Seoul Travel Guide
Flights, places to stay, and the best things to do in Seoul for travelers flying from Vietnam.
Overview
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.
Where to stay
Hongdae
University area with indie music, street art, nightlife, and affordable guesthouses. Young and vibrant atmosphere.
View hotel optionsMyeongdong
Shopping district for cosmetics and fashion. Central location, excellent subway access. Tourist-friendly with multilingual signs.
View hotel optionsGangnam / Apgujeong
Upscale district. K-pop entertainment companies, high-end shopping, and fine dining.
View hotel optionsThings to do
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Seoul's main royal palace (1395). Rent a hanbok (traditional dress) for free entry. Guard changing ceremony at 10am and 2pm.
Bukchon Hanok Village
600-year-old traditional Korean houses on a hillside between two palaces. Best visited early morning (before 10am) to avoid crowds.
N Seoul Tower (Namsan)
Iconic tower with panoramic city views. Take the cable car up. The love locks fence is a must-see at sunset.
Korean BBQ in Mapo-gu
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.
DMZ Tour
Visit the Korean Demilitarized Zone separating North and South Korea. Must book organized tour — cannot visit independently. Half-day trip.
Best time to visit
Autumn foliage. Perfect 15–22°C. Clear skies. Festival season.
Cherry blossom season (early April). Comfortable weather. Seoul's parks at their best.
Cold (-5 to 5°C) but ski season, winter festivals, and cheapest flights.
Travel tips
- 1
Use Naver Maps, not Google Maps. Google Maps doesn't work properly in South Korea due to national security restrictions.
- 2
Get a T-money card at any convenience store — works on all buses, subways, and even some taxis.
- 3
K-ETA (electronic travel authorization) required for Vietnamese citizens. Apply online 72+ hours before departure.
- 4
Convenience stores (CU, GS25) serve hot meals — kimbap, ramyeon, and rice bowls. Legitimate dinner option.
- 5
Free WiFi is everywhere: subway, cafes, even buses. But get an eSIM for GPS navigation.
Read more about Seoul
Seoul Travel Guide: Getting Around, Eating Well, Spending Less
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.
Seoul Hotels Near Subway: Best Areas for 2026
Seoul's subway is the backbone of the city. Staying near a station saves you time and money. Here are the best options by budget.
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