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Seoul

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At a glance

Region
Seoul
Population
9.4 million
Best time to go
April to June, September to November
Main airport
Seoul Incheon International (ICN)
Coordinates
37.57°N, 126.98°E

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Overview

Seoul is a vast, fast-moving capital where Joseon-dynasty palaces sit beneath glass towers and mountains rise straight out of the suburbs. The Han River divides the older north from the sleek districts of the south.

It is one of the easiest big cities in Asia to explore, with a superb metro, round-the-clock food and safe streets. Mix palaces and markets with hiking, late-night barbecue and the city's many cafés.

Things to see

  • Gyeongbokgung Palace
    Photo: 서울관광 아카이브, KOGL Type 1

    Gyeongbokgung Palace

    The grandest of the five royal palaces, with a changing of the guard ceremony at its main gate.

    Tickets and tours
  • Changdeokgung and the Secret Garden
    Photo: 문화재청, KOGL Type 1

    Changdeokgung and the Secret Garden

    A UNESCO-listed palace whose wooded rear garden of pavilions and ponds can be seen on a guided tour.

    Tickets and tours
  • Bukchon Hanok Village
    Photo: Bgag, CC0

    Bukchon Hanok Village

    Lanes of traditional tiled-roof houses on the hill between two palaces; keep your voice down, as people live here.

  • N Seoul Tower
    Photo: EasyKL, CC BY-SA 3.0

    N Seoul Tower

    Take the cable car or walk up Namsan mountain for the classic view over the city, especially at dusk.

    Tickets and tours
  • Dongdaemun Design Plaza
    Photo: Eugene Lim, CC BY 2.0

    Dongdaemun Design Plaza

    Zaha Hadid's curving silver landmark, surrounded by all-night fashion markets.

Things to do

  • Eat at Gwangjang Market
    Photo: Bgag, CC0

    Eat at Gwangjang Market

    One of Seoul's oldest markets, famous for mung bean pancakes, knife-cut noodles and raw beef.

  • Visit the DMZ
    Photo: Driedprawns at en.wikipedia, CC BY 2.5

    Visit the DMZ

    Guided tours go to the heavily guarded border with North Korea, about an hour north of the city.

    Find tours
  • Hike Bukhansan
    Photo: Kellnerp, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Hike Bukhansan

    Granite peaks inside the city limits, reachable by metro and bus, with rewarding views from the top.

  • Walk the Cheonggyecheon
    Photo: Basile Morin, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Walk the Cheonggyecheon

    A restored stream running for kilometres through downtown, lovely on a summer evening.

Where to stay

Getting around

The metro is clean, cheap and signposted in English. Buy a T-money card for the metro, buses and taxis.

The AREX express train runs from Incheon airport to Seoul Station in about 45 minutes, and limousine buses serve most districts.

When to go

Spring brings cherry blossom in April and autumn colours peak in late October, both with mild, clear days. Summers are hot, humid and rainy, and winters are bitterly cold but dry.

Plan your trip to Seoul

Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.

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