Palaces, K-culture and late-night food streets.
Seoul is a high-energy capital where Joseon palaces sit below glass towers and mountains. It is known for K-pop, skincare shopping, street food and an excellent metro. It suits food lovers, shoppers and first-time visitors to Korea.
Tap a card to open it. Day trips are marked.
The largest of Seoul's five Joseon palaces, set against the mountains. The changing of the guard happens at the main gate.
Entry costs a few thousand won; it is free if you wear hanbok.
A tower on Namsan mountain with a deck over the city. Love locks line the terraces below.
The observatory needs a ticket; the park around it is free.
A hillside neighbourhood of traditional wooden houses between two palaces. People still live here.
Walking is free; tea houses and workshops cost extra.
A busy area of cosmetics shops and evening food stalls. It is the city's tourist shopping heart.
2026 general access is free; optional purchases and separately charged activities are extra.
A street of tea houses, galleries and craft shops. Ssamziegil is a spiral mall of small makers.
2026 general access is free; optional purchases and separately charged activities are extra.
A UNESCO palace that blends into the landscape, with a hidden royal garden. Garden entry is by guided tour.
The palace and garden are ticketed separately, with garden slots limited.
The heavily guarded border zone between North and South Korea. Tours visit observatories and tunnels.
Check the official site for current prices.
A university area full of buskers, bars, clubs and cafes. It is lively until late.
2026 general access is free; optional purchases and separately charged activities are extra.
A curving futuristic building by Zaha Hadid with exhibitions and night markets around it. It lights up after dark.
Some exhibitions are paid.
A big indoor and outdoor theme park next to Lotte World Tower. Popular with families and couples.
All-day theme park pass; discount tickets available online.
Everything above is open to read. A Hodolog account lets you build the trip around it.
Choose how many days you have.
Day one palaces, day two Namsan and Myeongdong, day three DDP, Hongdae and Lotte World.
UNESCO fortress walls around a city.
22 mi · Metro or train, about 1 hour
Tree-lined island popular in autumn.
40 mi · ITX train and ferry, about 1h30
A bay-side mix of Korea's first Chinatown and modern parks.
25 mi · Subway line 1 or AREX, about 1 hour each way
Granite peaks and hiking trails accessible from the city.
9 mi · Subway and bus, about 1 hour each way
Best: April to June and September to November. Spring blossom and crisp, colourful autumn days.
Daily high and average, by month
Typical inches per month
Quiet season. Lower prices, fewer crowds.
Climate normals: NASA POWER (public domain). For your own dates, a trip's Plan tab shows the forecast and the usual weather.
Around Buddha's Birthday, usually May
A lantern parade through central Seoul.
September or October
Harvest holiday; some shops close and palaces may be busy.
January or February
Many shops close for a few days and families travel; palaces hold cultural events.
Early April
Yeouido and many parks fill with pink blossom for about a week.
Usually October
Large fireworks displays over the Han River at Yeouido.
Around November
Lanterns light up along the Cheonggyecheon stream.
October
Spectacular pyrotechnic displays illuminate the Han River skyline near Yeouido.
The US State Department rates South Korea Level 1, exercise normal precautions; Seoul is very safe, with few risks beyond traffic.
Districts are walkable, though hills and wide roads with underpasses slow you down.
A huge, clean metro and buses run everywhere; tap a T-money card.
The neighborhoods that suit most first visits.
Best for: first-timers, shoppers
Central with easy airport buses.
Best for: nightlife, budget
Young area with bars and live music.
Best for: history
Close to the palaces.
Best for: luxury
Upscale shopping and dining.
Best for: international food lovers
Many restaurants and bars from around the world.
Best for: history and traditional neighbourhood walks
Useful for the royal-palace area, small shops and cultural streets.
| Main airport | Incheon International (ICN), 31 mi from the center |
| To the center | AREX trains link Incheon Airport with Seoul Station; express and all-stop services run. |
| Around town | Use the metro and walk within areas. Naver Map or KakaoMap work better than Google Maps here. |
| Ride apps | Kakao T, Uber, Uber (UT) |
Grill meat at your table with side dishes.
Rice bowl with vegetables, egg and chili paste.
Spicy rice cakes from street stalls.
Crispy chicken, often with beer.
A hearty stew with fermented kimchi, tofu and pork.
A sweet fried pancake filled with brown sugar and nuts.
Fermented vegetables commonly accompany Korean meals.
Crisp twice-fried Korean chicken paired with ice-cold draft beer.
| Plugs | Type C and F, 220 V |
| Tap water | Safe to drink |
| Tipping | Tipping is not expected. |
| Payments | Cards are accepted almost everywhere; T-money cards cover transit and convenience stores. |
| Etiquette | Give up priority seats on the metro and use two hands when handing things to elders. |
Seoul became the capital of the Joseon dynasty in 1394, when Gyeongbokgung Palace was built. Japan ruled Korea from 1910 to 1945, and the Korean War badly damaged the city. Rapid growth from the 1960s turned it into one of Asia's leading tech and culture hubs.
Researched 2026-10-12. Check official sources and recent changes before you go.