How to Travel to Seoul? A-Z Guide!

Rezwani Dina
Apr 27
7 min read

Updated: Jun 29

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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

Cherry Blossoms at Cheonggyecheon Stream, Seoul.

Q3: Where should I stay in Seoul?

Seoul's map. Download full map here: https://english.visitseoul.net/map-guide-book

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.

Climate Card Prices sources:https://english.seoul.go.kr/policy/transportation/climate-card/

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