Seoul Travel Guide

AREX Express Train (Incheon to Seoul Station)

Non-stop to Seoul Station, the fastest rail option. Transfer there to Metro Lines 1 and 4.

Time about 45-50 minCost about 11,000 won (~US$8)

AREX All-Stop Train

Stops at Hongik University, Gongdeok and other hubs, so it is ideal if you stay along the line. Pay with a T-money card.

Time about 60 minCost about 4,500 won (~US$3)

Airport Limousine Bus

Drops you at major hotels in Myeongdong, Gangnam, Jamsil and more, handy with heavy luggage. Expect traffic at rush hour.

Time about 60-90 minCost about 17,000-18,000 won (~US$13)

Gimpo Airport (GMP) Subway

Gimpo connects to Metro Lines 5 and 9 and AREX. The Line 9 express is quick to Yeouido and Gangnam.

Time about 20-40 minCost about 1,500-2,000 won (~US$1.50)

T-money Card

Buy and top up at convenience stores; works on subway, buses and many taxis. Transfer discounts apply automatically.

Subway

Extensive, clean and signed in English, reaching nearly every sight. Service ends around midnight.

City Buses

Useful for Bukchon, Namsan and the city wall areas. Tap your card when boarding and exiting to get transfer discounts.

Taxis and Ride Apps

Reasonably priced and useful late at night. Apps like Kakao T avoid language issues with addresses.

Ttareungyi Public Bikes

Great for flat routes along the Han River parks and Cheonggyecheon. Buy a pass in the app.

Myeongdong / Euljiro

Good for: First visit, shopping

Central, with airport buses and easy access to Namsan and Gwanghwamun. Very crowded with tourists.

Hongdae / Yeonnam-dong

Good for: Nightlife, cafes, young vibe

Direct AREX link, plus bars, street performers and indie shops. Can be noisy on weekend nights.

Jongno / Insadong / Bukchon

Good for: Tradition, palaces

Walkable to Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung and hanok lanes. A good place to try a hanok guesthouse.

Gangnam

Good for: Business, upscale shopping

Modern hotels and restaurants on Lines 2 and 9. Farther from the historic sights north of the river.

Seongsu-dong

Good for: Pop-up stores, trendy cafes

Former factory district now full of design cafes and brand pop-ups. Close to Seoul Forest.

Korean BBQ (samgyeopsal, galbi)

Grill pork or beef at your table, ideally with soju in Mapo or Jongno. About 20,000-30,000 won (~US$15-22) per person.

Bindaetteok and Yukhoe

Crispy mung bean pancakes and beef tartare at Gwangjang Market, great with makgeolli. About 5,000-7,000 won (~US$4-5) per pancake.

Chimaek (Chicken and Beer)

Order half fried, half sweet-spicy and eat it by the river. About 20,000-25,000 won (~US$15-18) per chicken.

Tteokbokki and Bunsik

Spicy rice cakes, gimbap and sundae at snack shops or the Sindang-dong tteokbokki street. About 5,000-10,000 won (~US$4-7).

Gukbap and Seolleongtang

Hearty rice soups, perfect for breakfast, and many places are open 24 hours. About 10,000-15,000 won (~US$7-11).