This Seoul travel guide helps you plan a first visit to South Korea’s capital. Seoul mixes 600-year-old palaces and hanok villages with glass towers, K-pop, all-night cafés and some of the best street food in Asia — and its subway is cheap, clean and signed in English.
Spring (April to early June) and autumn (September to November) have the best weather and colours. Summer is hot with a rainy season in July, and winters are cold and dry. Pakistani passport holders need a Korean visa; most flights from Pakistan connect once in the Gulf, Bangkok or China.
Getting into Seoul from Incheon airport
Most international flights land at Incheon (ICN), about 50 km west of the city. Gimpo (GMP) handles mainly domestic and some regional flights and is much closer.
Buy a T-money card at a convenience store in the arrivals hall; it works on the subway, buses and taxis and in shops.
| Incheon to central Seoul | Time | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| AREX express train to Seoul Station | ≈ 45 min | about ₩11,000 |
| AREX all-stop train | ≈ 60 min | about ₩4,500 |
| Airport limousine bus | 60–90 min | ₩17,000–18,000 |
| Taxi | 60–80 min | ₩65,000–90,000 |
Top sights to see in Seoul
The historic centre sits between the palaces and the Han River; most sights are a few subway stops apart.
The grandest royal palace, with the changing of the guard. Entry is free if you wear hanbok.
2 hours · about ₩3,000Traditional wooden houses on hilly lanes between two palaces. Residents live here — keep quiet.
1 hour · freeA UNESCO palace with a beautiful garden visited on guided tours.
2 hours · book the garden tourCity views from the mountain in the middle of Seoul; cable car or a pleasant walk up.
1.5 hours · tower about ₩21,000Cosmetics shops and an evening street food market.
Evenings · freeFuturistic building by Zaha Hadid next to all-night fashion markets.
1 hour · free outsidePicnics, bike hire and the Banpo rainbow fountain on summer evenings.
2 hours · freeKorea’s main mosque, surrounded by halal restaurants and shops.
1 hour · freeFood to try in Seoul
Korean food is full of flavour: bibimbap (rice with vegetables and egg), Korean barbecue cooked at your table, kimchi stew, crispy fried chicken, tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and hotteok pancakes from street stalls. Gwangjang Market is the classic place to try many dishes in one visit.
For halal food, head to Itaewon near the Seoul Central Mosque, where Korean, Turkish, Pakistani and Indian restaurants serve halal meat; some halal Korean barbecue restaurants also exist in Myeongdong and Dongdaemun. Many dishes contain pork or are cooked in shared kitchens, so ask before ordering.
Getting around: subway, buses and taxis
The Seoul subway is one of the best in the world, with over 20 lines, stations named in English and fares from about ₩1,400. Tap your T-money card in and out — transfers to buses within 30 minutes are free or discounted.
Taxis are affordable; orange and silver ones are standard, black ones are premium. Use the Kakao T app to book. For directions, Naver Map and KakaoMap work far better than Google Maps in Korea.
Safety and local tips
Seoul is very safe, even late at night. Normal care with bags in crowded markets is enough. Air quality can be poor on some spring days because of fine dust — check the forecast and carry a mask.
Tipping is not expected. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but carry a little cash for markets. Bow slightly when greeting, give and receive things with two hands, and keep priority seats on the subway free for elderly passengers.
Where to stay in Seoul
Choose a hotel near a subway station on lines 1, 2 or 4 for easy access to the sights.
Central, full of hotels and shopping, close to Namsan and the palaces.
Mid-rangeWalk to the palaces and Bukchon; traditional tea houses.
Budget to midNext to the mosque and halal restaurants; international feel.
Mid-rangeYoung, artsy and lively; direct AREX train to the airport.
BudgetBest time to visit Seoul
April–May and September–November are the best times to visit Seoul. Cherry blossoms usually peak in early April, and autumn leaves are at their best in late October — both with mild, clear weather.
Summer brings the monsoon from late June to July, then hot, humid days around 30 °C. Winter (December–February) is dry and cold, often below 0 °C, but good for winter festivals and short ski trips.
A 3-day plan for Seoul
Day 1: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong, then dinner at Gwangjang Market. Day 2: Changdeokgung and the Secret Garden, N Seoul Tower by afternoon, and Myeongdong street food in the evening. Day 3: Dongdaemun Design Plaza, the Seoul Central Mosque and Itaewon for lunch, then a sunset bike ride along the Han River. With an extra day, visit the DMZ on a guided tour.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Seoul?
Three to four days cover the palaces, markets and main districts. Add a day for the DMZ or a trip to Busan by KTX.
Do Pakistanis need a visa for South Korea?
Yes. Pakistani passport holders need a Korean visa, applied for through the embassy before travel.
Is there halal food in Seoul?
Yes. Itaewon, around the Seoul Central Mosque, has the most halal restaurants, and there are halal options in Myeongdong and Dongdaemun.
Is Seoul expensive?
It is cheaper than Tokyo for food and transport. Subway rides start around ₩1,400 and a street-food meal costs ₩5,000–10,000.
Does Google Maps work in Seoul?
Only partly. Use Naver Map or KakaoMap for walking, subway and driving directions.
Prices and transport details were checked 12 October 2026. Travel information changes — please confirm entry rules and prices with official sources before you go.