Seoul's Metro is one of the cleanest, most modern and affordable in Asia, with 9 lines covering the entire city. T-money cards provide seamless transfers across subway, bus and some taxis. The best way to understand Seoul is to explore it area by area. This guide combines headline sights with local streets and practical public transport advice, helping you spend less time working out connections and more time seeing the city.
Top 5 neighbourhoods to explore
Jongno and Bukchon
Why visit: Jongno and Bukchon is royal palaces, traditional houses, craft shops and mountain views in historic Seoul. Allow at least half a day to see the main streets and follow a few side roads where everyday neighbourhood life is clearest.
How to get there by public transport: Lines 3 and 5 serve Gyeongbokgung, Anguk and Jongno 3-ga for palaces and hanok streets. CityNav can build a step-by-step route from your current position and keep downloaded Seoul route details available underground.
A hidden local spot: Walk the quieter lanes east of Bukchon and visit the small courtyards around Seochon village. It makes a useful contrast to Gyeongbokgung Palace; check opening hours for indoor venues before visiting.
Plan this Jongno and Bukchon visit in CityNav →Myeongdong and Namsan
Why visit: Myeongdong and Namsan is beauty shopping, street food and forested slopes in the commercial heart of Seoul. Allow at least half a day to see the main streets and follow a few side roads where everyday neighbourhood life is clearest.
How to get there by public transport: Line 4 stops at Myeongdong and Hoehyeon; buses and a cable car climb toward N Seoul Tower. CityNav can build a step-by-step route from your current position and keep downloaded Seoul route details available underground.
A hidden local spot: Explore the lanes around Namsangol Hanok Village and walk sections of the old city wall. It makes a useful contrast to N Seoul Tower; check opening hours for indoor venues before visiting.
Plan this Myeongdong and Namsan visit in CityNav →Hongdae and Yeonnam
Why visit: Hongdae and Yeonnam is student energy, live music, fashion, cafés and late-night street performance. Allow at least half a day to see the main streets and follow a few side roads where everyday neighbourhood life is clearest.
How to get there by public transport: Line 2, AREX and Gyeongui-Jungang trains meet at Hongik University station. CityNav can build a step-by-step route from your current position and keep downloaded Seoul route details available underground.
A hidden local spot: Follow the Gyeongui Line Forest Park into Yeonnam and browse studios on quieter parallel streets. It makes a useful contrast to Bukchon Hanok Village; check opening hours for indoor venues before visiting.
Plan this Hongdae and Yeonnam visit in CityNav →Itaewon and Hannam
Why visit: Itaewon and Hannam is international dining, contemporary art and steep streets with broad city views. Allow at least half a day to see the main streets and follow a few side roads where everyday neighbourhood life is clearest.
How to get there by public transport: Line 6 serves Itaewon and Hangangjin; buses connect the hillside streets with central Seoul. CityNav can build a step-by-step route from your current position and keep downloaded Seoul route details available underground.
A hidden local spot: Visit the small art museums near Hangangjin and climb to the calm paths around Namsan’s western side. It makes a useful contrast to Myeongdong; check opening hours for indoor venues before visiting.
Plan this Itaewon and Hannam visit in CityNav →Gangnam and Seongsu
Why visit: Gangnam and Seongsu is polished retail, modern architecture and a creative warehouse district across the river. Allow at least half a day to see the main streets and follow a few side roads where everyday neighbourhood life is clearest.
How to get there by public transport: Line 2 serves Gangnam and Seongsu; Bundang and Shinbundang lines add fast cross-city links. CityNav can build a step-by-step route from your current position and keep downloaded Seoul route details available underground.
A hidden local spot: Explore converted workshops and riverside parks in Seongsu rather than staying only around Gangnam station. It makes a useful contrast to Gyeongbokgung Palace; check opening hours for indoor venues before visiting.
Plan this Gangnam and Seongsu visit in CityNav →Best time to visit Seoul
The most comfortable time to explore is usually spring and autumn, when temperatures are comfortable and long days make neighbourhood walks easier. Weekday mornings are ideal for major landmarks such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and N Seoul Tower, while late afternoon works well for neighbourhood streets, parks and viewpoints. Weather, public holidays and special events can change opening hours and transport demand, so confirm time-sensitive details before travelling.
Build each day around nearby areas rather than crossing the whole city repeatedly. Start with the busiest attraction, eat locally, and keep one flexible stop for weather changes. CityNav helps compare walking and public transport routes between each part of the itinerary.
Build a Seoul route in CityNav →Getting around Seoul without wasting time
Public transport is usually the fastest way to move between the five areas in this guide, while walking is best within each neighbourhood. Keep your pass or contactless payment ready, note the direction or final destination shown on the platform, and allow extra time at large interchanges. Download the city’s core route information before leaving Wi-Fi; live departures and disruption information require a connection.
For detailed line information, ticket advice and key stations, continue to the Seoul public transport guide.
Open Seoul route planning →Take CityNav with you
Plan routes to every neighbourhood in this guide, follow AR walking directions after you leave the station, and keep downloaded transit maps close at hand while exploring Seoul.
Download CityNav free →