We visited Seoul as part of our 10-night cruise on Norwegian Spirit, and here’s what our two days looked like, what surprised us, and what we’d recommend for fellow cruisers.

Seoul is a vibrant, high-energy city that feels like a perfect mix of history, modernity, and sheer wow-factor. But if you're visiting on a cruise, there’s one important thing to know upfront: you’re not docking in Seoul—you’re docking in Incheon, which is about an hour to 90 minutes away by car. So while it’s absolutely worth the effort, you’ll want to plan carefully to make the most of your time.

Getting from Incheon to Seoul

 It took us about 80 minutes to reach central Seoul. Traffic wasn’t bad for a weekday morning, but we’d definitely factor in 90 minutes each way just to be safe. The drive itself was scenic at times, especially as you approach the city and start seeing the Han River and skyline.

Day 1: What We Did with Just One Day from the Ship

We started the day by taking the cable car up to N Seoul Tower, which offered stunning panoramic views over the entire city. The ride up was exciting—especially for David, who found it a bit nerve-wracking thanks to the heights! At the top, we added our own love lock and took in the 360-degree views. It was a brilliant way to get oriented.

Next, we visited Jogyesa Temple, a serene and colourful Buddhist temple in the middle of the city. The grounds were peaceful and beautifully maintained, with intricate lanterns and floral displays. It’s a great spot to slow down and take in a quieter side of Seoul.

From there, we headed to Insadong, a buzzing cultural street filled with shops, art galleries, tea houses, and endless traditional snacks. The whole area has such a great vibe—one minute you’re watching street performers, the next you’re browsing handmade crafts or antique prints. We couldn’t resist getting a caricature done by one of the local artists. It only took about ten minutes, and the result was both hilarious and scarily accurate! It’s such a fun (and affordable) souvenir and a great way to support local artists.  

For lunch, we stopped at Gaeseong Traditional Dumpling House for some of the best mandu (Korean dumplings) we’ve ever had. We also tried their house noodles and shared a plate of banchan (side dishes). The meal was delicious and filling, and it felt very authentic.

With full bellies, we headed to Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of Seoul’s most iconic historical sites. We caught part of the guard ceremony and explored the vast palace grounds, learning about Korea’s royal history along the way. The palace sits dramatically against a backdrop of mountains and skyscrapers—it’s an unforgettable sight.

We then took a walk through the nearby Bukchon Hanok Village, where traditional Korean houses (hanoks) line picturesque alleys. It was a great photo spot, though some areas were quite hilly. The contrast between old architecture and the modern city around it was striking.

We ended the day with some free time at Myeongdong, one of Seoul’s most popular shopping districts. We browsed skincare shops, tried some street food, and soaked in the buzz. It’s very touristy but also very fun—and a great place to pick up Korean beauty products.

We left the city around 3:30pm and were back at the ship just before 5pm.

Day 2: Visiting from Incheon Airport Post-Cruise

After our cruise ended, we had a bit more time to explore before flying out. We took the train from Incheon Airport to Seoul, which was easy, clean, and efficient.

Our first stop was Gangnam, where we snapped a picture with the Gangnam Style sculpture and visited the stunning Starfield Library—a multi-storey book haven inside the COEX Mall.

We then headed to Lotte World Mall for some last-minute shopping. It’s modern, vast, and full of Korean and international brands.

Right next door is Lotte World, a theme park that felt like a Korean version of Disneyland—complete with castles, themed rides, and an indoor area that was surprisingly extensive. We didn’t go on many rides but loved wandering and soaking up the fun atmosphere.