Seoul is a fast-moving capital that mixes royal palaces, mountain trails, neon streets and cutting-edge technology. It is safe, well connected and very friendly to visitors, with food that deserves a trip in its own right.
Its markets, cafes and nightlife are lively, and the nearby mountains make it easy to escape the city.
How many days: 4
Four days covers the palaces, a market, a hike and a few neighbourhoods. Three is enough for the highlights.
Spend one day on the historic centre, one on newer districts, and one outdoors.
What to do in Seoul
- Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace
- The grandest of the royal palaces, with a changing of the guard ceremony. Hanbok rental gives a free entry in many cases, so check the rules.
- Walk through Bukchon Hanok Village
- A hillside of traditional houses. Residents live here, so keep your voice down.
- Browse Insadong
- A street of tea houses, galleries and craft shops.
- Hike Bukhansan or Namsan
- Trails with city views, close to the centre. Namsan has a tower and a cable car.
- Explore Myeongdong and Hongdae
- Shopping and street food in one, and live music and nightlife in the other.
- Visit a market
- Gwangjang is known for street food and Namdaemun for general goods.
- Walk along the Cheonggyecheon stream
- A restored stream running through the city, lit up at night.
- Spend a day at a jjimjilbang
- A Korean bathhouse with hot pools and saunas. A local way to relax.
- Visit a second palace
- Changdeokgung and its secret garden are quieter and often more beautiful than the main palace. Book the garden tour.
- See the Han River at sunset
- Parks along the river are full of picnickers. Rent a bike, or order food to be delivered to your spot.
- Visit the war memorial museum
- A large museum with free galleries explains the history of the Korean peninsula.
- Take a day trip to the DMZ
- Guided tours reach the border with North Korea. Book ahead with a licensed operator, and bring your passport.
- Browse a stationery or beauty shop
- Korean beauty and stationery shops are known worldwide. A fun way to spend an afternoon.
- Spend an evening in a pocha
- Tent-style bars serve snacks and soju. A friendly local experience.
- Take a coffee break in a themed cafe
- Seoul has cafes built around books, plants, cats and design. Pick one near your route and enjoy a slow break.
What to eat and drink
- Korean barbecue
- Grilled meat cooked at your table, with lettuce wraps and side dishes.
- Bibimbap
- Rice with vegetables, egg and chilli paste.
- Kimchi stew and tofu stew
- Hearty stews served bubbling hot.
- Street food
- Tteokbokki, fried chicken, and hotteok are all popular snacks.
- Korean fried chicken
- Crispy and often coated in sweet or spicy sauce. Served with beer.
- Naengmyeon
- Cold buckwheat noodles, a summer favourite.
- Samgyeopsal
- Grilled pork belly, wrapped in lettuce with garlic and sauce.
- Pajeon and makgeolli
- A savoury pancake and a sweet rice wine, a rainy-day pairing.
- Bingsu
- Shaved ice dessert with sweet toppings. Good in summer.
Getting around
The subway is clean, cheap and easy to use. Contactless cards and phones work on most lines.
Buses and taxis are plentiful, and map apps help with routes.
Walking is good in the old districts.
Good to know
- Winters are cold and summers hot and humid. Pack accordingly.
- Map apps made in Korea work better than some foreign ones. Download one before you arrive.
- Tipping is not expected.
- Remove your shoes when entering homes and some restaurants.
- Many visitors need an electronic travel authorisation. Check the official site before you go.
- Many restaurants serve at least two portions, so solo diners may find it harder to order. Some places have solo-friendly dishes.
- Late-night dining is common, and many places are open into the small hours.
- Stay near a subway line, as it makes every day easier. Most stations have clear English signs.