The Ultimate Seoul Travel Guide

Instagram @hoteliepattie
Tiktok @hoteliepattie
* This video is not sponsored.

[@hoteliepattie]

Some Helpful Apps to Download Before Your Trip: 1. Naver Map (Google Map is not the best here) 2. Kakao T (it's Korean Uber)

[@jasonsanada6327]

do you think it is a good idea to drive in seoul or just use a public transportation?

[@ssscss9250]

​@@jasonsanada6327 i recommend to use a public transportation. i think public transportation of seoul is the cleanest and cheapest(Relatively) in the world. you can go to almost everywhere in seoul by taking subway and bus, especially if you are a foreign tourist. On the contrary, There is a lot of traffic in Seoul. During rush hour, public transportation is often faster than taking a car. If you're going outside of Seoul, I recommend renting a car, but if you're only in Seoul and its suburbs, I recommend taking the subway, bus, and sometimes a taxi. (For reference, Seoul's buses and subways have a transfer system, so you don't have to pay twice. For example, if you go from Gangnam Station to Gyeongbokgung Palace, no matter how many times you change buses and subways, you will only have to pay about 1,500 won.)

[@akiheavenly6]

There are no public parking spaces in Seoul so your only option is public transport. Unless you're rich and you only go to places with valet parking or their own parking space.

[@jasonsanada6327]

@@akiheavenly6 Thank you so much for that info...was debating should i rent a car or do public in seoul...this really helps

[@akarmoussaittizi3012]

Very helpful ,will for sure use these apps during my stay in Seoul.Kamsahamnida.

[@hoteliepattie]

Adding a timecode with the name of the places mentioned in the video! 0:00 Intro 0:50 Seongbuk-dong (Bukgak Skyway Palgakjeong) 1:08 Jongno-gu (Gyeognbokgung/Changdeokgung/Deosugung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village in Gahoe-dong, Ikseon-dong) 1:50 Itaewon & Hannam-dong (Grand Hyatt Hotel) 2:50 Seoul Forest & Seongsu-dong 4:10 Apgujeong Rodeo & Cheongdam-dong 5:00 Jamsil in Songpa-gu (Lotte World, Lotte World Tower, Olympic Park, Olympic Stadium) 5:57 Seocho-dong (Seoul Arts Center) 6:14 Yeouido (Yeouido Hangang Park, IFC Mall, Conrad Seoul, The Hyundai Mall, Fairmont Ambassador Seoul) 6:57 Sinchon/Hongdae in Mapo-gu (Hongik University, Mangwon-dong, Yeonhui-dong) 7:50 Pangyo 8:08 Incheon (Paradise City, INSPIRE Entertainment Resort - opening Fall 2023) -gu: refers to a “district” -dong: refers to a smaller “neighborhood” within the district -gung: refers to “palace”

[@XOut4This]

Thank you! I’m so excited to start planning my trip! 🌸💕

[@TheBigBananaaa]

👍✅👍

[@KevinQuisquater]

Thank you for the video! Very first I watch before my trip to Seoul, I only have the flights and knew NOTHING about Seoul. This video really helps 🤗 FYI I believe that if you edit the description of the video and add this list ot timestamps list to it, your video will automatically have chapters, which would be really useful 🤗

[@sheenak.5662]

I have to say this is one the best travel videos for Korea. Most videos I have seen are always centered around tourist attractions but our family like to travel based on geographic locations for efficiency. Great job!

[@hoteliepattie]

Wow! Thanks so much and definitely agree that it’s efficient/easier to group travel destinations based on geography :) Hope you find my future videos about Korea also interesting!

[@Shdoeb]

Agreed! Thanks so much for the thoughtful content. 😊

[@shahirahridzuan5172]

Agree this so compact and so much useful infos, really help me to decide where to actually go!

[@roberto69rs]

Thank you excellent guide for places in Seoul, before seeing this I never had any idea what was where in the city now when I look at the map I do.

[@hualyli1525]

Im going to Seoul for the first time in November and this video was SO HELPFUL. You did a great job explaining the essence of each neighborhood and I loved that you utilized a map to point out where each neighborhood is.

[@hoteliepattie]

You still have a few months to plan your trip so this is perfect timing! Thanks so much :)

[@carolinegreene7150]

OMG im going in November too!!

[@swabenstudio]

I love it so much, the fact that you put a map was so helpful to really understand the places and how to plan your visit accordingly to the location.

[@oddeyd2483]

this was exactly the type of information i was looking for when planning my trip - getting to understand the different areas of the city, so that i can have a better feel for it while planning! thank you so much!!

[@hoteliepattie]

Yay!! When I traveled to new cities, I always wished I could be on the pulse of different neighborhoods, or better yet, had a local friend in every city in the world. So, I was hoping I could provide just that with the video. Thanks for your kind comment 😊

[@theguynextdoor4978]

This video was quite helpful for this Norwegian longhaired Viking. Can't wait to go to South Korea in 3 weeks. Will start off in Jeju, then Busan and finish in Seoul. I promise to be a good boy while exploring the land of Kims, Kimchi, rich cultural history and delicious BBQ. Thinking of Jeju black pork gets the tummy growling.

[@connormoore4718]

This was perfect! Thank you, love the map breakdown, super helpful.

[@_whitelily]

First time I’ve seen this kind of material! How brilliant and thoughtful of you! Thank you for putting this video out.😊👍🏻

[@hoteliepattie]

My pleasure ☺️ thanks for the kind comment!

[@mosesram3869]

Thks for yr detail tour. It was interesting. There still so many areas to cover only in Seoul. Will 2 weeks able to cover all the locations that u've mentioned. Will u able to be tour guide as u speak English fluently?

[@AnnaFosters]

What a helpful video!!! Thank you so much! Definitely saving it to rewatch when I plan my trip 😊

[@michabien5321]

Just finished the last evening of my 4 day stay in Seoul with a trip to Itaewon, your video convinced me I barely scratched the surface of whats to see here. Off to Busan tomorrow, but I'll definitely be back!

[@robertking1367]

Thank you, that was really put together well. It was something you covered all of Seoul, the map especially helpful. I have never been to Korea but it is an area I find to be so beautiful. It seems like the city is catering to people with the richness in designs of buildings, food, parks, art, etc. Whenever I see the images, I am blown away by the beauty you see and are a part of. Take Care.

[@smitinathan]

This was such a cool video! I feel like I understood the essence of different parts of the city!

[@hoteliepattie]

Amazing! That’s what I want to hear 😉 Thanks Smiti!!

[@joewabe]

I live here, and my friends is visiting from Netherlands, but I felt short to explain which was the best neighborhood to stay in Seoul. Until I found your video. This is by far the best explanation. It's short, clear and leaves you the exact information that you are looking for. Well done and thank you! You are literally the best!

[@GhislaineChan]

Very informative video! Wish I had watched this before our trip to South Korea in August. Now I want to go back and see more of what you described. Will bookmark this for sure.

[@jk.records8630]

That was such a good video! I can feel you put all your love and heart into it,especially editing. Thanks and Follow u!

[@hoteliepattie]

Thank you so much!! Glad you could feel the love 🥰

[@jujugarcianyc]

So well done! I wish I saw this before my first trips, so I'm jealous of those who can. It will greatly improve their experience! Excited to return to Seoul some day in the next year or two

[@westendgirl3301]

That was very helpful, thank you! I will be visiting Seoul for the first time in fall and I am so excited!

[@hoteliepattie]

Yay! Excited for your first trip. Hope it’s everything you expected and more 😉

[@samanthaeileme]

Exactly the video I was looking for! I'm traveling to Seoul in the next couple of weeks and this was very helpful!

[@hoteliepattie]

Yayy! Hope you have the best few weeks here and get the most out of your trip :)

[@DukeEdinburgh1921]

I love Seoul and people. Planning to travel and work here , So inspiring place .

[@_yuqey]

i love when this travel guide is actually a guidance! thank you for explaining so detailed 🤍

[@carolinegreene7150]

Thank you so much for this video!! I'm going in November and have NO idea where to go or what to do!! This made everything way more palatable :)

[@Skz_02]

I think Incheon is one of the most underrated places near Seoul 🥺 I went there on my last day in Korea and it was so empty but it was soooo pretty!! Specially the place where Chinatown/old port place is located it was lovely and full of history!! I'd 100% recommend!

[@hoabang5292]

So clear and informative. Now I can make a better plan for my trip. Thanks a lot ❤❤❤

[@larissafonseca4007]

This is a great video, very detailed! Thank you 🙏🏼

[@haewangom]

우왕 저도 서울을 다시 보게 되네요..😚 너무 유익한 영상!

[@hoteliepattie]

여기서 뵐줄이야 😆 유익하게 봐주셨다니 감사하네요!!

[@jaevfia]

this is so helpful, subscribed right away! thank you 💙💙

[@hoteliepattie]

love to hear it!!

[@jasonsanada6327]

thank you for the information. I am planning to go to jeju and seoul this spetember and this really helps

[@damelimeanshope]

😍😍😍 a really thorough explanation! thank you

[@bnicet]

Thank you. Planning to travel in a few months this video was very helpful.

[@alexisduffy2904]

This was so helpful! I'm visiting in a few months and can't wait to check out some of these locations

[@hoteliepattie]

Welcome!! You’ll now make the most of your trip 😊

[@panathenaea]

Very thorough! Thank you!

[@navbhavyasingh9572]

Love the vibe, good work🎉

[@Abeti9]

Super helpful video, I'm going to start with this when I plan my trip to Seoul, Thank you

[@puma0085]

As a future visitor of Seoul ( I want to to visit the city in October for 3 weeks) I have already seen few travel videos but your video is certainly among the best. Thanks for introducing the different parts of the city.

[@mpandunky]

This is a wonderfully informational video. I now know the nuances behind each area, and am interested to go to Seoul Forest & Seocho-dong because of your explanation.

[@justagirl5519]

Great video! About to head back to Incheon for work and I really want to make it to Seoul this time.

[@Nico_Benidorm360]

Best video I ever saw for the past 3 days! Now I know what will my next days visiting Seoul be :)) Thanks

[@hoteliepattie]

Wow thank you so much Nicolas! Glad to hear it was resourceful to you :)

[@JuJu-508]

Thank you so much Visiting Korea soon so it’s really helpful

[@charlielily-wangjames3327]

thanks for all the information. Next year with my friends we ill explore all your recommendations 😊

[@alexisvanpoucke901]

thank for this information, i can go so seoul serenely !!!

[@anonymousanonymously8216]

I went to Seoul once, much busier then Busan but I love both areas. The beaches are beautiful there, Busan did the sand expo earlier this year and that was awesome, never thought I be impressed by sand but I was. I also went to Sea Life in Busan, I enjoyed that, also went to the National Hanguel Museum, took so many pictures there, just loved it. I’m already looking forward to my next trip to South Korea.

[@supasimba]

Really good info, thanks Hotelie Pattie!

[@marcg1043]

Thank you so much!! Best video about Seoul !!! You helped this German who is living in Singapore a lot to explore this cool city Seoul. Quick question: Where would you recommend to stay in a hotel for a 4 days stay?

[@transylvanianvision]

Soooo well made! 🥰 It really helps to have a map in the video, especially for someone like us, from Europe, which struggle for a month to make a plan on what to visit in Seoul, hahahha.

[@hoteliepattie]

Hope you can get out the best of Seoul that most interests with now that you are more familiar with reading the map of Seoul :)

[@transylvanianvision]

@@hoteliepattie for sure! Keep up with the nice videos 💕

[@linobuysse8168]

Thank you very much for the great Video! Im going to seol about 13 days🥳🥳🥳

[@tips-4-trips]

great. a must-follow guide. thanks.

[@teshi1424]

This video is amazing..i wosh id seen it before i went to korea this year

[@aliia6703]

Thank you for guide!

[@cherrywang1618]

Thank you for your good English Korea tour video!!

[@oumaimaalaoui5404]

Best video thank you so much 😍

[@i2g222]

Going in March from London 🎉 It's my first time and looking forward to it

[@dabazlegend]

Amazing video. So helpful

[@themichael3105]

I'm moving to Seoul in a few months from Los Angeles for work. This is a great vid. Cheers

[@geowilson1587]

just beautiful video thank you

[@sportandtr]

Your explanation is really good. You really know your city and your good in showing beautiful places in your City. I can say I'm agree with your favorite places and I found some new places too. Thanks for this nice video

[@hoteliepattie]

Thanks! Glad to hear that you found it helpful in learning more about Seoul ☺️

[@southernbelle8701]

This is very helpful. Thank you! :D

[@jemmashome]

Cool! Am planning on another Seoul trip in Oct 😆 this would be really helpful! New sub here, hope to see more of your videos!!❤

[@DayanaDianne]

Your english is really great. Neutral and sounds natural.

[@user-wi7en5tp1n]

지도 얘기가 나와서 그런데 외국 친구들한테 구글맵은 한국에서 안 되고 네이버, 카카오맵 쓰는 거랑 핫 스트릿, 핫플레이스(청담동 명품거리, 강남역 스트릿, 명동 등)가 지도에 붉게 표시되어 있다고 알려주면 정말 좋아하더라고요!

[@hoteliepattie]

오홍 꿀팁이네요! 감사합니다 건민님 보기에 추가로 설명 넣어야겠어요~

[@emeidocathail7808]

Great vid .. liked and subed .. you definitely deserve more subs. A deep dive into the neighbourhoods would be very interesting.

[@hoteliepattie]

Thank you for the kind comment and content suggestion☺️ Welcome!

[@jahonwong7259]

Love your information❤❤

[@hoteliepattie]

Thanks! Glad it was helpful :)

[@canaaney]

can't wait to go to Seoul

[@thesydneyexperience]

concise thanks!

[@XOut4This]

Great video. I’ll be watching again to take notes. I plan on visiting Seoul in Spring 2024!

[@hoteliepattie]

Amazing! Hope my timecode in the comments help you with your planning :)

[@XOut4This]

@@hoteliepattie do shops, taxis, buses and restaurants take Visa credit cards or US Dollars? Or I must convert to Won?

[@89s304]

I loved this video! It shows how much you know and you clearly explain things. Could you recommend me some documentaries about Korea (history, nature, food, traditions...)?

[@hoteliepattie]

Thank you so much!! I haven’t really watched documentaries about Korea to give recommendations but I heard good things about Korean Cold Noodle Rhapsody & one of my favorite movies is Little Forest (2018) which shows a lot of homemade food!

[@89s304]

@@hoteliepattie Thank u!!!​

[@Truthhurts808]

You did a great 👍 job highlighting each areas. I will definitely visit. Can I hire you as my guide 😂😂!

[@francinejaninesarmiento1797]

Your travel guide/tip video is a treasure trove of wisdom for rookies like me. Your personal touch sets it apart. Oh, and before I forget, have you heard about the v4 Bento Bag by NomadLane? It's creating quite a buzz among travelers.

[@hoteliepattie]

Thank you! and I have not - just looked it up and it looks very practical :)

[@charlesbrenan6269]

Wish I'd seen your vlog a month earlier before I went back to Seoul 2 weeks ago! Certainly wouldn't have wasted time going to Gangnam - wish I'd gone to Itaewon instead. Did most of the rest and nice to see it all again. Love Seoul - many thanks! 🌸 🇰🇷😊

[@cathalodiubhain5739]

Seoul is the best place I have ever been. People were very helpful and polite when I got lost. Coming from a small town in Ireland it was easy for me to get lost. The hotel was excellent with a state of the art gym. Heading over there again in a few months to visit my daughter. Thanks for posting I have found this video very helpful for my next visit. Greetings from Ireland

[@hoteliepattie]

Love to hear it!! Have a fabulous time with your daughter :)

[@cathalodiubhain5739]

@@hoteliepattie Hey thanks very much.

[@rillyjo5810]

which hotel?

[@rpark2109]

This is a really good overview of Seoul 😀 I would just add a couple of things. 1.) Itaewon use to house a US military base nearby. Because of the location of this military base, it was a place for US soldiers and other foreingers took some roots here. This international flavor still exists today. During much of the latter half of the 20th century and up to the 2010s, Itaewon was a hotbed for nightlife, which means it was a bit shady and dangerous area at times. However, over the past 15 years Itaewon has transformed into one of the most hip and ecletical places in seoul (not coincidentally overlapping the move of the US military base to Pyeontaek). However, Itaewon once again is experiencing change due to COVID 19 with many local businesses having to close shop and then these areas being gobbled up by greedy real estate companies. 2.) It is stated that Mapo-gu is where all the top prestigious universities are located. I don't think this is quite accurate. Actually none of the SKY universities (largely considered the best universities in Korea) are located here. SKY = Seoul National University (SNU), Korea University, and Yonsei University). They are located in Seodaemun-gu (Yonsei), Seongbuk-gu (Korea), and Gwanak-gu (SNU). Other notable universities are Ewha Univ. in Seodaemun-gu and Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Dongdaemun-gu. 3.) Pangyo is an area within the past 5-10 years that has seen a boom in development and has one of the largest Hyundai Department Stores in Seoul. I agree it is not the first place to go in Korea (unless you really love department stores).

[@hoteliepattie]

Wow! Thanks for the additional info. You seem to know a lot about Seoul :)

[@sanaekal7222]

Thank you for the guide! We are travelling to Korea and expect to be in Seoul for 2 or 3 weeks. In total we will be in Korea for 6 weeks. We are a family of four with small kids. Where would you recommend to stay? Would you recommend to book through airbnb? We cannot afford to stay in hotels for 6 weeks.

[@jhodges7041]

I have a trip planned for late august an im currently looking for a tour guide for one of the days we are there .

[@mariojsworld]

Very nice city guide.

[@Fanfreddy111]

Very informative video you have made and I really appreciate it. I wonder do you have plan for Busan such introduction video also.. Plan to make a visit and free exploration planning now.

[@hoteliepattie]

Thanks so much! I’ll keep Busan in mind when I create future videos :)

[@MassiveCarbonFootprint]

That was a superb job.🎉

[@amardeepkhosla2578]

Superb: an area overview not offered by most. Thank you. 🙏🏽

[@hoteliepattie]

Thank you so much!!😊

[@knockout2484]

Young Lady, outstanding video! I subscribed and wish you much success in your future endeavors. Also, perfect English spoken, loved it... 🐲🐲🐲

[@hoteliepattie]

Thanks so much!! Hope you’ll enjoy the upcoming videos too :)

[@Johanneslol11]

Thank you for some tips ! I was in Korea three times already and my wife and me were struggle to find good places now. My wife is born in Seoul but is now living with me in the Netherlands for 4 years

[@hoteliepattie]

Hope you and your family find some wow factors here on your next visit!

[@mars6607]

Very interesting and useful

[@davidrosen1915]

Great video. Thank you. R u going to do more S. Korea travel videos?

[@hoteliepattie]

Absolutely!

[@shakesnbake]

Thank you. That was so helpful. Is the Grand Hyatt the King Hotel from King the Land?

[@hoteliepattie]

Yes, the exterior shot was taken at Grand Hyatt Seoul, but the rest of the indoor scenes took place in another hotel called Parnas Hotel Heju 😊

[@robpires78]

Nice video thank you Do you organise tour day guide maybe in Seoul?

[@hoteliepattie]

Hello! I have been getting a lot of requests for private tours, and am not able to organize them at the moment. However, it may be a consideration for the future :)

[@Onion_Knights]

perfect, just wat i am looking for 😁👍 u didnt mention Jung Gu? or i missed it

[@Chris-vz2kv]

Hope you do more hotel reviews later they have been great

[@hoteliepattie]

Thank you so much ☺️ and of course, more hotel tours coming up soon!

[@pulsifiremash2017]

You are simply amazing !!! thank you !! i wonder if you can custom make a private Itinerary !! and again well presented and explained !!!

[@hoteliepattie]

Thank you 🫶🏻

[@Dmitryk1995]

Awesome keep it up❤

[@abdulazizalsalem1922]

If I arrived to seoul , I need travel guide . How can I arrange that. Thank you

[@Ksaw-dz5nv]

Very nice useful smooth video, almost , clears everything simple,clear,easy, it safe alot of times,direct to the point, respectable and it seems very honest , I give-it 10 TO 10 points bravo thank you very much indeed 🙏🥰👍🌹

[@hoteliepattie]

Thank you for the thorough feedback! I’m not able to give private tours at the moment, although it sounds like a fun consideration 😊

[@user-ny6ph8ph6q]

눈이 매력적

[@minchoi6535]

Hello, What an awesome & informative video. I am planning to visit South Korea 04/2025. Do you know any local travel tour guide?

[@heltonalves2890]

I love Seoul❤🇧🇷🇰🇷

[@whispers555]

Damn best info on Seoul for real

[@hoteliepattie]

Thank you so much!!

[@srangsamarak3466]

Wow beautiful

[@peterwu8471]

Cool video - you are absurdly pretty. It seems that there is a "Korean look," that is so common these days - but so lovely. I guess that's why it's so common. Anyhow, enjoy your youth!

[@hoteliepattie]

Thank you 😊!!

[@Dreamer10888]

Hi guys, our natural Asian olive yellow skin is just as nice if not better than the excessive whiteness. Embrace your natural features, it makes us unique

[@hyo2002]

경기도도 따로 하나 만들어 주세요....😃

[@hoteliepattie]

한번 기획 해볼께요!

[@sanfrancisocity]

For a first time visitor in Seoul, would you recommend a hotel in Gangnam or in Mapo? 😅 I am struggling to choose 😢

[@hoteliepattie]

Depends on what you want to see! I would generally recommend Jongno/Itaewon since it’s close to the historic “first-timer” attractions.

[@sheenak.5662]

Can you recommend any places where you can get beauty things done like microblading and lash lifts in Korea?

[@hoteliepattie]

There are a few lash lift salons around Gangnam Station that are decent (make sure they only specialize in lash lifts and don’t also offer other services like nails) I’ve never gotten microblading done before, so I can’t really recommend a place.

[@cyruscheung2885]

incheon is where the yangachis live