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Driving in Seoul isn’t the best option for casual travelers, especially when there are so many other ways to get around.

The public transportation system is probably all you’ll need. The subway system, called the Metro, is one of the most-used subway systems in the world. It’s quick, reliable, comfortable, and safe.

It’s also pretty inexpensive. Prices are determined by how far you ride. And it’s very easy to use.

Signs and maps have English, Chinese, and Japanese translations, so visitors who don’t understand Korean won’t have any trouble.

There are Metro routes covering pretty much all of the city. But even if there’s somewhere the subway won’t take you, a bus can probably get you there.

Buses aren’t quite as user-friendly as the Metro, so you should plan your trip out in advance if you think you’ll need to use one.

You can pay for rides on the Metro and bus with single tickets, or with a rechargeable T-money card.

The T-money card is a good investment if you plan on using the Metro a lot. It’s easy to use and will save you money on bus transfers.

If public transportation doesn’t do the trick, taxis are a good bet. They’re safe and reasonably priced. Not all taxi drivers speak English, so you might want to your destination written down to show them.

There are plenty of convenient ways to get around Seoul, so you won’t have to worry about transportation.

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Any season is a good time to visit Seoul but summer can be touristy so it’s not the best time to visit. Even though monsoon season is in June and July, tourists still seem to prefer summer travel to Seoul. If you visit during the summer, you can expect heat, humidity, rain, and crowds.

On the other hand, winter is the low season. It can get very cold, but it’s the best time to find bargains.

The Lunar New Year is the exception to that rule because Seoul sees lots of visitors for this important holiday. Look up what week the Lunar New Year will fall before deciding when to visit.

If you do choose to visit during the winter, it’s still easy to enjoy Seoul while it’s cold. Just pack a warm coat and make sure to spend some time in one of Seoul’s hot springs.

If you really can’t stand the cold, there are still some bargains in the spring, when the weather is mild and pleasant.

But if you visit during one of the festivals, such as the Cherry Blossom Festival in April, you can expect Seoul to be crowded and pricier. Book ahead of time, or you might not be able to get a hotel room.

Fall also has beautiful weather and few tourists, so it’s a good compromise.

As long as you avoid the summer months, your trip to Seoul will be a success.

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Seoul is an old historic city with a lot to see.

Make sure to visit at least one of the palaces. Gyeongbokgung Palace is the oldest, and it’s one of Korea’s most popular destinations. And, Changdeokgung Palace is worth visiting for its extensive, historic garden alone. Deoksugung Palace has a unique combination of influences in its design, both Korean and Western as well as ancient and modern.

You should also pay a visit to the Jongmyo shrine. This is the shrine to the royalty that once lived in Seoul’s palaces.

For more history, visit Bukchon Hanok Village to see a preserved traditional Korean village.

To learn more about Korean history and culture, visit the National Museum of Korea. There are thousands of pieces of art in the collection.

When you’re ready to stretch your legs, the Insadong neighborhood is the best place to wander around. You can shop for antiques, visit art galleries, or have a drink in a traditional teahouse.

The Namdaemun Market is the place to go for all your other shopping. It’s Seoul’s oldest market, and you can find everything from food to electronics there.

If the city starts to wear on you, visit Namsan Park. You can go hiking on Mount Namsan and take in amazing views of the city.

There’s no shortage of diverse and beautiful things to see and experience in Seoul.