Seoul, South Korea
Plan a trip to Seoul
Palaces on one side of the river, glass towers on the other, and food at every hour. One of the easiest big cities to navigate as a visitor.
- Food trips
- First-timers
- Weekend getaways
- Nightlife
Free to run, and you keep editing after. Add who's coming or a pace like “slow mornings” to shape the result.
Seoul at a glance
Most trips run 4 to 6 days. This page covers the 4 stops worth anchoring a plan around, 3 neighborhoods to base yourself in, and what the timing looks like across the year — then you can turn any of it into a mapped Seoul itinerary you can edit and share.
- How long
- 4–6 days
- When to go
- April to early June and September to November, when it's mild and clear. Summer is hot with a July monsoon. Winter is cold and dry, and fine spring dust can affect air quality.
- Getting around
- The subway is signposted in English, cheap, and reaches everywhere. Get a T-money card. The AREX train links Incheon airport to Seoul Station in under an hour.
What to build the plan around
- 1
Gyeongbokgung Palace
The main Joseon palace, with a guard-changing ceremony. Free entry if you wear hanbok.
- 2
Bukchon Hanok Village
Traditional houses on a hillside next to the palace. Residents live there, so keep it quiet.
- 3
Gwangjang Market
The best street food in the city, especially the bindaetteok and mayak gimbap stalls.
- 4
Bukhansan National Park
Granite peaks inside the city limits, reachable by subway in under an hour.
Where to stay in Seoul
- Myeongdong
- Central and convenient, heavy on shopping, easiest for a first trip.
- Hongdae
- Student district, cheapest, best live music and late food.
- Itaewon / Hannam
- Most international dining, near the museum, quieter streets uphill.
Seoul planning questions
- How many days do you need in Seoul?
- 4 to 6 days. Four days covers the palaces, two markets, and both sides of the river. Six adds the DMZ and a day in Bukhansan.
- What is the best time to visit Seoul?
- April to early June and September to November, when it's mild and clear. Summer is hot with a July monsoon. Winter is cold and dry, and fine spring dust can affect air quality.
- Where should I stay in Seoul?
- Three areas cover most trips — Myeongdong (central and convenient, heavy on shopping, easiest for a first trip); Hongdae (student district, cheapest, best live music and late food); Itaewon / Hannam (most international dining, near the museum, quieter streets uphill). Pick based on whether you'd rather walk to dinner or pay less per night.
- How do you get around Seoul?
- The subway is signposted in English, cheap, and reaches everywhere. Get a T-money card. The AREX train links Incheon airport to Seoul Station in under an hour.
- What should I see first in Seoul?
- Start with Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Gwangjang Market. Gyeongbokgung Palace is the one to schedule first: the main Joseon palace, with a guard-changing ceremony. Free entry if you wear hanbok.
- Can I build a Seoul itinerary automatically?
- Yes. Describe the trip — length, pace, who's coming — and Arriv builds a Seoul itinerary with real, mapped venues you can reorder or replace. It's free to run, and you only sign in to save it or share it with your group.