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CityInDays
Seoul cityscape with N Seoul Tower

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
Photo by Darwin Vegher · Unsplash

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

Recommended stay3–4 days
Best time to visitApril to June and September to November
AirportsICN · GMP
Budget travelAccommodation and reserved day trips drive costs most strongly. Check prices shortly before your trip instead of relying on a fixed estimate.

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 fareTransport

Must-see sights

Gyeongbokgung Palace
Bukchon Hanok Village
Changdeokgung
Sights

One-day itinerary

  1. Morning: Visit Gyeongbokgung, then walk towards Bukchon Hanok Village.
  2. Lunch: Stop for lunch in Insadong and allow time for a tea house.
  3. Afternoon: Explore Insadong and follow Cheonggyecheon through the centre.
  4. Evening: Finish in Myeongdong for dinner and an evening walk.
Itineraries

Best areas to stay

  1. Jongno / Insadong

    Jongno

    A compact historic core. Evenings are quieter than Hongdae.

    Best for

    First visits, palaces and walking

  2. Myeongdong

    A busy, well-connected district; the palaces are a short subway journey away.

    Best for

    Shopping and subway links

  3. Hongdae

    Useful for AREX from GMP; Gyeongbokgung needs a subway ride.

    Best for

    A livelier evening stay

  4. 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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