Travel guide

Seoul travel guide

Plan a historic-centre day, a contemporary-neighbourhood day and an outdoor day. Leave space for a museum or market that matches your interests. Seoul is a large city, so reduce unnecessary crossings by choosing an evening district near your daytime plans.

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Gyeonghoeru (Royal Banquet Hall) at Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul
Gyeonghoeru (Royal Banquet Hall) at Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul · Frank Schulenburg · CC BY-SA 4.0. Displayed with cropping.

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Where to stay

Jongno

Useful for palace visits and central historic areas. Check the walk from the nearest station to your room.

Hongdae

A good choice for cafés and an energetic evening setting. Compare noise levels and the precise accommodation location.

Getting around

The subway is useful for longer journeys. Use a local map service for exits and walking directions, and check current transport-card options before arrival.

A flexible itinerary

Use these three days as a starting point. Add arrival, departure or excursion days to fit your stay.

Day 1

Historic Seoul

Anchor the day with a palace visit. Explore the surrounding streets at a respectful pace and take an indoor break. Finish with a meal in the same part of the city.

Day 2

Markets and modern districts

Choose a market for food, then one district for shops, cafés or contemporary culture. Keep the afternoon focused instead of adding several distant shopping areas.

Day 3

River and a personal interest

Spend part of the day by the river if the weather is comfortable. Pair it with a museum, performance or neighbourhood that fits your interests rather than a second full sightseeing circuit.

Food and local stops

Markets can be a useful introduction to Korean dishes. Check ingredients directly if you have dietary requirements, including broths, sauces and shared cooking surfaces.

Before you book

Residential heritage streets require consideration. Follow posted visiting restrictions and avoid stopping at private doorways for photographs.

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Tours and experiences

Things to do in Seoul

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