Seoul, South Korea 4 Day Itinerary

4-Day Seoul Itinerary: A Comprehensive Guide for First-Time Visitors

Day 1: Explore Downtown Seoul

Places to Go

  1. Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문) - Start your day by visiting this iconic gate, a symbol of Seoul and entry to the Gyeongbokgung Palace.
  2. Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁) - Walk through the largest palace in Korea built during the Joseon Dynasty. Don’t forget to watch the Changing of the Royal Guard ceremony.
  3. National Folk Museum of Korea - Located within Gyeongbokgung Palace, learn about Korean history and culture through interactive exhibits.
  4. Insadong (인사동) - Explore this traditional district, known for its antique shops, tea houses, and beautiful streets lined with ginkgo trees.
  5. Myeong-dong (명동) - Visit Seoul’s busiest shopping district, filled with fashion stores, street food stalls, and beauty product shops.
  6. N Seoul Tower (N서울 탑) - For a panoramic view of the city, head to N Seoul Tower in Namsan Park. You can reach the tower by cable car or hike up the park.

Where to Eat

  1. Tong-Dak (통닭) - Tuck into some delicious Korean fried chicken in Myeong-dong at this local favorite.
  2. Gwangjang Market (광장시장) - Try traditional Korean dishes such as bindaetteok (mungbean pancakes) and kimbap (rice rolls) in Insadong.
  3. Tteokbokki Street (떡볶이거리) - Savor spicy tteokbokki (stir-fried rice cakes) in Myeong-dong.
  4. Hanjukjeon (한주전) - Enjoy some savory jeon (Korean pancake) at this popular eatery in Insadong.

Where to Stay

For a central location, consider staying in the Myeong-dong or City Hall areas, where you’ll find numerous hotels catering to tourists. Some popular options include the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul and the Gravity Hotel & Hostel.

Things to Know

  • Currency: South Korea uses the Won (₩) as its currency. Exchange your currency at banks or authorized money exchange centers to avoid high fees.
  • Language: While many people in Seoul speak English, it’s always helpful to learn a few Korean phrases.
  • Transportation: The city has an extensive subway system that can get you almost anywhere you need to go. T-Money cards are rechargeable smart cards used for public transportation.

Day 2: Experience Modern Seoul

Places to Go

  1. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) - Check out this unique architectural marvel by Zaha Hadid, home to a design market and various exhibitions.
  2. Cheonggyecheon Stream - Take a leisurely stroll along this urban oasis flowing through downtown Seoul.
  3. Hangang River (한강) - Rent a bike or take a river cruise to enjoy the cityscape from the Hangang River.
  4. Lotte World Tower (롯데월드타워) - Visit South Korea’s tallest building, offering an observation deck, shopping mall, and a luxury hotel.
  5. Hongik University (홍익대학교) - Stroll around this vibrant arts district known for its street performers, indie shops, and nightlife.

Where to Eat

  1. Tapgol Park (타포골공원) - Find street food stalls serving Korean barbecue, kimbap, and other delicacies in the park near Hongik University.
  2. Ikseon-dong (익선동) - Discover this charming neighborhood with its colorful hanok houses and vintage shops. Stop by Cafe Ikseon-dong for a cup of coffee.
  3. Samcheong-dong (삼청동) - Savor some traditional Korean tea at one of the many tearooms in this picturesque district.

Day 3: Explore Cultural Seoul

Places to Go

  1. Bukchon Hanok Village (북촌한옥마을) - Experience life during the Joseon Dynasty by wandering through this traditional village.
  2. Jogyesa Temple (조계사) - Visit this peaceful temple located in the heart of Insadong. Don’t miss the Bell of Happiness!
  3. Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁) - Explore the more tranquil and less crowded palace compared to Gyeongbokgung. The Secret Garden is a must-see.
  4. Jamshil Park (자밀공원) - Stroll through this beautiful park, home to various themed gardens like the Rose Garden, Lotus Garden, and Moonlight Rainbow Fountain Show.

Where to Eat

  1. Ssamziegil Shopping Mall (쌈지길 마을) - Find a variety of restaurants serving traditional Korean dishes in this colorful mall located near Bukchon Hanok Village.
  2. Tosokchon (토속촌) - Try ginseng chicken soup, one of Seoul’s famous dishes, at this restaurant near Changdeokgung Palace.
  3. Chunjiha (춘지하) - Savor some traditional Korean pancakes made with various ingredients at this popular eatery in Insadong.

Day 4: Shopping and Nightlife

Places to Go

  1. COEX Mall (코엑스몰) - Head to the largest underground shopping mall in Asia, where you’ll find stores, restaurants, a casino, and an aquarium.
  2. Apgujeong Rodeo Street (앵구정로데오 스트리트) - Shop for luxury brands along this popular fashion street in the Gangnam district.
  3. Garosugil (가로수길) - Explore this trendy neighborhood filled with chic boutiques, cafes, and bars.
  4. Hongdae (홍대) - Visit this youthful district known for its indie music scene, street art, and nightlife.

Where to Eat

  1. Yeonnam-dong (연남동) - Find numerous restaurants serving various cuisines in Garosugil and Yeonnam-dong.
  2. Hongdae Harry Potter Cafe - Fans of the boy wizard can’t miss this themed cafe in Hongdae.
  3. Korean BBQ Buffet (한컵떡볶이) - Cap off your trip with an all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ buffet experience at one of the many restaurants found throughout Seoul.