Seoul is a city of layers, where 600-year-old palace gates open onto glass towers and the smell of grilling pork drifts past temple incense. Founded as the capital of the Joseon Dynasty in 1394, it has grown into a metropolis of nearly 10 million that runs on world-class subways, 24-hour street food, and an obsession with doing everything well, from skincare to fried chicken.
The headline sights cluster usefully: the grand palaces and hanok (traditional house) districts sit in the historic north around Jongno, while shopping, nightlife, and youth culture fan out through Myeongdong, Hongdae, and Gangnam. A short bus ride north lies the Demilitarized Zone, the tense 4-kilometer-wide buffer with North Korea and one of the most compelling day trips in Asia.
Getting around is genuinely easy: buy a rechargeable T-money card at any convenience store and the clean, English-signed subway will take you almost anywhere for around 1,400-1,600 won a ride. Spring (April-May) and autumn (October) bring the best weather; summer is hot and humid with a July rainy season, and winter is cold but crisp. English is limited outside tourist zones, but translation apps, cash for markets, and a little patience go a long way.
Few capitals reward curiosity like Seoul. You can spend a morning watching the changing of the royal guard at Gyeongbokgung, an afternoon getting lost in the tiled lanes of Bukchon, and a night eating mung-bean pancakes elbow-to-elbow with locals at a 100-year-old market. It is safe, efficient, endlessly snackable, and far more affordable than Tokyo or Singapore, which makes five days here feel both restful and full.
Where to Stay
For first-timers, base in Myeongdong or Jongno (Insadong/Gwanghwamun): both are central, packed with food, and within walking distance or a short subway ride of the palaces. Hongdae suits younger travelers wanting nightlife and indie cafes, while Gangnam and adjacent Jamsil (near Lotte World) are polished, modern, and great for shoppers and families. Anywhere within a few minutes of a subway station works beautifully given how good the metro is.
Lotte Hotel World
midrange GoogleA reliable, large full-service hotel in Jamsil connected directly to Lotte World theme park, an aquarium, and a major mall, with Seokchon Lake outside. Excellent for families and shoppers, and right on subway Line 2.
Hotel 8 Hours
boutique GoogleA clean, design-forward mid-budget hotel near Dongdaemun's all-night shopping and markets, handy for late-night food crawls. Good value with modern rooms and easy subway access.
Hostel Haru
budget GoogleA friendly, well-rated budget hostel in the Hongdae/university area, ideal for solo travelers who want cheap beds and a sociable, nightlife-adjacent location. Private and dorm rooms available.
The Shilla Seoul
luxury GoogleSeoul's iconic grande-dame hotel on a wooded hillside near Namsan, with a famous outdoor pool, top-tier dining, and immaculate service. The splurge choice if you want classic Korean luxury.
Five days is enough to fall for Seoul: palace mornings and hanok lanes, a sobering day at the DMZ, market food crawls, and late nights of BBQ, chicken, and neon. With a T-money card in your pocket and an appetite to match, you will leave already planning the next visit. Annyeong, Seoul, until next time.