How to Travel to Seoul? A-Z Guide!
- Rezwani Dina
- Apr 27
- 7 min read
Updated: Jun 29
Download E-Book version for free! :
Q1: Is it easy to travel from Malaysia to Seoul?
Absolutely. You can fly direct from KLIA or KLIA2 to Incheon International Airport (ICN). Flights take around 6.5 hours. Airlines like AirAsia X, Malaysia Airlines, and Korean Air fly this route.
✅ Visa-free! Malaysians can stay up to 90 days in South Korea without a visa.
✅ Need to apply K-eta on https://www.k-eta.go.kr/ (Please make sure it is the official website. There are a lot of scam websites! Ensure the price to apply is only KRW 10,000.)
Q2: When's the best time to go?
It depends on what kind of experience you're looking for:
Season | Months | Highlights | Temperature | Important Notes |
🌸 Spring | March – May | Cherry blossoms, soft weather | 10°C – 20°C | Peak travel season — book early |
🍁 Autumn | September – November | Foliage, romantic streets | 10°C – 22°C | Best weather for sightseeing |
❄️ Winter | December – February | Snow, festive lights, ski resorts | -10°C – 5°C + windy | Dress in proper layers. Seoul's winter can get to cold |
☀️ Summer | June – August | Festivals, hot and humid | 25°C – 35°C + humidity | High heat & rain — not ideal for travel |
Q3: Where should I stay in Seoul?
Area | Highlights | Pros | Cons | Best For |
Myeongdong | - Halal food options (Makan Halal, EID) - Shopping paradise | - Central location - Many halal/Muslim friendly hotels - Easy transport access | - Crowded most of the day - Can feel too touristy | First-time visitors Families Halal-conscious travelers |
Hongdae | - Youthful vibe Street performers - Indie cafés & shops | - Budget-friendly stays - 24-hour food | - Noisy at night - Fewer halal options compared to Myeongdong or Itaewon | Solo travelers Young groups Budget-conscious tourists |
Insadong | - Traditional culture - Near palaces & temples - Tea houses | - Peaceful vibe - Cultural stays in hanok - Walkable to major heritage spots | - Limited nightlife - Fewer food options for halal or picky eaters | Couples Older families Culture lovers |
Gangnam | - Luxury shopping - K-pop agency HQs - Stylish dining | - High-end hotels - Trendy cafés - Upscale spas & malls | - Expensive - Less central for sightseeing - Traffic congestion | Luxury travelers Business visitors K-pop/K-beauty fans |
Itaewon | - Diverse food scene - Popular expat area - Seoul Central Mosque | - Most halal food options in Seoul - International vibe - English-friendly | - Noisy nightlife scene - Not as clean or family-friendly as other areas | Muslim travelers Foodies Backpackers & expats |
Q4: Is public transport easy to use?
Yessss and it's very efficient.
You can get a T-Money Card for subways, buses, and even some taxis. It’s a prepaid card you can reload at convenience stores or stations.
But if you’re planning to explore a lot around the city, we recommend getting the Climate Card (Korea Climate Card) instead.
Why Climate Card?
Unlimited rides on buses and subways within Seoul
More cost-effective if you’re traveling frequently
No need to top up, just tap and go
You can buy the Climate Card at major subway stations and any convenience stores Just ask for the "Climate Card" or "지하철 정기권" in Korean.
Q5: Do I need to speak Korean?
Nope, but a few phrases go a long way!
Hello: Annyeonghaseyo
Thank you: Gamsahamnida
How much?: Eolmayeyo?
Download Papago (way better than Google Translate).And smile, most locals are super friendly to tourists 😊
Q6: What would be the total cost including flight?
Q7: Is Seoul safe for solo travelers?
Totally. Seoul is one of Asia’s safest cities.
✅ Walk alone at night? Usually fine✅ Petty crime? Rare
Emergency number: 1330 (English-speaking helpline)
Just use basic travel smarts and you’ll be good.
Q8: What should I pack?
Season | What to Wear | Why |
Spring (Mar–May) | - Light layers - Jacket - Comfy shoes | Cool weather (10–20°C), flowers blooming – nice for walking |
Summer (Jun–Aug) | - Thin clothes - Umbrella - Sandals | Very hot & humid (25–35°C), sometimes it rains |
Autumn (Sep–Nov) | - Light sweater or jacket - Comfy shoes | Cool and windy (10–20°C), pretty autumn leaves |
Winter (Dec–Feb) | - Layer up: Wear at least 3 layers. Base, mid, and outer - Base layer: Thermal tops and leggings to retain heat - Mid layer: Add a sweater, fleece, or hoodie for extra warmth - Outerwear: Thick coat or puffer jacket is a must. - Accessories: Don’t forget gloves, scarf, and a beanie to protect from wind chill | Very cold (0 to -10°C), very very windy and sometimes snow |
Q9: Complete Itenarary for 10 days?
Day 1: Feb 15, 2025 (Arrival, Myeongdong Exploration, Seoul Tower)
Time | Activity | How to Get There |
7 AM | Arrive at Incheon Airport | - |
9:30 AM | Depart to Myeongdong | Airport private transfer |
12:30 PM | Lunch at Kampungku Halal Restaurant | Walk |
3 PM | Check In Hotel | - |
3:45 PM | Seoul Tower | Taxi |
7 PM | Myeongdong Night Market | Walk |
Day 2: Feb 16, 2025 (Rail Bike & Nami Island)
Time | Activity | How to Get There |
6:30 AM | Depart to Nami Island | Train to Gapyeong Station, then take taxi to Nami Island Wharf to take Ferry |
11:30 PM | Lunch at Asian Family Restaurant Nami Island | Walk |
2 PM | Depart to Gapyeong Rail Park | Ferry and Taxi |
6:30 PM | Return to Myeongdong | ITX Train from Gapyeong to Yongsan |
Day 3: Feb 17, 2025 (Gyeongbokgung Palaca & Bukchon Hanok Village)
Time | Activity | How to Get There |
07:30 AM | Gyeongbokgung Palace | Subway Line 3 to Anguk Station |
08:30 AM | The National Folk Museum of Korea | Walk |
10:00 AM | Bukchon Hanok Village | Walk |
01:00 PM | Lunch at Nirvana Halal Indian Kitchen | Walk |
2:30 PM | Insadong Street (Souvenirs & Cultural Shops) | Walk |
5:30 PM | Cheonggyecheon Stream | Jong-Gag Station |
6:30 PM | Gwangjang Market | Jongno 5(o)ga |
Day 4: Feb 18, 2025
Time | Activity | How to Get There |
08:00 AM | Deoksu Palace | City Hall Station |
11:00 PM | Lunch at Bakso Bejo Korea Halal Restaurant Myeongdong | |
02:00 PM | FREE TIME |
Day 5: Feb 19, 2025 FREE DATE
Time | Activity | How to Get There |
- | FREE DATE |
Day 6: Feb 20, 2025 (Dongdaemun Design Plaza & Han River)
Time | Activity | How to Get There |
8:00AM | Dongdaemun Design Plaza (History & Culture Park | Subway Line 4 |
011:30 AM | Ttukseom Hangang Park | Subway Line 5 à Line 7 to Ttukseom Recreation Area and Walk 7 min |
03:00PM | Han River | Walk |
6:00 PM | Namsangol Hanok Village | Chungmuro Station Line 4 |
Day 7: Feb 21, 2025 (Full Day in Gangnam)
Time | Activity | How to Get There |
10:00 AM | Bongeunsa Temple (Traditional temple in the heart of Gangnam) | Subway Line 2 to Samseong Station (Exit 6), 5-min walk |
12:00 PM | Starfield COEX Mall & Library | Walk |
01:30 PM | Lunch at Busanjib Halal Korean | Walk |
03:00 PM | K-Star Road (Gangnam-dol statues, K-pop street) | Subway Line 3 to Apgujeong Rodeo Station (Exit 2), walk 3 min |
04:30 PM | Garosu-gil (Trendy shopping street with cafes) | Subway Line 3 to Sinsa Station (Exit 8), 5-min walk |
06:30 PM | Dinner at Kervan Gangnam (Halal Turkish Cuisine) | Subway Line 2 to Gangnam Station (Exit 11), walk 5 min |
08:00 PM | Banpo Han River Park & Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain | Subway Line 3 to Express Bus Terminal Station (Exit 8-1), walk 10 min |
09:30 PM | Return to hotel | Subway Line 3 to Myeongdong |
Day 8: Feb 22, 2025 (Museum & Explore Itaewon)
Time | Activity | How to Get There |
9 AM | War Memorial Museum | Samgagji Station (Line 4) |
11 AM | National Museum of Korea | Ichon Station (Line 4) |
12:30 PM | Yongsan Park | Walk |
2 PM | Eid Halal Korean | Itaewon Station |
3 PM | Seoul Central Mosque | Walk |
3:30 PM | Itaewon Antique Furniture Street & Itaewon Shopping & Global Village Street | Walk |
Day 9: Feb 23, 2025 (Namdaemun Market)
Time | Activity | How to Get There |
10:00 AM | Namdaemun Market | Subway Line 1 to Namdaemun |
1 PM
| FREE TIME | - |
Day 10: Feb 24, 2025
Time | Activity | How to Get There |
1 PM | Depart to ICN Airport |
Q10: Mistakes to Made in Seoul? And How You Can Avoid Them.
Mistake | What Happened | What You Should Do Instead |
1. Not Planning My Trip to Nami Island Carefully | Only spent half a day and missed nearby spots like Gangchon Rail Park and Petite France. | Plan a full-day trip to Nami. Include Garden of Morning Calm, rail park, or Petite France. Totally worth it! |
2. Spending Too Many Days in Seoul | Stayed over 7 days in Seoul and missed the chance to explore other parts of Korea. | If your trip is long, spend a few days in Busan, Jeju, or the countryside for variety. |
3. Using a T-Money Card Instead of a Climate Card | Missed out on better savings—kept topping up the T-Money. | Get a Climate Card (₩20,000/week) for unlimited subway rides. Much cheaper! |
4. Underestimating Seoul’s Winter Cold | Packed too lightly—ended up buying extra gear after arrival. | Pack thermal layers, gloves, thick coat, and hat. Seoul winter is colder than it looks! |
5. Only Visiting Bukchon Hanok Village | Found it small and crowded, didn’t see better hanok spots. | Visit Eunpyeong Hanok Village too—more peaceful, less crowded, great views. |
Q11: What Foods did I Bring?
This is a list of packaged food items I am bringing for personal consumption during travel. All items are commercially packed, with full ingredient details for immigration/customs inspection.
Product Name | Brand/Packaging Name | Packaging | Ingredients |
Chicken Curry with Potato | Brahim's |  | Boneless chicken, coconut milk, potato, onion, palm oil, ginger, garlic, salt, yeast |
Beef Kurma with Potatoes | Brahim's |  | Beef, coconut milk, onion, palm oil, ginger, garlic, salt, sugar, lemon grass, galangal, candlenut, dried tamarind fruit |
Chicken Rendang | Brahim's |  | Boneless chicken, coconut milk, onion, palm oil, ginger, garlic, salt, sugar, lemon grass, galangal, tamarind, roasted grated coconut |
Tomato Chicken with Carrots | Brahim's |  | Boneless chicken, coconut milk, onion, palm oil, ginger, garlic, salt, sugar, lemon grass, galangal |
Anchovies Sambal | Brahim's |  | Onion, chillies, water, anchovies, palm oil, garlic, sugar, tamarind, modified starch, prawn paste, salt, yeast |
Satay Sauce | Brahim's |  | Peanut, onion, chili, sugar, salt, palm oil, lemongrass, shrimp paste, tamarind |
Bread | Massimo / Gardenia |  | Wheat flour, sugar, vegetable fat, dough, salt, calcium, fermented grain, milk, yeast, raisin, vitamins |
Instant Noodles | Maggi / Mamee / Cintan |  | Wheat flour, palm oil, salt, potassium chloride, guar gum, sodium, chili, fish |
Tea | Lipton |  | Tea leaf |
Instant Fried Noodle | Indomie |  | Wheat flour, edible vegetable oil, salt, thickener, acidity regulator, colouring, flavouring |
Sardines in Tomato Sauce | Ayam Brand |  | Sardine, tomato paste, salt, MSG |
Cup Instant Noodle | Maggi |  | Wheat flour, palm oil, salt, potassium chloride, guar gum, sodium, chili, fish sauce, flavouring |
💡 Bonus Tips for Malaysians
Use Klook or KKday for cheaper attraction tickets & SIM cards
Bring Maggie cups or sambal if you're not into Korean spice
Book everything early if traveling in April (spring!) or October (autumn!)
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