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And if you’re worried about it turning into a pumpkin after midnight, don’t be – because Seoul’s nightlife is every bit as a charming and alluring as its daytime attractions.

Whether you’re marvelling at the natural beauty of Mount Inwang, home to South Korea’s most impressive temple complex, or staring, awestruck, up at the Namsan Tower (which, although it has been pipped at the post as the tallest skyscraper in Asia, still packs quite a visual punch), Seoul is sure to impress. A city of 23 million souls, Seoul has the enthusiasm and hospitality of a country town. Its residents delight in visitors, and the charming, quirky, almost childlike joy of its population belies the violent history it has suffered.

Soak up history at the Namdaeum Gate (currently being restored to its former glory), shop up a storm at the world-class boutiques of Apujeong or delight in the array of incredible food on offer all over the city. It’s charming, invigorating, innovative and exciting.

In short, Seoul’s got soul – and is set to live happily ever after.

Seoul’s Top 10

Seoul Local

Itaewon

A bustling international locale with a plethora of eateries, drinking holes and shops within its boundaries, if you’re into faux Vuitton, this is the place for you. Itaewon boasts the dubious status of being one of the best places in the world to bag imitation designer wares. Come nightfall, this place (while still fun) can turn a tad seedy. Strip clubs and prostitutes bring in busloads of drunken lads with their seductive siren songs, so be warned. But if you feed on the sordidness and feel like a good dance, Club Volume, one of the hottest clubs in the city is well worth a visit.

Hingdae

This hipster-heavy area around Hongik University is perfect if you’re looking for cool cats to chill with and a stack of stores with funky goods on offer. Since it’s such a young area, the nightlife is intense and the parties here stretch well into the wee hours.

Insadong

Once the home of aristocrats and royalty, this upmarket end of Seoul is now packed with art galleries and stores selling handicrafts. Start with some shopping and follow it up with a stroll through the Jogyesa Temple and the Bosingak (a pretty bell pavilion). After you’re done and dusted, take in some people-watching with a truly excellent drop at one of the local teahouses.

Gangnam

The most affluent area of Seoul offers high-end restaurants and world-class shopping. It is home to the famous COEX Mall, a complex that also houses an aquarium, movie theatre and games centre. Apgujeong, Seoul’s answer to Beverly Hills, can also be found in Gangnam. If you want to check out fake boobs, fancy wheels and Korean incarnations of Paris Hilton, this is the place to be.

Jamsil

The highlight of this place? Lotte World (Seoul’s answer to Disneyland)! It’s a mammoth recreation complex that’s home to the largest indoor amusement park in the world, plus an outdoor theme park called Magic Island. For those with more refined tastes (or delicate stomachs), there is also a range of quality museums and art galleries in the area.

Seoul & Drink

Seoul Events

Seoul Lunar New Year brings the city to a halt every year with massive celebrations. A great starting point for visitors are the festivities at the Seoul Namsan Traditional Theatre. January or February of every year, depending on the calendar.

If you find yourself freezing your caboose off during winter in Seoul, take the time to head to Gangwon for the Sokcho Seorak Snow Festival. Snowmen are built, sleighs are ridden, ice sculptures are licked and fireworks explode during this tourist favourite February.

The Lotus Lantern Festival marks the birthday celebrations of Lord Buddha and is one of the most vibrant parties of the year. The night lights up with rows and rows of lotus-shaped lanterns and an outdoor-stage and markets entertain the crowds. The date of the event varies slightly but always falls in May.

Hi! Seoul Festival in Hangang Park every May sees Seoul residents coming together to celebrate their city’s brilliance. This event is famed for the cultural performances on show as well as the general bonhomie it inspires throughout the city.

Visit the Seoul International Cartoon and Animation Festival in July for some hilarious mascots (one’s called Bummy and the other one’s a chilli pepper) and good ol’ childhood reminiscing. Check out the exhibition to learn about Korean cartoons and their roots. Plus, your friends back home will love you forever if you buy them a Bummy shirt!

When To Go

Winters are torturously cold and summers are uncomfortable hot and humid, so spring (March to May) is the best time to visit. Watch Seoul bloom with fresh cherry blossoms and azaleas while you soak up its warm sun.

• Average spring temperature: 18°C (64°F)
• Average summer temperature: 28°C (82°F)
• Average autumn temperature: 10°C (50°F)
• Average winter temperature: -2°C (28°F)

What To Miss

Time for a lesson in South Korean etiquette! Koreans are incredibly polite, sensitive people and will be greatly offended if you don’t follow the rules when it comes to manners:

• Unless you’re close friends or familiar with each other, don’t touch a South Korean person in any way. No playful slaps on the back or pats on the shoulder.
• Don’t point at things or people with your index finger.
• If you’re a guest in someone’s house, take your shoes off and leave them in the designated area. Make sure you bring some form of gift, whether it be flowers, fruit or chocolate.
• When accepting or passing something over, always use your right hand and be gentle – no grabbing!
• When greeting, always bow to the person of higher status.
• Never refuse food or a drink.

Avoid being wiped out by a car or bus by always using crossings and being ultra-careful. While Seoul’s residents stick closely to social etiquette, traffic rules are notoriously ignored.

If you really value your sobriety, you may want to rethink your visit to this city. Koreans are big drinkers and pretty much always follow their meals with a lengthy drinking session. One of their favourite tipples is soju, the infamous rice wine that’ll put you straight on your back after a few shots, to much raucous laughter from your Korean drinking buddies. You have been warned…

Getting Around

The subway (Seoul Metro) is one of the most advanced underground systems in the world and the way most people make their way around the city. A ‘Traffic Card’ represents the best value for multiple trips. There is also a bevy of colourful buses and a train line (Korail) at the ready.

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