Seoul
Where to stay, palaces and sights, markets and neighbourhoods.
Guides for this section are being researched and checked. Meanwhile, start with the Start Here page or the Getting Around guides.
About this section
Seoul is big — roughly ten million people inside city limits and many more in the surrounding region — but most of what visitors want sits along a handful of subway lines. Choosing the right neighbourhood to stay in saves more time than any other decision you’ll make.
Where to base yourself. Myeong-dong and the area around City Hall put you close to the palaces and Namdaemun Market, with direct airport-railroad access via Seoul Station. Hongdae and Yeonnam-dong suit younger travellers and night owls. Gangnam is convenient for business trips and for SRT trains from Suseo. Insadong and Jongno are walkable and close to the old city.
Sights and timing. The five Joseon-era palaces, the hanok streets of Bukchon, the markets, and the riverside parks along the Han are the core of a first visit. Some palaces close one day a week, and some residential areas now restrict visiting hours, so check the day before you go.
Getting around. The subway reaches nearly everything; buses fill the gaps. See our transit card comparison and the Getting Around section.
Guides for Seoul neighbourhoods, sights and seasonal events will be added here, each with a facts-checked date and sources.