Raccomandiamo almeno three days in Seoul (Seoul in Korean) to have the chance to see several places 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: from 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 itinerary in Seoul by visiting the top attractions in Seoul. If you don’t want to waste time in lines, we recommend you take a look at the many online booking options. Your stay in the Korean capital will benefit from it.
1. Gyeongbokgung Palace
First stop: Gyeongbokgung Palace, probably the most famous of all the attractions in Seoul. Built in 1395 by King Taejo, it is 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 will see ancient structures juxtaposed against skyscrapers in the background, making for an interesting view.
Gyeongbokgung has stood the test of time, having been destroyed during the Japanese invasions. Fortunately, the government has invested heavily in its reconstruction and maintenance; from the splendid gardens to the museums and other architectural wonders. In case you were wondering: this impressive complex has no less than 330 buildings and 5,792 rooms! While you’re there, don’t forget to drop by 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’re in old-time Seoul? Head 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 of which are still inhabited. That said, remember not to be noisy while you’re here.
Some hanok now serve as shops, restaurants, or galleries that will let you peek inside! It’s also a favorite location for photo shoots among locals and tourists alike. You can rent a hanbok and pretend to be in a historical K-drama!
3. Jogyesa Temple
Buddhism is one of the main religions in South Korea, so it’s no surprise that there is an abundance of Buddhist structures like shrines and pagodas. For Seoul attractions that offer a glimpse into the spiritual life of the locals, Jogyesa Temple is the best 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 is actually located in one of Seoul’s bustling business districts.
Stop by the information center, where there are English-speaking monks who would be more than happy to educate you about the temple and the Jogye Order. If you’re ready for a deeper dive into Jogye Buddhism, you might consider staying at the temple! Though the program is free, donations of any amount to these kind people are strongly encouraged.
4. Insadong
A few blocks from Jogyesa is Insadong, where you will get your first taste of Seoul’s creative culture! This market neighborhood strikes a great balance between historic buildings and modern structures, with countless shops selling all kinds of traditional goods. That said, get ready for your first round of souvenir shopping here. But just a word of warning: most items are expensive!
Stroll through its countless alleys housing galleries, antique stores, restaurants, and tea houses. For art lovers, this is the best place to buy traditional Korean artworks such as paintings, ceramics, and crafts. Meanwhile, Insadong Street (aka the main street) has countless street food stalls for when you want a snack or two in the mid-afternoon. And if you’re lucky, you might even come across a lively local dance performance.
5. Cheonggyecheon
Cheonggyecheon, also known as Cheonggye Stream, is ideal for a late afternoon walk. Watch the colors of the sky transform into wonderful shades as the sun sets. This 11-kilometer-long waterway runs through the center and also serves as a recreational area. It is also a great route to consider for visiting several Seoul attractions if you want to avoid the street traffic above.
Don’t miss Cheonggye Plaza, the starting point where you will find a two-level waterfall called 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 would be 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 it especially for younger travelers (or young lovers). It’s the right place if you want to see youth and urban arts. The area takes its name from the nearby Hongik University: in Korean “university” is “daehag,” so “Hongdae” is the simplified combination.
For your first dinner in Seoul, why not treat yourself to juicy, high-quality yet affordable meats? We are obviously talking about K-BBQ here! When you are 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 the nightlife by hopping from club to club! Compared to bars and clubs in other party districts, those in Hongdae have cheaper drinks. However, if this is not your thing, there are equally fun alternatives like noraebang (karaoke), cozy dessert cafes, and even more street food in the area. You can also shop at Hongdae Shopping Street, where you can find unique vintage items you won’t find anywhere else!
For your second day, how about filling your Seoul itinerary with natural places and, of course, more shopping and sightseeing? If you partied the previous night, it’s best to nurse a hangover early in the morning!
7. Gangnam
Cross to the other bank 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 luxury district, especially since it is far from other Seoul attractions. Have breakfast and grab a coffee at one of the trendy cafes (some are even run by designers!) on Sinsadong Garosugil Road. Then, head to Apgujeong Rodeo Street for luxury shopping. If you like having more options, there is the Starfield COEX underground mall which features an aquarium, a giant library, and even a kimchi museum!
For tech enthusiasts traveling, the Samsung d’light is an absolute must-visit. Located in the Samsung HQ building, it is an exhibition space for all the brand’s latest technologies. Health enthusiasts, on the other hand, might want to book a treatment at Sulwhasoo Spa inside the brand’s flagship store. Don’t forget to stop by Lotte World, the largest indoor theme park in the world! However, if you want a real park, we recommend Jamwon Han River Park, which is especially beautiful in autumn with its pink muhly grass!
8. Lotte Mart
Lotte Mart is the branch of the Seoul station. It has one of the coolest supermarkets ever for souvenir shopping! Besides food and drinks, you can also find other high-quality products like clothes, shoes, electronics, household items, and more.
They offer tax refunds, international EMS delivery, and even a 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 scenes, head to Namsan Mountain Park! It is the largest in Seoul, where you will find a variety of flora and fauna. There is even a cherry blossom trail during spring, particularly in April. However, the park is equally wonderful during other seasons.
The main attraction, however, is the N Seoul Tower. As the name suggests, it offers panoramic views of the city! You can take a cable car to reach the top of the hill or climb the stone stairs. Don’t worry, it is quite an 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 turn on.
We recommend, however, to book in advance to avoid wasting extra time before visiting the N Seoul Tower.
10. Myeongdong
Last stop of today’s Seoul itinerary! Don’t worry, you won’t have to take the 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 attractions in Seoul, especially on weekends!
Get ready to get lost in a neon labyrinth of food, shopping, and more shopping! Along with that, there are images, sounds, and smells filling 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 & Beer Myeongdong? For fusion dishes, there is Isaac Toast. And, of course, you will 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 big brands to independent boutiques, from K-beauty finds to quirky cartoon merchandise; it’s practically impossible to leave empty-handed! And if you need to take a break from all that walking and browsing around, you can always stop by a bar.
Kick off your Seoul itinerary by visiting the best attractions in Seoul. If you don’t want to waste time in lines, we recommend checking out the many online booking options. Your stay in the Korean capital will benefit from it.
Get the most out of your last day by adding the most visually captivating spots to your Seoul itinerary. From stunning architecture to cultural centers, it’s time to sneak in those last-minute shots worthy of a thousand Instagram likes.
11. Seoullo 7017
Set out for a scenic morning walk along Seoullo 7017, a former road overpass transformed into a futuristic pedestrian walkway. It was built in 1970 and then 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 taking in the cityscape below.
12. Ewha Womans University
To be honest, the wonderful university campuses are far apart. However, if you had to pick just one for your Seoul itinerary, then Ewha Womans University is the best choice. Be sure to stop by the Ewha Campus Complex: a cutting-edge building designed by Dominique Perrault, AKA the same architect who designed the famous 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 is by far one of Seoul’s most underrated attractions and, previously, it was 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 is also a sight to behold; a fascinating blend of 20th-century modernist expressionism. What makes it particularly interesting is that it is a contemporary structure nestled between the more traditional Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Bukchon Hanok Village.
14. Dongdaemun Design Plaza
For more architectural wonders, look no further than the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, or DDP for short. Designed by the famous Zaha Hadid, it features a distinctly neo-futuristic style with its very unusual shape amidst a sleek aluminum facade. At night, the building itself transforms into an animated light show, so you might want to wait.
Being one of Seoul’s most famous attractions for all things design, DDP serves as a venue for various exhibitions, conferences, and fashion shows (Seoul Fashion Week). In addition to the huge exhibition spaces, it also features retail stores, walkable rooftop parks, and even some parts of Seoul’s historic city walls!
15. Itaewon
Even before being catapulted to mainstream popularity 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 some good old brisket? Manimal Smokehouse is the way to go. Naturally, Itaewon also has halal restaurants where most of the 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!
When it comes to nightlife, start your club-hopping with Club Made and Soap Seoul: two of the favorites among locals. However, if you prefer to spend some quiet time sipping a good 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’re visiting 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!
Kickstart your Seoul itinerary by visiting the best attractions in Seoul. If you don’t want to waste time waiting in lines, we recommend checking out the multiple online booking options.
Where to Stay in Seoul
When it comes to hotels and hospitality, the Korean capital offers a wide range. They range from luxury hotels to budget ones (but not too cheap). We recommend taking a look at the many online booking options. Your stay in Seoul becomes easier.
