Itinerary Summary
Fly into Incheon, take AREX to Myeongdong, and open with N Seoul Tower at dusk. Day two walks Gyeongbokgung, Gwanghwamun and Bukchon. Day three books Changdeokgung Secret Garden and Insadong. Day four…
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Incheon arrival, AREX into Myeongdong and N Seoul Tower at dusk
14:00
1h
AREX express transfer to Myeongdong
Clear immigration at ICN, then ride the AREX express to Seoul Station and continue by subway to Myeongdong. The express runs about 43 minutes; buy a T-money card in arrivals so you can tap through the gates.
📍 Incheon Airport to Myeongdong
18:30
1.5h
N Seoul Tower cable car and love-lock terrace
Ride the Namsan cable car for sunset, then walk the love-lock terrace below the tower. Queues peak around 18:00, so arrive early or hike the trail; observation deck tickets are sold separately.
📍 Namsan, N Seoul Tower
20:15
1.5h
Myeongdong street-food dinner stalls
Graze the evening stalls for tteokbokki, eomuk skewers and grilled scallops, then sit down for Korean fried chicken. Most stalls take cash or a T-money card; go before 21:00 while the lanes are still busy.
📍 Myeongdong
💡 Pro Tip: Incheon (ICN) sits about an hour from central Seoul by AREX express or a slower all-stop service; buy a T-money card at the airport for subways and buses. Entry rules depend on your passport, so check the South Korea visa section before booking. Korea keeps UTC+9 all year, with no daylight saving. Seoul's subway stops around midnight, so plan a taxi or late bus after dinner.
Days 2-5 are member-only
Members get the complete day-by-day plan with timing, transport and on-the-ground tips.
Budget Breakdown
AccommodationUS$39035%
Myeongdong hotels, 4 nights
Food & DiningUS$22020%
BBQ, chimaek, bibimbap, samgyetang and budae jjigae
Remaining cost categories are member-only
Members see the full breakdown for flights, hotels, food, tickets and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US, UK and EU passport holders need a visa for a 5-day trip to Seoul?+
Most US, Canadian, EU, UK, Australian and Japanese passports get visa-free entry for short tourism stays of up to 90 days. Other nationalities, including mainland Chinese individual travellers, generally need a visa arranged before departure. Check the Korea Visa Portal for your own passport before booking flights.
When is the best time of year to visit Seoul for sightseeing?+
April to May brings cherry blossoms and 10-22°C days, while September to October has autumn foliage and similar temperatures; both are peak season with bigger crowds. March and November are quieter and cheaper but still fine for palace walking. July and August are hot and rainy.
How do I get from Incheon Airport to Myeongdong and around Seoul?+
The AREX airport express train runs from Incheon to Seoul Station, then subway Line 4 reaches Myeongdong in a few stops. Buy or top up a T-money card at the airport for subways and buses. For this 5-day plan the subway covers every stop; taxis help late at night.
Should I book Changdeokgung's Secret Garden before arriving in Seoul?+
Yes. The Secret Garden (Huwon) is visited on timed guided tours with limited places, and weekend slots in spring and autumn sell out early. Reserve through the official palace ticketing site as soon as your dates are fixed, and keep your passport or ID for collection.
Attractions in This Guide
Guide at a Glance
- Duration: 5 days
- Budget: Comfort · approx. $900–1,350 (≈ €780–1,170), excl. int'l flights
- Difficulty: easy
- Best for: City Explorers
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