Seoul Travel Guide 2026 | Tips, Costs & Local Insights

Q: How much does a trip to Seoul cost per day?

Budget travelers need $53–$82/day for hostels, street food, and subway. Mid-range visitors should budget $118–$188/day for 3-star hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Luxury stays start from $353+/day. Meals cost $6.48–$12, subway rides $1.18, jimjilbang saunas $12, and fried chicken $8.25–$14. Seoul offers good value.

Q: What are the must-see attractions in Seoul?

Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace (changing of guards 10:00, $2.36). Explore Bukchon Hanok Village (free, go early). Climb N Seoul Tower for views (approximately $12 cable car + $20–$21 observatory). Shop and eat in Myeongdong. Add Insadong for traditional crafts, Gangnam for luxury, and Hongdae for nightlife. Experience jimjilbang spa. Take DMZ tour (book ahead, $51–$81). Try Korean BBQ and street food at Gwangjang Market.

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"Planning a trip to Seoul? April is when the best weather begins — perfect for long walks and exploring without the crowds. The nightlife scene here is not to be missed."

Our take

We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.

Why Visit Seoul?

Seoul electrifies as South Korea's remarkably dynamic and technologically advanced capital where 5 magnificent Joseon Dynasty palaces preserve 500 years of royal heritage amid an ultra-modern metropolis defined by global K-pop phenomenon, cutting-edge technology (some of the fastest internet speeds in the world, often over 200 Mbps), and vibrant 24/7 street food markets serving spicy tteokbokki and crispy Korean fried chicken. This fascinating city of dramatic contrasts (city around 9.5-10 million, over 25 million in the wider Seoul Capital Area making it world's fourth-largest metropolitan economy) masterfully balances deep Confucian tradition with relentless innovation—Gyeongbokgung Palace's elaborate colorful guard changing ceremony happens in shadow of towering Samsung and Hyundai headquarters, atmospheric Bukchon Hanok Village's 600-year-old traditional wooden houses share steep hills with minimalist specialty coffee cafés, and serene Buddhist temples like Jogyesa offer meditation and chanting mere minutes from Gangnam's luxury shopping district and Psy's famous Gangnam Style locale. Obsessive Korean food culture genuinely perfects every dish: high-end Korean BBQ restaurants grill premium marbled hanwoo beef tableside with endless complimentary banchan side dishes (around $35–$71 / ₩51,000–₩102,000 per person), atmospheric pojangmacha street tents serve soju and spicy tteokbokki rice cakes until dawn, and legendary Gwangjang Market's maze of stalls offers bindaetteok mung bean pancakes, yukhoe raw beef tartare, and addictive mayak (drug) gimbap rice rolls nicknamed for their addictiveness.

Korean fried chicken in dozens of sauce variations (soy garlic, yangnyeom spicy, honey butter) paired with cold beer creates chimaek national pastime enjoyed at chains like Kyochon. Global K-pop phenomenon centers entirely here—devoted BTS fans pilgrimage to HYBE headquarters building, K-Star Road in Gangnam displays favorite idol star plaques embedded in sidewalks, and Hongdae neighborhood's live music clubs showcase tomorrow's K-pop trends before global fame. Seoul profoundly honors historical heritage alongside modernity—UNESCO-listed Changdeokgung Palace's extensive Secret Garden requires guided tours ($3.44 / ₩4,964) through stunning 78-acre royal grounds where Joseon kings escaped among lotus ponds and pavilions, sacred Jongmyo Shrine hosts elaborate ancestral ceremonies honoring deceased kings with ritual music and dance, and sobering DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) tours that may include the Joint Security Area at Panmunjom when access is open (JSA visits are tightly controlled and sometimes suspended) where UN and North Korean soldiers face off mere meters apart inside blue buildings straddling border, viscerally reminding visitors the Korean War technically never officially ended with only armistice signed 1953.

Contemporary Seoul impressively thrives along restored Cheonggyecheon Stream's 11-kilometer urban waterway through downtown (a stream restored after removing an elevated freeway), striking Dongdaemun Design Plaza's Zaha Hadid-designed curves illuminated by 25,000 LED roses at night, and soaring Lotte World Tower's 555-meter height offering thrilling glass-floor views from Seoul Sky observation deck at 478 meters (approximately $25–$26 / ₩35,700–₩37,400). Uniquely Korean jimjilbang bathhouse culture provides complete 24-hour experiences with gender-separated bathing, themed saunas ranging from ice rooms to 90°C (194°F) kilns, communal sleeping areas, and full facilities for just $6.87–$10 / ₩9,911–₩14,875 allowing budget travelers overnight accommodation. Bustling Noryangjin Fish Market operates 24/7 with vendors auctioning fresh catches and upstairs restaurants preparing your purchases, while trendy Myeongdong's pedestrian streets sell K-beauty sheet masks, cosmetics, and street food creating shopping paradise.

Han River parks host evening fried chicken picnics and outdoor concerts creating Seoul's favorite summer activity, while surrounding mountains (Bukhansan, Inwangsan) see locals hiking enthusiastically in full technical gear even for short trails. International Itaewon offers global cuisines and established LGBTQ+ scene, while traditional Insadong sells hanbok rentals, tea houses, and handicrafts. Visit spring March-May for stunning cherry blossoms and comfortable 10-20°C (50-68°F) weather, or autumn September-November for brilliant fall foliage and ideal 15-25°C (59-77°F) temperatures—avoid humid summer June-August bringing 30°C (86°F)+ heat and monsoon rains, and brutal winter December-February when temperatures regularly plunge to -5 to -10°C / 23-14°F.

With incredibly efficient subway system (approximately $1.3–$1.41 / ₩1,870–₩2,040/ride with T-money card covering entire city), high-speed KTX bullet trains reaching Busan in 2.5 hours, royal palace heritage, global K-pop cultural influence, incredible food spanning street snacks to multiple Michelin stars, cutting-edge technology everywhere, and uniquely Korean 24/7 lifestyle where convenience stores and restaurants never close, Seoul delivers Asia's most energetically dynamic and successfully modernized capital where Confucian tradition and high-tech future collide creating utterly unique urban experience.

What to Do

Palaces & Tradition

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Seoul's largest and most iconic palace, originally built in 1395 and later reconstructed. Standard admission is $2.36 / ₩3,400 for adults, with free entry for under-19s, over-65s and anyone wearing hanbok. Hanbok rentals nearby typically cost around $11–$21 / ₩15,300–₩30,600 for a few hours. The colourful Royal Guard Changing Ceremony happens at Gwanghwamun Gate at 10:00 and 14:00 daily except Tuesdays (when the palace is closed). Go at 09:00 opening or after 15:00 to avoid peak tour groups and leave around two hours to explore the main halls, courtyards and lakeside Gyeonghoeru Pavilion.

Bukchon Hanok Village

A hillside neighbourhood packed with traditional hanok houses, some still used as private homes and others converted into galleries, cultural centres and tearooms. It's free to wander but steep in places. Residents have asked for quiet and respectful behaviour, so avoid shouting, littering or blocking doorways for photos. Go early (around 08:00–09:00) for quieter alleys and clearer views of tiled roofs with modern Seoul in the background. Combine Bukchon with Gyeongbokgung in the morning and Insadong's cafés and craft shops in the afternoon.

Changdeokgung Palace & Secret Garden

UNESCO-listed Changdeokgung is often considered the most harmonious of the Joseon palaces. Palace entry is $2.36 / ₩3,400, but the real highlight is the Huwon (Secret Garden) at the rear. Garden access is by guided tour only; adult tickets are $3.53 / ₩5,100 on top of palace admission, and English tours have limited time slots that should be reserved in advance. The 90-minute garden walk passes ponds, pavilions and centuries-old trees that once formed the royals' private retreat. The palace is usually closed on Mondays, and tours sell out quickly in cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.

Modern Seoul

Myeongdong Shopping & Street Food

Seoul's busiest shopping streets for skincare, cosmetics, fashion and K-pop merchandise. In the evening, roads fill with street food stalls selling tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes from around $2.36 / ₩3,400), hotteok pancakes, skewers and more. Expect bright signs, loud promotions and free samples in cosmetic shops. Evenings from 18:00–22:00 are most vibrant but also most crowded. Nearby Namdaemun Market has a more old-school, local feel but with similarly good street food.

N Seoul Tower & Namsan Mountain

Perched on Namsan in central Seoul, N Seoul Tower offers 360° city views. You can hike up via forest trails in 30–45 minutes or take the Namsan cable car (approximately $12 / ₩17,000 round trip for adults). Observatory tickets are approximately $20–$21 / ₩28,900–₩30,600 for adults and $15–$16 / ₩22,100–₩23,800 for children and seniors. Go an hour before sunset to watch the city shift from daylight to neon, then stay for the night view. The terrace area with 'love locks' is free to wander; restaurants at the top are pricey, so most people eat before or after.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

Zaha Hadid's flowing, LED-lit Dongdaemun Design Plaza looks like a landed spaceship and is one of Seoul's most photogenic modern buildings, especially after dark. It's free to walk around the complex and lower-level plazas; ticketed exhibitions inside vary from $3.53–$11 / ₩5,100–₩15,300 depending on the show. Surrounding malls and wholesale complexes trade late into the night, and street-food and fashion stalls pop up along the main roads. Visit at sunset for blue-hour photos, then explore shop floors and markets until past midnight.

Neighborhoods & K-Culture

Gangnam & K-Star Road

Gangnam is all glass towers, offices and high-end shops south of the river. COEX Mall is one of Asia's largest underground malls, with the Instagram-famous Starfield Library (free to enter) and an aquarium. Outside, K-Star Road features bear statues and plaques dedicated to major K-pop groups. Bongeunsa Temple opposite COEX offers a surprisingly peaceful contrast with free entry. Gangnam's nightlife is polished and pricey—come in the evening (19:00–22:00) for restaurants and lounges rather than gritty clubs.

Hongdae (University Area)

Hongdae around Hongik University is youth culture central: buskers, indie clubs, fashion shops and late-night fried chicken joints. Hongdae Playground often has free performances and dance crews in the evenings. Expect lots of noraebang (karaoke) rooms charging roughly $7.07–$14 / ₩10,200–₩20,400 per hour for a small group. The area really comes alive after 21:00 and can feel almost 24/7 on weekends. If you prefer quieter streets, explore side alleys in the early evening before peak party time.

Insadong & Traditional Crafts

Insadong mixes touristy souvenir shops with genuinely interesting galleries, calligraphy stores and tearooms. Ssamziegil's spiralling ramp is lined with local design and craft stalls, and side alleys hide small hanok-style tea houses where a cup of traditional tea typically costs $5.89–$11 / ₩8,500–₩15,300. Street snacks like hodugwaja (walnut cakes) and hotteok are easy to grab on the go. On Sundays weather permitting, parts of Insadong-gil are pedestrian-only, with calligraphers and performers in the street.

Gallery

Travel Information

Getting There

Airports: ICN
From :

Best Time to Visit

April, May, September, October

Climate: Moderate

Entry Requirements

Entry rules vary by passport

Check requirements

Weather by Month

Best months: Apr, May, Sep, Oct • Hottest: Jul (30°C) • Driest: Jan (4d rain)

45° 30° 15° 0° -10°

Best★

★

Excellent

•

Good

💧

Wet

Monthly weather data
Month	High	Low	Rainy days	Condition
January	4°C	-6°C	4	Good
February	6°C	-4°C	4	Good
March	14°C	2°C	6	Good
April	19°C	8°C	6	Excellent ((best))
May	23°C	13°C	9	Excellent ((best))
June	28°C	19°C	10	Good
July	30°C	24°C	17	Wet
August	30°C	24°C	16	Wet
September	27°C	19°C	10	Excellent ((best))
October	20°C	11°C	7	Excellent ((best))
November	14°C	3°C	5	Good
December	4°C	-5°C	5	Good

Weather data: Open-Meteo Archive (2020-2025) • Historical avg. 2020–2025

Travel Costs

Budget

$87 /day

Typical Range: $77 – $100

Accommodation $37

Food & Meals $20

Local Transport $12

Attractions & Tours $14

Mid-range

$206 /day

Typical Range: $177 – $236

Accommodation $87

Food & Meals $47

Local Transport $29

Attractions & Tours $33

Luxury

$437 /day

Typical Range: $371 – $501

Accommodation $184

Food & Meals $100

Local Transport $61

Attractions & Tours $70

Per person per day, based on double occupancy. 'Budget' reflects hostels or shared accommodation in high-cost cities.

💡 🌍 Traveler Tip (February 2026): Plan ahead: April is coming up and offers ideal weather.

Practical Information

Getting There

Incheon International Airport (ICN) is 49km west—consistently rated world's best. Airport Railroad Express (AREX) to Seoul Station costs approximately $11–$12 / ₩15,300–₩17,000 (43 min from T1, 51 min from T2); all-stop train cheaper but slower. Limousine buses to hotels vary by route (approximately $14 / ₩20,400). Taxis approximately $47–$82 / ₩68,000–₩119,000 to central areas (plus tolls). Domestic Gimpo Airport serves regional flights. KTX trains connect Busan (2h30min), other cities.

Getting Around

Seoul Metro (23 lines!) is world-class, cheap, and extensive. T-Money card costs approximately $2.36–$4.71 / ₩3,400–₩6,800 to buy, then top it up (tap on/off, works at convenience stores). Single subway rides approximately $1.3–$1.41 / ₩1,870–₩2,040 with T-money depending on distance. Buses supplement ($1.18 / ₩1,700). Walking is rewarding. Taxis are still relatively cheap and metered, with base fares around $3.53 / ₩5,100 (late-night surcharge). Uber-style: Kakao T app. Avoid rental cars—traffic is dense.

Money & Payments

South Korean Won (KRW, ₩). Exchange rate: $1 ≈ ₩1,443. Cards accepted almost everywhere, even street vendors increasingly. ATMs widespread (convenience stores). Tipping is not customary and can offend—service is included.

Language

Korean is official. English signage in metro and tourist areas. Younger Koreans (under 30) speak decent English. Older generations speak limited English. Download Papago translator app. Learning hangul alphabet helps read signs. Pointing at pictures works in restaurants.

Cultural Tips

Remove shoes when entering homes, hanok guesthouses, and some restaurants (look for shoe racks). Bow slightly when greeting elders. Use two hands when receiving/giving to elders. Don't tip—it's offensive. Koreans eat fast—meals are efficient. Soju drinking culture: pour for others, never yourself. Book restaurants ahead on weekends. Many businesses close on Sundays. Respect DMZ rules strictly. Konglish (Korean-English) is common. Kimchi comes free with every meal.

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