South Korea · Asia
Seoul
Palaces, K-pop energy and midnight street food
Last updated: 3 September 2026
Trip length
4–5 days
Best time
April–May and September–October
Mid-range budget
₩180,000–300,000 / day
Overview
Seoul runs at hyperspeed yet never loses its soul: Joseon-era palaces and hanok villages sit beneath neon towers, and the world's fastest wifi coexists with 600-year-old markets. It's a city of late-night barbecue, glowing convenience stores, K-beauty flagships and mountain temples minutes from the subway — endlessly modern, deeply traditional and superb value for a food-first city break.
Where to stay & explore
Myeongdong & Jung-gu
Central shopping and street food, walkable to Gyeongbokgung and the palaces — a convenient base.
Bukchon & Insadong
Hanok alleys, tea houses, galleries and traditional crafts between the two main palaces.
Hongdae
University nightlife, indie music, buskers and cheap eats — young, loud and fun after dark.
Gangnam & Itaewon
Upscale dining and nightlife south of the river; Itaewon for international food and bars.
Top attractions
- Gyeongbokgung Palace and the guard-changing ceremony
- Bukchon Hanok Village lanes
- N Seoul Tower on Namsan at sunset
- A Korean BBQ and late-night pojangmacha crawl
- Gwangjang Market street food
Sample itinerary
Palaces & hanok
Gyeongbokgung and the ceremony, Bukchon Hanok Village, Insadong tea and Gwangjang Market for dinner.
Modern Seoul
Dongdaemun design plaza, Myeongdong shopping and K-beauty, then N Seoul Tower at sunset.
Nightlife & river
Hongdae by day, a Han River park picnic, and Korean BBQ with soju in the evening.
Budget guide
Budget
₩70,000–110,000 / day
Hostels, street food, public transport
Mid-range
₩180,000–300,000 / day
Boutique stays, restaurants, some tours
Luxury
₩600,000+ / day
Top hotels, fine dining, private guides
Approximate spend per person, per day, excluding flights.
Practical travel tips
- 1Grab a T-money card for the fast, cheap subway and buses.
- 2Rent a hanbok near the palaces for free entry and great photos.
- 3Convenience stores (CU, GS25) are a cheap 24/7 lifeline for snacks and meals.
- 4Download Naver Map or KakaoMap — Google Maps navigation is limited in Korea.
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