---
node: dest_seoul
type: destination
slug: seoul
title: "Seoul"
lead: "Seoul is the vast, fast-moving capital of South Korea, where royal palaces and old hanok lanes sit among neon districts and glass towers. It is the heart of Korean culture, food and the global wave of K-pop and film."
published: 2026-08-10
updated: 2026-08-10
image_file: seoul.jpg
image_source: "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gyeonghoeru_(Royal_Banquet_Hall)_at_Gyeongbokgung_Palace,_Seoul.jpg"
image_author: "Frank Schulenburg"
image_license: "CC BY-SA 4.0"
---

## Overview

Home to nearly ten million in the city and far more across its region, Seoul spreads along the Han River between low mountains, mixing centuries-old palaces with one of the world's most wired modern cities. The historic north holds the Joseon palaces and the hanok quarter, while the river's south side, Gangnam, is newer money and nightlife. Efficient, safe and open late, it rewards travellers with history, shopping, mountains on the doorstep and an endlessly deep food scene.

## Highlights

Gyeongbokgung and the other Joseon palaces anchor the old city, with the wooden houses of Bukchon Hanok Village on the slopes between them. The markets of Gwangjang and Myeongdong, the shops of Insadong and the nightlife of Hongdae and Gangnam fill the districts. N Seoul Tower on Namsan gives the wide view, and a day trip reaches the DMZ on the border with the North.