Palaces and hanok villages
Gyeongbokgung opens early; hanbok rental gets free entry. Bukchon is crowded, so try Ikseon-dong or Seochon.
Seoul — Is It the Right Destination for You?
Geunjeongjeon Hall, Gyeongbokgung Palace
Best months: Apr–Jun & Sep–Oct
Photo: Daniel Bernard on Unsplash
Photo: Elliot Gouy on Unsplash
Photo: Dohyuk You on Unsplash
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Overview
Seoul at a Glance: What It Is Really Like
Seoul is a city of about ten million that runs on a well-kept subway, fast broadband and very late nights, and it sits against a ring of granite mountains you can reach by train. The old palaces, Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, stand a short walk from glass towers, and a ten-minute walk from Insadong's tea houses puts you in the middle of street food, fashion markets and 24-hour barbecue restaurants.
Seoul is more affordable than Tokyo, and easier to use than most visitors expect. Buy a T-money card, use the subway and a map app such as Naver Map or Kakao Map, because Google Maps navigation is limited in Korea. Eat Korean barbecue, bibimbap, tteokbokki and jjigae at neighbourhood restaurants, and drink soju as locals do, with food. Hike Bukhansan or Inwangsan in the morning, and visit the palaces in the afternoon (a complete hanbok gets you in free; Gyeongbokgung is closed on Tuesdays and the other main palaces on Mondays). April to June and September to October are the best months; winter is dry and very cold (January highs about 2 °C / 36 °F, lows near −7 °C / 20 °F), and the monsoon rains of late June and July are heavy. Cards are widely accepted, though foreign cards and phone wallets sometimes fail, so carry some cash; tipping is not expected.
Three highlights worth the trip
Street food and markets
Gwangjang and Namdaemun markets serve bindaetteok, tteokbokki and hotteok. Cash helps.
K-culture and nightlife
Hongdae and Itaewon for music and bars; Myeongdong for shopping and skincare.
Best time
Best Time to Visit Seoul: A 12-Month View
Best months for most visitors: Apr–Jun & Sep–Oct. Good weather, thinner crowds and fairer prices.
- JanOff (Off-peak)
- FebOff (Off-peak)
- MarPeak (Peak season)
- AprSweet (Sweet spot)
- MaySweet (Sweet spot)
- JunPeak (Peak season)
- JulOff (Off-peak)
- AugOff (Off-peak)
- SepSweet (Sweet spot)
- OctSweet (Sweet spot)
- NovPeak (Peak season)
- DecPeak (Peak season)
- Sweet = best balance of weather, crowds and price
- Peak = busiest and dearest (or hottest)
- Off = quiet; check weather and closures
May, June and September are comfortable, with warm days and fewer crowds than April and October.
April (cherry blossom) and October (autumn colour) are peak, with mild temperatures (highs about 18 °C / 64 °F in April and 19 °C / 66 °F in October) and clear skies.
The jangma monsoon rains arrive around late June and run through July, and August stays hot and humid: highs average about 29 °C / 84°F (84 °F) in July and August, with lows of 22 °C / 72°F (72 °F), and it feels hotter.
Booking window: reserve flights and stays 2–3 months ahead for Apr–Jun & Sep–Oct, and 4–6 months ahead for peak season (Mar, Jun, Nov–Dec).
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Weather
Weather and Seasonal Conditions in Seoul
Right now in Seoul
Current temperature loads here when your browser can reach Open-Meteo.
Weather data: Open-Meteo Historical & Live API. A single reading for the main town or area, not the whole destination.
Typical daytime highs
Peak season about 29°C / 84°F; shoulder season about 18°C / 64°F.
Rain: Heavy monsoon rain from late June to July; dry, cold winters.
Regional breakdown
Spring and autumn
Cherry blossom in April and fall colour in October are the highlights. Sunshine averages 5.5–6.5 hours a day through the year, and September is a relief month as humidity drops (typhoon remnants usually mean one to three days of heavy rain, mainly early in the month).
Summer and winter
Summer is hot and humid, with the monsoon in late June and July (highs about 29 °C / 84 °F in July and August); winter is cold and dry, with January highs near 2 °C / 36°F (36 °F), lows near −7 °C / 45°F (20 °F) and snow possible.
What each season feels like
Hotels in Myeongdong, Hongdae and Jongno cost more, and the palaces and Bukchon are crowded. Book rooms ahead for blossom weeks and national holidays such as Chuseok.
Early June can be hot and humid before the monsoon. September is a relief month as the humidity drops, and it brings clear skies and good hiking in the second half. It is the tail end of typhoon season, but destructive direct hits on Seoul are statistically rare: expect typically one to three days of heavy rain and wind, mainly in early September. Radar warnings give ample notice, so transit disruption is minor.
Winter, December to February, is dry and cold (highs 2 to 5 °C / 36 to 41 °F, lows from −5 to −7 °C / 23 to 19 °F), but the palaces in snow are quiet, indoor life is warm and prices are lowest.
Weather data: Open-Meteo Historical & Live API (live reading). Typical highs and season notes are our own summaries. How we verify →
Safety
Is Seoul Safe? The Five-Government Check
Last updated: government levels come from our editor-verified table (October 2026). When the live UK FCDO check succeeds, its exact UTC time appears in the panel below. The banner takes the most cautious of the five agencies, so a live UK warning always outranks a green entry in our table and any part-country warning shows as red. We never show a level we haven’t checked. How we verify →
🏛️ Official Government Warnings
Government levels: editor-verified table, October 2026 How we verify →
Five official agencies, one view. Ratings change, so each pill opens the agency’s own page for today’s level.
- UK FCDOStandard precautions, or regional adviceCheck today’s rating →
- US State DeptLevel 1 to 4Check today’s rating →
- AU SmartravellerLevel 1 to 4Check today’s rating →
- Japan MOFAStreet-level, transit and petty-crime alertsCheck today’s rating →
- South Korea MOFABlue, Yellow, Red, Black by provinceCheck today’s rating →
Summary of what the agencies publish
Tier 5/5 · Very low risk. Normal precautions: regional tensions, monsoon and winter cold.
The UK FCDO page for South Korea (last updated 14 May 2026) has no travel warning in its summary. It says there is no recent history of terrorism, though attacks cannot be ruled out, and that tension on the Korean Peninsula can change with little notice, particularly after North Korean missile tests and during the regular South Korean–US military exercises. It adds that demonstrations are common but mostly peaceful and well policed, that foreign nationals may not take part in political activities, and that sirens signal occasional civil emergency exercises. Check the FCDO page again before you book.
Our plain-English summary of what the UK FCDO, US State Department, Australian Smartraveller, Japan MOFA and South Korea MOFA publish. We quote no live ratings from memory; each button above opens the agency's own page.
Editorial Opinions & Street-Smart Reality
Our opinion, not an official warning
Regional nuance: The UK FCDO says tension on the Korean Peninsula can change with little notice but rarely affects daily life in Seoul. The DMZ can be visited only on organised tours, with set rules, and some sites have been closed since 2024.
- Humid heat in July and August, monsoon downpours from late June to July, and icy pavements in winter
- Unofficial airport taxis and overpriced tourist-district restaurants in Myeongdong and Hongdae
The concerns that are real: Crime is low. The usual problems are practical: unofficial airport taxis, overpriced tourist-district restaurants, motorcycle delivery riders on pavements, and occasional pickpocketing in crowded areas such as Myeongdong and Hongdae. The FCDO also notes that air pollution, including yellow dust, is common in spring. Heat in July and August and winter ice are other risks.
What headlines overstate: Headlines about North Korea can sound alarming but have little effect on daily life. The DMZ can only be visited on an organised tour (some nationalities are not allowed, and several sites have been closed since 2024, so ask the operator what is open), and the FCDO says to exercise caution and follow local authorities in the area. Keep an eye on official advice, and ensure your insurance covers your trip.
Written by our editors from general travel knowledge and kept apart from the agencies above. How we verify →
Costs
Daily Costs in Seoul: Three Ways to Travel
Backpacker
$85 (≈ €75 / £65) per person per day
$595 (≈ €530 / £470)7 days, solo
$1,056 (≈ €940 / £830)7 days, couple (total for two, shared room)
What it covers: Hostel dorm or guesthouse in Hongdae or Myeongdong, GS25 and CU convenience-store snacks, Gwangjang Market and noodle-bar meals, subway and T-money card, palace tickets from about $2.25 (3,000 won; ≈ € 2 / £ 1.80), and hikes. About $45–75 (₩60,000–100,000; ≈ € 40–67 / £ 35–59) a day.
Where a day's money goes (solo)
- Accommodation$38 (≈ €35 / £30)
- Food$26 (≈ €25 / £20)
- Transit$13 (≈ €12 / £10)
- Activities$9 (≈ €8.04 / £7.09)
Mid-Range (default)
$190 (≈ €170 / £150) per person per day
$1,330 (≈ €1,190 / £1,050)7 days, solo
$2,361 (≈ €2,100 / £1,860)7 days, couple (total for two, shared room)
What it covers: A 3–4-star boutique hotel in Insadong or Myeongdong, café breakfasts, sit-down lunches, an evening of Korean barbecue or stews with drinks, subway and taxis, palace and museum entries, and a day trip to the DMZ or Suwon. About $135–250 (₩180,000–330,000; ≈ € 120–225 / £ 105–195) a day.
Where a day's money goes (solo)
- Accommodation$86 (≈ €75 / £70)
- Food$57 (≈ €50 / £45)
- Transit$29 (≈ €25 / £25)
- Activities$19 (≈ €17 / £15)
Boutique
$420 (≈ €380 / £330) per person per day
$2,940 (≈ €2,650 / £2,300)7 days, solo
$5,219 (≈ €4,650 / £4,100)7 days, couple (total for two, shared room)
What it covers: Four Seasons Seoul, Signiel or Shilla, hanjeongsik, hotel buffets and fine dining, private guided tours, spa visits and car transfers. About $465–940 (≈ €420–840 / £370–740)+ (₩620,000–1,250,000+; ≈ € 415–840+ / £ 365–740+) a day.
Where a day's money goes (solo)
- Accommodation$189 (≈ €170 / £150)
- Food$126 (≈ €110 / £100)
- Transit$63 (≈ €55 / £50)
- Activities$42 (≈ €40 / £35)
Cost source: Audited Local Lodging Taxes, Rail Tariffs & Dining Averages (our own estimates, flights excluded). How we verify →
Source: Should I Go's own estimates, October 2026, in USD per person excluding international flights; euro figures are rough conversions. A couple shares a room, so accommodation drops 25% per person. Prices move, so treat these as a planning range, not a quote.
Trip Budget Calculator
Estimated total: $0 (≈ €0 / £0)
Estimate in USD per trip, excluding international flights. Two or more travellers share rooms, so accommodation drops 25% per person. Budget and luxury tiers are scaled from the mid-range figure.
Cost source: Audited Local Lodging Taxes, Rail Tariffs & Dining Averages (our own estimates, flights excluded). How we verify →
Where to base yourself
Four Regions and Cities in Seoul
Jongno and Bukchon
Palaces, hanok lanes and tea houses. Walkable and historic.
Myeongdong and Namsan
Shopping, street food and the N Seoul Tower hike.
Hongdae and Mapo
Youth culture, cafés and live music.
Gangnam
Shopping, K-pop agencies and luxury. Less charming.
Itineraries
Three Itineraries for Seoul
Seoul in three days
- Day 1: Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon and Insadong.
- Day 2: Namsan, Myeongdong and Gwangjang market.
- Day 3: Hongdae and Han River picnic.
Getting between stops: A T-money card covers subways and buses (about $1.13 (≈ €1.01 / £0.89) / 1,500 won a ride); for three days of unlimited travel the 3-day Tourist Climate Card is about $7.50 (≈ €6.70 / £5.91) (10,000 won).
Seoul and DMZ
- Days 1–3: city highlights.
- Day 4: DMZ tour.
- Day 5: Suwon Hwaseong fortress.
Getting between stops: Tours include transport to the DMZ (some sites have been closed since 2024, so ask what is open); Line 1 from Seoul Station to Suwon takes about 45–60 minutes at the standard fare.
Seoul and Busan
- Days 1–4: Seoul.
- Day 5: KTX to Busan.
- Days 6–7: Busan beaches and temples.
Getting between stops: The fastest KTX trains take just over two hours; book ahead, as reservations are compulsory. Haeundae, Busan’s main beach, is 2 to 2.5 hours south of Seoul by KTX.
Routes and timetables change. Confirm transit times with the operator before you book.
Do and stay
Things to Do and Where to Stay in Seoul
Top things to do
- Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palaces
- Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong
- Gwangjang Market street food
- Bukhansan and Inwangsan hikes
- Hongdae, Itaewon and Seongsu nightlife
Insider tips
- Buy a T-money card at a convenience store and use it on the subway, buses and in taxis; a subway ride costs $1.13 (1,500 won; ≈ € 1 / £ 0.89) with a T-money card for the first 10 km (6 miles)
- Use Naver Map or Kakao Map for directions; Google Maps works poorly for routes
- Eat at neighbourhood restaurants and markets; many menus are in Korean, and pointing works
- Take hikes in the morning, since Bukhansan trails are crowded on weekends
- Use Kakao T or a regular taxi rather than unofficial airport drivers
- Palace days: Gyeongbokgung closes on Tuesdays, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung and Deoksugung on Mondays. A ticket to Gyeongbokgung is about $2.25 (3,000 won; ≈ € 2 / £ 1.80), and a complete hanbok gets you in free
- For a DMZ or JSA tour, bring your physical passport on the morning; copies and phone photos are refused and you will not board the bus
Neighbourhoods to choose from
Hongdae
Best for: Nightlife and budget
Pros: Young, lively area near Hongik University with street performers, bars and cheap guesthouses. Direct AREX link to the airport.
Watch for: Noisy late into the night, so choose a quieter building if you sleep early. A subway ride to the palaces.
Jongno / Insadong / Bukchon
Best for: Palaces and culture
Pros: Walking distance to Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, tea houses and hanok lanes. A calmer and more traditional setting.
Watch for: Fewer late-night options, and rooms in hanok guesthouses are small. Hotels cost more than in Hongdae.
Myeongdong / Seoul Station
Best for: First-timers and transit
Pros: Central, with subway lines, the AREX airport express, and shopping and street food. Many hotels in every price range.
Watch for: Crowded, commercial and touristy, with overpriced restaurants near the main street. Not a quiet place.
Live Accommodation Map
Ready to Book This Trip? Book Your Trip to Seoul
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Trade-offs
Advantages and Honest Disadvantages of Seoul
Advantages
- Safe, efficient and late-night friendly.
- Great food at low to mid prices.
- Palaces, hikes and nightlife in one city.
- Excellent transit and wifi.
Honest disadvantages
- Air quality dips in spring.
- Many menus are in Korean only.
- Cash-only stalls remain.
- Winter is bitterly cold.
Final verdict
Final Verdict: Is Seoul the Right Destination for You?
Who Will Love Seoul
- FoodiesKorean barbecue, stews and street snacks.
- Pop culture fansK-pop, dramas and fashion.
- City hikersMountains within the city.
Who Should Consider Somewhere Else
- Beach loversSeoul is landlocked, with no city beach: the nearest open sea is Eulwangni on Yeongjong Island near Incheon Airport (about 1.5 h by subway or bus), and Haeundae in Busan is 2 to 2.5 h by KTX. Fiji or Thailand offer beaches. Try Fiji instead →
- Those wanting quietThe city is busy. Lofoten is calm. Try Lofoten instead →
- Heat-averse summer travellersSummers are humid. Iceland stays cool. Try Iceland instead →
Editorial opinion from Should I Go, written from general travel knowledge and reviewed periodically. Verify prices, entry rules and advisories before you book.
Know Before You Go
- Airport to city centreFrom Incheon Airport (ICN), the AREX express train to Seoul Station takes about 43 minutes from Terminal 1 (51 from Terminal 2) and costs $10 (₩13,000; ≈ € 9 / £ 8); the all-stop train takes 59 to 66 minutes for about $4 (₩4,750 to ₩5,350; ≈ € 3.60 / £ 3.10), and limousine buses cost about $11 (₩15,000; ≈ € 10 / £ 9).
- Visa & entry rulesVisitors from many countries can stay up to 90 days for tourism, with an onward or return ticket. The online K-ETA is normally required, but British visitors (and those from dozens of other countries, including the EU, US and Australia) are temporarily exempt until 31 December 2026; if you need one, apply only through the official K-ETA site (other sites are generally scams) and allow up to 72 hours. UK passports must be valid beyond the day you leave; check your own country’s rules. For a DMZ or JSA tour, carry your physical passport on the day; copies are refused.
- Cash, cards & ATMsForeign credit cards and phone wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) frequently fail in Korea, so carry a physical Visa or Mastercard and some cash; convenience-store and airport ATMs accept most foreign cards.
- Tap water & healthTap water is safe to drink, though many locals boil or filter it to avoid the chlorine smell.
- Tipping customTipping is not expected or customary; some hotels and a few tourist restaurants add a 10% service charge.
- #1 local scam to watch forUnofficial airport taxis and overpriced tourist-district restaurants; use the AREX, the official taxi stands or Kakao T.
Typical costs and rules change; confirm with official sources before you travel.
Getting From the Airport Into Town
- Route: Incheon International Airport (ICN) to Seoul Station by AREX express train, or the all-stop AREX to Hongdae and Gimpo; airport limousine buses reach major hotels.
- Time: About 43 minutes from Terminal 1 (51 from Terminal 2) by express train to Seoul Station; about 59 to 66 minutes by all-stop train; about 80 minutes or more by limousine bus to Gangnam.
- Fare: $10 (₩13,000; ≈ € 9 / £ 8) by express train, about $4 (₩4,750 to ₩5,350; ≈ € 3.60 / £ 3.10) by all-stop train from Seoul Station, about $11 (₩15,000; ≈ € 10 / £ 9) by limousine bus, and about $38 (₩50,000; ≈ € 34 / £ 30) by regular taxi or $53 (₩70,000; ≈ € 47 / £ 42) by deluxe taxi (approximate).
Seoul: Your Questions Answered
How many days do you need in Seoul?
Four days covers the palaces, Bukchon and Insadong, Gwangjang Market, a mountain hike and the nightlife neighbourhoods. Five to seven days lets you add a DMZ tour, Suwon fortress or a day trip to Nami Island. A KTX train to Busan or Gyeongju is a good add-on.
Is Seoul safe for tourists?
Yes, it is among the safest big cities in Asia. Violent crime against visitors is rare, and it is common to walk home late at night. Take normal precautions, watch for traffic and scooters on pavements, and use official taxis or apps. Check the official advice for current conditions.
Is Seoul expensive?
Less than Tokyo or most Western capitals. Mid-range travellers should expect about $135 to $250 (≈ €120–220 / £105–195) per person per day (₩180,000–330,000; ≈ € 120–225 / £ 105–195). Food, transport and entry fees are good value, while accommodation in central areas and shopping can add up. Travel in shoulder months for lower hotel prices.
When are the Seoul palaces closed, and how does the free hanbok entry work?
Gyeongbokgung is closed every Tuesday; Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung and Deoksugung are closed every Monday. If a public holiday falls on a closing day the palace opens and the closure moves to the next non-holiday. A Gyeongbokgung ticket costs about $2.25 (3,000 won; ≈ € 2 / £ 1.80). Entry is free if you wear a complete hanbok, matching top and bottom; a vest or part of a skirt does not count. Rental shops outside the gates charge about $11–19 (15,000–25,000 won; ≈ € 10–17 / £ 9–15) for four hours.
Do I need my passport on tours in Seoul?
Not for ordinary city walking tours, palace walks or food tours; a photo of it on your phone is enough. For a DMZ or JSA tour you must carry the physical passport on the morning of departure: copies and digital scans are rejected at the checkpoints and you will not be allowed on the bus.
How do the Seoul subway hours and fares work?
Trains run daily from about 05:30 until around midnight. The base fare is $1.13 (1,500 won; ≈ € 1 / £ 0.89) with a T-money card for the first 10 km (6 miles); a single-use paper ticket is $1.20 (1,600 won; ≈ € 1.07 / £ 0.94) plus a refundable deposit of about $0.38 (≈ €0.34 / £0.30) (500 won) returned at station machines. Beyond 10 km / 6.2 mi, about $0.08 (≈ €0.07 / £0.06) (100 won) is added for every extra 5 km (3 miles). The 30-day tourist Climate Card was discontinued on 1 October 2026; short stays can use the Tourist Climate Card instead, a 1-day pass for about $3.75 (5,000 won; ≈ € 3.35 / £ 2.95) or a 3-day pass for about $7.50 (10,000 won; ≈ € 6.70 / £ 5.90) for unlimited travel inside the city.
How do I get to Nami Island and Suwon from Seoul?
Nami Island lies 60–65 km / 37–40 mi / 64 km (37–40 miles / 60–64 km) north-east of Seoul. Take the ITX-Cheongchun train from Yongsan or Cheongnyangni to Gapyeong, 45 to 60 minutes, then a taxi or shuttle of about 10 minutes to Gapyeong Wharf and a ferry of about 10 minutes. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours each way. For Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, take Line 1 from Seoul Station to Suwon, about 45 to 60 minutes at the standard fare.
How long is the flight to Seoul, and is there a beach?
Flying from Los Angeles to Incheon (ICN) takes about 13 hours westbound and about 11 hours back eastbound; from London Heathrow it is about 11.5 to 12 hours. Seoul is landlocked and has no city beach. The nearest open sea is Eulwangni Beach on Yeongjong Island, near Incheon Airport, about 1.5 hours by subway or bus; Haeundae in Busan is 2 to 2.5 hours south by KTX.
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