Who is this for? First-time visitors who want a practical, up-to-date 4-day Seoul plan. You’ll get the latest transit fares, airport transfer options, opening hours, booking rules, and etiquette—plus a day-by-day route that minimizes backtracking and maximizes culture, food, and views.
Before You Go: Transport, Entry & Money
Subway, T-money & Climate Card
Seoul’s integrated metro/bus system is fast and transfer-friendly. As of June 28, 2025, the adult base fare is ₩1,550 with a transit card (₩1,650 cash). Get a T-money card at stations or convenience stores and top up in ₩1,000 units; tap in/out for transfer discounts. Short-stay riders can consider the Seoul Climate Card (1/2/3/5/7-day unlimited options) for predictable daily spend.
Incheon Airport → City
AREX Express runs non-stop to Seoul Station in ~43 min (T1) or ~51 min (T2); buy online or at AREX desks. The cheaper All-Stop train takes ~59/66 min and accepts T-money. Airport limousines are hotel-friendly but traffic-dependent—great if you have large luggage or late-night arrivals.
Entry rules (K-ETA & Q-Code)
For eligible nationalities (US/UK/JP/… among others), the K-ETA exemption runs through December 31, 2025. Q-Code (health declaration) is only required for travelers coming from KDCA-designated “strict quarantine inspection” areas. Always check your nationality and origin against the latest notices before departure.
Day 1 — Myeongdong, Namsan & N Seoul Tower
Arrive, drop bags, and get your SIM/eSIM working. Stroll the Myeongdong Cathedral area and cosmetics street. Toward late afternoon, head up Namsan Park (cable car or bus) for N Seoul Tower cityscapes—time it for golden hour into sunset. The observatory ticket is straightforward to buy on site or online; expect busier queues on weekends/holidays. Wrap with dinner near Namsangol Hanok Village or Chungmuro.
- N Seoul Tower adult observatory: ~₩26,000; arrive ~1 hr before sunset for best views.
- Namsangol Hanok Village is free; cultural programs vary by season—check weekly notices.
- Most shops/restaurants take foreign cards; cashless spots are increasingly common downtown.
Day 2 — Royal Palaces + Bukchon & Insadong (Respect the Curfew)
Pair Gyeongbokgung (grand processional axes) with Changdeokgung & Secret Garden (organic landscaping). The Secret Garden uses timed guided slots—morning departures sell out first. Afternoon: Bukchon Hanok Village lanes and Insadong tea/craft arcades. Bukchon’s “red zone” allows sightseeing only 10:00–17:00 (fines apply outside these hours). Keep voices low, no peeking into homes, pack out your trash.
Day 3 — Gangnam → Lotte World Tower (SEOUL SKY) → Hangang Cruise
Start at Bongeunsa temple opposite COEX, peek into the photogenic Starfield Library, then ride to Lotte World Tower. Head up to SEOUL SKY for blue-hour cityscapes—adult ticket ≈ ₩31,000 (ticket sales usually end 1 hr before closing). Cap the night with a Hangang cruise from Yeouido or Jamsil (day/sunset/moonlight variants). Schedules change with weather and river conditions—verify on the day.
- Arrive ~60 minutes before sunset at SEOUL SKY to enjoy both golden hour and night views.
- For the cruise, be at the dock 30–40 minutes early; bring a light jacket (river winds!).
- Move Jamsil ↔ Yeouido via Line 2 or transfer to riverside buses depending on traffic.
Day 4 — Museums & Markets: National Museum, War Memorial & Gwangjang
Spend the morning at the National Museum of Korea—free permanent galleries with late hours on Wed/Sat. Then walk or subway to the War Memorial of Korea (also free). Late afternoon/evening, graze through Gwangjang Market: general shops usually ~09:00–18:00, while the food alleys run later (often to ~23:00), though stalls vary.
Budget, Passes & Bookings
Plan ₩120,000–₩180,000 per person/day (mid-range) for food, transit, and admissions. If you’re stacking paid sights, consider the Discover Seoul Pass (48/72-hour). For palace days, pre-book the Secret Garden time slot and arrive early for smooth entry.
Etiquette & Seasonal Checks
- Bukchon residential rules: quiet voices, no amplified sound, no peeking through doors/windows; sightseeing only 10:00–17:00.
- Palaces: Tuesdays closed; seasonal hours and occasional night openings—check the week’s notice.
- Hangang: wind chill is real—pack layers even in spring/fall evenings; in winter, prioritize indoor views.
- Tipping isn’t standard in Korea; cards widely accepted.
Bottom line — This 4-day route covers city cores, royal heritage, river nights, and world-class museums. Know the ₩1,550 base fare, AREX 43/51-minute timings, SEOUL SKY ~₩31,000, and Bukchon’s 10:00–17:00 window, and you’ll move like a pro.