- Gyeongbokgung Palace is the grandest of the five palaces—catch the guard changing ceremony.
- Bukchon Hanok Village is a neighborhood of traditional wooden houses you can explore (quietly!).
- N Seoul Tower offers panoramic views from the top of Namsan Mountain—great at sunset.
- Myeongdong is the shopping mecca for cosmetics and street food.
- Hongdae is the youthful district for nightlife, busking, and fashion.
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When to go: Spring or Autumn
Spring (cherry blossoms) and Autumn (leaves) are beautiful and mild.
Summer is hot and humid (monsoon). Winter is freezing cold.
- Best: Apr-May, Sep-Oct.
- Summer: Humid.
- Winter: Very cold.
Getting there: AREX
Incheon Airport (ICN) is world-class. The AREX train takes 45 mins to Seoul Station.
Airport Limousine Buses go to major hotels.
- AREX: Fast train.
- Bus: Convenient.
- Taxi: Expensive.
Where to stay: Myeongdong or Hongdae
Myeongdong is central for shopping. Hongdae is young and fun.
Gangnam is modern and upscale but south of the river.
- Myeongdong: Shopping.
- Hongdae: Nightlife.
- Gangnam: Posh.
What to see: Palaces and Tower
Rent a Hanbok (free entry to palaces!). Visit Gyeongbokgung. Go up N Seoul Tower.
Walk along the Cheonggyecheon Stream.
- Palace: Gyeongbokgung.
- Hanbok: Traditional dress.
- Tower: Namsan.
- Stream: Cheonggyecheon.
Food: BBQ and Kimchi
Korean BBQ is a must. Kimchi is served with everything. Bibimbap is a healthy rice bowl.
Street food: Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and Hotteok (sweet pancake).
- BBQ: Grill at table.
- Kimchi: Spicy cabbage.
- Street Food: Myeongdong.
- Chicken: Fried & Beer.
Getting around: Subway
The Subway is incredible—clean, fast, cheap. Get a T-Money card.
Taxis are reasonably priced. Walking is good in districts.
- Subway: Best in world.
- Card: T-Money.
- Taxi: Orange/Silver.
Budget: Moderate
Cheaper than Tokyo. Food is affordable.
Skincare is cheap. Accommodation varies.
- Food: Good value.
- Shopping: Tax refund.
- Transport: Cheap.
2 Days in Seoul
Day 1: History. Gyeongbokgung Palace (in Hanbok). Bukchon Hanok Village. Insadong for tea.
Day 2: Modern. Myeongdong shopping. N Seoul Tower. Evening in Hongdae or Gangnam.
- Day 1: Culture.
- Day 2: Shop & View.
- Evening: BBQ.
FAQ
Is it safe?
Yes, incredibly safe. You can leave your laptop on a cafe table.
Do I need Korean?
It helps, but signs are in English. Translation apps (Papago) are useful.
Google Maps?
It doesn't work well for walking directions. Use Naver Map or KakaoMap.