Seoul is the capital city of South Korea and home to over ten million people. This vast metropolis is ablaze with neon lights, gleaming skyscrapers, and high-tech subways. A bustling city that never stops, you’ll find tempting street food, fad-tastic shops, and gadgets galore. Seoul has a thriving economy, with manufacturing and technology being key industries; some of the world’s leading electronic brands - including Samsung and LG - were established here. Seoul is an Alpha city and a key business destination. If you are planning your first business trip to Seoul, we’ve covered everything you need to know about visiting this dynamic destination.
Getting to Seoul
Seoul is served by two major airports: Incheon International Airport and Gimpo International Airport. Incheon airport is the largest airport in South Korea and one of the top-rated airports in the world. Highly ranked for cleanliness, efficiency, transit time and services, it even has a golf course, spa, ice rink and casino. The airport was built on reclaimed land between Yeomgjomg and Yongyu islands forty-eight kilometres to the west of Seoul. There is a subway available to Central Seoul Station that takes around 42 minutes, or you can choose to travel by bus or taxi.
Business travellers can fly direct to Seoul from London Heathrow in just over ten hours. Seoul is also well connected to many other leading cities including Beijing, Tokyo, New York and Paris.
Accommodation in Seoul
When visiting Seoul experienced business travellers often choose to stay in serviced apartments. Offering a relaxing space in the city, serviced apartments in Seoul are available in a range of types and sizes including one-, two-, and three-bedroom options. This makes them a great choice for those travelling with family. Many corporate travellers also relish the flexibility apartments provide, especially when it comes to kitchen facilities and having the option to cook and dine in your apartment.
Seoul is a vast city which is divided into districts and neighbourhoods. There are three key business districts in Seoul; CBD Gwanghwamun, the Gangnam Business District (GBD), and the Yeouido Business District (YBD). All boast a range of accommodation options and good transport links so travel between them is straight-forward. Some of our favourite serviced apartments in Seoul can be found here.
Eating in Seoul
Like many of its Asian neighbours, Korean cuisine tends to be packed with pungent flavours and spices. Often featuring rice, noodles, and vegetables, many dishes are stirfried or barbecued enhancing the flavour. You’ll find some great markets and street food in Seoul. Gwangjang Market, Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night market, Common Ground and Myeongdong Street Food Alley are all great places for business travellers in Seoul to sample freshly cooked street food. Some key dishes to try are Bindaetteok (savoury pancakes) Tteokbokki (spicy ice cakes) and Kimchi (flavoured fermented cabbage). Seoul also offers a vast range of restaurants for business travellers. A classic Korean BBQ restaurant is an experience not to be missed. Often each table has a hot plate/BBQ where the fresh meat is seared and cooked in front of you. One of the top-rated BBQ restaurants in Seoul is 853 which specialises in delicious pork cuts. it makes the perfect destination for an informal business dinner.
Getting around Seoul
Seoul has a very efficient transport system, with clean and modern public transport. When on a business trip to Seoul the metro system is a fantastic way of getting around this megacity. The metro operates from 5.30am to midnight and is generally safe and reliable. Most signs and announcements are in Korean, English and Chinese which can be extremely helpful when navigating the city.
Buses and taxis are also available but roads and traffic in Seoul can be busy. Taxis can be hailed by the roadside, or you’ll find taxi stands across the city - a red light means the taxi is available.
Cycling is a good option for getting around Seoul avoiding the heavy traffic. You’ll find green and white bikes dotted across the city which you can rent by the hour as part of Seoul bike rental scheme.
Conference Venues in Seoul
Seoul has a range of conference venues and exhibition sites across the city. It hosts many international events attracting visitors from all over Asia. Some of the most popular venues are COEX Convention Center, the SETEC, and the EL Tower.
Top Sights in Seoul
Seoul combines historic Korean traditions with modern infrastructure. You’ll find intricate ancient palaces and traditional wooden houses alongside high-tech skyscrapers and neon signs. It is worth taking the time on your business trip to Seoul to explore the city and the dynamic culture it possesses. Some of our favourite sights to visit in Seoul are:
1. The National Museum of Korea
One of the largest museums in Asia, the National Museum of Korea showcases Korean art and history. Covering everything from the prehistoric times to the modern day, some of the artefacts on display are over a million years old.
2. The Gyeongbokgung Palace
This ancient palace is an iconic sight in Korea. Built in 1395 during the Joseom Dynasty, it is a key element of Seoul history. You can explore the stunning grounds and intricate buildings, and, if you time it right you may also catch the impressive changing of the guard ceremony during your visit.
3. The Blue House
Officially called ‘Cheongwadae’ this is the official residence of the Republic of Koreas head of state. There are a range of buildings within the complex, but the main building is built in the style of traditional Korean architecture, but with a distinct blue tiled roof – hence the name ‘the Blue House’. This is the most protected official residence in Asia, access is limited but you can book a prearranged tour.
4. N Seoul Tower
Located at the top Namsan Mountain, the N Seoul Tower is a broadcasting tower that also provides stunning 360-degree views over Seoul. You can walk through the stunning Namsan Park to get to the top or there is a cable car ride that can save your legs from the climb.
5. Bukchon Hanok Traditional Village
This is a traditional Korean village which was built over 600 years ago. Preserved to show how life in Seoul once was, you can explore the little alleys and streets nestled between traditional Hanok houses. It is free to visit, or you can arrange a guided tour for a small charge.
6. Myeongdong
One of Seoul’s most famous neighbourhoods this area is a must see for those wanting to experience modern Korean culture. Here you’ll find buzzing department stores, tempting food outlets, and the latest K Wave Korean trends.
Top tips
- In Korean culture it is important to respect your elders – it is considered impolite if you don’t give up your seat on the metro to a person older than you.
- If your business trip to Seoul is for more than few days it can be worth purchasing a T-Money card. These can be used when travelling around Seoul on buses, taxis, and the subway. It should save you time and money.
- Punctuality is important in Korea, especially when it comes to business meetings. It is also favoured to take time building business relationships and it often takes time for business decisions to be made.
Seoul is a key business city and a dynamic destination. If you are planning your first business trip to Seoul, take a look at our full range of serviced apartments in Seoul here. Alternately contact our friendly team to help find the perfect accommodation for your trip.
