Seoul Travel Guide: Palaces, Markets and K-Culture

Palaces and old Seoul

Gyeongbokgung is the largest of Seoul's royal palaces. Visitors wearing hanbok, the traditional Korean dress, usually get in free, and hanbok rental shops line the streets outside. The changing of the guard at the main gate is held several times a day.

• Bukchon Hanok Village: lanes of traditional wooden houses between two palaces. People live here, so keep your voice down and follow the posted visiting hours
• Changdeokgung and its Secret Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Insadong for tea houses, crafts and souvenirs

Modern Seoul and shopping

• Myeongdong: cosmetics shops and an evening street-food market
• Hongdae: a student area with buskers, cafés and K-pop dance crews
• N Seoul Tower on Namsan for views over the city, especially at sunset
• Dongdaemun Design Plaza and the late-night fashion malls nearby
• Gwangjang Market for bindaetteok (mung-bean pancakes) and other market snacks

Easy day trips

Nami Island, about 90 minutes away, is known for its tree-lined avenues, which are beautiful in autumn and snowy in winter. Many tours combine it with Petite France or a rail bike ride. A guided DMZ tour shows the border with North Korea; bring your passport, as it is checked on the day.

Food and halal options

• Try Korean barbecue, bibimbap, tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and fried chicken.
• Many Korean dishes use pork or pork-based stock, so ask before ordering.
• Itaewon, around the Seoul Central Mosque, has the city's widest choice of halal restaurants.
• Tell us your dietary needs when you book so tour meals can be arranged.

Before you go

• Malaysians can visit Korea visa-free, but must apply online for a K-ETA at least 72 hours before the flight. Check the latest rules before you travel.
• A T-money card works on the subway, buses and in convenience stores.
• Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons; summer is hot and humid with a rainy spell, and winter is cold and dry.