
South Korea
Seoul
Palaces, hanok lanes and river towers
Last reviewed: 13 September 2026
- Recommended stay
- 3–4 days
- Best time to visit
- April to June and September to November
- Airports
- ICN · GMP
Seoul at a glance
Seoul is a dense capital of royal palaces, hanok lanes, lively neighbourhoods and riverside towers. Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Changdeokgung, Insadong, Myeongdong, Cheonggyecheon, Hongdae, Seongsu, N Seoul Tower and Lotte World Tower are linked by the subway. The DMZ, Suwon, Nami Island and Incheon Chinatown require separate outings. The airports are Incheon (ICN) and Gimpo (GMP), and a T-money card simplifies travel by subway and bus.
Quick information
Spring and autumn suit palace courtyards, Bukchon and Cheonggyecheon without peak summer humidity. Summer is hot; keep indoor hours for Lotte World Tower and museums. Winter is clear but cold for N Seoul Tower viewpoints.
Plan your visit
Airport to centre
AREX Express to Seoul Station
Express train linking both airport terminals with Seoul Station
Published rail fareTransportMust-see sights
One-day itinerary
- Morning: Visit Gyeongbokgung, then walk towards Bukchon Hanok Village.
- Lunch: Stop for lunch in Insadong and allow time for a tea house.
- Afternoon: Explore Insadong and follow Cheonggyecheon through the centre.
- Evening: Finish in Myeongdong for dinner and an evening walk.
Best areas to stay
Jongno / Insadong
Jongno
A compact historic core. Evenings are quieter than Hongdae.
Best for
First visits, palaces and walking
Myeongdong
A busy, well-connected district; the palaces are a short subway journey away.
Best for
Shopping and subway links
Hongdae
Useful for AREX from GMP; Gyeongbokgung needs a subway ride.
Best for
A livelier evening stay
Seongsu
Cafés and warehouses; the palaces need a planned journey.
Best for
A calmer riverside stay with children
Approximate budget
Budget
Varies
per day, per person
Simple rooms, street food and subway; excludes travel to Seoul.
Mid-range
Varies
per day, per person
Comfortable room, restaurants, T-money and selected palaces.
Comfort
Varies
per day, per person
Central stays, frequent dining, private transfers and a reserved DMZ or tower day.
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