Best Seoul Tours & Trips

How Many Days in Seoul is Enough?

4-5 days is sufficient for first-time visitors to Seoul. This timeframe allows ample exploration of Seoul's main attractions and multiple neighborhoods. If you wish to take trips to the DMZ from Seoul, then 6-7 days would be more appropriate. For a broader exploration of Korea, consider visiting cities like Busan and Gyeongju, which easily require a week or longer.

Best Time to Travel to Seoul

The best seasons to visit Seoul are the off-peak travel periods of spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October). In spring, cherry blossoms bloom across the city, creating a picturesque backdrop for Seoul city tours. Average temperatures during this period range from 2°C to 23°C (36°F to 72°F). Autumn brings cool, dry weather with golden maple leaves adorning the city's parks. Average temperatures range from 27°C to 4°C (81°F to 39°F) during this season.

Seoul experiences hot temperatures during the summer months of June to August, which also coincide with the rainy season. Average temperatures range from 18 to 30°C (64 to 86°F). Winters are colder with snowfall, averaging between 5 and -6°C (41 to 21°F).

Getting Around Seoul

In Seoul, public transportation is extremely convenient, connecting major attractions and surrounding cities.

● Subway: Seoul has 23 subway lines, with most fares ranging from 1,250 to 1,350 KRW.

● Buses: Seoul buses come in four colors. Blue buses serve long-distance routes, traversing the city center. Green buses provide short-distance feeder services, operating between residential areas and subway stations. Yellow buses operate on loop routes, while red buses traverse both urban and suburban areas.

● Taxis: The base fare for taxis in Seoul is approximately 4,800 won, making them a suitable option for multiple passengers.

Tips: We recommend purchasing a T-money card, available at convenience stores or subway stations for a card fee of approximately 2,500 KRW. It can be used not only for subways and buses but also for payments at convenience stores.

Top Attractions and Day Trips in Seoul

Seoul offers numerous attractions, including historical sites, iconic landmarks, and entertainment shopping centers. You can choose based on your interests.

Gyeongbokgung Palace: The main palace of the Joseon Dynasty, built in 1395. It features various classical buildings and a museum.

Changdeokgung Palace: Home to the enchanting Secret Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bukchon Hanok Village: A residential area preserving traditional Korean houses, perfect for leisurely walks.

N Seoul Tower: This iconic landmark offers the best vantage point for Seoul's night views, where couples often come to hang love locks.

Myeongdong & Hongdae: Seoul's shopping districts, featuring street performances, diverse shops, and restaurants.

Namsan Park: A forested park surrounding N Seoul Tower, perfect for hiking and walking.

Beyond the city, several easy day trips from Seoul offer a change of pace and a chance to see more of the country.

DMZ: The Demilitarized Zone spans the Korean Peninsula, separating North Korea and South Korea. Visitors can view North Korea from the Dora Observatory. Note that DMZ tours from Seoul require a travel agency escort; individuals cannot visit independently.

Incheon: As a major port city, Incheon boasts the picturesque Incheon Grand Park.

Nami Island: Famous for its tree-lined paths, this island is a popular escape from the city, particularly in autumn and winter when the scenery is stunning.

Seoul Trip Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

For your first trip to Seoul, we've put together a 4-day itinerary covering both cultural and modern attractions.

● Day 1: Focus on Seoul city center, visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest and most famous of the five royal palaces. Afterward, walk to nearby Bukchon Hanok Village to explore traditional Korean houses and narrow alleyways. Conclude your day in the Insadong district, a hub for traditional tea houses and craft shops.

● Day 2: Head to Namsan Seoul Tower for panoramic city views. Next, explore the trendy Gangnam District, a key destination frequently featured in Seoul city tours. In the evening, visit the iconic futuristic landmark Dongdaemun Design Plaza and its surrounding shopping centers.

● Day 3: Explore Gwangjang Market, one of Korea's oldest and largest traditional markets, and sample some local street food. Next, visit the National Museum of Korea to learn about the country's rich history and art. In the evening, head to the banks of the Hangang River to enjoy the night views.

● Day 4: On the final day, head to Hongdae, a neighborhood renowned for its street art, indie music scene, and unique shops. In the afternoon, visit Myeongdong, a major shopping district famous for its diverse selection of cosmetics, fashion, and delicious street food stalls. This is an excellent spot to purchase souvenirs and gifts.

Where to Stay in Seoul

For first-time visitors to Seoul, we recommend staying near Gyeongbokgung Palace, where cultural attractions are concentrated and numerous restaurants are available. Myeongdong and Gangnam District are also excellent choices, both bustling commercial hubs offering convenient amenities and easy access to transportation.

Must-Try Foods in Seoul

● Bulgogi: A Korean-style grilled meat dish featuring marinated pork belly or beef, served with lettuce, garlic, and spicy sauce for wrapping.

● Samgyetang: A nourishing soup made by simmering a whole chicken with glutinous rice, ginseng, and red dates.

● Budae Jjigae: A spicy stew combining sausages, ham, rice cakes, and ramen noodles, perfect for sharing.

● Tteokbokki: A classic Korean street snack featuring rice cakes stir-fried with spicy sauce and fish cakes.

● Naengmyeon: A summer staple, featuring buckwheat noodles served in chilled broth or tossed with spicy sauce.