Seoul is one of the world’s most exciting mega-cities and offers visitors a thrilling and ultimate Asian travel experience. Whether you’re looking for the past, present or future, Seoul delivers as few others can. This Seoul itinerary shows you the best of Korea’s capital in 4 days.
Seoul is a mishmash of everything and a true city of contrast. It’s old and new, forward-thinking and traditional, futuristic and ancient, calm and hectic, ugly and beautiful, cheap and expensive… think of any antonym possible, and Seoul will effortlessly weave it together for you and make it look cool too.
Our itinerary for Seoul is from a local’s perspective and has been in the making for years. Having lived in Seoul for ten years myself and Jin being a born and bred Seoulite, we know the city inside out. Kind of.
Seoul is an everchanging city, and what’s hot today is gone and old news tomorrow. This itinerary for Seoul shows you the classic highlights of the city and a few of our favourite hidden spots that have stood the test of (our) time.
Our 4 day Seoul itinerary is perfect for seeing the best of the city in only a few days. You’ll experience Seoul’s finest culture, nature and food at a relatively fast pace, just like the city itself. So look no further for things to see and do in Seoul, this guide has you covered!
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Quick Guide to Seoul
Best Time to Visit Seoul: Seoul is a year-round destination and can be enjoyed anytime, but keep the following in mind.
Expect COLD winters and HOT summers. June and July is Jangma (monsoon seasons) with a lot of rain. Spring brings cherry blossoms but also hazy skies and bad air quality. Our favourite time of year in Seoul is autumn, with beautiful foilage and comfortable temperatures.
Where to Stay: We always stay at Jin’s family house, but for visitors, we recommend Meyongdong for its central location or Hongdae for its fantastic nightlife. In Meyondong, check out Hotel Prince or Monday Cracker in Hongdae.
Suggested Time: 3-4 days for Seoul, more for day trips and seeing the rest of Korea
How to Get There: Incheon Airport in about 80 km from Seoul in the city of Incheon. The best way to reach Seoul from Incheon Airport is by AREX Express train (about $6)
Must Do in Seoul:
Watch Korea’s most famous performance, the Nanta Show
Explore Seoul’s palaces in traditional Hanbok
Take a DMZ day trip to the North/South Korea border
Why You’ll Love Seoul?
Korea has a reputation for being cool and edgy, and nowhere in the country encapsulates that better than Seoul. Korea is Seoul in many ways. Home to half of the country’s population, Seoul is indeed the soul of Korea.
Seoul is many things, depending on what you’re looking for. Any Seoul itinerary will, no doubt, show you its multi-faceted personality. From serene and colourful temples and palaces to street artists jamming to the newest K-pop tunes in the newest fashion wear, Seoul is an exciting Asian travel destination.
The FOOD! Korean food is incredible and alone reason enough to visit Korea. Weird and wonderful food is likely going to be a highlight of your Seoul trip. Throw in fabulous shopping, top-class public transportation and pumping nightlife, and you’ll see why Seoul is such an exciting place to visit.
BTS and Black Pink fans or those who binge-watched Squid Games will find the same energy, excitement and intrigue when visiting Seoul.
There is an energy following you around Seoul that sweeps you away. This youthful and vibrant energy can be seen in the city’s fashion, music and food scene. We have yet to go somewhere so alive, dynamic and energetic as Seoul.
In contrast, temple bells ring serenely under glass skyscrapers, traditional markets are still filled with the smell of ginseng and freshly pressed sesame oil, and teahouses offer a calm retreat from the city’s commotion.
New York might never sleep, but Seoul never stops going. It truly is a 24-hour city. The city completely changes character once the sun goes down. Thousands of office workers and students spill out into the entertainment districts where alleys glow with neon lights, and the aroma of Korean street food hangs thick in the air. Make sure to experience Seoul after dark – it’s an entirely different world!
Seoul has something on offer around the clock, and that, for us, is one of its greatest appeals.
Seoul Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Royal Palaces, Hanoks & Tea Houses
Deoksugung, Gwanghamun, Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon Hanok Village
Day 2: Traditional & Modern Seoul
Jogyesya, Insa-dong, Gwangjang Market, Dongdaemun
Day 3: Shopping & Views
Sungnyemun, Namdaemun, Meyondong, Namsan
Day 4: Go on a Day Trip
DMZ/Bukhansan
Day 1: The Heart of Seoul: Royal Palaces, Hanoks & Tea Houses
The first day of your Seoul itinerary is a self-guided walking tour of central Seoul. Today you’ll see some of the city’s famous palaces, traditional architecture and experience Seoul’s unique teahouse culture.
If you start our Seoul itinerary on a Tuesday, swap it with another day, as Geongbukgung Palace is closed on Tuesdays.
Deoksugung Palace
Deoksugung Palace, right across from Seoul City Hall, is the starting point for the first day of our Seoul itinerary. While the palace and grounds are very picturesque, we suggest you admire Daehanmun Gate, the palace’s main gate, and then walk along the palace wall’s outer perimeter.
The reason we say so: It’s easy to overdose on palaces in Seoul, and honestly, they all kind of look the same after a while. So, save your palace fetish for Gyeongbokgung Palace, which we’ll visit later today.
The changing of the guard ceremony at Deoksugung Palace is spectacular, so try to see it if you can. It’s a loud and colourful affair with a cacophony of banging drums, trumpets, bells, flags, stick-on beards and shiny swords, having an almost festive atmosphere. You don’t need to pay entrance or enter Deoksukung Palace to see the ceremony, as it’s held outside the main gate.
The changing of the guard at Deoksugung Palace takes place several times a day (11;00, 14:00, 15:30), and visitors can watch from a designated viewing area. It is a great way to experience Korean culture, colour and history up close and a must-see for anyone visiting Seoul.
Before or after the ceremony, stroll along the outer palace wall. It is beautiful at any time, particularly so in autumn when the trees are ablaze in yellows and reds.
Gwanghamun Square
The walk past City Hall and Cheongeycheon Stream to Gwanghwamun Square will grant you one of Seoul’s most beautiful vistas. The view of the modern buildings flanking the square with traditional Gyeongbokgung Palace and Mount Inwangsan behind it is truly impressive.
Gwanghwamun Square offers a unique blend of history and modernity. Located in the heart of the city, the square is surrounded by significant landmarks such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History, the USA embassy, the statue of King Sejong the Great and another statue of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin.
King Sejong is particularly notable, as he is credited with creating Hangeul – the Korean alphabet. The other statue honours Admiral Yi Sun-Shin, a naval commander who defeated the Japanese in the 1590s with his ingenious turtle ship.
You’ll find an entrance at the base of the seated King Sejong statue that takes you underground to two separate museums dedicated to the Story of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-Shin.
In summer, the fountains in Gwanghwamun Square are the perfect spot for kids to cool off.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace is Seoul’s most famous royal palace and probably the city’s most popular tourist attraction. As soon as you walk through the palace gates, you’ll be transported back to the grandeur of the Joseon dynasty.
One of the most impressive sights to see is the Gwanghwamun Gate, the palace’s main entrance facing Gwanghwamun Square. After entering the palace ground, visitors can explore the palace from one courtyard to the next and easily forget that they’re in one of the world’s biggest cities and in the 21st century.
You’ll find the impressive Geunjeongjeon Hall at the centre, housing the Throne Hall, where the king held important meetings and ceremonies.
Behind the Throne Hall, Hyangwonji pond is another beautiful spot in Gyeongbokgung Palace. The small but stunning Hyangwonjeong Pavilion in the middle of the pond is a popular spot to take photos.
For those interested in Korean art, especially glazed celadon ware from the Goryeo Dynasty, the National Palace Museum of Korea houses a vast collection of artefacts and treasures from the Joseon dynasty.
Intricately decorated and colourful architecture aside, a highlight of visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace is seeing the changing of the guard ceremony. The ceremony is unlike any other changing of the guard ceremonies you’ve seen before and shouldn’t be missed.
Make sure to time your visit to coincide with the ceremony, which takes place at 10:00 and 14:00 daily.
If you want to learn more about the palace and its history, join this Gyeongbokgung Palace history walking tour and learn more from your guide while exploring every corner of the palace!
Bukchon Hanok Village
A short walk from Gyeongbokgung Palace brings you to one of our favourite spots in Seoul. Bukchon Hanok Village is drop-dead gorgeous, with traditional hanok (traditional Korean houses), teahouses and great photo opportunities.
Touristy?
Yes, but not too much.
For us, it’s both the perfect spot for first-time visitors and being tourists in our own backyard. Besides the residential houses and pretty streets, there are two places we recommend you visit in Bukchon Hanok Village.
Bukchon Best Prospect
Wind your way up to Bukchon Best Prospect [location]. It might also be signposted as Bukchon Asian Cultural Art Museum. There is an entrance fee of W6,000, which includes a hot or cold tea of your choice. Most visitors stick to the famous street in Bukchon, so this place is a nice escape from the crowds with stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere.
Bukchon Best Prospect is situated at the highest point in Bukchon, granting you fantastic views over the tiled roofs of the hanok houses with Gyeongbokgung Palace and modern Seoul in the background.
Enjoy the AC in summer while sipping your tea and taking in the views. The garden is just as pretty with its decorative tilework and kimchi pots. There is also a hanok you can peek into before heading back to the streets of Bukchon.
Cha Tteul Tea House
Another place you really don’t want to miss in Bukchon is Cha Tteul [location], a lovely teahouse inside a renovated hanok. This stunning wooden teahouse with its large windows, set around a small garden courtyard, is just the place to relax and recharge after a day of walking around Seoul.
You might have to wait a while to get a table, as it’s very popular with Koreans. You need to take off your shoes before entering and will sit on the floor at a low table.
The menu features various traditional teas and snacks, depending on the season. The cold pine needle, persimmon or five-taste teas are good options in summer, while a hot yuja-cha (citron tea) is great when it’s cold.
The neighbourhoods surrounding Bukchon Hanok Village have some trendy places to eat and drink, often in traditional buildings or with an atmospheric setting. We especially like the Samcheong-dong area for a good dinner and drinks rendezvous.
Day 2: Traditional & Modern Seoul
Don your comfortable walking shoes and stretchy pants because the second day of our Seoul itinerary has a lot of walking and good food coming your way!
Jogeysa Temple
Jogyesa Temple was first established in 1395 during the Goryeo period, but it was destroyed in a fire in the 16th century. The temple was rebuilt in 1910 and has since become one of Korea’s most important Buddhist temples.
The temple is known for its serene atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and colourful decorations. Visiting Jogyesa is a colourful and peaceful experience regardless of religious beliefs.
Colourful lanterns, flowers, and traditional Korean artwork adorn the inside and outside of the temple throughout the year. The best time to come is around Buddha’s Birthday in May, when thousands of colourful lotus lanterns are hung around the temple for the Lotus Lantern Festival.
After enjoying the bright lanterns and temple architecture, peek into the temple’s main hall, the Daeungjeon Hall, to see the giant golden Buddha statues.
If you’re interested in Buddhism or traditional Korean culture, Jogyesa Temple offers many programs to learn about Buddhist teachings and practices. Visitors can attend meditation classes or traditional Korean Buddhist services, participate in a tea ceremony, or sign up for a temple stay.
Insa-dong
A favourite among visitors to Seoul, Insa-dong is a pedestrian shopping street lined with art galleries, antique shops, traditional tea houses, street food vendors and souvenir shops. It’s a great place to shop, relax, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Seoul.
If you’re looking for that perfect souvenir from your Seoul trip, Insa-dong is your place. You’ll find everything from traditional pottery (pale-green glazed cups, bowls or vases are the ultimate Seoul souvenir, we think), paper lanterns, and wooden masks to modern Korean art.
For unique and trendy souvenirs and gifts, check out the Ssamziegil (쌈지길) market. Set around a large courtyard, this modern addition to Insa-dong is home to many independent galleries and workshops featuring the work of upcoming designers, college students and established artisans. There is also a sky garden where you can view the area from above or get something to eat or drink.
Another must-do for us in Insa-dong is a visit to Sanchon, Seoul’s most famous vegan restaurant, founded by a monk. Sachon serves traditional temple food using fresh seasonal veggies and mountain herbs.
Your vegan feast consists of 16 courses, and the rustic and delicious food it’s beautifully presented.
Since our next stop today is Seoul’s best food market, we suggest you save yourself and return to Sachon for dinner over the next few days.
Gwangjang Market
By now, you should be hungry, which is good, because our next stop is the best place to gorge on Seoul’s incredible street food.
You can have a quick look around Tapgol Park when you reach the end of Insa-dong pedestrian street. The park has a few old pagodas and pavilions and is the preferred spot for seniors to hang out. They can be seen playing Korean chess (baduk) all day, every day, in the shade in and around Tapgol Park.
From Tapgol Park, either walk down Jongo Street or take the subway one stop from Jogno 3 (sam) ga to Jogno 5 (oh) ga station. The entrance to Seoul’s culinary Nirvana is at exit 8 or 9 at Jongno 5 ga station.
Gwangjang Market has thousands of food stands where you can try all the famous and delicious Korean food you can dream of. The market is particularly famous for its bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and mayak gimbap (rice rolls), and kalguksu (especially at the Netflix Lady’s stand), which are must-try dishes for any Seoul visitor.
Learn more about the market and see what to eat on our dedicated post on Gwangjang Market.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza
Ride the subway from Jongno 5 ga to Dongdaemun Culture & History Park (two stops away with one transfer) to reach our favourite Seoul landmark.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is a stunning architectural masterpiece designed by world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid. The DDP started our love affair with Zaha Hadid’s architecture, and we have since seen her other magical buildings in Baku, Guangzhou and Macau. Whenever we go somewhere, I always Google to see if there’s a Zaha Hadid building nearby.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza is a striking combination of futuristic curves and straight lines that make it an outstanding landmark in the city. The design is inspired by the traditional Korean bojagi, a wrapping cloth used to protect valuable items.
DDP is not only an abbreviation for the name but also stands for Dream, Design and Play. The building houses a variety of exhibitions and events that showcase design, fashion, art, and technology from Korea and the rest of the world. The exhibits change regularly, so there’s always something new to see.
The building has a spacious, modern interior with clean lines and a minimalist design. The building is a piece of art, just like the pieces it displays. The staircases are particularly trippy and photogenic.
DDP is particularly impressive at night when the building lights up with LED displays, and there is even a LED flower garden.
Dongdaemun, the area around the DDP, is one of Seoul’s hottest fashion districts, with several fashion malls selling the newest Korean trends and a nightly fabric and clothing market. Dongdaemun’s leather and fur night market is our go-to place for good quality leather jackets and mink fur scarves.
Little Russia
Another favourite spot of ours in Dongdaemun is Little Russia, hidden in an alleyway filled with Cyrillic signs and Central Asian restaurants. Dongdaemun is home to Seoul’s migrant communities from Central Asia, especially Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Mongolia and Russia.
The shashlik, samsa, borscht, blini and Baltika lagers we’ve had here were as good as the stuff we had in Moscow .
Find Little Russia in the Gwanghui-dong district of Dongdaemun. The easiest way to find it is by walking around Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station, Exit 7, until you spot the Cyrillic signs.
Day 3: Shopping & Views
Man, do Koreans know how to shop?! A trip to Seoul is incomplete without dipping into this national pastime. Even if you’re not serious about shopping, a visit to Seoul’s largest market and most famous shopping district is an exciting day out. We’ll end the day at Namsan, Seoul’s greatest viewpoint.
Sungnyemun (숭례문)
Start the day at Sungnyemun, also known as the Great South Gate or Namdaemun. It is a historic landmark and one of the eight gates that surrounded the city of Seoul during the Joseon Dynasty. It is the largest and oldest of the eight gates and is considered a national treasure of South Korea. After snapping a picture of the gate and the guards in their traditional costumes, cross the street to Namdaemun Market.
Namdaemun Market (남대문시장)
Across the street from Sungnyemun is my go-to place for buying cameras, lenses or anything related to photography. Known among a select few (me and my personas) as Camera Corner, this section of Namdaemun market has a row of camera stores offering the best bang for your buck in Seoul.
You’ll find new and second-hand gear at the best prices, and it’s easy to hop between shops to compare prices. Whether you’re looking for a specific Hasselblad model, a new mirrorless camera or a well-taken care of used lens, you’ll likely find it here. I always start (and usually end) at a shop called YES DICA. The friendly owner speaks good English, and the prices are right.
Just past the camera shops is another of our must-stop places when in Namdaemun. Near entrance #2 to the market (it’s easy to spot thanks to the long line) is a stand selling the famous Namdaemun Market hotteok.
You cannot come to the market and not have one of these delicious things. Hotteok is a fried sweet or savoury pancake/dumpling stuffed with honey, red beans or noodles and veggies. The yache hotteok, filled with glass noodles and veggies, is the most popular option, but the sweet cinnamon and sugar one is pretty damn good too.
So do as they do in Namdaemun: get in line and hand over your W1,200 when you get in front. You won’t regret it.
Namdaemun is a sprawling market with over 10,000 stores and stalls where you can find almost anything – if you know where to look. Seoulites come here to pick up cheap clothing, household supplies, food, and…well anything else they need.
For tourists, Namdaemun is a good place to buy traditional Korean products and cheap souvenirs.
Ginseng, which comes in jars, as candy, in tea or bottled as stamina drinks, cute socks, cheap trinkets and touristy t-shirts, are all good options when shopping at Namdaemun.
Shop & Eat in Meyongdong
Shopping and strolling in Myeongdong is an unforgettable experience. Even if you’re not planning on shopping, don’t miss the Meyondong experience. It’s one of the liveliest places in the city around the clock, and it’s buzzing day and night, especially on the weekend.
The streets are bustling with activity, and the bright lights of the shops and vendors create an exciting atmosphere day and night. Many shopping options are available, ranging from high-end luxury boutiques to street vendors selling everything from clothing and accessories to beauty products and souvenirs.
Myeongdong is particularly well-known for its beauty products, with a vast selection of Korean skincare and makeup brands. Cosmetic stores range from high-end Korean skincare brands to affordable face masks and makeup products. Olive Young, Nature Republic, Etude House and Innisfree are all good places to buy Korea’s famous cosmetic products.
Pre-pandemic, every second shop in Myeongdong was a cosmetic shop catering to the Chinese, Japanese and Southeast Asian markets. When the Chinese stopped coming, this industry took a severe beating. The best place in Myeongdong now for cosmetics is Lotte or Shinsegae Department Stores. But it will just be a matter of time before it rebounds.
Myeongdong is as famous for its fashion and cosmetics shopping as it is for street food. Over the years, the food in Meyongdong has evolved from primarily traditional Korean street food like tteokbokki, odeng and fried chicken to a fantastic mishmash of fusion food. These days you can find tropical fruit skewers, lobster, and handmade sorbet between the fish cakes, dumplings, sausages and rice rolls.
Our favourite foods in Myeongdong are the potato tornado twisters, sweet egg bread and the famous 30cm tall soft-serve ice creams.
See Seoul Light Up from Namsan
Late afternoon, go to the Namsan Cable Car Station [location] to see the city from its most beautiful vantage point. Round-trip tickets are 9,500 won for adults or 6,000 for a one-way ride. You can also hike up the mountain if you feel like it.
The three-minute ride to the N Seoul Tower grants you panoramic views of Seoul’s skyline and surrounding mountains, but it gets even better once you reach the top.
From the top, the view in all directions is absolutely breathtaking. The view is particularly impressive when the city lights up at night, creating a sea of glittering lights below. Make sure to arrive before sunset to see Seoul transform from day to night.
You can also visit the observatory inside the N Seoul Tower. However, we think the 16,000 won entrance fee is a bit steep, and the view from the deck outside the tower is better than the observatory due to the angle.
Day 4: Choose Your Day Trip
Today you can head out of the city to see another side of Seoul. Our top recommendation for a day trip from Seoul is the DMZ. This trip is a real eye-opener to the reality of South Korea.
Another excellent day trip is to hit one of the hiking trails on Bukhan Mountain to experience the national hobby of hiking and enjoying the outdoors.
We suggest you do both if you have more than 4 days in Seoul.
If you have more time and want to see rural Korea and the country’s most beautiful village, head to the stunning Hahoe village for an overnight trip.
Look into the Other Korea at the DMZ
A visit to the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) with the JSA is a unique and fascinating experience that offers a glimpse into the history and current situation of the Korean Peninsula.
There are two types of day tours to the DMZ. The best option is to go with the JSA (Joint Security Area) tour. On this tour, you’ll be guided by a US soldier and taken right to the border with North and South Korea. Other tours do not visit the JSA. I went on the JSA tour twice before; it was a real eye-opener and very insightful.
It’s important to note that tours to the DMZ with JSA are subject to availability and may be affected by current events and political situations. Currently, no tours are running to JSA due to the pandemic. The only other option is to join a tour visiting Imjingak Park, the Freedom Bridge, the Third Infiltration Tunnel, and the DMZ Exhibition Hall.
Here is what to expect from a DMZ tour of the JSA:
- Early start: Most tours to the DMZ with JSA start early in the morning. The journey by bus to the DMZ takes about an hour from Seoul.
- Security checks: Visitors must go through several security checks before entering the DMZ, including passport verification and a dress code check. It’s essential to follow the rules and dress appropriately (no ripped jeans, no shorts, no flip flops, no bare shoulders)to avoid any issues.
- JSA briefing: Once inside the DMZ, visitors will receive a briefing from a military official about the history and current situation of the area. The JSA is a small area within the DMZ where North and South Korean soldiers stand face to face, so it’s a particularly sensitive and guarded area.
- JSA tour: Visitors will be taken on a guided tour of the JSA, which includes a visit to the famous blue buildings where North and South Korean officials occasionally meet for talks. Visitors are not allowed to enter North Korea but can stand at the border line and take photos. During my first visit, North Korean soldiers walked up to the window and took pictures of us through the window. They also took group photos of themselves with us tourists in the back, which was pretty hilarious.
- Other DMZ attractions: Visitors may also have the opportunity to visit other DMZ attractions, such as the Third Infiltration Tunnel or the Dora Observatory, which offers views of North Korea.
- Return to Seoul: After the tour, we had a traditional Korean lunch and returned to Seoul in the mid-afternoon.
Go Hiking at Bukhansan
Besides shopping and eating, hiking is a national hobby and part of Korean DNA. Come the weekend, every true Korean will hit a hiking trail or dream about it at least.
There is something special about riding the subway to one of the trailheads early in the morning with the Korean hikers, who are geared to the max with backpacks, compasses, Gore-Tex boots and camping equipment suitable for an Everest basecamp trek.
Once you reach the trailhead, follow the others until you reach the mountain. Grab a few gimbabs, snacks and a drink and head up the mountain.
Along the way, you will surely encounter friendly hikers offering you some of their food, serene temples and views galore.
For an easy, but stunning hike with many temples and views of the main peaks in Bukhansan, we suggest the Daedongmun Gate Trail, accessed from Bukhansan Ui Station.
The city’s most popular hike, Inwangsan Mountain, goes up the mountain behind Gyeongbokgung Palace. This hike offers fantastic city views, including the royal palaces, the Blue House, the Seoul city wall and central Seoul. Start this hike at Dongnimmun Station.
Looking for a challenging hike? Then hit the paths to Baegundae Peak, the highest in Bukhansan National Park. To reach the summit, you’ll have to pull yourself up, holding on to metal rungs. The views once you reach the top and the sense of accomplishment are well worth the sweat and effort!
Baegundae is one of the most popular in Bukhansan, so come during the week to avoid the crowds. Start this hike at Bukhansan Ui Station.
And that, people, is the ultimate itinerary for Seoul. More than 10 years in the making, we see it as unfinished work in progress we will continue to update ✌️
Hi De Wet & Jin,
Planning our first trip to South Korea in Oct 23. Your detailed 4 day itinerary seems very balanced, enough variety and doable. Would appreciate your thoughts of going on a day trip to Mt Seoraksan & Nami island (Klook) on day 4 instead of hiking Mt Bukhsan.
Hi Sawhoon,
Both Seoraksan and Nami Island are beautiful places, they make a good alternative to Bukhansan. It will be a long day, but definitely worth it.