby Nami Island into sea of crimson and gold under crisp 12–20°C skies. December to February brings thrilling winter adventures with Gangwon-do ski resorts, outdoor ice skating at Seoul Plaza, and warming street food (hotteok and steaming odeng broth). For those planning a Tet 2027 winter vacation, book flights and K-ETA authorization at least 2–3 months in advance.

**Q: How long is the flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Seoul?**
Flying from Ho Chi Minh City to Seoul takes about 5 hours. It is a manageable half-day of travel from Vietnam, and many travellers take a red-eye to arrive in Seoul in the morning. Note that Seoul is two hours ahead of Vietnam, so build that into your first-day plans and airport transfer timing.

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Source: https://pingsme.com/en/blog/seoul-travel-guide-transport-food