To visit South Korea, Brazilians need to fill out the K-ETA — an electronic travel authorization that costs about 10,000 KRW (roughly US$9) and is valid for three years. It’s a simple step, but it catches a lot of people off guard: unlike other Asian destinations, Brazil isn’t on the list of countries temporarily exempt from this requirement, so you can’t just show up in Seoul without having sorted this out beforehand.
Beyond that bureaucratic hurdle, Seoul delivers a rare combination: centuries-old royal palaces coexisting with some of the most modern urban infrastructure in the world, all connected by an efficient and affordable subway system. The challenge here isn’t finding things to do — it’s deciding between the historic side of palaces and traditional neighborhoods and the contemporary side of areas like Hongdae and Gangnam.
This guide covers the tickets worth booking, the K-ETA, and the logistics of getting from Incheon Airport to downtown.
Gyeongbokgung Palace and the free guard-changing ceremony
Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of Seoul’s five royal palaces, charges 3,000 KRW for adults and 1,500 KRW for children — one of the cheapest admission fees among Asia’s major tourist attractions. Visitors wearing a hanbok, the traditional Korean outfit, get in free, which explains why so many tourists rent one before heading over.
The palace is open from 9 AM to 6 PM between March and October, and from 9 AM to 5 PM from November to February, closed on Tuesdays. The imperial guard-changing ceremony takes place daily (except Tuesday) at 11 AM and 3 PM, outside the gates — no ticket required, and it usually draws a decent crowd of photographers.
Bukchon Hanok Village and Seoul’s other palaces
Just a few minutes’ walk from Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon Hanok Village preserves a cluster of traditional hanok houses on uphill streets, with views of the palace on one side and skyscrapers on the other. It’s a real residential neighborhood — people still live in these homes — so it’s worth strolling at a relaxed pace and avoiding peak hours so as not to disturb the residents.
If you have more time, Seoul’s other four royal palaces (Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, and Gyeonghuigung) follow a similar pricing structure to Gyeongbokgung. Changdeokgung stands out for its Secret Garden (Huwon), which requires a separate reservation and limits the number of visitors per time slot — worth booking a few days ahead if that’s the focus of your visit.
Right next to Bukchon, the Insadong neighborhood is packed with art galleries, traditional stationery shops, and century-old tea houses — a nice, calmer counterpoint after a morning of palace-hopping. It’s also where you’ll find souvenirs with more local character, a world away from the cosmetics shops that dominate Myeongdong.
N Seoul Tower: the view from Namsan
N Seoul Tower, perched atop Mount Namsan, is the city’s most popular lookout. Observatory tickets run around 10,000 to 21,000 KRW for adults, depending on the time of day and where you buy them, and the tower is open from 10 AM to 11 PM. Taking the cable car up costs 10,000 KRW one way or 13,000 KRW round trip — an alternative to hiking the park trail, which is free but requires more time and stamina.
The love locks, clipped to the railings around the tower’s base, have become one of Seoul’s most photographed spots — couples (and groups of friends, too) write messages and fasten a padlock as a symbol that their relationship will last. You can buy a lock right on site.
Myeongdong, Hongdae, and Gangnam: where to stay in Seoul
Myeongdong is the safest bet for first-time visitors to Seoul — central, well-served by the subway, packed with Korean cosmetics shops and street food stalls that stay open late. Hongdae, near one of the country’s most famous art universities, is where you’ll find the younger nightlife and the themed cafés that go viral on social media.
Gangnam, across the Han River, is the neighborhood that became famous outside Korea thanks to pop music, but day to day it functions as an upscale commercial and residential district — worth a visit, but not necessarily where most first-time tourists choose to stay.
| Neighborhood | Vibe | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Myeongdong | Central, commercial, touristy | First trips, easy access to everything | Busy and pricier at night |
| Hongdae | Young, artistic, nightlife | Those after bars, cafés, and live music | Can be noisy at night |
| Gangnam | Modern, commercial, upscale | Designer shopping, beauty clinics | Less historic neighborhood feel |
| Bukchon | Historic, residential, quiet | Those wanting to see traditional Seoul | Few lodging options in the area |
Day trip to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
The Demilitarized Zone separating the two Koreas is less than an hour’s drive from downtown Seoul, and full-day guided tours there rank among the most sought-after experiences for visitors to the city. The itinerary typically includes stops like the Third Infiltration Tunnel and an observation area where you can see North Korean territory in the distance.
Because it’s a military-controlled area, access is only allowed through organized tours, with advance documentation and stricter dress and behavior rules than any other tourist excursion in the country. It’s worth booking a few days ahead, since spots are limited and availability varies depending on the security situation at the border.
K-ETA and visas: what to check before you fly
Brazilians visiting South Korea for tourism or business for up to 90 days don’t need a traditional consular visa, but they do need to apply for the K-ETA in advance — the form is online, costs about 10,000 KRW, and approval usually takes a few days, but it’s smart to leave some buffer in your schedule to avoid surprises.
Some countries had the K-ETA requirement temporarily waived through the end of 2026 to boost tourism, but that exemption doesn’t include Brazil — so for Brazilians, the K-ETA remains mandatory regardless of those recent headlines.
It’s worth filling out the form with plenty of lead time: while most approvals come through in a few days, some cases take longer, and arriving in the country without an approved K-ETA could mean being denied boarding at the airline check-in counter, before you even reach Korean immigration.
Getting from Incheon Airport
The AREX (Airport Railroad Express) connects Incheon Airport to Seoul Station in two ways. The express train, with no stops, makes the trip in 43 to 51 minutes for 9,500 KRW; the all-stops train (including Gimpo and the Hongik University area) takes 56 to 60 minutes but costs much less, between 4,150 and 4,750 KRW.
For getting around once you’ve arrived, the T-money card costs 5,000 KRW at the airport itself (or 2,500 KRW elsewhere, at convenience stores) and works for both the subway and buses, with fares around 1,250 to 1,350 KRW per ride within the city.
Best time to visit Seoul
Fall, between September and October, is usually the most recommended time: mild temperatures (from around 19°C in September down to 7°C in November) and colorful foliage in the parks and palaces. It’s also when the skies are clearest, without summer’s heavy heat or winter’s biting cold.
If you want to catch the cherry blossoms in full bloom, spring (April to May) is your window, though the exact timing shifts a bit year to year depending on the weather. June through September brings the monsoon season with more frequent rain, and winter arrives with below-freezing temperatures that make long outdoor strolls a real challenge.
Where to eat: tteokbokki, hotteok, and Korea’s street food culture
Street food is an essential part of the Seoul experience, especially at markets like Gwangjang and Namdaemun, or along the streets of Myeongdong at night. Tteokbokki (rice cakes in spicy sauce), hotteok (sweet filled pancakes), and gimbap are among the easiest dishes to find, usually at prices that are far friendlier than a sit-down restaurant.
You also can’t skip Korean barbecue (gogigui) — grilled right at your table, it’s typically ordered to share between two or more people. And if you’re in the mood for something sweeter, the themed cafés of Hongdae and Seongsu have become almost as popular as the traditional tourist spots.
Convenience stores deserve a shout-out too — unlike in most other countries, in Korea they basically function as a legit quick-dining option, with tables for eating in and hot water machines for making instant ramyeon. If you’re on a tighter budget or just want to save on one meal, it’s a solid alternative without sacrificing good food.
Before you go
- K-ETA: required for Brazilians — apply online in advance, costs around 10,000 KRW, and is valid for three years.
- Best time to visit: September and October for mild weather; April and May for cherry blossoms.
- How long to stay: 4 to 5 days covers the palaces, Namsan, and at least one nightlife district.
- Getting from the airport: AREX express train (43–51 min, 9,500 KRW) or the all-stop train (56–60 min, from 4,150 KRW).
- Getting around the city: T-money card, with subway fares around 1,250–1,350 KRW per ride.
- Pro tip: renting a hanbok gets you free entry to the royal palaces.
Quick questions
Do I need a visa to visit South Korea? No, but the K-ETA is mandatory for Brazilians and must be applied for before boarding.
Is renting a hanbok worth it? Yes — beyond the free palace entry, it’s a common (and well-regarded) way to experience a bit of Korean tradition during your visit.
How many days are enough in Seoul? Four to five days comfortably covers the main palaces, Namsan, and at least one nightlife district.
Seoul rewards travelers who blend tradition and modernity
Between the royal palaces, the views from atop N Seoul Tower, and the street food markets, Seoul delivers a rare balance of history and one of the most advanced urban infrastructures in Asia. The city keeps growing in popularity among Brazilians, driven by the music, the dramas, and a food culture that has won over the world in recent years.
Sort out your K-ETA well in advance, book a hanbok for palace day, and leave at least one night free to wander Hongdae or Myeongdong without a rush — that’s when the city shows the side that doesn’t make it into the formal guidebooks. And if you still have extra time on your itinerary, a day trip to the DMZ is worth considering: it’s the kind of excursion that shifts how you see the country, even if it isn’t, in the conventional sense, a “touristy” outing like the others in this guide.