Discovering the Best of Seoul
Summary: Exploring the Best of Seoul: Your Guide to Top Sites, Restaurants, Nightlife, and More. From Cultural Experiences to Outdoor Adventures, We'll Help You Make the Most of Your Time in the City.
Welcome to Seoul! If you're planning to move to Seoul, congratulations on taking the first step towards a new adventure. While there are many things to think about before you leave, such as visas, housing, and transportation, it's important to remember that once you arrive, the fun really begins. In this article, we'll introduce you to some of the best sites, restaurants, and nightlife that Seoul has to offer, as well as provide tips on recreational activities and making friends in Seoul.
Seoul is a vibrant city with a wide variety of attractions for both tourists and locals. One of the most popular sites is Gyeongbokgung Palace, a royal palace built in 1395. It is the largest of the five grand palaces in Seoul and is a great place to learn about the history of the city. Another popular site is N Seoul Tower, a communications and observation tower located on Namsan Mountain. Visitors can take the cable car to the top of the tower and enjoy the stunning views of the city. The Bukchon Hanok Village is also a popular destination, where visitors can explore traditional Korean houses and learn about the culture and history of the city.
Seoul is also known for its vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene. Some of the most popular restaurants include the Michelin-starred Jungsik, which serves modern Korean cuisine, and the traditional Korean restaurant, Gaon. For a more casual dining experience, visitors can try the popular Korean BBQ restaurant, Gogung. For nightlife, some of the most popular bars include the speakeasy-style bar, The Blind Pig, and the rooftop bar, Cloud 9. For a more traditional experience, visitors can visit the traditional Korean tea house, Insadong Sujebi.
Seoul also offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors and locals alike. Popular activities include hiking at Bukhansan National Park, which offers stunning views of the city, and visiting the Seoul Grand Park, which features a zoo, botanical garden, and amusement park. For a more cultural experience, visitors can visit the National Museum of Korea, which houses a variety of artifacts from the country's history. Other popular activities include shopping at the Dongdaemun Market, which features a variety of clothing and accessories, and visiting the Namsan Hanok Village, which features traditional Korean houses.
Connect
SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Connect
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
Insider Tips from Expats in Seoul: Making the Most of Life and Connections
"There are quite a few clubs now that bring together expats and Koreans. Both give the other what they want most: for expats it's comraderie and a chance to see the sights of Korea/Seoul and learn a little bit about Korean people, culture, language and food; for the Koreans it's much the same...but with an emphasis on friendship and language.Some I've found, but could not really take full advantage of, are: www.seoulclub.co.kr (a language/events club), www.adventurekorea.com (an event/language club) and www.ccck.org (Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Korea).Bar-hopping in Itaewon (especially during a Rugby or Football/Soccer game) is sure to turn up many, many expats from all over the globe.For those who prefer more Godly gatherings there is the (reputed) largest church in the world in Yeoido, where I live, that has a congregation of something like 700,000 as of a couple of years ago--traffic is pretty brutal on Sunday as many are bussed in for the SIX packed services throughout the day," said one expat living in Seoul.
"SIWA Women's organization Seoulsynergy- a club for triathletes and runners Anzcck- Aussie and New Zealand chamber of commerce," wrote a member in Seoul.
"The Royal Asiatic Society for tours of Asia and hiking and bi monthly lectures on Korean history. The International Hikers club for weekly mountain treks," commented one expat who made the move to Seoul.
"First Recommendation: Expats in Korea should take some Korean language classes. After I arrived in Korea, US Army Tour, I made an agreement to teach a young Korean high school student English for one or two hours per week if she would teach me Korean for the amount amount of time. That was without a doubt the best decision I made while in Korea ... I was a Captain in the Army at the time and shortly after, about 3 or 4 months I was selected to Command a Company with around 80 Republic of Korea Army soldiers assigned ... Perhaps it was because of my Korean language skills ... Not sure but a great job and great for my Military Career. I just returned from Korea, (June 2017), I attended a Unit reunion after more than 40 years. I loved it and am planning a move to Korea ... Sometimes in early 2018. PS: During my total of six years in Korea, (2 different tours), I only met two or three people that I did not like," remarked one expat living in Seoul.
"Expats in Seoul often join clubs and activities such as language exchange groups, hiking clubs, and sports teams. Expats can also meet people by attending events such as art exhibitions, music concerts, and festivals. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests, as well as attending meetups and networking events. Finally, expats can also meet people by simply exploring the city and talking to locals," wrote one member in Seoul.
Connect
SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Connect
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
"For men the priority is WORK...bar none...well, after work they like to go to the bar too. That doesn't mean that Koreans are all fuddy-duddies, but they are definately less laid-back than, say, Canadians or Americans--especially Canadians. This focus means that most of their friends are from work, from previous work or (if they are upwardly mobile) future working groups. For women the Job One is clear: family. Get a good husband, raise a good family and have a good life. Keep everyone well fed, warm, healthy and happy (hubby is in charge of keeping everyone wealthy, but wife usually controls the purse-strings). For all Koreans family is first...maybe before work for some guys (but, admittedly, not that many). All Koreans have a strong bond to past present and (somewhat) future family members--especially children and elders. Children are like gold and elders are treated with respect--not in all cases, but in many. Every social event will have a few key articles: (i) picnic basket or delivered food...Koreans like to eat; (ii) soju, beer or some other drink...even the ladies may have a beer or so, you'd be surprised; (iii) blankets and such...as even with the alcohol Koreans like to always keep warm. Koreans have many sport interests. Some play street and arena basketball, many rollerblade(or, as they say, inline skateing), but the big sport is soccer. Tears flow whether they are winning or losing or even watching 2 visiting teams play. Everyone, in their words, goes crazy for it," commented an expat living in Seoul.
"Most expat men come to work and their wives tag along (mostly reluctantly). Expat wives spend alot of time shopping, caring for their children and lunching with the ladies. A lot of men try to do sports in Seoul and if single, there's a lot of drinking and partying going on. Korean people run in their own circles and don't really associate with foreigners that much, mostly due to the language and cultural barriers," said an expat in Seoul.
"work and spending money and eating and eating some more. And driving cars and motorbikes," remarked one expat who made the move to Seoul.
"Work! Work! Work! The Korean people are exceptionally hard workers ... The best students in the world," explained one expat living in Seoul.
"Life for expats and digital nomads in Seoul is generally quite pleasant. The city is modern and vibrant, with plenty of opportunities for work, leisure, and exploration. The cost of living is relatively low, and the public transportation system is efficient and reliable. Expats and digital nomads can find a wide variety of accommodation options, from traditional Korean-style apartments to modern high-rise buildings. The city is also home to a diverse range of international restaurants, cafes, and bars, making it easy to find a place to socialize and meet new people. Seoul is a great place to live for those looking for a unique and exciting experience," said one expat in Seoul.
Connect
SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Connect
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.