South Korea

Seoul is where almost every trip to South Korea begins. North of the Han River, the old city holds the Joseon-era palaces of Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, the hanok lanes of Bukchon and the tea houses of Insadong, while Myeongdong, Hongdae and Gangnam are packed with shops, street food and nightlife.

Where you stay makes a big difference in a city this size. Our guide to where to stay in Seoul compares Myeongdong, Insadong, Bukchon, Hongdae, Gangnam, Itaewon, Seoul Station, Dongdaemun and Seongsu, with the nearest subway lines and airport connections for each. For trips beyond the city, our guide to the best day trips from Seoul covers the DMZ, Suwon, Nami Island, Bukhansan, Jeonju and more. If it's your first visit, start with our guide to the best things to do in Seoul, from the royal palaces and Bukchon to Gwangjang Market and the Han River.

Most visitors fly into Incheon, about an hour west of the city, and take the AREX airport railway or a limousine bus into Seoul. The subway is cheap and easy to use with a T-money card. Spring, especially early April for the cherry blossom, and autumn, from late September to November, are the most comfortable times to visit; summers are hot and humid, and winters are cold and dry.