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Seoul travel guide: best time, costs and a 3-day plan

Palaces beside skyscrapers, street food markets and cafes on every block.

Plan Seoul with friends, freeSee the 3-day plan
Photo: leannk. / Unsplash
calendar_monthBest months
April to May and September to October
savingsBudget day
$50 to $80 per person
paymentsMid-range day
$120 to $170 per person
scheduleHow long
Three days covers the palaces, the markets and the nightlife

Best time to visit Seoul

April to May and September to October. April to May and September to October are comfortable, with highs of about 18 to 26°C and much less rain than the summer.

July and August are hot and wet (July averages about 415 mm of rain), and December to February are cold, with January lows below -5°C.

Typical weather in Seoul, month by month

2°-6°
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Jan
5°-3°Feb
11°2°Mar
18°8°Apr
24°14°May
28°19°Jun
29°22°Jul
30°23°Aug
26°18°Sep
20°11°Oct
12°4°Nov
4°-3°Dec
° usual daytime high° usual night lowrain (taller is wetter, up to 414 mm in the wettest month)best months

Source: 1991–2020 climate normals from the national weather services (for example the Japan Meteorological Agency), as published on Wikipedia. Rounded to whole numbers. Real days vary, so check the forecast before you pack.

How much does a trip to Seoul cost?

A rough guide to spending per person per day, without international flights. Public transport and market food are cheap. Hotels in Myeongdong and Hongdae are the main cost.

Budget
$50 to $80
per person per day. Dorm or simple room, local food, public transport.
Mid-range
$120 to $170
per person per day. A private hotel room, restaurant meals and a few paid sights.

Rough estimates in US dollars, last checked November 2026. They are our summary of several 2026 travel-cost guides, which differ a lot (hotel choice is most of the gap), and prices change. Split what you spend as you go with Triplanex so nobody loses track.

A 3-day Seoul itinerary

Famous places, grouped so each day stays in one part of town. Opening times and prices change, so check them before you go.

Day 1: Palaces and old Seoul

  1. 1Gyeongbokgung Palace. The main royal palace, with a guard-changing ceremony.
  2. 2Bukchon Hanok Village. Traditional wooden houses on hillside lanes.
  3. 3Insadong. Tea houses and craft shops for the evening.

Day 2: Markets and the skyline

  1. 1Gwangjang Market. A famous street-food market for lunch.
  2. 2Dongdaemun Design Plaza. A curved landmark building, lit up at night.
  3. 3N Seoul Tower. A hilltop tower with a city view at sunset.

Day 3: Youth culture and the river

  1. 1Hongdae. Street performers, cafes and shops.
  2. 2Hangang Park. A riverside park, popular for evening picnics.
  3. 3Myeongdong. Shopping and street snacks to finish.
Use this plan in TriplanexFree. Add your friends, change anything, and see each day on a map.

Read the full Seoul guide

  • Seoul itinerary: 8 days for first-time visitors →

Seoul trip questions

How many days do you need in Seoul?expand_more

Three days covers the palaces, the markets and the nightlife. A week gives you day trips and the mountains.

When is the best time to visit Seoul?expand_more

April to May and September to October. April to May and September to October are comfortable, with highs of about 18 to 26°C and much less rain than the summer. July and August are hot and wet (July averages about 415 mm of rain), and December to February are cold, with January lows below -5°C.

How much does a trip to Seoul cost?expand_more

As a rough guide, about $50 to $80 per person per day on a budget and $120 to $170 per person per day at mid-range, not counting international flights. Public transport and market food are cheap. Hotels in Myeongdong and Hongdae are the main cost. These are estimates from several 2026 travel-cost guides, last checked November 2026.

How do I plan a Seoul trip with friends?expand_more

Make a free Triplanex trip, invite your friends with a link, and plan each day on a shared map. Everyone can see the itinerary, split costs in any currency and vote on hotels in one place, so nothing gets lost in the group chat.

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