Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview
Seoul (서울) is one of the essential stops in South Korea, located in the Seoul region. Joseon royal palaces, hanok lanes, 24-hour night markets, K-culture and mountain fortress trails.
With direct connections via KORAIL KTX & SRT High-Speed Rail, Seoul rewards a stay of 4–6 days so you can balance major landmarks with neighborhood cafés, markets, and easy half-day excursions.
Neighbourhoods & areas
Gwanghwamun, Jongno & Bukchon Hanok Village
Historic royal heart of Seoul home to Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Secret Garden, Bukchon hanok lanes, Insadong teahouses, and Ikseon-dong courtyard cafés.
Myeongdong, Euljiro & Namsan
Central shopping and street-food district below N Seoul Tower, with K-beauty flagships, currency exchange counters, and Euljiro (Hipjiro) retro printing-alley bars.
Hongdae, Yeonnam-dong & Seongsu-dong
Youthful indie music, street performance, and design café districts along the Gyeongui Line Forest Park and Seongsu red-brick warehouse galleries.
Top sights & experiences
Gyeongbokgung Palace & Gwanghwamun Gate
Flagship 1395 Joseon dynasty royal palace framed by Bugaksan Mountain; catch the 10:00 AM or 2:00 PM Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (free entry in hanbok).
Changdeokgung Palace & Huwon Secret Garden
UNESCO World Heritage palace renowned for its Rear Garden (Huwon) pavilions and lotus pond — reserve timed Secret Garden tickets online in advance.
Bukchon Hanok Village & N Seoul Tower
Walk the preserved hilltop hanok alleys between the palaces in the morning, then ride the Namsan Cable Car up to N Seoul Tower for sunset city views.
What to eat
Gwangjang Market Bindaetteok & Mayak Gimbap
Crispy mung-bean pancakes ground on stone mills, mini mustard-dipped gimbap rolls, and hand-cut kalguksu noodles at Korea's oldest permanent food market.
Korean Charcoal BBQ (Hanwoo & Samgyeopsal)
Table-grilled marbled Korean Hanwoo beef and thick-cut pork belly wrapped in perilla and lettuce leaves with ssamjang, grilled garlic, and kimchi.
Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup) & Chimaek
Whole young chicken simmered with Korean ginseng, jujube, and glutinous rice near Gyeongbokgung, or crispy Korean fried chicken with draft beer by the Han River.
Where to stay by budget
Budget
Well-connected hostels and guesthouses within a 10-minute walk of Seoul's central station or metro lines.
Mid-range
Boutique 3-to-4-star hotels near the historic center and pedestrian promenade.
Luxury
Heritage 5-star grand hotels and design properties with concierge access and views.
Rough nightly ranges: guesthouses and hostels typically run ₩25,000–₩50,000 per person; 3-to-4-star hotels and traditional hanok stays commonly run ₩90,000–₩220,000 per room; 5-star luxury hotels run ₩300,000+. See our accommodation guide.
Getting there
Seoul is served by KORAIL KTX & SRT High-Speed Rail and intercity express trains as well as regional airport transfers. Book high-speed legs 2–6 weeks ahead for early-bird fares.
Getting around
The historic core of Seoul is best explored on foot, supplemented by contactless tap-to-pay metro, tram, or bus lines.
Day trips & side trips
DMZ & Joint Security Area (Paju)
Half-day or full-day guided excursion north of Seoul to Imjingak Park, the Third Infiltration Tunnel, and Dora Observatory overlooking North Korea.
Suwon Hwaseong Fortress
35 minutes south by KTX, ITX, or Seoul Subway Line 1 to walk the complete 5.7 km UNESCO-listed 18th-century stone fortress walls and try Suwon Wang-galbi.
Best time to visit
Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) bring mild walking weather and harvest festivals to Seoul. Summer offers long daylight hours, while winter brings festive markets and lower hotel rates.
Local tips
- Visit Bukchon Hanok Village during permitted visiting hours (10:00 AM–5:00 PM) and keep voices low in residential lanes.
- Pick up a T-money card (or Seoul Climate Card for unlimited subway/bus rides within Seoul) at Incheon Airport or any convenience store.
- Download Naver Map or KakaoMap before landing — Google Maps does not support walking or driving turn-by-turn directions in South Korea.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: