Seoul is the sprawling capital of South Korea. While a casual traveler can see the main sights in a couple of days, more ambitious travelers can spend months exploring the city’s alleyways and far-flung neighborhoods. This dynamic city has undergone tremendous development in the past sixty years, and it continues to change and grow.
Bus travel
There are a few ways to get to Seoul by bus. If you want to save time, you can travel to the city by bus. Buses in Korea don’t have fixed operating hours; they come to each stop every 10 to 15 minutes. You can check the bus schedule online and download an app for your phone that will show you where and when the next bus will arrive.
If you’re staying in the city, you can use the subway system. Buses run on an express or intercity service and are generally less expensive than trains. The price of a ticket on an intercity bus is W25,000 (5hr), while a ticket on an express line costs W35,000 (4hr 30 min). The downside of the bus is that it can be crowded and have delays.
Another way to get around Seoul is by taking a taxi. It’s a good idea to check the fares beforehand because prices can vary considerably. You may find a ticket for W5000 for a short hop, but the price goes up if you want to travel to more popular places. Also, be sure to check availability, as tickets are often sold out at peak times. If you want to avoid crowds, try traveling on weekdays. If you’re travelling during peak times, you might need to plan your trip with an agent.
Train travel
There are several ways to travel to Seoul. One way is by taking a train. You can take a tourist train that covers all the major cities and sights. You can also take the DMZ Pass to travel on the DMZ Train as much as you want. But if you are looking for something a little less conventional, you can take a regular train to Seoul.
Seoul is a compact city, crammed full of history. Especially north of the river, this area is tourist-heavy. One way to see the most important landmarks is by walking the 1.3 kilometers from the Gyeongbokgung Palace to the Changdeokgung Palace. This is considered the most beautiful palace in the city.
If you plan to travel during the popular holidays, you may need to purchase train tickets in advance. Generally, you can buy tickets at the train station as early as two months before your travel date. However, it is better to book your tickets at least one hour prior to departure. This is especially true if you’re travelling on a holiday or during the Lunar New Year. You can buy tickets online, through travel agents in Seoul, or through an automatic ticket machine at the station.
Subway travel
When visiting Seoul, one of the best ways to explore the city is by taking the subway. The subway network in Seoul is one of the best in the world and it makes it easy to get from one destination to another. The Seoul subway system has a number of convenient features including an app that can help you get to where you need to go in a hurry. The app shows you the best route for your needs, as well as your train’s timetable. It can also alert you to train malfunctions and tell you when your carriage is about to arrive.
When using the subway, make sure to follow the signs. There are signs everywhere: on platform lines, on doors, and on the monitors. Also, be sure to ask for directions if you are unsure of where you need to go. You can also use Google maps to help you find your way. In addition, there are apps available for iOS and Android devices that can help you familiarize yourself with the subway system. There are also English-language versions of these apps, which can help you navigate the system easily.
Nightlife
If you’re looking to experience the nightlife in Seoul, you’ll find plenty of options. There are a number of lounges throughout the city. Many of these are popular with young people, and provide a great atmosphere. Many also offer sauna rooms, swimming pools, and fitness centers. Some places have unique, themed nights. Another great option for nightlife is a wine bar. Many of these places feature world-class cocktails, and some even feature live music.
If you’re traveling on a budget, you might want to stay away from the more expensive Gangnam district. Drinks here can cost up to three times what you’d pay in cheaper parts of Seoul. Some clubs also require booking tables with a minimum spend, which means you’ll have to shell out some money to get into the club. Also, many of the clubs can be racist, so be prepared for that. Some may refuse to let non-Korean speakers, or people who don’t look or act rich.
If you’re not into drinking, there are plenty of places to celebrate the end of the day in Seoul. There are self-service bars in many parts of the city, and you can get a drink from the fridge whenever you’re ready. Some of them even have a small hip hop room on the second floor where you can dance the night away.