South Korea

Seoul

A fast, neon-lit capital where palaces sit beside skyscrapers.

Local time
UTC+9
Population
9.4M
Safety

Cost of a day

$$$$$
Moderate
  • Food$$$$$About $48 a day: light breakfast, cheap lunch, mid-range dinner
  • Stay$$$$$3-star hotel about $148 a night for two
  • Transport$$$$$About $4.6 a day: 4 public transit rides

Exchange rate

🇰🇷 KRW =
Rates from 2026-10-23, refreshed monthly.

Getting in

ICNIncheon International AirportMain international gateway, 48 km west on Yeongjong Island.
HowCostTime
AREX all-stop trainSeoul Station₩4,750-5,35059-66 min
Cheapest rail option; also stops at Gimpo Airport.
AREX Express trainSeoul Station₩13,00043-51 min
Non-stop, separate platform and tickets.
Airport busCitywide, incl. Gangnam₩15,000-18,00060-90 min
Best with heavy luggage.
TaxiCentral Seoul₩50,000-70,00060-80 min
Regular vs deluxe rates; tolls extra.
Kakao T / UberCentral Seoul₩50,000-70,00060-80 min
Book in the app; pickup zones are signed.
GMPGimpo International AirportCloser city airport, 17 km west; domestic flights plus China, Japan and Taiwan routes.
HowCostTime
Subway Line 9 / Line 5Central Seoul₩1,000-2,10030-50 min
Line 9 express trains are faster.
AREX trainSeoul Station₩1,000-2,10020-30 min
Links to Incheon Airport too.
TaxiCentral Seoul₩30,000-40,00030-50 min
Cheaper than from Incheon.
Kakao T / UberCentral Seoul₩30,000-40,00030-50 min
Use app pickup points at the terminal.

Estimates, checked October 2026. Wikivoyage: Seoul

Getting around

Get a T-money card and use the metro for most trips; buses beat traffic on short hops.

  • Metro ★9 numbered lines plus suburban lines. Base fare ₩1,550 with card, ₩1,650 single ticket. Stops late at night.
  • Bus ★Buses have their own lanes and beat traffic. Use a T-money card for both bus and metro.
  • Taxi / ride appsMetered and plentiful. Kakao T is the main ride-hailing app; Uber works too.
  • Rental carPossible but traffic jams are common and parking is costly. Not needed for most trips.
  • WalkingGood in Myeongdong, Jongno and Hongdae. Use metro for longer hops between districts.
  • Climate CardUnlimited 1–7 day transit passes from ₩5,000 to ₩20,000. Good value if you ride often.
  • Night busSubway stops late at night; night buses run on major routes.
Recommended stay★ 3 nights (4 days)

Three nights covers the palaces, markets and shopping without rushing; spring and autumn are the best months.

Best for
  • CulturePalaces, hanok lanes and the city's best museums.
  • FoodMarkets, BBQ and all-night street snacks.
  • ShoppingMyeongdong cosmetics, Dongdaemun and Gangnam malls.

Weather by month

2°-7°Jan🌧 3d
5°-5°Feb🌧 4d
12°0°Mar🌧 6d
18°6°Apr🌧 7d
23°12°May🌧 8d
27°17°Jun🌧 10d
29°22°Jul🌧 18d
29°22°Aug🌧 16d
25°17°Sep🌧 9d
19°9°Oct🌧 6d
11°2°Nov🌧 7d
3°-5°Dec🌧 4d

Average daily high / low (°C), sea temperature and rainy days. Typical figures, not a forecast.

Climate

Four clear seasons: cold, dry winters and hot, rainy summers. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit.

  • Best time: April to May and September to OctoberMild highs of 18–25°C with fewer rainy days. Ideal for palaces, walking and markets.
  • Winter is cold and dryJanuary highs near 2°C and lows around -7°C, with only about 3 rain days. Bring a heavy coat.
  • Rainy season in July and AugustAbout 18 and 16 rain days, with highs near 29°C. Expect heavy downpours; carry an umbrella.
  • Hot, humid summerJune to August feels muggy. Plan outdoor sights for morning and rest indoors in the afternoon.
  • Crisp autumnSeptember and October cool to 19–25°C with fewer wet days. The most comfortable months.
  • What to packLayers for spring and autumn, a warm coat for winter, and a rain jacket or umbrella for summer.

Landmarks 53

Must-see · 10

  1. 1

    Gyeongbokgung Palace

    The grandest of Seoul's royal palaces and the top sight for any first-time visitor, with ceremonial gates and mountain-backed courtyards. Go early morning to beat the crowds, and note the changing of the guard ceremony adds atmosphere.

  2. 2

    N Seoul Tower

    The city's most recognizable landmark on Namsan, offering sweeping views over the skyline. Ride the Namsan Cable Car up and go near sunset for day-to-night views; tickets are needed for the observation deck.

  3. 3

    Bukchon Hanok Village

    A hillside neighborhood of traditional hanok houses that makes for the classic Seoul photo walk. Visit on a weekday morning and keep quiet, as many buildings are private homes.

  4. 4

    Changdeokgung Palace and Huwon

    A UNESCO-listed palace whose Secret Garden is the highlight of many Seoul trips. The Huwon garden is visited on timed guided tours, so book ahead, especially in autumn.

  5. 5

    Dongdaemun Design Plaza

    A striking piece of modern architecture by Zaha Hadid that anchors the city's design district. It is free to walk around outside and easy to reach by subway; evenings light it up nicely.

  6. 6

    Gwanghwamun Square

    The ceremonial heart of Seoul in front of Gyeongbokgung, lined with statues and broad open space. It is a natural starting point for a palace day and is free and open at all hours.

  7. 7

    Myeongdong Cathedral

    A landmark Gothic-style church set among the busy shopping streets of Myeongdong. Dress modestly and visit outside mass times for a quiet look inside.

  8. 8

    Jongmyo Shrine

    A serene UNESCO royal ancestral shrine with a long, solemn hall. Visits are by guided tour only on most days, so check the schedule before you go.

  9. 9

    Hongdae Street

    The youthful, energetic district around the university, known for street performances and nightlife. Come in the evening when the streets are liveliest.

  10. 10

    Insadong Cultural Street

    A traditional street of tea houses, galleries and craft shops, good for souvenirs. It pairs easily with nearby palaces and is best explored on foot in the afternoon.

1Gyeongbokgung Palace2N Seoul Tower3Bukchon Hanok Village4Changdeokgung Palace and Huwon5Dongdaemun Design Plaza6Gwanghwamun Square7Myeongdong Cathedral8Jongmyo Shrine9Hongdae Street10Insadong Cultural Street

Cultural

Palace 6

Tower 1

Skyscraper 2

Buddhist 2

Traditional Village 1

Urban Hub 3

Modern Architecture 2

University 4

Statue 1

Historical Square 1

Market 2

Gate 2

Castle 1

Other Religion 2

Christian 1

Museum 3

Modern History 1

Park 2

Natural

Mountain 2

River 1

Activities

Aquarium 3

Cruise Tour 1

Food 1

Amusement Park 3

Cable Car 1

Theater 1

Zoo 1

Football Stadium 1

Library 1

Overview

History & significance

Highlights

    Day trips from Seoul

    Gangneung · 1 h 57 by train

    ★★★★☆ · Full day · 216 km from Seoul

    Best way: KTX reaches Gangneung in under 2 hours with a short local bus ride to the coast.

    The KTX Gangneung line runs from Seoul Station (or Cheongnyangni) directly to Gangneung Station, with a short local bus ride to the coast.

    • Train ★1 h 57 · from $19-$40
    • Bus2 h 20 · from $11-$23
    • Car2 h 57 · taxi ≈ 220,800 KRW

    What to see

    • Gyeongpo Beach
    • Gyeongpo Lake
    • Ojukheon House
    • Anmok Coffee Street
    • Jumunjin Beach

    1 landmark quest to check off here

    Good to know

    • Book KTX seats ahead on weekends and holidays
    • Best in summer for the beaches, but crowded then
    • Gangneung Station is a short bus ride from the coast

    Chuncheon · 1 h 04 by train

    ★★★☆☆ · Full day · 96 km from Seoul

    Best way: ITX-Cheongchun is fast and frequent, then a local bus or taxi to the lake and island areas.

    Take the ITX-Cheongchun or a subway/ITX combination from Seoul to Chuncheon Station, then a local bus or taxi to the lake and island areas.

    • Train ★1 h 04 · from $8-$16
    • Bus1 h 10 · from $4-$11
    • Car1 h 26 · taxi ≈ 100,800 KRW

    What to see

    • Nami Island
    • Soyang River
    • Chuncheon Myeongdong dakgalbi street
    • Gongjicheon sculpture park
    • Jade Garden

    1 landmark quest to check off here

    Good to know

    • Best in spring for cherry blossoms and autumn for foliage
    • Local bus or taxi needed from the station to the lake
    • Book ITX seats ahead on weekends

    Incheon · 33 min by road

    ★★★☆☆ · Full day · 32 km from Seoul

    Best way: Subway Line 1 runs directly to Incheon Station, with local buses to Chinatown and Wolmido.

    Subway Line 1 or the Suin-Bundang line reaches Incheon Station directly; from there local buses serve Chinatown, Wolmido and the airport area.

    • Bus1 h 10 · from $4-$8
    • Car33 min · taxi ≈ 36,800 KRW

    What to see

    • Incheon Chinatown
    • Wolmido waterfront
    • Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village
    • Incheon Grand Park
    • Jeondeungsa Temple on Ganghwado

    1 landmark quest to check off here

    Good to know

    • Chinatown and Wolmido are a short local bus from Incheon Station
    • Weekdays are quieter than weekends
    • Allow extra time if continuing to the airport area

    Times and prices are typical one-way estimates (train and bus: Omio / Rome2Rio route data; taxi: local tariff × road distance, tolls extra). Exact prices are on the booking page.

    Plans

    Seoul rewards visitors with royal palaces, mountain trails, street food and endless nightlife. Pick how long you have and what you enjoy most. Prices checked October 2026; ≈ marks estimates.

    How long?

    What do you enjoy most?

    3 nights · Culture ★ Recommended length

    First-timers who want palaces, hanok lanes and the old city at an easy pace.

    Stay: Jongno. Next to Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon hanok lanes and Insadong. Quiet at night, central for sightseeing.

    Tickets & tours
    ≈ KRW 30,000
    per person
    Taxis
    ≈ KRW 97,075
    per taxi, up to 4 people
    Hotel
    KRW 240,000–600,000
    3 nights · Jongno
    Day 1

    Arrive, Gwanghwamun and the old city

    Tickets ≈ KRW 3,000 pp · taxis ≈ KRW 26,119
    1234
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. Taxi from your hotel · 310 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ KRW 5,110
    2. 1

      14:00–14:30 · Free

      Gwanghwamun Square Landmark quest

      Open all day. A good first look at the city.

      Open Open all day

    3. Taxi · 991 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ KRW 5,791
    4. 2

      14:45–16:45 · KRW 3,000 adults · free if you wear hanbok

      Gyeongbokgung Palace Landmark quest

      Closed Tuesday. Usually 09:00–18:00, shorter in winter — check on the day.

      Open Closed Tuesday · usually 09:00–18:00, shorter in winter — check on the day · Source

    5. Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 15 min · ≈ KRW 7,967
    6. 3

      17:15–18:00 · Free

      Cheonggyecheon Stream Landmark quest

      Walk the stream as the lights come on.

      Open Open all day

    7. 4

      18:30–20:00 · Street food roughly KRW 5,000–15,000 per dish

      Gwangjang Market food stalls

      Dinner at the food stalls. Busiest in the evening.

      Open Stalls roughly 09:00–23:00 — check on the day

    8. Taxi back to your hotel · 2 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ KRW 7,252
    Day 2

    Hanok lanes and the east palaces

    Tickets ≈ KRW 6,000 pp · taxis ≈ KRW 39,649
    12345
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. Taxi from your hotel · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ KRW 6,360
    2. 1

      09:00–10:00 · Free to walk

      Bukchon Hanok Village Landmark quest

      Come early before the crowds. Keep quiet near homes.

      Open Streets open all day · quiet hours for residents in the evening · Source

    3. Taxi · 1126 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ KRW 5,926
    4. 2

      10:30–12:30 · ≈ KRW 3,000 palace · secret garden tour extra — check on the day

      Changdeokgung Palace and Huwon Landmark quest

      Closed Monday. The Huwon garden is by timed tour only.

      Open Closed Monday · garden visits by timed tour only · Source

    5. Taxi · 1169 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ KRW 5,969
    6. 3

      13:30–14:30 · Free to walk

      Insadong Cultural Street Landmark quest

      Lunch and shops, roughly 10:00–20:00.

      Open Shops roughly 10:00–20:00

    7. Taxi · 1096 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ KRW 5,896
    8. 4

      15:00–16:00 · ≈ KRW 1,000 — check on the day

      Jongmyo Shrine Landmark quest

      Closed Tuesday. Entry is by guided tour at set times.

      Open Closed Tuesday · guided entry at set times · Source

    9. Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ KRW 7,085
    10. 5

      17:30–18:30 · Free to enter the building · exhibitions ticketed

      Dongdaemun Design Plaza Landmark quest

      Grounds roughly 10:00–22:00 — check on the day.

      Open Grounds roughly 10:00–22:00 — check on the day · Source

    11. Taxi back to your hotel · 4 km · ≈ 16 min · ≈ KRW 8,413
    Day 3

    Namsan and Myeongdong

    Tickets ≈ KRW 21,000 pp · taxis ≈ KRW 31,307
    1234
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. Taxi from your hotel · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ KRW 6,584
    2. 1

      10:00–10:30 · Free

      Myeongdong Cathedral Landmark quest

      Open daytime, closed to tourists during mass.

      Open Open daytime · closed to tourists during mass

    3. Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ KRW 6,602
    4. 2

      11:00–12:30 · Free

      Namsan Park walk

      Walk up through Namsan Park.

      Open Open all day

    5. Taxi · 274 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ KRW 5,074
    6. 3

      13:00–15:00 · ≈ KRW 16,000–21,000 observation deck · cable car extra

      N Seoul Tower Landmark quest

      Observation deck roughly 10:00–23:00 — check on the day.

      Open Observation deck roughly 10:00–23:00 — check on the day · Source

    7. Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ KRW 6,700
    8. 4

      17:00–18:00 · Snacks roughly KRW 3,000–10,000 each

      Myeongdong street food walk

      Street food gets busy from late afternoon.

      Open Stalls busiest from late afternoon

    9. Taxi back to your hotel · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ KRW 6,347

    Swap in instead

    • Add a day trip to Suwon Hwaseong Fortress or the DMZ tour; both need a full day, book ahead.
    • Swap one shopping afternoon for a Han River picnic and a bike rental at Yeouido.
    • Spend a morning in a jjimjilbang (Korean spa) or a palace hanbok rental instead of another museum.

    Getting around

    • Metro: 9 numbered lines plus suburban lines; base fare ₩1,550 with card, ₩1,650 single ticket.
    • Buses have own lanes and beat traffic; use a T-money card for both bus and metro.
    • Taxis are metered and plentiful; Kakao T is the main ride-hailing app, Uber works too.
    • Climate Card gives 1-7 day unlimited passes from ₩5,000 to ₩20,000.
    • Driving is possible but traffic jams are common; parking is costly.
    • Subway stops late at night; night buses run on major routes.

    Where to stay

    • Myeongdong · ≈ KRW 90,000–220,000 a night
      Walk to the shopping streets, Namsan and the subway hub at Myeongdong station. Easiest base for first-timers.
    • Jongno · ≈ KRW 80,000–200,000 a night
      Next to Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon hanok lanes and Insadong. Quiet at night, central for sightseeing.
    • Gangnam · ≈ KRW 100,000–280,000 a night
      Modern hotels, big malls and nightlife. Good for business trips; longer rides to the old palaces.
    • Hongdae · ≈ KRW 70,000–170,000 a night
      Cheapest of the four, young and lively, close to the airport rail link. Noisy on weekend nights.

    Food & drink

    • Eat at Gwangjang Market: bindaetteok (mung-bean pancakes), mayak gimbap and knife-cut noodles. Expect roughly ₩5,000–12,000 a plate.
    • Korean BBQ is a group meal. Order pork belly or beef, wrap it in lettuce with garlic; expect ₩15,000–30,000 per person.
    • Street snacks in Myeongdong and Hongdae: tteokbokki, hotteok and fried chicken. Most items cost ₩3,000–8,000.
    • Cheap and filling: gimbap shops and university-area restaurants serve a full meal for about ₩6,000–10,000.
    • Many restaurants are open late. Look for 24-hour spots around markets and Hongdae; check on the day for closing times.

    Tips

    1. Purchase a T-money card from any convenience store; it is essential for all public transit
    2. Google Maps is heavily restricted for walking/driving directions — download Naver Map or KakaoMap
    3. Tipping is strictly not practiced in restaurants, taxis, or hotels
    4. Many restaurants and cafes, especially in areas like Hongdae and Gangnam, stay open late into the night
    5. Public restrooms in subway stations are widespread, free, and generally very clean
    Sources for prices and hours

    Taxi costs are estimates from straight-line distance and the metered fare. Map positions are approximate.

    Tours & activities

    Take this tour to unlock 3 landmark quests

    Gyeongbokgung Palace
    Bukchon Hanok Village
    Gwangjang Market
    • See the palace and the hanok lanes in one half day
    • Finish with street food at Gwangjang Market
    • 4,134 reviews · 4.9 rating
    Entry includedLocal guide

    Gyeongbok Palace, Hanok Village, and Gwangjang Tour

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.9 (4,134)

    $33View tour

    Take this tour to unlock 3 landmark quests

    Gyeongbokgung Palace
    Bukchon Hanok Village
    Insadong Cultural Street
    • Covers the classic central Seoul highlights
    • Walkable mix of palaces, hanok streets and culture
    • 861 reviews · 4.9 rating
    Full daySmall group

    Highlights of Seoul Full-Day Tour

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.9 (861)

    $59View tour

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Lotte World Tower
    • Ride up Seoul Sky for panoramic city views
    • Best timed for sunset over the Han River
    • 621 reviews · 4.7 rating
    Ticket includedSky observatory

    Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky Observatory Ticket

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.7 (621)

    $25View tour

    Take this tour to unlock 2 landmark quests

    N Seoul Tower
    Namsan Cable Car
    • Cable car up Namsan plus observatory entry
    • Great skyline views day or night
    • 584 reviews · 4.6 rating
    Combo ticketCable car

    N Seoul Tower Observatory & Cable Car Combo Ticket

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.6 (584)

    $33View tour

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Gwangjang Market
    • Taste classic Korean street food with a guide
    • Explore one of Seoul's oldest markets
    • 1,599 reviews · 4.9 rating
    Food tourLocal guide

    Seoul Street Food Market Tour

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.9 (1,599)

    $79View tour

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Gyeongbokgung Palace
    • Intimate small-group palace tour
    • Learn the history of the Joseon royal court
    • 21 reviews · 4.9 rating
    Max 3 guestsGuided tour

    Gyeongbokgung Palace Guided Tour (Max 3 guests)

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.9 (21)

    $38View tour

    Souvenirs

    Najeon chilgi card case

    KRW 30000–800001 small piece · estimate

    A small card holder decorated with mother-of-pearl inlay on lacquered wood. It shows Korean craft design and has long been made in Seoul.

    Where: National Museum of Korea gift shop or a craft specialty shop in Insadong
    Check that the mother-of-pearl pieces and the lacquer finish are smooth and even.

    Traditional bojagi wrapping cloth

    KRW 13000–400001 small cloth · shop prices

    A Korean wrapping cloth used to carry gifts and goods. It is a classic piece of Korean textile tradition.

    Where: HOHODANG, the official Seoul store
    Know the fabric type: ramie, cotton, or synthetic fiber each feels and cares for differently.

    Seoul Samhae Soju

    KRW 40000–55000250 ml bottle, 45% ABV · shop prices

    A traditional distilled liquor from Seoul. It is a local spirit tied to the city's drinking culture.

    Where: Samhae Soju seller or a traditional liquor specialty shop
    Compare the retail price with the bottle price at a glass-pour bar, since they differ.

    Flights

    Dates are departure dates at each airport, which may differ from your itinerary arrival date. Select your flight and complete payment on Trip.com.

    Search flights · Trip.com

    Hotels

    Search all Seoul hotelsHotels.com

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