As many of us do now a days, I love South Korean’s pop culture – and I’m not even talking only about k-drama. That is why I wanted to include Seoul in my travels – and it didn’t disappointed. Seoul is such a good surprise! Full of free museums and cute cafés, you will never be out of things to do.
If you heart also beats for Seoul, here is a guide if you want to spend 3 or more days in this amazing capital!
Best Time to Visit Seoul
Seoul shines in spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November). Spring brings cherry blossoms and mild weather, while autumn offers crisp air and stunning fall foliage. These seasons are perfect for walking and hiking. Summer (July-August) can be hot and humid, and winter (December-February) is cold but still magical with possibility of snow.
How to Get to Seoul
Most international travelers fly into Incheon International Airport (ICN), which is about an hour west of the city. The most efficient way to get downtown is the AREX Airport Express Train (about 43 minutes to Seoul Station).
For a budget option, choose airport limousine buses. To find them, follow the bus sign in the arrivals at the airport. You will find the kiosks selling tickets. Show the seller the name of your destination on your phone (if you don’t speak Korean), and they will direct you to the right bus.
Taxis are also available, but they are way more expensive. You can use the Kakao app to get one.
How to Get Around Seoul
Seoul’s public transportation is very efficient and easy to understand. It actually surprised me how well mainteined even their public bathroons are (!).
Important: Google Maps doesn’t work very well in South Korea. Download the Naver Map app, which is very precise!
- Subway: Your best friend. You will need a T-money card (available at convenience stores ) to tap and go on subways and buses. It costs ₩10,000 Won, plus how much you want to fill. Each trip costs around ₩ 1,400.
- Buses: Also work very well. You can check their times at the buses stations. Important: whenever you get out of a bus, don’t forget to tap your T-card again – so it will not charge the next trip within 40 minutes, necessary for when you have to take more than one bus or subway for your destination.
- Taxis: Use apps like KakaoT for ease. They are moderatly affordable.
- Walking: Many neighborhoods are best explored on foot, and Seoul is pretty walkable!
Where to Stay in Seoul
- Myeongdong: Best for first-timers. Central, with direct airport bus links and markets.
- Hongdae: Best for the young & young at heart. Artsy and lively, this neighborhood got a bit of a bad reputation lately because of the extrem partying. Chose it if you like the movement, but be careful.
- Insadong / Jongno: Best for culture lovers. Steps from major palaces and traditional vibes.
- Gangnam: Best for luxury & modern vibes. Upscale shopping, dining, and a sleek city feel.
How to Spend 3 or more days in Seoul
- Day 1: Palaces, Hanok, and Museums
- Day 2: Insa-dong, Myeongdong, & Namsan Tower
- Day 3: Seongsu-dong & Gangnam
- Day 4: City Wall, Hongdae, and Itaewon
- More Days: Hiking or DMZ
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Day 1: Palaces, Hanok, and Museums
Morning: Start at Gyeongbokgung Palace, the grandest of the five. Time your visit for the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which happens at 10 am and 2 pm daily. You can rent a hanbok (traditional Korean dress) at a nearby shop for free entry and photos! To find plenty of options of shops, go to the west side of the palace.
While there, you can also visit the National Palace Museum of Korea and the The National Folk Museum of Korea for free. Nearby, the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History also has free entrance and offers the best view of the Gyeongbokgung Palace. Even if you are not a fan of museums, I highly recommend these ones! They are very well organized and explain a lot about Sout-Korean culture and history.
Afternoon: From the palce, you can walk to the Bukchon Hanok Village, a residential area with hundreds of traditional Korean houses. Explore the alleys and imagine you live like a traditional south-korean.
Neverthless, keep in mind that this is a residential area, so be careful with the noise. The hours of visit are even restricted because of that, from 10 am to 5 pm.
Cafés to visit:
- The LEEDORIM Coffee & Vegan Bakery is a charming and cute spot for some matcha
- Dae-o Bookstore is a hidden gem. They are a combination of vintage library and very small café.
- The Tongin Traditional Market houses the Coin café, if you are looking for a more authentic (and affordable) experience.
- If you walk a bit more towards the Changgyeonggung Palace, you can find the whimsycal Dotori Garden Anguk (probably with a wait line)
- If you went to Dotori and don’t want to wait, try the Cafe Layered Bukchon or the London Bagel Museum Anguk nearby
on the evening, if it’s a Wednesday or Saturday, you can make your way to the Museum of Contemporary Art Seoul (MMCA) if you are into art. General admission is FREE after 6 PM on these days
Day 2: Insa-dong, Myeongdong, & Namsan Tower
Morning: Discover Ikseon-dong Hanok Village. Unlike Bukchon, these narrow alleys are way more crowded, but filled with ultra-trendy cafes, shops, and craft studios hidden in hanok.
Then you can walk to Insadong, the heart of traditional crafts. Browse antique shops, art galleries, and pick up souvenirs. For a deep dive into Korean craft, visit the beautiful Museum of Korean Craft Art – I loved learning about the different ways to tie a Bojagi! Nearby, there is also a public garden
From there, get here for the controlled chaos of Myeongdong walking street. It is not a short walk, but you can follow the streaming in the Cheonggyecheon park and enjoy the way. Once there, look for street food (tteokbokki, egg bread, dumplings) and do some shopping. I personally felt it was a bit too crowded for my taste, but it’s worthy to observe some local life.
Once you’re satisfied, head to the Namsan Tower for sunset. Instead of the cable car, consider the hike up Namsan Park. ıt has plenty of signs and even stairs. The views from the top are unforgettable.
Day 3: Seongsu-dong & Gangnam
Start your day in Seongsu-dong, the “Brooklyn of Seoul.” This former shoe-manufacturing district is now home to hip cafes, flagship stores, and indie designers. You can start your day at the Cafe Onion Seongsu (there are other branches, I found this was the most chill to come in).
Here you can find one flagship branch of the iconic Olive Young cosmetic store, and have your skin tested (you can only do it in this branch). Arrive early (it opens 10 am) to secure your spot!
After, you can head to Jamsil for Lotte World Tower & Mall. Visit Seoul Sky, the world’s 5th-tallest building.
Alternatively, if you are not into this kind of activity, you can head to the Ttukseom Hangang Park for views of the river and people watching.
After, take the subway to Gangnam. You can visit the serene Bongeunsa Temple, a Buddhist oasis amidst skyscrapers. Then, pop into the stunning Starfield Library in COEX Mall.
If you still have the energy, book a K-pop dance class in the evening! Many studios offer one-time sessions for beginners. I took one class at 1MILLION Dance Studio (and it was harder than I imagined, so really recommend the beginner class if you are not a dancer!)
Day 4: City Wall, Hongdae, and Itaewon
Three days is really just the beginning of Seoul exploration. If you are able to fit one more day, you can start with a morning walk on a section of the Seoul City Wall for incredible views over the old city.
Next, you can visit Hongdae. Filled with street performances and shops, this neighborhood is very lively and can be worth the visit even if you are not so young (it is heavly frequented by students). Known for its nightlife, visiting during the day can be more chill and also safer.
In the afternoon, make your way to the Leeum Museum of Art in Hannam-dong. It houses traditional Korean art and contemporary collections in a super modern building. The traditional exhibition is free.
Next, visit Itaewon, the multicultural district known for its global cuisine and the most charming cafes ever. Pick a place to sit and people watch: everybody is throwing fits there, it’s so impressive!
Got More Days?
- Go Hiking: Seoul is surrounded by mountains. Bukhansan National Park offers stunning trails right at the city’s edge.
- DMZ Tour: A sobering and fascinating half-day trip to the Korean Demilitarized Zone. Book a licensed tour in advance—it’s a must for understanding modern Korean history.
Ready to start planning? Save this Seoul itinerary for later and share your own tips in the comments!
Seoul Travel FAQ: Your Korea Trip Questions Answered
Planning a trip to Seoul can bring up a lot of questions. Here are detailed answers to some of the most common ones, based on our 4-day itinerary and traveler experiences.
Q1: What is the best 4-day Seoul itinerary for first-time visitors?
A: A perfect 4-day Seoul itinerary balances royal history, modern culture, and local neighborhoods.
- Day 1: Focus on history in Jongno. Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and the free museums nearby – the National Palace Museum of Korea, the The National Folk Museum of Korea, the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History and the Museum of Contemporary Art (free Wednesday & Saturday evenings).
- Day 2: Explore traditional and pop culture. Wander Ikseon-dong’s trendy hanok alleys, browse Insadong’s crafts, snack in Myeongdong, and see the view from Namsan Seoul Tower.
- Day 3: Experience Seoul’s trendy side. Discover cafes in Seongsu-dong, visit Lotte World Tower, see Gangnam’s Bongeunsa Temple and Starfield Library, and try a K-pop dance class.
- Day 4: Start the day at the Seoul City Wall, then go check the creative energy of Hongdae and finish the day at the international vibe of Itaewon and the world-class Leeum Museum of Art.
Q2: When is the best time of year to visit Seoul, South Korea?
A: The best times to visit Seoul are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November). Spring offers mild weather and famous cherry blossoms, while autumn provides cool, comfortable temperatures and spectacular fall foliage. These seasons are ideal for the extensive walking and outdoor activities in most itineraries.
Q3: How do I get from Incheon Airport (ICN) to downtown Seoul?
A: The most efficient way is the AREX (Airport Railroad Express) train. The direct express train takes about 43 minutes to Seoul Station. Alternatively, comfortable airport limousine buses serve major districts and take at least 60 minutes. Taxis are available but are the most expensive option.
Q4: How easy is it to get around Seoul without speaking Korean?
A: Very easy. Seoul’s subway system has signs, announcements, and ticket machines in English. Get a rechargeable T-money card for all public transport. Apps like Naver Map or KakaoMap (set to English) are essential for real-time navigation. In tourist areas, many people understand basic English.
Q5: What are the best areas to stay in Seoul for tourists?
A: The best area depends on your travel style:
- Myeongdong: Best for first-timers, shoppers, and street food lovers. Very central with excellent transport links.
- Hongdae: Best for nightlife, young crowds, indie culture, and access to airport rail.
- Jongno/Insadong: Best for culture and history, being closest to major palaces.
- Gangnam: Best for a modern, upscale experience with luxury shopping and dining.
Q6: Is the Museum of Contemporary Art in Seoul really free?
A: Yes, the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) Seoul branch offers free general admission every Wednesday and Saturday from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. This is a fantastic way to experience Korea’s premier contemporary art museum. Special exhibition tickets are still required.
Q7: What should I do in Seoul if I have more than 4 days?
A: With extra days, consider these enriching experiences:
- Take a Hike: Hike in Bukhansan National Park, which is easily accessible from the city.
- Take a DMZ Tour: Join a half-day guided tour to the Korean Demilitarized Zone for a unique historical perspective.
- Explore a New District: Spend a day in the university area of Sinchon or the upscale Apgujeong.
- Day Trip: Visit the historic city of Suwon to see Hwaseong Fortress (a UNESCO site).
Q8: Where can I find the best traditional and trendy coffee shops in Seoul?
A: Seoul is a coffee paradise.
- Traditional Tea: Find old-school teahouses in Insadong and Bukchon Hanok Village.
- Trendy Cafes: Ikseon-dong Hanok Village and Seongsu-dong are famous for unique cafes in converted hanok and industrial spaces. The Onion Cafe chain is a must, with unique drinks and delicious pastry options.
Q9: What is a must-try unique activity in Seoul?
A: Beyond the palaces, consider a K-pop dance class (available in Gangnam and Hongdae for all levels) or renting a hanbok to wear while exploring the palaces for free admission and unforgettable photos.
Q10: Is Seoul a walkable city for tourists?
A: Neighborhoods are very walkable, and major attractions are often clustered (like the palaces and hanok villages). However, because the city is vast, you will combine walking with the excellent subway system to efficiently travel between districts. Comfortable shoes are your most important item to pack!