South Korea
Seoul
Seoul is ancient and neon — palaces at dawn, markets at noon, barbecue and soju at night.
Seoul is a city where a 14th-century palace sits beside a 24-hour shopping district, and the contrast is the whole point. It's safe, efficient, and has one of the great food cultures in the world.
The rhythm: palaces and neighborhoods by day, markets and barbecue by night. The subway is world-class; use it. Eat Korean barbecue with a group, street food alone, and never skip a coffee — the café scene here is unmatched.
Plan around neighborhoods, not monuments. One area a day, a meal you didn't expect, and you'll get why people fall for Seoul.
How long
3–5 days
Best time
April–May and September–October
When to go
Cherry blossoms in spring, autumn leaves — both mild and gorgeous. Summer is hot and humid; winter is cold, dry, and quiet.
Spring (Apr–May)
Cherry blossoms and mild weather — peak for a reason.
Fall (Sep–Oct)
Clear, cool, and the foliage — our pick.
Summer
Hot and humid with monsoon rains in July.
Winter
Cold and dry; cheap, quiet, and great for food and cafés.
Neighborhoods
Where you stay shapes the trip. Here's how to think about it.
Jongno & Insadong
First-timers, cultureThe historic core — palaces, traditional arts, and teahouses. Best in the morning.
Don't miss: Gyeongbokgung Palace at the morning guard ceremony.
Myeongdong
ShoppersThe shopping and street-food heart — crowded, neon, and fun in the evening.
Don't miss: A street-food crawl through Myeongdong after dark.
Hongdae
Nightlife, young travelersThe youth and indie district by the university — buskers, cafés, and nightlife.
Don't miss: Live music and a late-night bite in Hongdae.
Itaewon
Food, nightlifeThe international district — global food, expat bars, and the most varied dining.
Don't miss: A world-cuisine dinner and a rooftop bar.
Gangnam
Returning visitors, shoppersThe sleek, modern south — skyscrapers, K-pop, and upscale shopping.
Don't miss: A walk along Gangnam's designer boulevards (Garosu-gil).
Practical
Currency
South Korean won (KRW). Cards common but carry cash for markets and small places. ATMs in convenience stores.
Language
Korean. English signage on transit; translation apps help in restaurants.
Getting around
The subway is world-class — clean, cheap, and everywhere. Get a Tmoney card. Taxis are cheap; ride apps (KakaoT) work.
Safety
Extremely safe, day and night. One of the safest major cities in the world.
Budget range
₩80,000–150,000 per person per day at mid-range. Food is the highlight and surprisingly affordable.
Tipping
No tipping. It can be refused. Good service is simply included.
See what a trip to South Korea actually costs. Travel Budget Co.
How to plan it
- Get a Tmoney card for the subway — load once, tap everywhere.
- Eat Korean barbecue with a group — order dwaeji galbi or samgyeopsal and soju.
- Do palaces in the morning; markets and food streets at night.
- Use a translation app's camera for menus — it transforms ordering.
- Visit a jjimjilbang (Korean sauna) once — a uniquely Seoul experience.
Questions
How many days in Seoul?
Three to five. Three covers the core; five adds palaces, markets, and a day trip.
Is Seoul expensive?
Moderate by developed-Asian-capital standards. Food is affordable; hotels are the main cost.
Is Seoul safe at night?
Very — among the safest major cities anywhere. Walking late is fine everywhere.
Do I need cash in Seoul?
Cards are widely accepted; carry some cash for markets, street food, and small cafés.
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