🏯 South KoreaSeoul
Seoul runs late and rewards an appetite: pork grilled over charcoal, midnight tteokbokki, royal palaces set against granite mountains, and blocks that swing from centuries-old hanok to glass towers. The subway is fast and cheap, so even a packed few days stays easy on the feet.
Where to stay
Bukchon & Samcheong-dong
Restored hanok houses line quiet lanes between two palaces, with tea rooms, small galleries, and long city views from the top of the hill.
Myeongdong & Jongno
The dense downtown core for street-food carts and skincare shops, next to the historic heart around Gyeongbokgung and the craft stores of Insadong.
Hongdae
The university district that drives Seoul's nightlife, packed with live music, buskers, late cafes, and cheap eats around the clubs.
Itaewon & Hannam-dong
International restaurants and bars climb the hill below Namsan, with the polished boutiques and galleries of Hannam just east.
Don't miss
Gyeongbokgung at opening
Arrive early to catch the changing of the guard and walk the palace grounds before the tour groups fill them.
Korean BBQ done right
Order samgyeopsal or galbi at a busy charcoal grill house and let the staff handle the flipping and scissors.
An evening at Gwangjang Market
Grab a counter seat for bindaetteok mung-bean pancakes, mayak gimbap, and raw sliced octopus before the stalls wind down around 11pm.
Bukhansan or Namsan hike
Granite ridges rise right at the city edge; Namsan is a gentle climb, Bukhansan a proper half-day with summit views.
A jjimjilbang soak
Korea's bathhouses combine hot pools, saunas, and nap rooms, and many stay open around the clock for a cheap reset.
Han River at dusk
Rent a mat at a riverside park, order fried chicken and beer to your spot, and watch the bridges light up.
When to go
Late April to early June and mid-September to early November bring mild, clear days, autumn color, and comfortable walking. Skip July and August, which are hot, humid, and wet through the summer monsoon, and pack warm layers for the cold, dry winter.
Good to know
How many days do I need in Seoul?
Four to five days covers the palaces, the main neighborhoods, the food, and a night out without rushing. Add a day for a DMZ tour or a trip to Suwon.
Is Seoul easy to get around without Korean?
Yes. The subway has English signage and announcements, a tap-and-go T-money card works everywhere, and map and translation apps fill the gaps. A few polite phrases still go a long way.
When should I visit?
Late spring and autumn are best for clear skies and mild temperatures. Avoid the hot, rainy summer monsoon, and bundle up if you come in the dry, freezing winter.
Is the DMZ trip worth it?
If the history interests you, yes. It is the one thing you can't see anywhere else, but you have to book ahead through an authorized tour, often days in advance, since you can't go on your own.
Ready to plan Seoul?
Describe your trip in a sentence and Jaunt builds a real, day-by-day itinerary — free.
Plan my Seoul trip