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Seoul travel guide

Seoul is split by the Han River into Gangbuk, the older northern half with the Joseon palaces, and Gangnam, the newer and wealthier south. There is no single centre: Jongno and Jung hold the historic core and Myeongdong, while Hongdae, Itaewon and Gangnam work as separate hubs, so a hotel near the right subway lines matters more than map distance.

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Getting there and choosing your base

  • Incheon International Airport (ICN): On Yeongjong Island in neighbouring Incheon, it handles most international flights. AREX trains run to Seoul Station, either non-stop or calling at Gimpo and other stations; airport limousine buses are easier with heavy bags or for Gangnam.
  • Gimpo Airport (GMP): Closer to the city and mainly domestic, with a handful of short-haul international routes. It sits on the AREX line, so check which airport your flight actually uses.
  • Seoul Station: The AREX terminus and main rail station, in Jung district below Namsan. Hotels nearby suit early KTX trains south and airport runs.

Areas to consider

Jongno (Insadong, Bukchon, Anguk)

Suits sightseeing at Gyeongbokgung and the lanes of traditional houses in Bukchon. Guesthouses in converted hanok often mean floor bedding and sometimes shared bathrooms; confirm both before booking.

Myeongdong and Jung

Suits first visits and shopping, with Namdaemun Market and Seoul Station nearby. 'Myeongdong' is used loosely in hotel names, so check the walk to Myeongdong (Line 4) or Euljiro 1-ga (Line 2) station.

Hongdae and Sinchon

Suits nightlife around the universities, and is reachable directly from Incheon on AREX. The main club streets stay loud late at weekends; pick a hotel a few blocks back if you want sleep.

Gangnam

Suits business trips and the south side's modern shopping streets. The palaces are a long subway ride north of the river, so weigh daily travel time against the room rate.

When to go

Winters are cold and dry, with January and February often well below freezing, and a summer monsoon brings heavy rain in June and July. Lunar New Year (January or February) and Chuseok (September or October) send much of the country home to family, packing trains and buses. Yellow dust, mostly in March and April, can affect air quality.

Before choosing a room

  • Korean-style ondol rooms have heated floors and mattresses laid on the floor instead of beds. Book a Western-style room if you need a bed frame.
  • Places listed as motels or yeogwan are often love hotels that also sell short 'rest' stays. They can work for a cheap night, but read recent guest comments on cleanliness.
  • Rates swing sharply between peak holidays and quieter weeks. If your dates are flexible, compare a few nights either side before booking.

Sources and planning resources

Facts checked on . Transport services, taxes and hotel offers can change. Confirm the details for your trip before booking.

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