Seoul in 4 days: palaces, neighbourhoods and the Han River

Incheon to the city, then Myeongdong

1. 01After an arrival before 13:00, allow for immigration and baggage collection. Confirm your terminal and compare AREX Express and All-stop stopping patterns, seats and fares.
2. 02If travelling through Seoul Station, transfer toward your hotel or use a taxi for the final leg. Allow roughly 90–150 minutes from the airport to the hotel after clearing arrivals.
3. 03After check-in, have dinner and a short walk in Myeongdong. Sort out essential cash, a transport card and mobile data nearby.
4. 04Rest after a long flight instead of adding a viewpoint. For a late arrival, check the last train and late hotel check-in separately.

Incheon ICN and Gimpo GMP are different airports. Recalculate the route for Gimpo, and don’t assume an airport-rail ticket includes every onward city journey.

Gyeongbokgung and Insa-dong

1. 01Aim for a Gyeongbokgung visit around 09:00 after checking official opening and closure notices. Focus on the gates and main halls; not every building interior is accessible.
2. 02Treat the changing of the guard as optional when operating. Heat and weather can alter it, so let the palace visit stand on its own.
3. 03After lunch, explore Insa-dong’s craft shops and lanes, then pause for traditional tea. Don’t automatically extend the route into Bukchon’s residential lanes.
4. 04After the palace and Insa-dong, rest and choose one evening focus: tea and dinner in Insa-dong, or open shops and dinner in Myeongdong. Tomorrow includes the Han River, so there is no need to add another night-view outing today.

Swap with day three for a Tuesday closure, checking holiday exceptions. Count any hanbok, age or nationality-related concession only after confirming your eligibility.

Gwangjang Market and an afternoon by the river

1. 01Visit Gwangjang Market around 10:30 and choose dishes to share, such as mung bean pancakes and gimbap. Individual stalls keep different hours.
2. 02Confirm portions and prices, eat lunch and take a break before travelling to Yeouido by rail. Allow roughly 45–65 minutes including transfers and walking.
3. 03Take a short walk in the park near Yeouinaru Station and rest on the grass or in shade. Bike hire and cruises are separate activities requiring their own checks.
4. 04Return to your city hotel around dinner. Replace the park with an indoor meal and rest in Yeouido if rain, heat or poor air makes outdoor time unsuitable.

There are several Hangang parks. Banpo’s fountain is not in Yeouido, and this day doesn’t depend on a particular fountain show, fireworks or performance.

A relaxed start before Incheon Airport

1. 01Check out after breakfast and confirm luggage storage. Have a nearby lunch without adding a distant neighbourhood.
2. 02For an international flight after 18:00, use a hotel departure around 11:30–12:00 as a planning example. Adjust for your terminal, train and road conditions.
3. 03Aim to reach the airport about three hours before departure. Use Seoul Station city-air-terminal check-in only if your airline, train and timing meet the conditions.
4. 04Include retrieving luggage and walking through large stations. Airline check-in deadlines take priority over airport shopping.

Domestic visitors or travellers arriving at Seoul Station can adapt the airport days. This is not a plan to fit both Seoul and Busan into the same four days.