Seoul Travel Guide

    Seoul is rapidly becoming one of Asia's most inclusive food cities. The Itaewon district — especially around Seoul Central Mosque — offers certified halal Korean BBQ and fried chicken, while vegan bibimbap and temple food restaurants are spreading through Insadong and Gangnam. This guide covers T-money card basics for the world-class subway system and Korea's emergency services.

    Share

    Golden Hour Today in Seoul

    Wednesday, July 22 — local time

    Sunrise
    5:27 AM
    Morning golden hour ends
    6:05 AM
    Evening golden hour starts
    7:11 PM
    Sunset
    7:49 PM

    What is golden hour? The roughly one-hour window just after sunrise and just before sunset, when the sun sits low in the sky. Light turns warm, shadows soften, and buildings and skin tones photograph beautifully — a favorite of photographers, but also simply the loveliest time to wander a city on foot.

    Seoul

    South Korea • Asia

    Cost: Mid-Range

    South Korea's dynamic capital pulses with K-pop culture, ancient palaces, and cutting-edge technology. Explore traditional hanok villages, sizzling BBQ restaurants, and neon-lit shopping districts in this 24-hour city where tradition meets trendsetting innovation.

    Best time to visit: March-May, September-November
    Explore South Korea Country Guide →

    Seoul Map

    Leaflet © OpenStreetMap contributors
    City
    Attraction
    197 km from center of South Korea

    Highlights & Must-See

    Top Attractions

    Tap any attraction to look it up on Google (Wikipedia, official site, reviews).

    Gyeongbokgung Palace
    Bukchon Hanok Village
    Myeongdong
    N Seoul Tower

    Insider Tips

    • 💡Get a T-money card for transport
    • 💡Download Naver or Kakao Maps - Google Maps is limited
    • 💡Many restaurants are open 24 hours
    • 💡Learn basic Korean phrases - English signage varies

    Local Cuisine

    Must-try dishes when visiting Seoul:

    Korean BBQ
    Bibimbap
    Kimchi
    Tteokbokki

    Dietary Dining Information

    Travelers with dietary restrictions visiting Seoul will find a variety of options to explore. Like many destinations in Asia, the local food scene reflects both traditional cuisine and modern international influences, meaning vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, and halal options are increasingly available, particularly in tourist areas and major dining districts.

    🥬 Vegetarian & 🌱 Vegan

    Most restaurants in Seoul offer at least basic vegetarian options. For dedicated plant-based dining, use apps like HappyCow to find specialized restaurants. International cuisine restaurants (Indian, Thai, Mediterranean) typically have the most extensive vegetarian and vegan menus.

    🌾 Gluten-Free

    When dining in Seoul, communicate your gluten-free needs clearly. Rice-based dishes and grilled proteins are typically safe options. Consider downloading translation cards in the local language to help kitchen staff understand your requirements.

    ✡️ Kosher & ☪️ Halal

    For kosher or halal dining in Seoul, research certified restaurants before your trip. Chabad centers can provide kosher guidance, while Muslim community centers can recommend halal establishments. Self-catering with fresh produce from local markets is always a reliable backup option.

    Find restaurants worldwide:

    HappyCow (Veg) Find Me Gluten Free Kosher Near Me Zabihah (Halal)

    Getting Around

    💡 T-money is essential - buy at any convenience store

    Emergency Info

    Police

    112

    Ambulance

    119

    Fire

    119

    Tipping Customs

    Tipping is not part of Korean culture

    Plan Your Trip to Seoul

    Ready to book? These trusted partners can help you arrange hotels, tours, and connectivity.

    🎟️ Tours & Activities 📶 Get an eSIM 🛡️ Travel Insurance ✈️ Flight Compensation 🚶 Free Walking Tours

    JourniTools may earn a commission from bookings made via these links, at no extra cost to you.

    Local Seoul Guides

    Discover Seoul through the eyes of locals and experienced travelers.

    External links are for reference only. JourniTools does not endorse third-party content.

    Visit Seoul

    Official city guide

    10 Magazine

    Korea lifestyle and culture

    Culture Trip Seoul

    Palaces, temples and K-culture

    Atlas Obscura

    Hidden gems and unusual attractions

    Frequently Asked Questions — Seoul

    Can I find halal food in Seoul?▼
    Yes — Itaewon near Seoul Central Mosque has the most halal restaurants, including Korean BBQ and fried chicken. Myeongdong and Hongdae also have growing halal options. Look for KMF (Korea Muslim Federation) certification.
    How do I use the Seoul subway?▼
    Get a T-money card at any convenience store or station. The subway runs from about 5:30 AM to midnight, has 23 lines, and covers virtually every tourist area. Station signs are in Korean and English.
    What are the emergency numbers in Seoul?▼
    Dial 112 for police and 119 for fire and ambulance. The Tourist Complaint Center can be reached at 1330 with English-speaking operators available 24/7.

    Explore More City Guides

    📍 Bangkok, Thailand📍 Hong Kong, China📍 London, United Kingdom📍 Istanbul, Turkey📍 Dubai, UAE