Seoul

Seoul is too large for a single mental map. Historic palace districts, dense central work streets, university quarters, design neighborhoods, markets, mountains, and the Han River each operate on a different scale. The subway joins them efficiently, but station exits and long transfers mean a route that looks short on a map can still consume attention.

Choose one broad zone per half-day. Palace architecture and Bukchon belong together; Euljiro and Cheonggyecheon form a separate central walk; Seongsu works well before an evening by the river. Save Korean addresses offline because search results, building entrances, and taxi communication often improve when the local script is available.

Mornings can be deliberately slow after market nights. Check final subway times before committing to a distant last stop, and treat food queues, weather, and the size of interchange stations as real parts of the schedule rather than delays.