Seoul

Bukchon Hanok Village

Hillside lanes of traditional houses between two palaces. Residents live here, so keep noise down.

Bukhansan National Park Hike

Granite peaks inside the city limits, with trails from two to six hours.

Changdeokgung & Secret Garden

UNESCO-listed palace whose rear garden is visited only on a timed guided walk.

DMZ Day Trip

Guided visit to the border area; passport required and tours must be booked in advance.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Zaha Hadid's silver curves, with design exhibitions and late-night wholesale malls next door.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

The main Joseon royal palace, with a guard-changing ceremony twice a day and free entry in hanbok.

Han River Picnic

Rent a mat, order fried chicken to the park and watch the bridge fountains.

Hanbok & Palace Photo Walk

Rent traditional dress near the palace gates; wearing it also waives palace admission.

Dongdaemun

Wholesale fashion malls open until dawn; good value rooms and strong subway links.

₩-₩₩ value hotels

Gangnam

Business hotels, department stores and K-Pop agencies south of the river. Quieter at night than it sounds.

₩₩₩ upscale

Hongdae

Student and live-music district with the cheapest beds, late-night food and the AREX airport line.

₩ hostels to ₩₩ boutique

Insadong

Tea houses, galleries and hanok guesthouses, within walking distance of three palaces.

₩₩ guesthouses and hanok stays

Myeongdong

Central, walkable and packed with shopping and street food. Best for a first trip and for airport bus access.

₩₩ mid-range hotels, some luxury