Seoul 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Central Seoul

  • Palace Area (Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Jongmyo Shrine)

    • Gyeongbokgung Palace: The largest and most iconic of the Five Grand Palaces built by the Joseon Dynasty. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, closed on Mondays (except national holidays).
    • Changdeokgung Palace: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with beautiful gardens and the Secret Royal Garden which requires a guided tour.
    • Jongmyo Shrine: The royal ancestral shrine where annual rites are held for the spirits of Joseon kings. It’s best to visit in spring during the Jongmyo Jinjee Kyunghwadae ceremony.

  • Insadong

    • Explore traditional Korean shops and cafes, try street food like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) or patbingsu (shaved ice dessert). Don’t forget to visit Ssamzilmandu for dumplings!

  • Namsan Tower (N Seoul Tower)

    • Catch the sunset from this iconic tower. You can reach it via cable car or walk up through Namsan Park if you prefer a more active day.

Stay: Myeongdong area, known for its shopping and street food. Recommended hotels include “Hotel Myeongdong Aventree JC” for budget travelers, “Grand Hyatt Seoul” for luxury seekers.

Day 2: Modern Seoul

  • Hangang River Park

    • Take a leisurely walk or bike ride along the river, enjoy a picnic, or rent a boat to explore. The area is especially beautiful at night with the illuminated bridges.

  • Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

    • Visit this modern architectural marvel, check out exhibitions, and shop at Dongdaemun Market which operates 24 hours a day.

  • Happy Day Spa

    • Relax and rejuvenate with a traditional Korean spa experience at one of Seoul’s many jjimjilbangs (spas). Happy Day Spa in Dongdaemun is popular among tourists.

  • Gwangjang Market

    • For dinner, head to Gwangjang Market for traditional Korean dishes like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and makguksu (noodles made from buckwheat flour).

Day 3: Shopping & K-Pop Experience

  • Garosugil (Garosu-gil)

    • Stroll through this trendy neighborhood with its chic cafes, boutiques, and art galleries. Don’t forget to take a photo at the famous Gwangjangdong-gil Cherry Blossom Street!

  • Myeongdong

    • Shop for skincare products, fashion items, and souvenirs. Enjoy lunch from one of the many street food stalls or sit-down restaurants offering Korean and international cuisine.

  • K-Pop Experience

    • Visit SM Town at COEX Mall for an immersive K-Pop experience, including a museum, shop, and live performances (depending on the day). Alternatively, take a tour of YG Entertainment’s headquarters in Mapo District.

Things to Know:

  1. Taxis are plentiful and affordable compared to other major cities. Use Naver Map or KakaoMap for navigation.
  2. Seoul’s subway system (Seoul Metro) is efficient, affordable, and covers most of the city.
  3. Be respectful when visiting temples and palaces; wear appropriate clothing (cover your shoulders and knees).
  4. Cash is still widely used, but many places also accept credit cards.
  5. English is not as commonly spoken as in other major cities, so it’s helpful to have a translation app or know some basic Korean phrases.

Travel Tips:

  1. Purchase the T-Money card for easy and convenient travel on the subway and buses.
  2. Visit during spring (April) or fall (October/November) for beautiful weather and cherry blossoms or autumn foliage.
  3. Be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded tourist areas. Keep your belongings secure at all times.
  4. Enjoy your trip to Seoul!