Seoul Travel Guide

South Korea

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9.7M
Population
GMP
Nearest airport
$117
Daily Budget
85
Walkability
HIGH
Safety

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Plan your arrival in Seoul

Arriving

  • Seoul Gimpo International Airport (GMP) · 18 km away
  • Main stationsSeoul Station

Getting online on arrival

  1. Install your South Korea eSIM at home over Wi-Fi: iPhone or Android steps.
  2. When you land at Seoul Gimpo International Airport (GMP), turn on the eSIM line and data roaming for it.
  3. Networks listed on our South Korea plans: LG Uplus (5G) and SKTelecom (5G).
  4. South Korea plans currently start at $2.75, for 100MB over 7 days. Compare all 15 plans.

New to eSIMs? How an eSIM works · How much data you need

Landing late or with kids? Pre-book an airport transfer

Staying connected

  • Coverage4G/5G · excellent
  • Wi-Fiwidespread
  • Suggested dataabout 1.5 GB a day · work it out
  • Weak signalCertain parts of Bukhansan National Park
Compare eSIM plans

Useful apps

  • TransportKakao Taxi
  • Food deliveryBaedal Minjok and Coupang Eats

Seoul at a glance

Population
9,668,465 (2020)
Elevation
38 m above sea level
On or near
Han River and Cheonggyecheon
Time zone
UTC+09:00
Currency
won (KRW)
Plug types
C and F
Emergency numbers
Police 112 · Ambulance 119 · Fire 119
Drives on the
right
Official languages
Korean and Korean Sign Language
Calling code
+82

Sources: Wikidata and OurAirports open data, checked 29 October 2026.

Staying Connected

How long is your trip?

Prices in USD

On every plan here

  • Uses SKTelecom and LG Uplus, with 5G where available
  • Starts when you first connect, so you can install it before you fly

Our pick for each trip length from today’s plans: the lowest price that lasts the whole trip with enough data a day. A starting point, not a guarantee of what you’ll use. Data only, for unlocked eSIM phones. Check your phone · How much data do I need?

Compare all 15 South Korea eSIM plans Travelling as a family? One order for 2 to 6 eSIMs, each labelled by name. Save up to 25%.

Top Attractions

1
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Historical palace with beautiful gardens.
2h $3
2
N Seoul Tower
Iconic tower offering panoramic views of the city.
1.5h $10

Best Areas to Stay

Myeongdong
Vibrant area known for shopping and street food.
TouristsNightlife
Gangnam
Modern district with upscale amenities.
BusinessFamilies

Typical Costs (USD)

$100
Hotel/Night
$15
Meal
$3
Transport
$4
Coffee
Estimated Daily Budget (USD)
Backpacker: $52 Tourist: $117 Family: $364

* Estimated from typical costs

Local Tips

Peak Hours:7-9am, 5-7pm
Best Day:Weekdays
Custom:Respect for elders is important, bowing is common.
Common Mistakes
  • Not carrying cash for small vendors
  • Ignoring local customs

Food & Drink

Must Try:Kimchi, Bibimbap, Bulgogi
Vegetarian:Medium
Tap Water:Drinkable
Gwangjang MarketMyeongdong Street Food

Getting Around

Public Transport:Excellent
Walkability:85/100
MetroBus

Climate & Weather

Best time to visit: March, April, October

Warmest monthAug30°C average high
Coolest monthJan-5°C average low
Wettest monthJul414 mm of rain
Driest monthJan17 mm of rain
Average daily high and low (°C) Rain (mm)
Monthly figures
MonthHigh °CLow °CRain mmRainy days
Jan2.1-5.5173
Feb5.1-3.2283
Mar11.01.9375
Apr17.98.0737
May23.613.51047
Jun27.618.71308
Jul29.022.341413
Aug30.022.934812
Sep26.217.71427
Oct20.210.6525
Nov11.93.5516
Dec4.2-3.4234

Averages for 1991–2020, not a forecast. Source: WMO climate normals (Seoul, 1 km from Seoul).

Seoul travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Seoul?

March, April and October are usually the best months to visit Seoul. Average daytime highs range from about 2°C in January to 30°C in August.

How much does a day in Seoul cost?

Plan from about US$52 a day on a backpacker budget to around US$117 for a typical visitor, covering accommodation, meals and local transport (estimates).

How do I get around Seoul?

Public transport includes metro and bus and is rated excellent. Walkability scores 85/100.

Which airport serves Seoul?

The nearest airport with scheduled flights is Seoul Gimpo International Airport (GMP), about 18 km from Seoul.

Is Seoul safe for tourists?

Overall safety is rated high. Watch for tourist overcharging. Areas generally considered safe include Gangnam and Myeongdong. Check official travel advice before you go.

How do I stay connected in Seoul?

Install a South Korea eSIM before you travel and turn it on when you land at Seoul Gimpo International Airport (GMP). Our South Korea plans list LG Uplus (5G) and SKTelecom (5G).

Is tap water safe to drink in Seoul?

Tap water is generally considered drinkable.

Explore more of South Korea

South Korea travel guideSouth Korea eSIM plans

Straight-line distances from Seoul.

Disclaimer

The information in this guide is intended for general travel planning purposes only and may change without notice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Graba SIM does not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or timeliness of the content. Travellers should verify entry requirements, local laws, health advice and services with official sources before and during their trip. Graba SIM is not responsible for any loss, injury, or inconvenience arising from reliance on the information provided. Always check with relevant government and health authorities for the most up-to-date travel requirements.