Gyeongbokgung PalaceAttraction
Gyeongbokgung Palace
The largest of the royal palaces, with a changing of the guard at the main gate. Closed on Tuesdays.
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Things to do in Seoul
Compare tickets, tours, transfers, hotels and flights for Seoul in one place, and see who provides each one before you book.
Photo: Bgag, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
AirportsIncheon International (ICN), Gimpo (GMP)
Getting aroundSubway, buses and on foot
CurrencySouth Korean won (KRW)
Best monthsApril to June, September and October
Seoul in brief
Seoul is the capital of South Korea, a huge modern city where royal palaces and old wooden houses stand among glass towers.
The Han River divides it. The old centre is to the north, with the palaces, Bukchon and Myeongdong. Gangnam, to the south, is newer and smarter.
Food is a large part of any visit, from barbecue restaurants to market stalls. The border zone with North Korea can be visited on a guided day tour.
Top attractions in Seoul
Tickets and guided visits for the city’s best-known sights.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Bukchon Hanok VillageAttraction
Bukchon Hanok Village
A hillside district of traditional wooden houses between two palaces. People live here, so keep quiet.
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N Seoul TowerAttraction
N Seoul Tower
An observation tower on Namsan hill, with views over the whole city, best at sunset.
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Changdeokgung Palace and Secret GardenAttraction
Changdeokgung Palace and Secret Garden
A World Heritage palace with a wooded rear garden, visited on a timed guided tour.
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MyeongdongAttraction
Myeongdong
The city’s busiest shopping streets, with cosmetics shops and evening street-food stalls.
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Gwangjang MarketAttraction
Gwangjang Market
A covered market known for its food stalls, serving mung-bean pancakes, rice rolls and noodles.
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Photo: Gyeongbokgung Palace — Basile Morin (CC BY-SA 4.0); Bukchon Hanok Village — Basile Morin (CC BY-SA 4.0); N Seoul Tower — Republic of Korea (CC BY-SA 2.0); Changdeokgung Palace and Secret Garden — Christian Bolz (CC BY-SA 4.0); Myeongdong — kallerna (CC BY-SA 4.0); Gwangjang Market — Bgag (CC0) · Wikimedia Commons
Tours and day trips
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Getting there and around
Airport transfer from Incheon International Airport (ICN)A pre-booked car from arrivals to your hotel. Alternatives are the airport express train, airport buses or a taxi.
Trains from SeoulHigh-speed trains reach Busan in about two and a half hours and Gyeongju in about two hours.
Car rentalNot needed in the city, where traffic is heavy. An international permit is required. Driving is on the right.
Flights
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Where to stay
Pick a neighbourhood first, then compare hotels.
1
Myeongdong
Central and busy, with shopping, street food and good transport links.
2
Hongdae
A university district with cafés, live music and nightlife, and a direct airport train.
3
Insadong and Jongno
The old centre, close to the palaces, with teahouses and craft shops.
4
Gangnam
The modern south side, with smart shops, restaurants and large hotels.
Hotels in Seoul with live prices
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Seoul day by day
- Day 1: Palaces and BukchonGyeongbokgung in time for the changing of the guard, then Bukchon Hanok Village and the teahouses of Insadong.
- Day 2: Markets and NamsanLunch at Gwangjang Market, the shops of Myeongdong, then N Seoul Tower for sunset.
- Day 3: The DMZA guided tour to the border zone, back in the city by mid-afternoon or evening.
- With a fourth dayVisit Changdeokgung and its Secret Garden, then spend the evening in Hongdae.
Local tips
- Buy a T-money card for the subway and buses, and top it up with cash.
- Use a local map app. Google Maps gives limited directions in Korea.
- Check closing days. Each palace closes one day a week.
- Visitors wearing hanbok, the traditional dress, enter the palaces free.
- Tipping is not expected.
Before you go
Travel insuranceCover for medical costs and cancellations.
Luggage storageLeave bags near the station or the sights.
Flight delay compensationCheck whether a delayed or cancelled flight qualifies.
Everything for Seoul
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Travel guide
Spring and autumn are the best seasons for Seoul, and 4 days covers the palaces, markets and neighbourhoods. The AREX train links Incheon Airport to the city in about 45 to 60 minutes.
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Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Seoul?
April brings cherry blossom and October autumn colour, and both are mild. Summer is hot and rainy, and winter is cold and dry.
How many days do I need in Seoul?
Three to four days cover the palaces, the markets and a day trip to the DMZ.
Can I visit the DMZ from Seoul?
Yes, but only on a guided tour. You need your passport, and tours can be cancelled at short notice.
How do I get from the airport to the centre?
From Incheon, the airport express train reaches Seoul Station in about forty-five minutes. Airport buses run to most districts, and taxis and pre-booked transfers are available.
Is Seoul easy to visit without speaking Korean?
Yes. Subway signs and announcements are also in English, and a translation app helps in restaurants.