Capital city, South Korea
Seoul
Fast, safe and endlessly busy capital with superb transit, 24-hour food and easy solo dining. Suits first-timers, nomads and teachers; summers are humid, winters bitter, and rents and deposits are steep.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$2,080–3,120Comfortable, one person · ₩2.8M–4.2MDetails
- Value for money34/100Better value than 33% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–May, Sep–NovWarmest: Aug, 28°CDetails
- Air quality25.4 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2019) · Very pollutedDetails
- Internet251 MbpsFixed broadband, South Korea medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilSeoul's Arisu tap water meets drinking standards, but most locals use filters; restaurants serve free filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel5/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$15–45Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundKakao TWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless almost everywhere, even street stalls and taxis.Details
Where to stay in Seoul
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Hongdae–Mangwon | Nightlife, cafés, young crowd, cheaper stays and language exchanges |
| Jongno–Bukchon | Palaces, hanok guesthouses and walkable old Seoul |
| Gangnam–Seolleung | Business district, coworking, polished and pricey |
| Seongsu | Converted-factory cafés, boutiques and a creative scene |
| Itaewon–Hannam | International food, expats and LGBTQ+ venues |
Apps that work in Seoul
Ride-hailing
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Baemin | Largest choice; Korean-language, foreign cards can be tricky |
| Coupang Eats | Fast delivery with frequent free-delivery promos |
- Maps: Naver Map or Kakao Map (Google Maps is limited)
- Messaging: KakaoTalk
- Papago: Translation, including photos of menus
- T-money: Subway, buses and convenience stores
- Korail Talk: KTX and intercity train tickets
- Taxis: Hail or book taxis by app; orange or silver licensed cabs are metered and honest. Avoid unmarked airport touts.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in South Korea.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless almost everywhere, even street stalls and taxis. Carry a little cash for older markets and some street food.
- Currency: Won (KRW). US$1 ≈ ₩1,347.39 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Use 'Global ATM' machines at banks, airports and convenience stores; fees of a few thousand won per withdrawal are common.
- Tipping: Not expected anywhere; upscale hotels and restaurants may add a 10% service charge.
- Paying by phone: Foreign chip cards work widely; Apple Pay only at NFC terminals; Alipay+ wallets at many shops; WOWPASS card for visitors.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Visa-exempt visitors need a K-ETA (about KRW 10,000), but many nationalities are excused until 31 Dec 2026.
- Without a K-ETA, file the free e-Arrival Card online from 3 days before landing.
- Apply only on k-eta.go.kr; look-alike sites charge extra fees.
Emergency numbers
Police 112 · Ambulance 119 · Fire 119 · Tourist police 1330
Plugs
Type C, F · 220 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Carrier counters at Incheon and Gimpo airports sell prepaid data SIMs and eSIMs; passport required; convenience stores sell some too. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in South Korea
Going to Seoul solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.