Delta Destinations
Your Guide to Seoul
No one knows travel quite like Delta people, which is why we've curated a guide to help you discover the best that Seoul has to offer. Unsure of where to stay? Want to know the best food you can get in the city? Just go ahead and book that flight - we'll help take care of the planning.
GETTING AROUND THE CITY
From the airport to your hotel
Serving both terminals of Seoul Incheon Airport, the Airport Railroad AREX connects you from the airport to the city center and public transportation hubs in around an hour. You can also take Airport Limousine buses which will take you straight to a wider range of local destinations. Follow the signage marked “Airport Railway” or “Bus” to get to the AREX or Airport Limousine terminal.
Take the public transportation
Seoul is well known for its fast and convenient public transport network. Travelers can purchase and top up a contactless ‘T-Money’ transportation card from a convenience store on the arrivals floor of the airport. The T-Money card can be used on most public transportation across South Korea (not accepted in intercity buses or trains).
Tip: You can refund the leftover balance on your T-Money at convenience stores after your trip for a small handling fee of 500 won.
Grab a taxi
For a direct ride to your destination or a late-night return to your lodgings after a fun night out, taxis can be an affordable and convenient option. Taxis with a red LED sign lit up behind the windshield are available, while taxis with green or blue LED sign are reserved. If you can't find a vacant taxi, you can hail one using apps like Uber Taxi, k.ride and TABA Taxi.
And if you're worried a language barrier might complicate your communications with local taxi drivers, Seoul International Taxi offers taxi services with English, Mandarin and Japanese speaking drivers.
SIDE QUEST
As a metropolis nestled amid surrounding mountains, Seoul offers numerous hiking and trekking options close to the city center.
Among the most captivating routes for hikers is the Seoul City Wall, a historic fortress originally built in the late 1300s to defend the capital. Walking along these ancient stone ramparts over scenic mountain ridges, you can discover the natural beauty and rich heritage that have coexisted with the city for over 600 years.
WHERE TO STAY
Explore some of our favorite areas to call home during your trip
Bukchon Hanok Village
Best for: Discovering Seoul’s old school heritage and culture, including Hanok—traditional Korean residence—accommodations, antique shops and independent art galleries.
Myeong-dong
Best for: Traveling seamlessly in the heart of Seoul with easy access to first time-visitors’ sightseeing essentials—museums, historic heritage sites and local markets.
Insa-dong
Best for: Those who want to immerse themselves in history and tradition. This central neighborhood is known for its antique shops, tea houses, art galleries and proximity to historical sites.
Seongsu-dong
Best for: Repeat visitors looking to explore a new area. While not as centrally located as other neighborhoods, this trendy area is full of some of the coolest cafes and shops as well as the Seoul Forest.
RECOMMENDED BY DELTA PEOPLE
We asked the people who live, work and play in Seoul which city experiences can’t be missed
Royal Palaces of Joseon Dynasty
If you go to Seoul for the history, you'll need to explore the five royal palaces of Joseon Dynasty, as they represent the rich historic heritage retained by Korea’s 600-year-old capital city. The five palaces include Gyeongbokgung (seen in the photo), Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung and Gyeonghuigung
Visitors wearing hanbok—Korean traditional clothing—are offered free entry to the palaces.
Seoul Forest
For a bit of respite during a packed vacation, head over to Seoul Forest near the Seongsu area. Have a picnic, read in the sun, peep the cherry blossom trees in the spring and the gingko trees in autumn.
Cheonggyecheon Stream
For when you need a small escape from the fast-paced city, you can take a stroll down this stream past art installations and illuminated fountains. For extra relaxation, grab your favorite book and head to the stream on the weekends between April-November to read alongside the Seoulites.
Photo courtesy of Seoul Tourism Archive
Gangnam District
The commercial district surrounding Gangnam Station is the center of Seoul’s modern urban lifestyle. Surrounded by towering skyscrapers and glowing neon signboards, this dynamic district offers an mix of world-class shopping, trendy dining, K-pop culture and buzzing nightlife.
Ikseon-dong
A hanok neighborhood turned into cafés and boutique shops, Ikseon-dong has a cozy and distinct look compared to Bukchon or Myeongdong.
Photo courtesy of Seoul Tourism Archive
Market Hopping
Your trip to Seoul isn't complete without a little market hopping to try as much food as possible. Gwangjang Market is the oldest and one of the most popular, while Tongin Market provides a unique experience where you can buy brass coins that you will use to purchase various items and assemble your own yeopjeon dosirak (brass coin lunchbox). For something smaller and more preferred by locals, head to Mangwon Market.
Photo courtesy of Seoul Tourism Archive
Dongdaemun Design Plaza
An architectural marvel located in the heart of Seoul’s historic fashion and textile district, DDP is home to the most vibrant and captivating design exhibitions. The fluid curves of its illuminated metal facades offer an inspiring glimpse into South Korea’s cutting-edge creativity.
Photo courtesy of Seoul Tourism Archive
A TASTE OF SEOUL
Our favorite quick bites, big meals and everything in between from across the city
Pajeon
These lightly-friend savory pancakes are perfectly crispy and also soft and come in a variety of options, from simple pajeon with green onions to haemul pajeon with seafood. Pop into a pojangmacha (a Korean street bar known for serving food that goes well with alcohol) and order a pajeon to share.
Makgeolli
This fermented, lightly sparkling rice wine has a slightly sweet and tangy taste and is usually served chilled and drunk from a bowl with a ladle. It pairs well with pajeon (Korean pancakes).
Naengmyeon
A refreshing dish that keeps Seoulites going on a hot day, naengmyeon is a buckwheat noodle dish served in cold beef broth.
Image courtesy of Seoul Tourism Archive
Kimchi Jjigae
This comforting stew is one of the most popular in Korean cuisine and is best enjoyed on a chillier day. As the name suggests, it's made with plenty of kimchi but also typically features pork, tofu, onions and other veggies. Because it's on the heartier side, it's best enjoyed with rice.
Korean Barbecue
Now renowned as Korea’s culinary icon, Korean barbecue is always a pleasant supper option that turns a good day even better. Sitting around with your traveling companions to share sizzling cuts of meat with banchan—Korean side dishes—unique to each establishment offers you a heart-warming and stomach-filling experience.
Tteokbokki
Tteokbokki is a soul food of many Seoulites that brings back the memories of their youth. The rice cakes simmered in a warm, spicy and sweet sauce offer a flavorful kick and a deliciously chewy texture.
Image courtesy of Seoul Tourism Archive
Yangnyeom Chicken
A variety of Korean fried chicken, this chicken is seasoned with a sweet and spicy sauce. Typically seen as anju (food eaten while drinking), yangnyeom chicken goes great with a cold beer.
Galbi
One of many options at a Korean barbecue establishment, this melt-off-the-bone meat can come non-marinated or marinated in a sweet and savory sauce.
Gamjatang
Gamjatang, or spicy pork bone soup, features potatoes and other vegetables.
Tip: Confused about the different soup options? Tang typically refers to a hearty soup that can be a main dish.; jjigae is thicker and goes best with rice; and guk is a much lighter soup.
Bibimbap
Bibimbap is a flavorful rice bowl topped with a colorful assortment of seasoned vegetables and your choice of protein. You can add red chili paste (gochujang) to your taste and thoroughly mix all the ingredients before eating.
Your Seoul Adventure Awaits
PRO TIP
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