Travel Guide

Seoul

South Korea

Best time to go: April–May, September–October

Sights

Gyeongbokgung Palace – The largest Joseon-era royal palace, with a changing of the guard at the main gate.
Bukchon Hanok Village – Lanes of traditional wooden houses between two palaces – keep it quiet, people live here.
N Seoul Tower – On Namsan hill with views over the whole city – best in the evening.
Changdeokgung and the Secret Garden – A UNESCO World Heritage Site; the garden can only be visited on a guided tour.
Insadong – Tea houses, galleries and crafts in a pedestrian quarter.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza – Zaha Hadid's curving building, lit up at night, surrounded by late-night fashion markets.
Cheonggyecheon – A restored stream right through downtown – perfect for an evening stroll.

Gwangjang Market – The city's oldest market: bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and mini gimbap.
Korean BBQ – Grill samgyeopsal at the table with banchan and lettuce wraps.
Myeongdong street food – Evening stalls with tteokbokki, skewers and egg bread.
Hongdae – A student district with buskers, cafés and clubs until late.
Chimaek – Fried chicken with beer – a Korean evening ritual.

DMZ tour – A guided trip to the border with North Korea – only on a tour, with your passport.
Hwaseong Fortress, Suwon – An 18th-century city wall, reachable by metro.
Nami Island – Tree-lined avenues on a river island, especially lovely in autumn.
Bukhansan National Park – Granite peaks and temples on the city's edge – pack hiking boots.

When to go: April–May, September–October
Getting around: A dense metro network paid with a rechargeable T-money card; the AREX train links Incheon Airport with the city.
Tipping: Tipping is not customary.
Power: Plug type C/F, 220 V – pack an adapter for Swiss plugs.
Currency: South Korean Won (KRW)

Create a trip plan and the Travel Guide comes with it – with a map, ideas to suggest and saved for offline use.