Royal palaces, hanok villages and electric districts from Hongdae to Gangnam, Seoul blends Joseon tradition and K-pop. Here's how to enjoy it in 3 or 4 days, with transport, budget and best seasons.
Seoul at a glance
Population
9.4M (metro area 26M)
Airport
ICN / GMP
Ideal stay
3 to 4 days
Budget / day
€50-200
Flight Paris
~12h direct
Time diff
+7h (Paris)
Current climate
Best season
In brief
Get a T-money card on arrival
Rechargeable card sold for 2,500-4,000 KRW at convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven). Base metro fare 1,550 KRW, up to 4 free bus-metro transfers within 30 min. Essential to move around without thinking.
Visit Gyeongbokgung in the morning
The grand royal palace opens at 9am. Changing of the guard around 10am and 2pm. Entry 3,000 KRW, free in hanbok (rental 15,000-25,000 KRW for 2 hours at nearby shops).
Book Changdeokgung's Secret Garden 48 hours ahead
The Huwon (Secret Garden) tour is guided, by timed slot, and books out fast in high season. Combined palace + garden ticket around 8,000 KRW. The city's most beautiful palace.
Save Hongdae and Myeongdong for the evening
Hongdae for street performances, cafés and student nightlife; Myeongdong for street food and cosmetics shops. Everything stays open late.
Ride up N Seoul Tower at sunset
Namsan cable car or shuttle, then the observatory at 21,000 KRW. 360-degree views over the city. Namsan Park itself stays free.
Must-see
The grand Joseon dynasty palace (1395). Throne courtyard, Gyeonghoeru pavilion over the pond, changing of the guard twice a day.
UNESCO-listed palace and its Huwon, a royal garden of pavilions and ponds. Garden visit is guided, book ahead.
A maze of traditional houses between the two palaces. Sloping lanes, artisan workshops, viewpoints over the old town. A lived-in neighborhood: stay discreet.
The cultural heart: teahouses, art galleries, stationery shops and crafts. A 15-min walk from Gyeongbokgung and Bukchon.
Tower perched on Namsan mountain, 360-degree views over the megacity. Cable car or hike. Magical at sunset.
The shopping and street-food temple: Korean cosmetics, K-pop stores, tteokbokki and skewer stalls at night.
Student district around Hongik University: street concerts, themed cafés, vintage shops, weekend art market and nightlife.
Modern Seoul south of the Han River: glass towers, cosmetics flagships, COEX Mall and its Starfield Library. Business and luxury district.
The historic street-food market: bindaetteok (mung bean pancake), mayak gimbap, beef tartare. Authentic and cheap.
The demilitarized zone on the North Korean border: 3rd tunnel, Dora Observatory, Freedom Bridge. Guided tour required, full day.
Choose your district
The historic center, near the palaces and the metro. Ideal for a first visit. From €60/night.
★ Recommended
Young, lively district, cafés and concerts, direct AREX line to the airport. From €45/night.
Nightlife
Modern, safe and chic, south of the river. Pricier, quieter at night. From €90/night.
Chic
International, cosmopolitan district, world cuisines and bars. Near Namsan. From €55/night.
International
Getting around
Metro (T-money)
Vast, clean and punctual network, signs in English. Base fare 1,550 KRW with T-money. The number-one way to do everything.
AREX (ICN airport)
Express to Seoul Station in ~43 min (~11,000 KRW), or cheaper all-stop train. The simplest from Incheon.
Taxi
Affordable, metered, very handy Kakao T app (payment and route in English). Night surcharge after midnight.
On foot
The historic districts (palaces, Bukchon, Insadong) are best walked. Good shoes for Bukchon's sloping lanes.
Climate & crowds
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Spring
Apr to May · 10-23°C, mild · Ideal: cherry blossom, clear skies, mild air
Summer
Jun to Aug · 24-30°C, monsoon · Avoid: heavy heat and jangma rains in July-August
Autumn
Sep to Nov · 8-26°C, dry · Ideal in October: golden foliage and crisp air
Winter
Dec to Mar · -6 to 5°C, dry and cold · Crisp and bright, sometimes snow. Dress warm, few crowds
How much
Backpacker
€50
per day
Comfort
€120
per day
Premium
€300
per day
Our tested itinerary
Day-by-day program.
Around
📍 2h30 by KTX · Beaches, Jagalchi market and Gamcheon village
1 h away · North Korean border, tunnel and observatory
1 h by train · UNESCO-listed Hwaseong ramparts
1h30 away · Metasequoia lane, a famous autumn escape
FAQ
Marie Laurent ✓
·Southeast Asia specialist
Last updated: June 22, 2026.