Seoul Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Top things to do in Seoul

Seoul rewards curious walkers, with palaces, markets and modern districts all linked by an excellent subway.

• Gyeongbokgung Palace — The largest of Seoul's Joseon-dynasty palaces, famous for its changing of the guard ceremony and the National Folk Museum within its grounds.
• Changdeokgung Palace and Secret Garden — A UNESCO World Heritage Site with a beautifully landscaped rear garden that is visited on guided tours.
• Bukchon Hanok Village — Hillside lanes of traditional wooden houses between the palaces; it is a residential area, so visit quietly.
• Namsan and N Seoul Tower — Walk or take the cable car up Namsan mountain for sweeping views over the city, especially at sunset.
• Gwangjang Market — One of the city's oldest markets, known for mung bean pancakes, bibimbap and other classic Korean street food.
• Insadong and Ikseon-dong — Browse tea houses, craft shops and galleries in these atmospheric old streets.
• Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) — Organised day tours visit the border area between North and South Korea, around an hour north of the city.

Best time to visit Seoul

Seoul has four distinct seasons. Spring (April to May) brings cherry blossoms and mild weather, while autumn (September to November) offers clear skies, comfortable temperatures and spectacular red and gold foliage on the surrounding mountains. These are the most popular times to visit.

Summer (June to August) is hot and humid, with a rainy monsoon season usually from late June to late July. Winter (December to February) is cold and dry, with temperatures often below freezing, but it is a good time for fewer crowds, winter festivals and nearby ski resorts.

Notable events include the Lotus Lantern Festival around Buddha's Birthday in spring, and Chuseok, the harvest holiday in September or October, when many shops close and domestic travel is very busy. Lunar New Year (Seollal) has a similar effect in January or February.

Getting from the airport

Incheon International Airport sits on Yeongjong Island, about 50 km west of central Seoul. It has two passenger terminals linked by a free shuttle, so check which terminal your flight uses.

• Airport Railroad (AREX) — The express train runs non-stop to Seoul Station in around 45 to 50 minutes; the slower all-stop train takes around an hour and connects with several subway lines.
• Airport limousine buses — Frequent coaches serve major hotels and districts such as Myeongdong, Jongno, Gangnam and Jamsil, typically taking 60 to 90 minutes depending on traffic.
• Taxis — Available outside arrivals around the clock; allow about an hour to the city centre. Larger deluxe and international taxis with English-speaking drivers are also available.

Where to stay

Seoul is large, but the subway makes most areas convenient. Choose based on whether you want history, nightlife or business districts on your doorstep.

• Myeongdong and Jung-gu — Central and well connected, with shopping and street food; ideal for first-time visitors.
• Jongno and Insadong — Close to the palaces and Bukchon, suiting travellers interested in history and traditional culture.
• Hongdae — A lively university area with indie music, cafés and nightlife, popular with younger and budget travellers.
• Gangnam — Modern and upmarket south of the Han River, suiting business travellers and those who enjoy high-end shopping.
• Itaewon — An international district with diverse restaurants and bars, handy for travellers who want a cosmopolitan feel.

Travel tips

• Getting around — Buy a rechargeable transit card at the airport or a convenience store; it works on the subway, buses and many taxis.
• Maps and apps — Some international map apps have limited walking and driving directions in Korea, so a local navigation app is often more reliable.
• Payment — Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but carry some cash for markets and small street food stalls.
• Tipping — Tipping is not customary in Korea and is not expected in restaurants or taxis.
• Etiquette — Remove your shoes when entering homes and some traditional restaurants, and keep your voice down on public transport; seats marked for elderly and pregnant passengers should be left free.
• Entry requirements — Some travellers need a visa and others may need an electronic travel authorisation, so check official sources before you travel.