We recommend at least three days in Seoul (Seoul in Korean) to have the chance to see various points of interest. With this Seoul itinerary, we also suggest the best things to do and experience!
- Day 1: Morning
- 1. Gyeongbokgung Palace
- 2. Bukchon Hanok Village
- Day 1: Afternoon
- 3. Jogyesa Temple
- 4. Insadong
- Day 1: Late afternoon to evening
- 5. Cheonggyecheon
- 6. Hongdae
- Day 2: Morning to Noon
- 7. Gangnam
- Day 2: Afternoon
- 8. Lotte Mart
- 9. Namsan Mountain Park
- 10. Myeongdong
- Day 3: Morning
- 11. Seoullo 7017
- 12. Ewha Womans University
- Day 3: Afternoon
- 13. National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
- 14. Dongdaemun Design Plaza
- Day 3: Evening
- 15. Itaewon
- Where to Stay in Seoul
Kick off your Seoul itinerary by visiting the city’s top attractions. If you want to avoid wasting time in lines, we recommend checking out the many online booking options. Your stay in the Korean capital will benefit from this.
1. Gyeongbokgung Palace
First stop: Gyeongbokgung Palace, probably the most famous attraction in Seoul. Built in 1395 by King Taejo, it’s the first and largest palace of the Joseon dynasty. This was also the period when Seoul (then known as Hanyang) became the new capital. You’ll see ancient structures juxtaposed against skyscrapers in the background, making for an interesting view.
Gyeongbokgung has withstood the test of time, having been destroyed during the Japanese invasions. Fortunately, the government has heavily invested in its reconstruction and upkeep; from splendid gardens to museums and other architectural marvels. Just in case you’re wondering: this vast complex boasts 330 buildings and 5,792 rooms! While you’re there, don’t forget to visit the National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum of Korea, both located within the palace grounds.
2. Bukchon Hanok Village
Want to feel like you’ve stepped back into old Seoul? Head over to Bukchon Hanok Village, just a short walk from Gyeongbokgung. As you wander the alleys of this charming neighborhood, you’ll find many hanok (traditional Korean houses), most still inhabited. That said, remember to be quiet while here.
Some hanoks now serve as shops, restaurants, or galleries where you can peek inside! It’s also a favorite spot for photo shoots among locals and tourists. You can even rent a hanbok and pretend you’re in a historical K-drama!
3. Jogyesa Temple
Buddhism is one of South Korea’s main religions, so it’s no surprise there’s an abundance of Buddhist structures like shrines and pagodas. For Seoul attractions that offer a glimpse into locals’ spiritual lives, Jogyesa Temple is the perfect choice. Besides being the center of Korean Buddhism, the complex features a vibrant range of colors, intricate architecture, and trees over 500 years old! You might forget it’s actually located in one of Seoul’s bustling business districts.
Drop by the information center, where English-speaking monks are happy to teach you about the temple and the Jogye Order. If you want a deeper immersion into Jogye Buddhism, consider staying overnight at the temple! Although the program is free, we definitely encourage donating any amount possible to these kind folks.
4. Insadong
A few blocks from Jogyesa is Insadong, where you’ll get your first dose of Seoul’s creative culture! This market neighborhood balances historic buildings with modern structures, boasting countless shops selling all sorts of traditional merchandise. That said, prepare for your first souvenir shopping spree here. Just a warning: most items are pricey!
Stroll through its numerous alleys filled with galleries, antique shops, restaurants, and tea houses. Art lovers will find it the best place to buy traditional Korean art like paintings, ceramics, and crafts. Meanwhile, Insadong Street (AKA the main street) has countless street food stalls when you crave a snack or two mid-afternoon. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch a lively local dance performance.
5. Cheonggyecheon
Cheonggyecheon, also called Cheonggye Stream, is ideal for a late afternoon walk. Watch the sky’s colors transform into magnificent hues as the sun sets. This 11-kilometer waterway runs through downtown and doubles as a recreational area. It’s also a great route to consider when visiting multiple Seoul attractions if you want to avoid traffic above.
Don’t miss Cheonggye Plaza, the starting point, where you’ll find a two-tiered waterfall called the Candlelight Fountain. It’s truly enchanting at night with its multicolored lights! However, if you want to see many of these beautiful lamps, the best time to go is November for the Lantern Festival or December for the Christmas Festival. Either way, it’s definitely a must-add to your Seoul itinerary.
6. Hongdae
Few other Seoul attractions are as trendy, lively, and energetic as Hongdae. We highly recommend visiting, especially to younger travelers (or young couples). It’s the place to see youth and urban arts. The name comes from the nearby Hongik University: in Korean, “university” is “daehag“, so “Hongdae” is the shortened combination.
For your first dinner in Seoul, why not indulge in juicy, high-quality yet affordable meats? We’re, of course, talking about K-BBQ! When in Hongdae, make sure to try Piggy Bank Stone Grill, Dwe-ji-sang-hwe, and MUSSO. If you love K-pop, head to Eoulmadang-ro Street for incredible performances ranging from dance to live music.
Then, experience nightlife by hopping from club to club! Compared to bars and clubs in other party districts, Hongdae’s offer cheaper drinks. However, if that’s not your scene, there are equally fun alternatives like noraebang (karaoke), cozy dessert cafés, and even more street food in the area. You can also shop at Hongdae Shopping Street, where you’ll find unique vintage items you won’t see anywhere else!
On your second day, how about filling your Seoul itinerary with natural spots and, of course, more shopping and sightseeing? If you partied the night before, it’s best to nurse any hangovers early in the morning!
7. Gangnam
Cross to the other side of the Han River and reach Gangnam, whose name means “south of the river.” It’s a fun tourist experience to add to your Seoul itinerary!
We recommend dedicating a whole morning to exploring this upscale district, especially since it’s far from other Seoul attractions. Have breakfast and coffee in one of the trendy cafés (some even run by designers!) along Sinsadong Garosugil Road. Then, head to Apgujeong Rodeo Street for luxury shopping. If you want more options, there’s the Starfield COEX underground shopping mall, which also has an aquarium, a giant library, and even a kimchi museum!
For tech fans on the go, Samsung d’light is a must-visit. Located at the Samsung HQ building, it’s an exhibition space showcasing all of the brand’s latest technologies. Health buffs might want to book a treatment at Sulwhasoo Spa inside the brand’s flagship store. Don’t forget to visit Lotte World, the world’s largest indoor theme park! However, if you prefer a real park, we recommend Jamwon Han River Park, especially beautiful in autumn with its pink muhly grass!
8. Lotte Mart
Lotte Mart is the Seoul Station branch. It has one of the coolest supermarkets ever for souvenir shopping! Besides food and drinks, you can also find other high-quality products such as clothes, shoes, electronics, household items, and more.
They offer tax refunds, international EMS delivery, and even locker service! The latter is especially convenient when you plan to explore other Seoul attractions for the rest of the day.
9. Namsan Mountain Park
For more natural scenery, head to Namsan Mountain Park! It’s the largest in Seoul, where you’ll find a variety of flora and fauna. There’s even a cherry blossom trail during spring, particularly in April. However, the park is just as lovely in other seasons.
The main attraction, however, is the N Seoul Tower. As the name suggests, it offers panoramic city views! You can take a cable car to reach the hilltop or climb the stone steps. Don’t worry, it’s a fairly easy hike and the views along the trail are worth it. The sunset scene from here is breathtaking as you watch the dazzling city lights come on.
We recommend, however, to book in advance to avoid extra waiting before visiting N Seoul Tower.
10. Myeongdong
Last stop of today’s Seoul itinerary! Don’t worry, you won’t have to take a train or bus for this. Welcome to the famous Myeongdong. Coming here is like stepping into an electro-pop music video or an Asian romantic comedy. Either way, it’s definitely one of the most exciting Seoul attractions, especially on weekends!
Get ready to get lost in a neon maze of food, shopping, and more shopping! Alongside this are the images, sounds, and smells that fill this area with so much life. After a tiring day, we’re sure you’re probably hungry. How about Korean fried chicken and beer at bb.q Chicken and Beer Myeongdong? For fusion dishes, there’s Isaac Toast. And, of course, you’ll find plenty of street food to dig into like tteokbokki, mandu, odeng, pajeon, chueotang, cheese tteok-kocchi, and more!
Regarding shopping, here you can find everything from major brands to indie boutiques, from K-beauty products to quirky cartoon merchandise; it’s practically impossible to leave empty-handed! And if you need a break from all that walking and browsing, you can always stop by a bar.
Kick off your Seoul itinerary by visiting the city’s top attractions. If you want to avoid waiting in lines, we recommend checking out many online booking options. Your stay in the Korean capital will benefit from this.
Get the most out of your last day by adding the visually most captivating places to your Seoul itinerary. From remarkable architecture to cultural centers, it’s time to sneak in those last-minute shots worthy of a thousand Instagram likes.
11. Seoullo 7017
Start a scenic morning walk along Seoullo 7017, a former road overpass transformed into a futuristic pedestrian walkway. It was built in 1970 and repurposed in 2017, hence the name. So, it’s one of Seoul’s relatively new attractions! Besides urban gardens, you’ll also find several cafés where you can have breakfast while gazing at the cityscape below.
12. Ewha Womans University
Honestly, magnificent university campuses are far and wide. But if you had to pick only one for your Seoul itinerary, then Ewha Womans University is the best bet. Make sure to stop by the Ewha Campus Complex: a cutting-edge building designed by Dominique Perrault, AKA the same architect who designed the famed French National Library!
13. National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art has four locations in South Korea, but the one in the Jongno district (also called MMCA Seoul) is the newest. It’s by far one of Seoul’s most underrated attractions and was previously the Defense Security Command complex.
MMCA Seoul has a total of six floors showcasing the best of Korean and international contemporary art. Not to be outdone, the architecture itself is a spectacle; a fascinating blend of 20th-century modernist expressionism. What makes it particularly interesting is that it’s a contemporary structure nestled between the more traditional Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village.
14. Dongdaemun Design Plaza
For more architectural wonders, look no further than Dongdaemun Design Plaza, or DDP for short. Designed by the renowned Zaha Hadid, it features a distinctly neofuturistic style with its unusual shape amid a sleek aluminum facade. At night, the building itself transforms into an animated light show, so you might want to wait for that.
Being one of Seoul’s top attractions for all things design, DDP hosts various exhibitions, conferences, and fashion shows (Seoul Fashion Week). Beyond huge exhibition spaces, it also features retail shops, walkable rooftop parks, and even some parts of Seoul’s historic city walls!
15. Itaewon
Long before being catapulted to mainstream fame thanks to that hit K-drama, Itaewon was already known as the city’s most diverse neighborhood. Add this cultural mecca to your Seoul itinerary and experience the cosmopolitan food scene and nightlife in your final hours!
Itaewon, Seoul
For Korean cuisine with a modern twist served family-style, check out Si.Wha.Dam. Craving good old brisket? Manimal Smokehouse is the way to go. Of course, Itaewon also has halal restaurants where most chefs are actually expatriates from Middle Eastern countries! We recommend Petra Palace and Kervan Turkish Restaurant to start. And if it’s not obvious, these are just some of the many exciting dining options here!
As for nightlife, start your club-hopping with Club Made and Soap Seoul: two local favorites. However, if you prefer quiet time sipping a nice drink at a rooftop bar, head to PP Seoul. There’s also All That Jazz, South Korea’s oldest jazz bar, which is a great spot for a nightcap!
If you visit Seoul in October, don’t miss the Itaewon Global Village Festival. There you can see various exhibitions, cultural activities, food pop-ups, and maybe even a surprise performance by top K-pop artists!
Kick off your Seoul itinerary by visiting the city’s top attractions. If you want to avoid waiting in lines, we recommend checking out many online booking options.
Where to Stay in Seoul
When it comes to hotels and hospitality, the Korean capital offers an extensive catalog. Options range from luxury hotels to affordable ones (but not too cheap). We recommend checking out many online booking options. Your stay in Seoul becomes easier.
