Why Japanese Travelers Love Seoul
Seoul sits just two hours from Tokyo by air, making it one of the easiest international getaways for Japanese travelers. The city blends ancient palaces with cutting-edge K-culture, and the food scene rivals anything back home. Whether you're a first-timer or returning for more, five days gives you enough time to explore properly without rushing.
Day 1: Arrival at Incheon & Myeongdong
Land at Incheon International Airport and take the AREX express train to Seoul Station in 43 minutes. Check into your hotel near Myeongdong, then spend the evening exploring the famous shopping district. Korean cosmetics shops line every street, and the street food stalls serve hotteok (sweet pancakes) and tteokbokki that taste nothing like the versions sold in Japan.
Day 2: Gyeongbokgung & Bukchon Hanok Village
Start your morning at Gyeongbokgung Palace for the changing of the guard ceremony at 10:00. Wearing hanbok gets you free palace entry, and the photos against the traditional architecture are stunning.
After the palace, walk to Bukchon Hanok Village to see preserved traditional houses along narrow alleyways. Grab lunch at Tosokchon for their legendary samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup).
Day 3: Nami Island Day Trip
Take a morning train to Chuncheon and ferry across to Nami Island. The tree-lined paths here became famous from the Korean drama Winter Sonata, which was hugely popular in Japan. Autumn leaves or winter snow make this spot magical in any season.
Day 4: Markets & K-Culture
Explore Gwangjang Market in the morning for bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and yukhoe (Korean beef tartare). In the afternoon, visit the Gangnam district for K-pop merchandise shops and upscale cafes. If you're visiting in winter, a ski day trip is an unforgettable experience.
Day 5: Wellness & Departure
Spend your final morning at a jjimjilbang (Korean spa) for the full sauna experience. If you have time before your flight, consider a quick health checkup that many Japanese travelers now combine with their Seoul trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a visa to visit Seoul from Japan?
A: No. Japanese passport holders can enter South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism.
Q: What is the best time to visit Seoul?
A: Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-November) offer the most pleasant weather. Cherry blossoms bloom around the same time as in Tokyo.
Q: Is English widely spoken in Seoul?
A: Major tourist areas have English signage, but having a translation app helps. Many Koreans also understand basic Japanese, especially in Myeongdong.
Q: How much should I budget daily in Seoul?
A: Budget around 80,000-120,000 KRW (approximately 8,000-12,000 JPY) per day for meals, transport, and basic sightseeing. Seoul is generally cheaper than Tokyo.
Q: Can I use Japanese yen in Seoul?
A: No, you'll need Korean won. Exchange at banks or authorized money changers in Myeongdong for the best rates. Most places accept credit cards.
Recommended South Korea Tours and Experiences
South Korea blends centuries-old palaces with cutting-edge pop culture. Whether you are exploring Seoul or venturing to Jeju, pre-booking saves hours of queuing and guarantees entry to the most popular sites.
What things cost in South Korea
Live HolidaySG prices for the experiences in this guide, so you can sanity-check a budget before you commit.
| Experience | Where | From price |
|---|---|---|
| Ganghwa Island Experience: Camping BBQ, Ganghwa Seaside Resort... | Seoul | From S$121.72 |
| [Non-Korean] [Prepaid Card] WOWPASS Card | Seoul | From S$7.00 |
| [Seoul Insadong] Color Pool Museum | Seoul | From S$10.45 |
| Discover Seoul Pass | Seoul | From S$78.00 |
| Gyeonggi Province|Nami Island x Petite France x Italian Villag... | Seoul | From S$95.00 |
| Seoul - Nami Island Round-trip Shuttle Bus Ticket Transport Pa... | Seoul | From S$37.00 |
| ELand Cruise | Seoul | From S$16.00 |
| Nami Island Round trip bus | Seoul | From S$36.54 |
