Seoul is a symbolic city of modern technology and fashion. Also, the city is very deep in tradition. The whole city is covered with several eye-catching colorful historical fragments and spectacular designs. This is one of the most dynamic cities in the world which mashes up mountains, ancient and modern temples, historical palaces, cutting edge designs and so on. So its exploration is enjoyable. One must know about traveling to Seoul alone and lift one’s heart with the heart touching rhythm of the music as Seoul is also a city of pop.
We will pick up some suggestions that will be a guide for you for a solo travel Seoul itinerary.
Best Things to Do for Traveling to Seoul Alone
Several types of things may be done during a traveling to Seoul alone such as hiking, museum visit, temple stay, restaurants, and cafes. Moreover, you can book a free Seoul walking tour with a local volunteer guide and have a chance to meet some great fellow travelers too!
K-Style Hub
A K-style hub is a place that you must visit before starting your trip to Korea. This place is for every tourist who wants to know where one should visit and how to visit. They provide you brochures, maps and a handbook guide for free, which makes it easier for tourists to know where they should visit and how. Moreover, here you can learn about Korean culture as well. Such as dress up in traditional Korean clothes and you can even cook your customized Korean food at the Korean Cuisine Culture Center on the fourth floor.
Not only the exhibition halls will allow you to witness the virtual tour of attractions in Korea with advanced technologies but you also can take souvenir photos with K-POP stars. Lastly, culinary exhibitions are mind-blowing to discover Korea’s charm.
- Address: KTO Seoul Office 2-5F, 40 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 중구 청계천로 40)
- Directions: 5 min walking distance from Jonggak Station Exit 5 (Seoul Subway Line 1) | 5 min walking distance from Euljiro 1-ga Station Exit 2 (Seoul Subway Line 2) | 10 min walking distance from Gwanghwamun Station Exit 5 (Seoul Subway Line 5)
- Open hours: 09:00 – 20:00
- Phone: +82-2-729-9457 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
- Web: www.visitkorea.or.kr
Mountain Hiking
Seoul is a city of glorifying mountains. You can find a large number of mountains in the middle of the city center. Natural elements and atmosphere both are just amazing of these mountains. Let’s check details below.
Bukhansan
First, Bukhansan Mountain is situated in the northern part of Seoul and recognized as a national park. Its hiking techniques are divided into critical levels. People, non-familiar with hiking can use the basic methods and people who hike often can choose the advanced way by which one can easily hike the mountain in case of traveling to Seoul alone.
Gwanaksan
Second, Gwanaksan Mountain, in the south part of Seoul, was designed in 1968 magnificently. Not only you can make rock climbing here but you also see the World Tower of Lotte from the peak of the mountain on 630m high. Might you will feel like you are standing before southern Seoul and staring at it. This is one of the most spectacular scenes you can enjoy during the mighty Seoul traveling.
Inwangsan
Third, Inwangsan Mountain is another one. It is 339m high from sea level and considered a rocky hill. “Inwang” is a traditional term being called after “Inwang Temple” that is inside Inwangsan mountain. It was under a special force since 1968 and public entry was highly prohibited until 1993. With the historical places, this mountain can make your traveling to Seoul alone something different.
Bugaksan
Lastly, Bugaksan Mountain is 342m in height and was the main mountain in Seoul with the growth of the city. Likewise, this mountain was prohibited by a special unit in 1968 by being closed for 40 years in the public entry. In 2007, people finally can access Bugaksan and enjoy the octagonal pavilion in the Bugak Skyway where is also one of the most popular places to enjoy the Seoul night view. For more information about the best places to see Seoul’s skyline, check THIS POST.
Besides you can find out during a solo trip to Seoul more mountains like Cheonggyesan, Achasan, etc.
Museum Visit
Visiting museums is one of the best attractions for a visitor who is set for traveling to Seoul alone. Coex (Shopping mall& Aquarium), Trick eye museum, and Alive museum are the favorite tourist destinations in Seoul. They provide you with a breathtaking experience that you can’t find anywhere else in the world. In addition, the beautiful illustrations, the feeling of alive pictures and the beautiful aquarium is a thing that you shouldn’t miss in Seoul. In a very few moments, your mood may grow well by visiting the spectacular signs of Korean culture in those museums. This is the most useful task for solo travel to Seoul. For more must-things to do in Gangnam, check THIS POST.
The National Museum of Korea
It was opened in 1945, the year when Korean became independent from Japan. The museum was moving to various locations until 2005. Finally, it has been located in Yongsan Family Park. This museum contains 220,000 art and relics, 13,000 works. All these are displayed in a special gallery of this museum. If you love to learn Korean history, visit here! Furthermore, you can have a free guided tour for visitors. It’s available in English, Chinese, Japanse, and French. For more details like the time and meeting point, check the official website.
- Address: 137 Seobinggo-ro Yongsan-gu Seoul
- Directions: 5 min walking distance from Ichon Station (Subway line 4 or the Jungang Line) Exit 2
- Open hours: Mon. Tue. Thu. Fri. 10:00 – 18:00 | Wed. Sat. 10:00 – 21:00 | Sun. Holidays 10:00 – 19:00
- Admission fees: Free
- Phone: +82-2-2077-9046
- Web: https://www.museum.go.kr
The Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art
This art museum is run by the Samsung Foundation of Art. It has two particular galleries. In the first one, Korean culture is displayed from traditional to the modern era of Korea. In the other one, contemporary art exhibitions have been held from all around the world. If you are an art lover, I highly recommend! Besides, you can find many interesting places nearby like antique furniture streets, international food alley, and well-decorated cafes where are very Instagram worthy places. Check more things to do in Itaewon HERE and the best restaurants and nightlife as well.
- Address: 60-16 Itaewon-ro 55-gil Yongsan-gu Seoul
- Directions: 8 min walking distance from Hangangjin Station (Subway line 6) Exit 1
- Open hours: 10:30 – 18:00
- Guided Tour for Permanent Exhibition (90 mins): 10:30 | 13:30 | Saturdays at 15:00 (For English-speaking visitors only)
- Phone: +82-2-2014-6901
- Web: https://www.leeum.org/
The National Palace Museum
It located in Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of the places to go alone in Seoul where you will truly immerse yourself in Koreas’ past. The Joseon Dynasty lasted for 5 centuries. The history of this era is preserved in The National Palace Museum of Korea. It contains more than 98,000 articles and 40,000 pieces of royal treasures and artifacts. Firstly, you will find the history of the Korean people when you enter the museum. Secondly, you can see the way of Korean life and lastly, you will be introduced yourself to the life cycle of Koreans. Therefore, you can see the 5000 years old history of Korea in this site.
- Address: 12 Hyoja-ro Jongno-gu Seoul
- Directions: 1min walking distance from Gyeongbokgung Station (Subway line 3) Exit 5
- Open hours: Mon. Tue. Thu. Fri. Sun.10:00 – 18:00 | Wed. Sat. 10:00 – 21:00 | Closed January 1st, Day of Seollal & Chuseok
- Foreign Language Guided Tour: English 11:00, 14:30 | Japanese 10:30, 14:00 | Chinese 10:00, 15:00
- Admission Frees: Free
- Phone: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
- Web: https://www.gogung.go.kr
Temples
Bongeunsa
The most popular and oldest temple in Seoul is the Bongeunsa temple. It was built in the last period of the 8th century and used to be in Yeoju city, near king Sejong’s tomb. But It was moved later in 1748 and now presents in Gangnam. Not only It has a tremendous pond but It also has a statue that is 75′ tall, which has become the most photographed site and the sign of Bongeunsa. Unfortunately, some parts of the temple were destroyed during the Korean war, which was completely rebuilt in 1996. Might Bongeunsa temple in the center of the big city can fresh your mind who is ready for traveling to Seoul alone.
Hwagyesa
Hwagyesa Temple is one of the most charming temples in Seoul. You can reach the temple in just 40 minutes from the downtown of Seoul. This temple is in the Bukhansan National Park, near Mount Songaksan. Enjoy mother nature of Seoul and a calm vibe in the temple.
Cheonchuksa
Cheonchuksa Temple, which sets a hiking trail, forms a unique rock pattern. The temple is in Dobongsan Mountain in Bukhansan National Park. At the time of the Goryeo Dynasty, it was named after an Indian monk. At present, the temple creates moonlight meditation.
Temple Stay
You can also opt for a temple stay in Seoul for finding your inner and true self. Various programs during temple-stay let you think and see differently. With Temple Stay Information Center, you can get all the information that you need to know for a temple stay like international Seon Center Temple Stay, Myogaksa Temple Stay and Geumseonsa Temple Stay. Solo travel Seoul is going to allow you to find your real self and meditate a bit. It can be quite a different part of traveling to Seoul alone.
Temple Stay Information Center
- Address: 56 Ujeongguk-ro Jongno-gu Seoul
- Direction: 5 min walking distance from Jonggak Station (Subway line 1) Exit 2
- Open hours: 09:00 – 19:00 | Closed on holidays
- Phone: +82-2-2031-2000
- Web: https://eng.templestay.com
Performances
Nanta
Nanta is one of the popular traditional Korean shows. It is a performance that has been showcased in many countries and is very well known all around the world. How about witnessing it in the most traditional manner in Seoul? You can spend a good afternoon here catching a musical comedy of “Nanta Show”. The interesting part about this is that it is a non-verbal comedy show. Thus, there is no need to worry if you are a zero-Korean speaker, you can still enjoy the beats as visitors.
Nanta centers on a couple of cooks who creates beats and rhythm with the help of their cooking utensils. That is based on traditional Korean music, Samul Nori rhythm. A solo traveler who is traveling to Seoul alone will enjoy the show with full content. Click HERE to get a discounted ticket!
Fanta-Stick Seoul
Fanta stick is also the show that you can watch and enjoy as it’s a musical show and depicts the traditional Korean music. Some breathtaking performances and heart-filled melodies will let you spend your day in Seoul alone wonderfully. Its an unforgettable experience and you should see it once in a while if you visit Seoul.
In addition, you can enjoy some other shows in Seoul like Jump, Hero, the Original Drawing Competition!
Food & Restaurants
Seoul is an amazing city that is adorned with excellent cafes and restaurants. The one who will solo travel to Seoul will be just a big fan of the city for its food trending. Almost all over the city, there are BBQ restaurants, Korean restaurants, Seafood corners, Italian food places, Japanese food centers, and well-decorated cafes and pubs.
Local Street Food and Markets
When you visit a new country remember to give a try to their traditional foods and local street shops are the authentic places where you can enjoy your meal just like the locals in Seoul do. Gwangjang Market and Noryaginjin Fish market are the great places where you can have an enjoyable Korean food with the locals alongside you. Also, you can learn their method of eating their traditional foods. It’s a great opportunity for you to meet new local people and make new friends in the city of Seoul! Isn’t it :)? Solo travel Seoul is fascinating and enthralling once you eat the delicious Korean food in the street of Seoul with local people.
Korean Restaurant
Many Restaurants in Korea offer you delicious local cuisine. Food is a major part that plays a role in getting to know about the culture of a country. Seoul is a place for foodies to satisfy their cravings even if they are alone with a friendly atmosphere. You can check the list of the best Korean restaurants in Hongdae, Gangnam, Myeongdong and Itaewon.
Korean BBQ is a world-famous menu now. However, unfortunately, it could be a bit hard to have it as a solo traveler because no one goes to the BBQ place alone normally if one is Korean. But, No worries. There’re popular Korean BBQ restaurants in Seoul for a solo traveler. Check the list HERE.
More, Kimbap Cheonguk (김밥천국) is a great place to have a Korean meal alone which will be in your budget and gives you all local dishes. Cheese Bob Itssue (치즈밥있슈) is also a place worthy of your money because of the delicious food and a quiet atmosphere. If you are looking for the place for breakfast alone, check THIS POST. A solo trip to Seoul can make you discover many of the food items.
Delivery Foods in Korea
Korea is leading the delivery-food culture with high-quality foods and fast delivery. Yogiyo and Baedalui Minjok are the apps that you can use to deliver food to your place. They provide you with a wide variety of foods that are snap worthy as well. Who doesn’t want to post delicious food pictures on Instagram? These apps offer you to deliver delicious local or international foods while you can enjoy them sitting on a comfy couch. HERE you can check how to order delivery food step by step. Definitely, you will love Korean fried chicken or Jjajangmyeon!
A traveler who is traveling to Seoul alone will be fond of Korean food habits.
Budget Hotels Or Guest Houses
You must consider where to stay when you decided to travel to Seoul alone. There are low budget hotels or guest houses available whereas expensive ones are also. Here are some of the budget hotels and the guest houses that will help you stay in Korea and are safe for you as well.
K-girl guesthouse (For Female only)
K-girl guest house is a female-only and is located at a 5-minute walk from Exit 8 of Cheongdam Subway Station (Line 7). Not only they provide you free wifi and parking but also free toiletries and hairdryers are available while bathrooms and toilets are shared for some rooms. If you are lucky, you can have a room with a balcony from where you can see the beautiful view of Seoul. Grocery deliveries and laundry services are provided and most of the destinations like COEX mall etc are near. Additionally, they give you airport transportation as well. It is the place that is perfect to stay for a female traveler in Seoul being rated as excellent in cleanness and service.
Seoul N Hotel Dongdaemun
This hotel offers free wifi and free parking. Seoul N Hotel Dongdaemun has excellent service and clean soundproof rooms with a fireplace, television, refrigerators, and air conditioners. It includes Free breakfast and the location is very good with many stores and eateries nearby.
Philstay Myeongdong
Exceptional services and cleanliness with free wifi in the heart of Seoul. What else do you want in a budget satisfying hotel? Philstay Myeongdong gives you free breakfast as well. Plus it’s a non-smoking hotel with airconditioner, refrigerator, and tv in almost every room. Also, some rooms have a skyline view of Seoul.
Others
There are many guest houses that can get a deal on an affordable budget. Kimchee Guesthouse, Gangnam Family Hotel, K-Grand & Guest House, Sunny Guesthouse, STEP INN Myeongdong 1, etc are renowned and reviewed as wonderful guest houses in the center of the city.
Conclusion
Though Seoul is one of the richest cities in the modern world. The city contains spectacular sceneries, sculptures, historical places, museums, natural attractions, etc for glorifying one’s mind who are willing to travel alone. Seoul is a peaceful city and the Koreans are very decent and very hospitable to a visitor. The city can easily make one’s mind fresh and cheerful in a second. Let’s make plans and a Seoul itinerary for your solo travel to Seoul!
