Seoul

Overview

Seoul folds palaces and skyscrapers, hanok villages and neon alleys, into a single contemporary skyline. The city moves fast but rewards slow wandering: rooftop cafés in Seongsu, late-night markets in Gwangjang, dawn light over the Han.

Neighbourhoods

• Bukchon Hanok
  Traditional tiled houses on a hill above the palaces.
• Seongsu
  Old warehouses turned into design studios and coffee bars.
• Itaewon
  Globally minded restaurants, bookstores, vintage shops.
• Hongdae
  Music venues, indie bookshops, late-night noodles.

Top Landmarks

• Gyeongbokgung
  The grand Joseon palace — catch the changing of the guard.
• Bukhansan
  A national park within the city's northern ridge.
• N Seoul Tower
  The city laid out at your feet, especially at dusk.
• DMZ tour
  A sobering half-day at the border.

Food & Cafés

• Gwangjang Market
  Bindaetteok and mayak gimbap eaten at the stall.
• Onion Anguk
  An old hanok turned bakery — pastries with quiet light.
• Mingles
  Modern Korean tasting menus, deservedly Michelin-starred.
• Tongin Market lunchbox
  Buy brass coins, fill your tray, eat communally.

Getting Around

The Seoul Metro is fast, English-friendly, and covers everything. A T-money card works on subway, bus, and most taxis. Trains from Incheon airport reach the centre in under an hour.

Sample Itinerary

1. Day 1
   Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon hanok village, evening in Insadong.
2. Day 2
   Coffee in Seongsu, Han river bike, Itaewon for dinner.
3. Day 3
   Bukhansan morning hike, Gwangjang market lunch, Hongdae at night.

Local Notes

• Restaurants often expect you to order at least one dish per person.
• Tipping is not customary anywhere.
• Most cafés close late — 11pm is normal.
• Free public Wi-Fi is genuinely everywhere, including in the subway.