Seoul travel guide
Seoul blends Joseon-era palaces and hanok villages with neon shopping streets, mountains inside the city and some of Asia's best street food. The subway makes it easy to cover a lot in a few days.
Best time to visit Seoul
Spring (April to May) brings cherry blossoms, and autumn (late September to November) brings clear skies and red and gold leaves. Both are the most popular seasons.
Summer is hot and humid, with the monsoon (jangma) roughly from late June to July. Winter is cold and dry, often below freezing.
Getting to Seoul
Most long-haul flights land at Incheon International Airport (ICN), about 50 km west of the city, linked by the AREX airport railway and limousine buses. Gimpo (GMP) is closer and handles domestic and some regional flights.
Recent round-trip fares Aviasales travellers found recently. Tap a route to see that trip and today's price on Aviasales.
Getting around
Subway
Seoul's subway is fast, clean and signed in English. A rechargeable T-money card works on the subway, buses and many taxis, and in convenience stores.
Buses and taxis
City buses fill the gaps between subway lines. Taxis are widely available; apps such as Kakao T are commonly used.
Top things to do in Seoul
1. Gyeongbokgung Palace
The largest of Seoul's five grand palaces, with a changing of the guard ceremony at the main gate. Visitors wearing hanbok enter free.
See tours & prices ›2. Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong
Traditional wooden houses on hillside lanes between two palaces, near Insadong's tea houses and craft shops. Bukchon is a residential area, so keep noise down.
See tours & prices ›3. DMZ tour
Guided tours visit the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea; passports are required and itineraries depend on security conditions.
See tours & prices ›4. N Seoul Tower and Myeongdong
Take the cable car up Namsan for city views, then head down to Myeongdong for street food and shopping.
See tours & prices ›Practical tips
- Many visitors need a K-ETA or visa before travelling; check the official Korean government site for current rules for your passport.
- Google Maps has limited directions in Korea; local apps such as Naver Map or KakaoMap work better.
- Tipping is not customary in South Korea.
Seoul travel FAQ
What is the best time to visit Seoul?
April to May for spring blossoms, or late September to November for autumn colours and comfortable temperatures.
How many days do you need in Seoul?
Four to five days covers the palaces, main neighbourhoods and a DMZ tour. Add more for day trips or Busan.
How do you get from Incheon Airport to Seoul?
The AREX express train reaches Seoul Station in about 45 to 50 minutes; limousine buses go directly to many hotel areas.