Seoul South Korea
Seoul is a city of striking contrasts: ancient palaces and glass towers share the same skyline, traditional markets operate a block from Michelin-starred restaurants, and quiet temple gardens sit surrounded by some of the busiest commercial streets in Asia. The South Korean capital occupies a granite mountain basin bisected by the Han River, giving it a geographic drama that few major cities can match. For conference attendees the infrastructure is excellent - a comprehensive metro network, reliable airport rail from Incheon, accommodation at every price point concentrated in Gangnam near the main conference venues, and enough to fill every evening without repeating yourself.
- Gyeongbokgung Palace - The largest of Seoul’s five grand Joseon-era palaces; the changing of the guard ceremony runs twice daily and is free.
- Bukchon Hanok Village - A preserved neighbourhood of traditional hanok houses on the hillside between the two main palaces; best explored in the early morning before tour groups arrive.
- Gwangjang Market - Seoul’s oldest traditional market; the covered food section is the best place in the city for bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and raw yukhoe (beef tartare).
- Dongdaemun Design Plaza - Zaha Hadid’s extraordinary curved building is free to walk around; the surrounding night markets are open until 5am.
- Han River parks - Rent a bike from one of the riverside stations and cycle along the Han; picnicking on the river banks is a major Seoul leisure activity.
- Day trip to the DMZ - The Demilitarized Zone is 60 km north; joint security area tours from Seoul run daily and provide a genuinely sobering insight into the divided peninsula.
Incheon International (ICN) is 52 km from central Seoul. The AREX express train reaches Seoul Station in 43 min (~9,500 KRW / ~7 USD). The AREX all-stop service is slower but cheaper (~4,250 KRW). Taxis cost around 65,000-85,000 KRW by standard cab. Gimpo (GMP) is closer and mainly serves domestic and some short-haul international routes.
Seoul’s metro is comprehensive, fast, and very affordable (~1,400 KRW per ride). T-Money card (rechargeable) works across metro, buses, and some taxis. The network has English signage throughout. Kakao T is the local rideshare equivalent of Uber. Walking in major districts like Gangnam, Hongdae, and Insadong is enjoyable and the city is very safe.
Spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November) are the best seasons - clear skies, mild temperatures (12-20C), and the famous cherry blossoms or foliage. Summer (June-August) is hot and humid with a monsoon season in July. Winter (December-February) is very cold and dry with occasional snow - layer up for outdoor walking.
Map
3 upcoming conferences in Seoul
Jun 29–3, 2026
Jul 6–11, 2026
Mar 22–26, 2027
▶ 1 past conference in Seoul
Seoul’s largest conferences are at COEX in Gangnam, directly above the Samseong subway station and the COEX Mall. Staying in Gangnam or along Line 2 keeps you within a short metro ride or walk of the venue and in one of the city’s best districts for food and nightlife. Myeongdong and Jongno are more central for sightseeing but add 30 to 40 minutes of metro time to COEX. Incheon Airport connects to Gangnam in about an hour on the AREX plus a transfer.
Our picks in Seoul
A curated selection of hotels chosen for location, value, and fit for conference travellers.
Gangnam Seven Hostel
130 Bangbae ro, Seocho gu, Seoul
A modern hostel with private and dorm rooms offering easy access to both COEX and central Seoul.
GLAD Gangnam COEX Center
610, Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
A sleek mid-tier business hotel in the heart of Gangnam, ideal for conference-goers seeking convenience, comfort, and city immersion.
Goyoo Inn & Cabins
11-16 Teheran ro 77 gil, Gangnam gu, Seoul
A capsule style hostel providing cosy pods and convenient services near COEX.
Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas
521 Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06164
Five-star IHG hotel in the Parnas complex adjacent to COEX, with a marble-clad lobby, a top-rated grill restaurant, and an indoor pool,...
Hotel In 9 Gangnam
618 Yeongdong daero, Gangnam gu, Seoul
A stylish four star hotel with modern design near COEX offering upscale amenities and panoramic city views.
Hotel Peyto Samseong
9 Teheran ro 87 gil, Gangnam gu, Seoul
A chic three star lifestyle hotel blending modern design with convenience near COEX.
Hotel Uri&
20 Samseong Ro 96 Gil, Gangnam Gu, Seoul
A four star hotel offering modern comfort with wellness facilities near COEX and Starfield Library.
InterContinental Seoul COEX
524 Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06164
Five-star IHG hotel directly connected to COEX via indoor walkway, with extensive meeting facilities, multiple restaurants, and a spa, the most convenient...
Oakwood Premier COEX Center Seoul
46 Teheran Ro 87 Gil, Gangnam Gu, Seoul
A luxurious five star serviced residence offering spacious suites and top tier amenities within the COEX complex.
Shilla Stay Samsung
506 Yeongdong daero, Gangnam gu, Seoul
A modern three star business hotel by the Shilla brand combining comfort and convenience near COEX.
Sofitel Ambassador Seoul Hotel & Serviced Residences
209 Jamsil Ro, Songpa Gu, Seoul
A five star French inspired luxury hotel and serviced residence overlooking Seokchon Lake blending Parisian elegance with Korean hospitality.
Stella Hostel
62 Seolleung ro 90 gil, Gangnam gu, Seoul
A cosy apartment style hostel featuring self catering amenities near COEX and Seonjeongneung Royal Tombs.
The Ja Coex Hostel
17 Yeongdong daero 85 gil, Gangnam gu, Seoul
A simple two star hostel providing private and dormitory style rooms near COEX and Hyundai Department Store.
The Westin Seoul Parnas
521 Teheran Ro, Gangnam Gu, Seoul
A prestigious five star hotel known for elegant interiors, extensive wellness facilities and unbeatable proximity to COEX.
YaKorea Hostel Gangnam
19 Teheran ro 43 gil, Gangnam gu, Seoul
A friendly two star hostel offering shared kitchen and community spaces close to Seolleung Station.
Community Notes