Complete Guide to Things to Do in Seoul Korea: Travel, Lifestyle & Property Insights by Homejourney

Seoul, Korea is one of Asia’s most exciting cities – a place where royal palaces sit beside cutting-edge skyscrapers, and Michelin-starred dining lives alongside sizzling street food stalls. For Singapore travellers, expats, and international investors, understanding the best things to do in Seoul is also a gateway into understanding lifestyle, neighbourhoods, and ultimately, real estate potential across Asia.

This Homejourney guide is written from the perspective of a Singapore-based traveller who has visited Seoul multiple times in different seasons – from minus‑10°C winters at Gyeongbokgung to humid summer nights by the Han River. It combines first-hand experience, official data where possible, and practical comparisons to Singapore so you can plan a safe, enriching trip and think strategically about your long-term lifestyle or property plans.

Destination Overview: Why Seoul Korea Matters for Singapore Travellers & Investors
Best Time to Visit Seoul & Seasonal Highlights
Getting to Seoul from Singapore & Entry Basics
Top Seoul Attractions & Must-Do Experiences
Food & Dining in Seoul: From Street Food to Fine Dining
Hidden Gems, Local Neighbourhoods & Unique Seoul Experiences
Practical Travel Tips: Safety, Transport, Money & Connectivity
Where to Stay in Seoul: Neighbourhood & Hotel Guide
Suggested 3-Day & 5-Day Seoul Itineraries
Best Day Trips from Seoul
From Seoul to Singapore: Real Estate, Lifestyle & Investment Links
FAQ: Things to Do in Seoul Korea – Singapore Traveller Edition

Destination Overview: Why Visit Seoul Korea

Seoul is the capital of South Korea and home to nearly 10 million residents in the city proper, with over 25 million in the greater metropolitan area – larger than Singapore’s entire population several times over.^[7] For Singaporeans, it offers:

Rich culture and history – Five grand palaces, Bukchon Hanok Village, Confucian shrines, and museums like the National Museum of Korea.^[1][2]
Modern lifestyle – Tech-forward infrastructure, extensive metro system, and global brands headquartered in the city.
Shopping & K-culture – Myeongdong, Hongdae, Gangnam, and COEX for fashion, cosmetics, and K‑pop experiences.^[3][5]
Food destination – From Gwangjang Market’s bindaetteok and mayak gimbap to fine-dining Korean contemporary cuisine.^[4][5]
Gateway to broader Korea – Easy access to DMZ tours, Nami Island, Bukhansan National Park, and other regions.^[1][2][3]

For international investors and expats, Seoul also serves as a benchmark when comparing Asian liveability, education, and property markets with hubs like Singapore and Hong Kong. Homejourney’s goal is to help you see travel and property through a single, practical lens – lifestyle first, then long-term decisions.

Best Time to Visit Seoul & Seasonal Highlights

Unlike Singapore’s year-round tropical climate, Seoul has four distinct seasons. When you visit will significantly shape your experience and what you can comfortably do outdoors.

Seoul Weather by Season (Compared to Singapore)

Season	Months	Typical Temp Range	What It Feels Like vs Singapore	Best Things to Do
Spring	Late Mar – May	10–22°C	Cool, dry, very comfortable compared to SG humidity	Palaces, walking tours, cherry blossoms, Han River picnics
Summer	Jun – Aug	22–32°C, humid, some rainy days	Similar humidity to SG but with heatwaves; can feel hotter with sun	Indoor museums, malls, late-night markets, cafes
Autumn	Sep – Nov	10–23°C	Crisp, cool; most Singaporeans find this ideal	Foliage hikes (Bukhansan), city walks, DMZ tours
Winter	Dec – Feb	-10–5°C (often below 0)	Very cold for those used to 27–32°C in SG	Snow experiences, Christmas lights, indoor attractions

Insider tip from a Singapore perspective: If you dislike extreme cold, avoid late December to early February. The sweet spots are April–May and mid‑October–early November, when you can comfortably walk 15,000+ steps a day around palaces, markets, and hilly neighbourhoods like Ihwa Mural Village.

Getting to Seoul from Singapore, Currency & Entry Basics

Flights from Singapore to Seoul

Singapore–Seoul is one of the most popular North Asia routes from Changi. As of recent schedules, direct flights (about 6 to 7 hours) typically operate between Singapore Changi (SIN) and either Incheon International Airport (ICN) or, less commonly, Gimpo (for regional flights). Airlines usually include Singapore Airlines, Korean Air and low-cost carriers like Scoot or T’way.

Time difference: Seoul is typically 1 hour ahead of Singapore (KST vs SGT), which is easy to adjust to, especially for short trips.

Visa Requirements for Singaporeans & Common Nationalities

Singapore passport holders generally enjoy visa-free short-term entry to South Korea for tourism, subject to prevailing regulations. Many other nationalities also have visa-waiver arrangements, but rules change, especially post‑pandemic. Always verify with:

The official Korean embassy/consulate website in your country of residence
Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs travel advisories

Important: South Korea has introduced and updated electronic travel authorisation systems in recent years (such as K‑ETA). Before booking, check if your nationality requires online pre-approval and factor in processing time.

Currency, Budgeting & Homejourney’s Multi-Currency Lens

South Korea’s currency is the Korean won (KRW). From a Singapore budgeting angle:

Everyday meals in Seoul can range from ~₩6,000–₩12,000 at casual eateries and markets to ₩30,000+ at mid-range restaurants.
City transport on the metro is typically a few thousand won per trip (often under S$2 equivalent, similar to Singapore MRT fares).
Attractions like palaces are relatively affordable, with many basic entry fees under ₩5,000–₩10,000.^[1][2]

When you eventually compare Seoul lifestyle costs to Singapore property affordability, having a strong sense of KRW–SGD conversion helps. Homejourney supports planning in multiple currencies and can help you interpret Singapore housing costs in relation to your home currency, whether that’s KRW or others, when browsing listings on Property Search or exploring projects on Projects Directory .

Top Seoul Attractions & Must-Do Experiences

Seoul is dense. A typical Singapore traveller easily clocks 15,000–20,000 steps daily just moving between palaces, markets and subway interchanges. Prioritising attractions helps you save time and avoid backtracking.

1. Gyeongbokgung Palace & Bukchon Hanok Village

Gyeongbokgung Palace is often described as South Korea’s top tourist attraction and the most iconic Joseon Dynasty palace in Seoul.^[1][2][3] It is especially impressive if you arrive for the changing of the guard ceremony in the morning.

Location: Northwest central Seoul, near Gwanghwamun.
Experience: Explore royal halls, ponds, and courtyards; rent a hanbok nearby for free palace entry (subject to rules).
Nearby: The National Folk Museum and scenic views towards Bugaksan mountain.

Just a short uphill walk away lies Bukchon Hanok Village, a neighbourhood of preserved traditional Korean houses.^[1] As with walking around Singapore’s Tiong Bahru or Emerald Hill, much of the charm is in the small alleys, vantage points, and watching how heritage blends with modern cafés and galleries.

Insider tip: Aim to visit Gyeongbokgung in the morning, then walk to Bukchon and continue down to Insadong for traditional tea houses. This forms a natural, gently downhill walking loop that’s friendly even for multi-generational family groups travelling from Singapore.

2. N Seoul Tower & Namsan Park

N Seoul Tower is one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, offering panoramic views of the entire urban sprawl.^[1][3] Sitting atop Namsan mountain, it is especially popular at sunset and night, when you can see the fabric of the city lit up.

Access: Via cable car, shuttle bus, or hiking trails through Namsan Park.
Who it suits: Couples, first-time visitors, and anyone who enjoys cityscapes (similar to going up Marina Bay Sands SkyPark in Singapore).

Safety note: Paths and stairs can be icy in winter; wear proper footwear, especially if you’re travelling with older parents from Singapore who are less used to slopes and slippery surfaces.

3. Myeongdong Shopping Street

Myeongdong is one of Seoul’s busiest shopping districts and a prime spot for cosmetics, skincare, fashion, and street food.^[3][5] In the evenings, it transforms into a lively night-time corridor of vendor carts and bright signage.

Best for: K‑beauty, clothes, snacks, and central accommodation.
Tip: Many Singaporeans prefer to stay in Myeongdong for a first trip because it offers easy access to other districts via several subway lines.

4. Hongdae, Gangnam & Youth Culture

Hongdae is known for its youthful energy, independent shops, street buskers, and nightlife near Hongik University.^[5][6] It feels somewhat like a denser, more eclectic version of Bugis or Haji Lane in Singapore.

Gangnam, made famous globally by "Gangnam Style", is Seoul’s upmarket business and lifestyle district, with high-end boutiques, offices, and plastic surgery clinics.^[5] If you’re comparing prime urban living in Singapore (Orchard, Marina Bay) to Seoul, Gangnam is a useful benchmark for lifestyle and density.

5. Insadong & Traditional Arts

Insadong is a central neighbourhood known for its galleries, antique shops, tea houses and crafts.^[9] It’s an ideal area for those who love design and culture, similar to spending an afternoon around Kampong Glam or Chinatown in Singapore but with a Korean aesthetic.

6. Bukhansan National Park

Bukhansan National Park sits just north of the main city and offers forested hiking trails, granite peaks and temple complexes.^[1] For Singapore hikers used to Bukit Timah or MacRitchie, Bukhansan is a step up in elevation and scenery.

Best season: Autumn for foliage and clear skies; spring for cool weather.
Fitness: Some routes are strenuous. If travelling with kids or elderly, choose shorter trails and plan descent before dark.

7. Museums & Cultural Institutions

On hot or freezing days, museums are the most comfortable way to deepen your understanding of Korea:

National Museum of Korea – The country’s largest museum, with extensive history and art collections.^[1][2]
National Folk Museum – Often combined with Gyeongbokgung, showcasing traditional life.
Jongmyo Shrine – A UNESCO World Heritage Confucian shrine dedicated to Joseon kings and queens.^[2]

8. DMZ Tours from Seoul

Many visitors join a guided tour to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea, often including the 3rd Tunnel and observation points.^[3] These tours provide rare geopolitical context and are typically rated highly by travellers for depth of explanation.

Practical note: Regulations and permitted sites can change quickly. Only book through reputable providers, and always bring your passport. Check current conditions before departure.