Travel and Hotel Information for IntelliCAD World 2025
We asked Miseong Park, a local in South Korea and employee at CADIAN, to help us curate a list of must-do things. Combined with our own research, here are hotel details, travel tips, and cultural experiences to make the most of your time in Seoul.
The official conference hotel is the Royal Hotel Seoul, located in the heart of Myeongdong. The hotel is surrounded by shopping, dining, and cultural landmarks, and is within walking distance of many top attractions.
- Location: Jung-gu, Seoul
- Conference Venue: Jade Room, Royal Hotel Seoul
- Power: 220V, Type C/F plugs. Bring a universal adapter.
- Nearby Landmarks:
Additional resources: Hotel Website | YouTube Tour | TripAdvisor | Expedia
Getting Around Seoul
- Airport Transfers: Taxis, Airport Limousine Buses, and AREX (Airport Express) trains are convenient for reaching central Seoul.
- Public Transit: The subway is reliable and extensive. Use Kakao Subway or Naver Maps (Google Maps is not reliable in Korea).
- Taxis & Payments: Korea is card-friendly and widely supports Samsung Pay; Apple Pay is less common.
Top Attractions Near the Hotel
Hiking in Seoul:
Beyond Seoul: Recommended Cities & Day Trips
- Jeju Island (3–4 days): Volcanic landscapes, Hallasan Mountain, beaches, waterfalls. 1-hour flight from Seoul.
- Gyeongju (2–3 days): Ancient capital, “museum without walls.” Highlights include Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, and royal tombs. 2-hour KTX train.
- Busan (2–3 days): Korea’s second-largest city, famous for Haeundae Beach, Jagalchi Fish Market, and Gamcheon Culture Village. 2.5-hour KTX train.
- Nami Island (Day Trip): Picturesque tree-lined paths, bike rentals, and seasonal foliage. 1.5 hours by train or bus.
- Andong (1–2 days): Hahoe Folk Village, traditional culture, mask dance festival. (Check news before visiting due to 2025 fire damage.)
Must-Have Cultural Experiences
- Palaces: (Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung in Seoul with the royal guard ceremony)
- Wear Hanbok: (traditional Korean clothing) while visiting palaces or hanok villages
- Food to Try: Korean BBQ 'Samgyeopsal' (grilled pork belly), Korean fried chicken with beer 'Chi Mac', 'Samgyetang' - Chicken soup, Street food at Gwangjang Market, Bibimbap (rice with lots of namul: stir-fried vegetables)
- Wellness: Experience a jjimjilbang (Korean sauna), such as Insadong.
- Arts & Museums: National Museum of Korea, War Memorial, National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Leeum Museum of Art, Seoul Museum of History.
- K-Pop & Nightlife:
- SMTOWN, HYBE Insight, or JYP buildings: K-POP entertainment company hubs with exhibitions & merch shops.
- K-POP dance classes in Hongdae or Gangnam: Learn choreography of BTS, BLACKPINK, or NewJeans songs
Dining Recommendations
Near the hotel (although, I recommend exploring some other places than just near the hotel)
Near Euljiro 3-ga subway station (5-10 mins walk from the hotel)
- Wondumak - Korean course menu (Rib, Marinated raw crab, jeon pizza etc). Reservation necessary
- Jingogae - Long-established (over 50 years) Korean restaurant - Braised Short Ribs, Boiled Pork belly with veggie
- Umeton - Japanese Pork cutlet
- PKY listening bar - Wine, Cocktail, Whisky, Beer with pairing food and desserts
- NEEDS BURGER
- CHOP CHOP - Vietnamese restaurant
- Okonomiyaki Jeonghwa – Okonomiyaki (Japanese pizza)
- Pojangmacha food tents near Gwangjang Market or Dongdaemun – late-night street food (tteokbokki, soju, seafood)
Near Gyeongbokgung Palace
Vegetarian/Vegan options
- Insadong & Bukchon Hanok Village: Traditional crafts, calligraphy, pottery.
- Myeongdong: K-beauty and skincare shops such as Olive Young and Innisfree.
- Hongdae: Indie designer goods and youth fashion.
- Department Stores: Lotte and Shinsegae for luxury shopping and duty-free.
Travel Tips: Do’s and Don’ts
- Payments: Korea is very card-friendly. Samsung Pay is widely accepted; Apple Pay is less common. Carry a small amount of cash, but cards are fine almost everywhere.
- Tipping: Don’t tip at restaurants or in taxis – tipping is not customary in Korea.
- Side Dishes: Complimentary side dishes (banchan) are served at most restaurants, and you can ask for refills.
- Public Behavior: Avoid speaking loudly on public transit. Priority seats on buses and subways are reserved for elderly, pregnant, or disabled passengers – don’t sit in them, even if the bus/train is empty.
- Respectful Gestures: When giving or receiving items such as money, credit cards, or business cards, use two hands (or support your right hand with your left). The same applies when pouring or receiving drinks. This is a sign of respect in Korean culture.
- Shoes: Remove your shoes when entering someone’s home and at some traditional restaurants or temples.
- Personal Space: Avoid touching people casually, especially older Koreans, unless you know them well. A light bow or nod is a polite greeting.
- Red Ink: Don’t write someone’s name in red ink – it is traditionally associated with death and considered very bad luck.
- Language Help: Download Google Translate for quick menu and conversation support.
Some more reading on Do's and Don'ts:
