Seoul, South Korea
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South Korea

Seoul travel guide

Find your favorite corners, taste something new, and make every day count.

Plan your Seoul trip

Seoul blends palaces, K-culture and neon shopping districts, with modern hotels across both sides of the Han River.

Best time to visit

April to May and September to November.

Where to stay

Myeongdong, Gangnam, Hongdae, Jongno

Local tip

Myeongdong is central for shopping and has great subway links.

Hotels in Seoul

Seoul, South Korea · Live availability for your dates.

Guests & rooms · up to 8 rooms

Where are you headed?

Type a city above, or tap a popular destination to see live hotels.

Get to know Seoul

The places that make the trip

01

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Check closure days and current visitor arrangements before planning.

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02

Bukchon Hanok Village

Keep noise low and respect residential access restrictions.

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03

National Museum of Korea

Allow several hours for a selective introduction to Korean history.

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Find your neighborhood

Choose a base around the places you want to spend time.

Myeongdong

Shopping and central subway links, convenient for a first city visit.

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Gangnam

Modern business and dining district south of the river, away from many historic sights.

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Hongdae

Music, cafés and nightlife around the university streets; compare noise reviews.

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Jongno

Historic palaces and traditional lanes near the city's older core.

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Myeongdong is central for shopping and has great subway links.

A little structure. Plenty of room to wander.

Three days in Seoul

A suggested first-visit itinerary, not a bookable package. Check opening days and reserve timed-entry tickets where needed.

Your day 1 plan

Visit Gyeongbokgung and explore nearby Insadong.

Leave room for discovery

Build in time for travel, a relaxed meal and unexpected stops. Outdoor plans depend on weather and local access.

Travel well, from day one

Best time to visit Seoul

April to May and September to November.

Holiday weekends and major events can change prices and crowds. Check local calendars before settling on your dates.

Getting around

Use the subway and a compatible transit card; local mapping apps often provide better walking directions than overseas alternatives.

A taste of Seoul

Try bibimbap or a Korean barbecue meal, checking whether minimum portions apply.

Make your budget go further

Compare the full trip cost, including transport, meal plans and attraction tickets—not just the nightly price. Mix ticketed sights with neighborhood walks and public spaces, and check official attraction sites for current prices.

Taxes and mandatory property fees included in totals

Before you go

How should I plan my first visit to Seoul?

Start with Gyeongbokgung Palace, then group nearby sights together rather than crossing the city repeatedly. The three-day outline above leaves time for meals and exploring; adjust it for your pace and opening days.

What should I book in advance?

Reserve accommodation once your dates are settled, and check official sites for popular attractions, performances and timed-entry tickets. Opening hours, access rules and seasonal programs may change; this guide does not confirm availability.

What should I check before traveling?

Check passport and entry requirements with the destination's government, current travel advisories, weather, accessibility and travel insurance. Confirm airport transport and the property's check-in details before departure.

Planning inspiration, not real-time schedules or travel advice from an official authority. Confirm practical details with local transport operators and attraction websites.

Explore Seoul

Make it your Seoul trip

Destination photography: Wikimedia Commons · photo and license details

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