Great news for Seoul lovers and travelers. In 2026, Seoul was named the most walkable city in the world.
This shows that Seoul is not only exciting and modern, but also easy and safe to explore on foot.
For travelers, this means you can enjoy the city simply by walking.
Where Does This Ranking Come From?
The ranking comes from Time Out’s annual city survey.
Time Out asked more than 24,000 city residents around the world about their cities.
People were asked how good their city is for walking.
Seoul earned a top approval rating of about 93% from locals.
Seoul shared first place at the very top, just ahead of Edinburgh, which came in second.
The World’s Most Walkable Cities in 2026, According to Locals
Why Is Seoul So Walkable?
Seoul ranked first for several reasons:
1. Safety, Day and Night
Seoul is known as a very safe city to walk in.
You can enjoy a walk during the day or late at night with peace of mind.
2. Walkable Neighborhoods
Many popular areas are best explored on foot.
Places like Myeongdong, Insadong, and Hongdae are full of shops, cafes, and street food.
3. Great Public Transport Nearby
Even when you walk, the subway and buses are always close.
You can walk one area, then take the subway to the next.
4. Creative Walkways
Seoul has unique pedestrian paths like Seoullo 7017.
This is a 1,074-meter elevated “sky garden” with about 24,000 plants, built on an old highway.
Seoullo 7017 Location in Google
What This Means for Travelers
If you visit Seoul, walking is one of the best ways to enjoy the city.
- Explore neighborhoods on foot to find hidden cafes and shops
- Walk safely, even in the evening
- Mix walking with the subway to save time
- Enjoy street food and local life along the way