Capital of Korea for over 600 years since the Joseon Dynasty established it in 1394, Seoul is a city where ancient palaces sit beneath gleaming skyscrapers. The Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Changdeokgung Secret Garden preserve centuries of Korean heritage. Seoul's transformation from a war-ravaged city in 1953 to a global tech and cultural powerhouse is one of history's most remarkable urban stories.
Nights sit around 19°C and afternoons around 27°C, though some days reach 31°C.
Seoul has real seasons: summer afternoons sit around 30°C, winter ones around 5°C.
Some summer days reach 35°C, and some winter nights drop below freezing.
Most of the rain falls in summer, least in winter. The wettest month is July, with 414 mm.
Wind is rarely an issue; most months sit between calm and a light breeze. Air quality is worth watching: January averages an AQI of 96, while September clears to 78.
Days stretch to about 14.6 hours of light in June and shrink to 9.4 in December — something to weigh if you work to a fixed timezone.
No month in Seoul matches what you're after, so come for the place rather than the weather. Expect fast internet (270 Mbps) and a moderate cost of living (about €1400 a month).
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