Seoul 2 Day Itinerary

Seoul 2-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Northern Seoul

Morning:

  1. Breakfast at Café Pascucci (Itaewon) - Start your day with a cup of coffee and some pastries at this popular Italian café.

  2. Gyeongbokgung Palace - Visit one of the five Grand Joseon Palaces, symbolizing the power of the Korean monarchy. Explore the palace grounds and enjoy a traditional changing of the guard ceremony (10:00 am and 2:00 pm).

  3. National Folk Museum of Korea (adjacent to Gyeongbokgung Palace) - Learn about the history, culture, and traditions of Korea through various exhibits.

Afternoon:

  1. Lunch at Myeongdong (Myeong-dong Street) - Taste delicious Korean street food like grilled octopus, fried chicken, or famous tteokbokki. Don’t forget to try the variety of snacks and desserts!

  2. Insadong - Stroll through this historic neighborhood filled with traditional Hanok houses, tea shops, art galleries, and souvenir stores. Visit the Ssamzegil alleyway for unique shopping experiences.

  3. Jogyesa Temple - A serene Buddhist temple located in Insadong, perfect for some quiet reflection.

Evening:

  1. Dinner at Noryangjin Fisheries Market and Restaurant Row (Noryangjin рыбный рынок) - Enjoy a seafood feast at one of the many restaurants offering fresh seafood caught daily.

  2. N Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower) - Take the cable car up to N Seoul Tower for panoramic views of the city. Visit the observatory and enjoy the romantic atmosphere.

Transportation:

  • Subway: Seoul’s metro system is extensive, efficient, and relatively affordable. Buy a T-Money card (can be used on buses as well) for easy travel.

Day 2: Exploring Southern Seoul

Morning:

  1. Breakfast at Antenna Coffee (Samcheong-dong) - Famous for its rooftop views and unique coffee blends.

  2. Bukchon Hanok Village - Experience traditional Korean life in this charming village filled with Hanok houses.

Afternoon:

  1. Lunch at Dosirak (Jongno-5-ga Station) - Tuck into a boxed lunch consisting of various Korean dishes and side dishes.

  2. Changdeokgung Palace - Visit another one of the five Grand Joseon Palaces, known for its beautiful gardens, including the Secret Garden.

  3. Haeinsa Temple (Gyeongju day trip) - For those interested in Buddhism and Korean history, take a day trip to Haeinsa Temple, home to the Tripitaka Koreana, one of the oldest and most complete collections of Buddhist scriptures in the world.

Evening:

  1. Dinner at Gwangjang Market (Jongno-5-ga Station) - Sample traditional Korean dishes like bindaetteok (Korean pancakes) or mungbean pancakes.

  2. Hangang River Cruise - Relax and enjoy the sights of Seoul from a different perspective on a river cruise, offered at various times throughout the day.

Transportation:

  • Subway: Continue using your T-Money card for travel, as the metro lines cover most popular tourist destinations.

Other Tips:

  • Currency: South Korea uses the won (₩). Exchange some money before arriving or use ATMs at major airports or banks in Seoul.

  • Etiquette: Korean culture values politeness, and it’s essential to respect local customs. Remove shoes when entering a home or temple and avoid using your left hand for eating or greeting.

  • Internet: Free WiFi is widely available throughout the city.

  • Language: English proficiency varies among Koreans, so learning some basic Korean phrases can be helpful.

Enjoy your trip to Seoul!