Where to stay, what to eat, how to get around, and what is actually worth your time in one of the most dynamic cities in Asia. Seoul is one of those cities that surprises people. You come expecting K-pop and Korean BBQ – which are both excellent – and you leave having added a list of reasons to come back.
Ancient palaces sit next to glass skyscrapers. A Buddhist temple is ten minutes from a nightclub. You can eat some of the best food in Asia for less than ten dollars, then spend the evening in a world-class cocktail bar.
This guide covers everything you need for a first visit: where to stay, how to get around, what to eat, and what to actually do beyond the tourist checklist.
Getting to Seoul
Most international flights arrive at Incheon International Airport (ICN), which is consistently ranked among the world’s best airports. It is 60 kilometres from central Seoul.
- AREX Express Train: The fastest option. Runs direct from Incheon to Seoul Station in 43 minutes. Costs 9,500 won. Runs every 30 minutes from around 5:30 am to midnight.
- Airport Limousine Bus: Serves specific areas of Seoul,l including Myeongdong, Hongdae, and Gangnam. Costs 17,000 to 18,000 won. Slower than the train, but drops you closer to some accommodation.
- Taxi: Around 60,00- 80,000 won to central Seoul. Convenient but significantly more expensive.
First thing to do at the airport: Buy a T-money card at any CU or GS25 convenience store in the terminal. It works on the AREX train, every subway line, and most buses in Seoul. See the MileAsia T-money guide for full details.
Getting Around Seoul
Seoul’s subway system is one of the best in the world. It covers the entire city with 9 main lines, excellent English signage, and real-time information in English on station screens. A single journey costs around 1,400-1,600 won with a T-money card (slightly more when paying in cash).
Download Naver Map or KakaoMap before you arrive. Google Maps can find locations, but does not provide walking or driving directions in South Korea due to local security regulations. Both Korean apps work in English and are accurate.
Taxis in Seoul are plentiful and relatively cheap by international standards. A 20-minute ride across central Seoul costs around 8,000 to 12,000 won. Use KakaoTaxi (the app) to book, or flag one on the street. Orange taxis are standard, black taxis are premium.
Where to Stay in Seoul
Seoul’s neighbourhoods each have a distinct personality. The right area depends on what kind of trip you want. See the full MileAsia Seoul neighbourhoods guide for a complete breakdown. The short version:
- Myeongdong: Best for first-timers. Central, tourist-friendly, great transport links, excellent street food. Hotels are pricier than elsewhere.
- Hongdae: Best for nightlife, K-culture, and a younger energy. Independent cafes, street performances, late-night bars.
- Insadong or Bukchon: Best for a slower, more cultural visit. Traditional teahouses, galleries, quieter streets.
- Gangnam: Best for business travel or if you want the upscale, polished side of Seoul.
- Itaewon: Best for variety in international cuisine and a mixed, welcoming atmosphere.
What to Do in Seoul
Gyeongbokgung Palace
The largest of Seoul’s five Joseon Dynasty palaces, built in 1395. The changing of the guard ceremony runs on the hour between 10 am and 4 pm (closed Tuesdays). Rent a hanbok at the entrance for free entry and excellent photos. Allow 2 to 3 hours for the palace and the on-site National Folk Museum.
Bukchon Hanok Village
A hillside neighbourhood of traditional Korean wooden houses (hanok) between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces. Best visited on weekday mornings before tour groups arrive. The alleyways, tiled rooftops, and views over the city are some of the most atmospheric in Seoul.
Gwangjang Market
Seoul’s oldest and most authentic traditional market. The covered food hall serves bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), mayak gimbap, and yukhoe (raw beef) from stalls run by the same families for decades. Sit on a stool, point at what looks good, and eat.
DMZ Day Tour
The Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea is one of the most surreal places on earth. A guided day tour from Seoul covers the Third Infiltration Tunnel and Dora Observatory. Most visitors say it is the single most memorable thing they do in Korea—book in advance, especially for JSA tours, which require passport registration.
N Seoul Tower
Take the Namsan Cable Car or hike the 20-minute trail from Itaewon to the tower on top of Namsan Mountain. The panoramic view over the entire Seoul basin is best at dawn or after dark. The outdoor viewpoint is free; the observation deck costs 16,000 won.
Hongdae
The neighbourhood around Hongik University is Seoul’s creative and nightlife hub. Street performances, indie music venues, K-pop dance studios, vintage shops, and bars that run until 6 am. Best experienced from evening onward.
What to Eat in Seoul
See the full MileAsia Korea food guide for a complete breakdown. The essential dishes:
- Korean BBQ (samgyeopsal): Thick-cut pork belly grilled at the table. Wrap in lettuce with garlic, ssamjang, and kimchi. Non-negotiable on any Seoul trip.
- Bibimbap: Rice topped with seasoned vegetables, an egg, and gochujang chilli paste, served in a hot stone bowl. Mix and eat.
- Tteokbokki: Spicy rice cakes in gochujang sauce. The essential street food. Available at Gwangjang Market and on most street food strips.
- Chimaek: Korean fried chicken with beer. Double-fried for extraordinary crunch. Delivery culture means you can order it to your hotel room.
- Convenience stores: GS25 and CU are on every corner. Fresh gimbap, ramyeon, banana milk, and fried chicken. Genuinely good, not a fallback.
Practical Tips for Seoul
Money
Korea is extremely card-friendly. Your foreign Visa or Mastercard will be accepted almost everywhere. Carry a small amount of cash (20,000 to 30,000 won) for small markets and the occasional cash-only restaurant. ATMs that accept foreign cards are at every subway station and in most convenience stores.
Language
English signage is excellent in tourist areas and on all subway lines. Most restaurant menus have pictures. Google Translate’s camera function handles Korean menus well. Learning a few basic phrases (hello: annyeonghaseyo, thank you: gamsahamnida) is appreciated but not necessary.
Safety
Seoul is one of the safest major cities in the world. Walking alone at night in any of the main neighbourhoods is not a concern. Petty crime is rare. The main practical issue for visitors is phone navigation – download offline maps and Naver Map before you arrive.
Weather and What to Pack
Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) are the best seasons and require light layers. Summer (June to August) is hot, humid, and requires breathable clothing. Winter (December to February) is cold enough for a proper winter coat. See the MileAsia guide to the best time to visit Korea for full seasonal advice.
How Many Days Do You Need in Seoul?
Three days are enough to cover the main sights without rushing. Five days is more comfortable and lets you explore different neighbourhoods properly. Seven or more days is reasonable if you plan to use Seoul as a base for day trips to the DMZ, Nami Island, or the ski resorts in winter.
