Seoul
Palaces, Hongdae nights, Han River sunsets and the best food city in Asia — how to organise it by neighbourhood.
Seoul rewards planning by area, because the city is big and the subway is how you move. Group each day around one or two neighbourhoods.
Neighbourhoods at a glance
| Area | Good for | Stay here if |
|---|---|---|
| Myeongdong | Shopping, street food, exchange counters, airport buses | First visit, shopping focus |
| Hongdae / Yeonnam | Nightlife, cafés, indie shops, AREX all-stop station | Under 35, want to walk to bars |
| Insadong / Bukchon / Gyeongbokgung | Palaces, hanok lanes, tea houses, galleries | Culture first, quiet evenings |
| Gangnam / Apgujeong | Upscale shopping, K-pop agencies, SRT station | Business, luxury |
| Jamsil | Lotte World, Seoul Sky, Han River parks | Families |
| Seongsu | Converted-factory cafés, pop-up stores | Design and fashion |
Getting around
One T-money card covers subway and bus. Lines are colour-coded and signs are in English. Taxis are affordable for short hops late at night; use Kakao T.
Must-do (first visit)
- Gyeongbokgung palace with the changing-of-the-guard, then walk to Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong.
- Gwangjang Market for bindaetteok and mayak gimbap.
- A Han River evening: rent a bike at Yeouido or take a cruise; convenience-store ramyeon by the water is a local ritual.
- N Seoul Tower or Seoul Sky for the skyline.
- Hongdae street performances and a late dinner.
See tickets & tours on KlookSearch Klook for Seoul
Klook →Day trips
DMZ (half or full day, tour only), Nami Island and Gapyeong, Suwon Hwaseong Fortress (1 hour by subway), Incheon Chinatown.
Where to stay
Myeongdong and Hongdae are the easiest first-timer bases: direct airport access and everything walkable. Gangnam is better connected to SRT and corporate areas than to sights.
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