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South Korea · Trip plan

4 days in Seoul

Palaces, autumn leaves, K-culture and late-night street food.

Best time
Oct – Nov, Mar – May
Ideal length
4 days
A day, mid-range
$180 per person
Trip for two
about $1,440

Planning a 4-day trip to Seoul? Here's a day-by-day Seoul itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.

Why go now

October and November bring blazing autumn colours to Seoul's palaces and mountains, with crisp, sunny days.

Seoul blends 600-year-old palaces with neon, K-pop and some of the world's best street food.

  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar: a good time to go
  4. Apr: a good time to go
  5. May: a good time to go
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct: a good time to go
  11. Nov: a good time to go
  12. Dec

October to November: 8–20°C, clear.

Create my Seoul trip

Don't miss

Best things to do in Seoul

  • 01

    Gyeongbokgung

    The grand Joseon palace.

  • 02

    Bukchon Hanok Village

    Traditional houses on a hillside.

  • 03

    Myeongdong

    Street food and K-beauty.

  • 04

    DMZ

    A day trip to the border.

Day by day

Seoul itinerary for 4 days

  1. D1

    Day 1: Palaces and hanok

    Morning
    Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace and watch the colourful changing of the guard.
    Afternoon
    Wander Bukchon Hanok Village's traditional tiled-roof houses.
    Evening
    Tea houses and craft shops in Insadong.

    Rent a hanbok for free palace entry.

  2. D2

    Day 2: Markets and towers

    Morning
    Eat your way through Gwangjang Market: bindaetteok pancakes and mayak gimbap.
    Afternoon
    Ride up to N Seoul Tower on Namsan Mountain for city views.
    Evening
    Street food and K-beauty shopping in Myeongdong.

    Go to the tower at sunset.

  3. D3

    Day 3: The DMZ

    Morning
    Day tour to the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea.
    Afternoon
    Back to Seoul in the afternoon.
    Evening
    Nightlife in Hongdae, the university district.

    Bring your passport for the DMZ tour.

  4. D4

    Day 4: Home

    Morning
    Visit Changdeokgung's Secret Garden, glorious in autumn colours.
    Afternoon
    Lunch of Korean BBQ.
    Evening
    Fly home.

    The AREX train to Incheon takes about an hour.

Want it hour by hour?GoRoam plans every stop with times, maps, costs and bookings for your dates.

Shorter or longer

Seoul in 3, 4 or 6 days

3 days in Seoul

Follow days 1 to 3 above and leave out “Home”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.

6 days in Seoul

Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering.

What it costs

Seoul trip budget

StylePer person, a day4 days for two
Budget$90$720
Mid-range$180$1,440
Luxury$450+$3,600

Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Seoul is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.

Where to stay

Best hotels in Seoul for every budget

  • Budget

    Hostels in Hongdae

    Hongdae

    Youthful area.

    from $40 /night

    Prices
  • Mid-range

    Hotels in Myeongdong

    Jung-gu

    Central.

    from $150 /night

    Prices
  • Luxury

    Signiel Seoul

    Lotte World Tower

    Views from the 76th floor.

    from $600 /night

    Prices

What to eat

Food to try in Seoul

  • Korean BBQ

    Grilled meat at the table.

  • Bibimbap

    Mixed rice bowl.

  • Tteokbokki

    Spicy rice cakes.

Getting there

How to reach Seoul

Travel
Incheon airport, an hour by AREX train.
Getting around
Excellent metro; T-money card.
  • Rent a hanbok for free palace entry.
  • Get a T-money card for transport.

Before you go

What to pack for Seoul

  • Power bank and charging cables
  • Passport and visa printouts
  • Clothes that cover shoulders and knees for temples
  • A forex card or some local cash
  • Travel insurance

Good questions

Seoul trip FAQs

How many days are enough for Seoul?

4 days are enough to see the highlights: Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon Hanok Village, Myeongdong. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.

How much does a 4-day Seoul trip cost?

Roughly $90 a day per person on a budget, $180 mid-range and $450+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $1,440 for 4 days.

What is the best time to visit Seoul?

Oct – Nov, Mar – May. October and November bring blazing autumn colours to Seoul's palaces and mountains, with crisp, sunny days.

Where should I stay in Seoul?

Budget: Hostels in Hongdae (Hongdae), from about $40 a night. Mid-range: Hotels in Myeongdong (Jung-gu), from about $150 a night. Luxury: Signiel Seoul (Lotte World Tower), from about $600 a night.

How do I reach Seoul?

Incheon airport, an hour by AREX train.

Is 3 days enough for Seoul?

Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 3 of the itinerary above and skip "Home". 4 days is the comfortable length.

What is the weather like in Seoul?

October to November: 8–20°C, clear.

What food should I try in Seoul?

Korean BBQ: Grilled meat at the table. Bibimbap: Mixed rice bowl. Tteokbokki: Spicy rice cakes.

How do I get around Seoul?

Excellent metro; T-money card.

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