Go slow and stay flexible. Focus on just one main neighbourhood each day.

• Walking around one area properly matters more than ticking off subway stations.
• Don't make a checklist of 15 cafés and shops.
• For at least one meal, pick a place on the spot with Naver Map rather than from TikTok.
• Keep one day free for events.
• You don't need to revisit every famous spot just because the weather is nicer this time. On every trip, try at least one area you've never heard of.

Myeongdong Street – A bustling area packed with tourists for sightseeing, shopping, and dining, offering everything from street food stalls to high-end restaurants. It is more enjoyable to visit in the evening if you appreciate a lively, crowded atmosphere.
Hongdae Street – Primarily frequented by locals; it is less crowded and smaller than Myeongdong but stands out during cherry blossom season, making it an ideal spot for photos. It features many local brands and charming cafes, so it is best visited during the day.

The AREX train is the fastest and cheapest option; a limousine bus is more convenient if your hotel is located right at a stop.

• AREX Express (non-stop train): About 43 minutes from Terminal 1 or 51 minutes from Terminal 2 to Seoul Station.
• AREX All-stop train: Cheaper, takes about an hour, and stops at Hongdae—convenient if you are staying in that area.
• Limousine bus: About 60–90 minutes (depending on traffic), running directly to Myeongdong, Gangnam, and Jamsil; a good choice if you have large suitcases.
• Taxi: About 60–90 minutes and the most expensive option; best suited for late-night arrivals or groups.

Note: You can pay for the All-stop train using a T-money card, which can be purchased at airport convenience stores.

Myeongdong is the safest pick for a first visit: central, on several subway lines, with direct airport buses.

• Myeongdong: shopping and street food, walkable to Namdaemun Market and N Seoul Tower.
• Hongdae: young and lively, lots of cafés and bars; the AREX airport train stops here.
• Jongno – Insadong: close to Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces, good for culture lovers.
• Gangnam: modern with nice hotels, but far from the historic sights.

Note: pick a place within 5 minutes' walk of a subway station; Seoul is hilly and you'll travel mostly by train.

Bukchon Hanok Village is a popular destination for visitors, thanks to its traditional houses and streets that showcase old Korean architecture. You can rent a hanbok at nearby shops and combine the rental with a day of sightseeing. As this is a residential area, please remain quiet and observe the posted visiting hours.

You don't have to leave Seoul: many red and golden foliage spots are reachable by subway, usually best in late October to early November.

• Changdeokgung Palace and Huwon (Secret Garden): the city's most beautiful autumn garden; Huwon is by guided tour only, so book early.
• Gyeongbokgung Palace: free entry if you wear hanbok, great photos with golden leaves.
• Deoksugung Stonewall Road: a ginkgo-lined street in the centre, free.
• Haneul Park: silver-grass hills, best at sunset.
• Namsan and N Seoul Tower: walk the slopes for foliage and city views.

Note: palaces are packed at weekends; go early on a weekday for photos without crowds.

South Korea's 2027 cherry blossom season runs from about late March to mid-April, usually peaking in early April depending on the region.

• Timing by region: Jeju blooms first, peaking around 25–31 March; Busan and Jinhae around 25–29 March, best in late March; Gyeongju and Daegu open around 26–31 March, best in early April; Seoul blooms late March to early April, best in early to mid-April; Incheon and Nami Island around early to mid-April.
• Seoul: Yeouido Hangang Park cherry blossom festival, Seokchon festival (Jamsil), Kyung Hee University, Seoul Forest (273 Ttukseom-ro, Seongdong-gu), the old palaces, and Seoul Grand Park (102 Daegongwongwangjang-ro, Gwacheon-si).
• Gangwon-do: Nami Island (1 Namisum-gil, Chuncheon-si) and the Gyeongpo cherry blossom festival (365 Gyeongpo-ro, Gangneung-si).
• The south: Jinhae Gunhangje festival (Tongsin-dong, Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si), Hwagae festival (Maekjeon-gil, Hadong-gun) and the Seomjin River festival (Jeolla-do).
• Jeju: the Eorimok trail on Mount Halla (1100-ro 2070-61, Jeju-si) and the Seogwipo cherry blossom festival.

Visa/Mastercard works almost everywhere.

• T-money pays for metro, buses and convenience stores.
• T-money can only be topped up with cash at convenience stores or station machines.
• Some apps (ride-hailing, food delivery) are hard to use with foreign cards.

Note: no tipping needed.

Google Maps gives poor directions in Korea, so install a Korean map app before you fly.

• Naver Map or KakaoMap: accurate subway, bus and walking directions; Naver Map has an English interface.
• Kakao T: for taxis.
• Papago: translates Korean better than Google Translate, including photos of menus.
• Subway Korea: for subway routes.

Note: some apps don't accept foreign cards easily; in that case pay the driver directly in cash or by card.

December in Seoul is very cold, often below 0°C at night; snow can fall but isn't guaranteed — January is more likely.

• For guaranteed snow, head to the Gangwon mountains (Pyeongchang ski areas) or Nami Island.
• Dress in layers: thermal base, sweater, long padded coat; bring gloves, scarf and a beanie.
• Indoors and on trains it's warm, so choose a coat that's easy to take off.
• Wear non-slip shoes, as pavements can ice over.

Note: wind chill makes it feel colder than the temperature; check the "feels like" forecast before heading out.

Korea's foliage usually starts in the northern mountains in mid-October, reaches Seoul in late October to early November, and ends in the south by mid-November.

• Seoraksan (Gangwon): the earliest colours, usually best around 15–25 October; take the cable car up to Gwongeumseong.
• Nami Island: golden ginkgo and red maple avenues, around late October to early November; a day trip from Seoul.
• Naejangsan (Jeolla): often called Korea's most beautiful, usually best late October to early November; very crowded at weekends.
• Hwadam Forest (Gwangju, Gyeonggi): streams and wooden walkways among maples; timed tickets must be booked in advance.
• Gyeongju: Bulguksa Temple and Bomun Lake, usually best in early November.

Note: peak dates shift by a few days each year; check the Korean foliage forecast or Korea tourism sites before booking.

Korea has many ski resorts 1–3 hours from Seoul, good for beginners and families; the season runs from about mid-December to early March.

• Vivaldi Park and Elysian Gangchon: closest to Seoul (about 1–1.5 hours), with shuttle buses; easy day trips.
• Yongpyong and Alpensia (Pyeongchang): 2018 Winter Olympics venues, large and scenic; take the KTX to Jinbu or Pyeongchang station, then a bus.
• High1 (Jeongseon): long runs and good snow.
• Many Seoul day tours include transport, rental gear, ski wear and a beginner lesson.

Note: Korean slopes rely mostly on machine-made snow, firmer than Japan's powder; resorts are busy during Seollal (Lunar New Year), so book tours early.