SEOUL TRIP ITINERARY
Seoul is, without a doubt, one of our favourite cities we’ve ever visited. It’s a place that offers something for everyone. From its awe-inspiring palaces and bustling markets to its futuristic skyscrapers and trendy neighbourhoods, Seoul is a city that truly has it all. One of the things that stood out to us was how incredibly safe it felt throughout our visit, whether wandering through quiet side streets or bustling night markets. Check out our 3 day Seoul trip itinerary below.
DAY 1
Day 1 – Palace, Market, and Baseball
Changgyeonggung Palace (Closed Monday)
Grab some breakfast and head to Changgyeonggung Palace. All the palaces in Korea are really cheap, and tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket office inside the palace gates. You can buy tickets online for all the palaces, but we found it easier just to get them from the ticket office on the day. Changgyeonggung Palace was built in 1418 but has since been rebuilt multiple times due to fires during the Japanese invasion. The palace has an amazing green and red patterned design, and the grounds include a garden with a greenhouse and a pond. It takes about 1–1.5 hours to wander around this palace.
Gwangjang Market
Next up, walk to Gwangjang Market to try some Korean food and eat with the locals. This buzzy market offers the opportunity to try a few famous Korean dishes. Our favorites were Korean corn dogs, sugar-coated fruit, and topokki. Not many of the stall owners speak English, but just sit down and point to what you want on the menu. This market has a really nice buzz and is full of locals eating out. Also, check out HBAF stores located all over Seoul—you have to try their flavored almonds.
Namsangol Hanok Village
This is a recreated historic village containing lots of traditional Korean houses, called Hanoks. The architecture of these buildings is amazing, and inside, they have very pretty rooms. It is free to enter and wander around, so it’s definitely worth visiting.
Gangnam District
Jump on the metro and head towards the Gangnam District. In this area, there is the Bongeunsa Temple, Starfield Library, and the famous Gangnam Statue. There is also a Gangnam shopping center where you can get your fix of high-end Korean shopping.
Jamsil Baseball Stadium
Watching baseball in Korea is a fantastic experience, as the atmosphere is so friendly and safe, and all the locals love the sport. Fans sing and dance to the chants and just have a great time. From March to September, most nights there will be a baseball match in Seoul. Check Google and type in either LG Twins or Doosan Bears, as both teams play at Jamsil Stadium in Seoul. Tickets are very cheap and can be bought outside the ground at the ticket office from 2 hours before kickoff. We got ours after the game started. To find the ticket office, wander around the left side of the stadium; the staff were very helpful in assisting us with tickets
DAY 2
DMZ Tour
The DMZ can only be visited as part of a guided tour, as a limited number of people are allowed in daily. The tour begins with a pick-up directly from your hotel and takes you to Imjingak Pyeonghoa Nuri Park, just outside the DMZ. Here, your tour guide will collect your passports and queue to get your tickets.
You’ll start with a guided tour of the park, learning about the Korean War and the reasons behind the creation of the DMZ. The park includes memorials dedicated to soldiers lost during the war and a locomotive covered in bullet holes that was used during the conflict. Photo opportunities are restricted throughout much of the tour, especially on the South Korean side, to maintain security.
This is also the only place you can purchase North Korean currency—though it is quite expensive.
Next, you’ll get back on the bus and cross the bridge into the DMZ. Here, South Korean soldiers board the bus to check passports before the group heads to the Dora Observatory. At the observatory, you can look through binoculars to see North Korea, including a small town, the exploded communication center, and the tallest flagpole in the world. You’ll also spot a fake village where actors are paid to cycle and walk around to make it appear inhabited.
After about 40 minutes at the observatory, the tour continues to the Third Tunnel of Aggression. This tunnel, discovered by South Korea, was dug by North Korea in an attempt to invade the South. Before heading into the tunnel, you’ll watch a video explaining the DMZ’s historical and geopolitical importance. You can either walk or take a shuttle partway into the tunnel. Be aware that the tunnel is tight, requiring you to duck in some sections, but it’s an interesting experience that’s worth doing.
The final stop on the tour is Unification Village, a small village located within the DMZ. While there isn’t much to see—just a shop and a few houses—it’s a charming and unique spot to visit.
Deoksugung Palace (Closed Monday)
After the DMZ tour, you’ll be dropped back in the city near City Hall at around 3:00 PM. If you’re up for it, walk a few minutes to Deoksugung Palace.
This beautiful palace is a lovely place to explore. Within its grounds is the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, which often hosts fascinating exhibits. One highlight is the embroidery exhibition, showcasing work by young girls and schoolchildren, offering insight into Korean craft traditions.
Be sure to visit Dondeokjeon Hall, an amazing building that’s free to enter and filled with fascinating Korean art and historical artifacts.
Myeongdong Shopping Street
In the evening, head to Myeongdong Shopping Street, a bustling area filled with shops and street food.
For dinner, visit Myeongdong Kyoja, a humble restaurant with only four items on the menu. Don’t let its unassuming appearance fool you—the food is incredible. While you might need to queue, it’s worth the wait for an authentic Korean meal.
After dinner, wander the lively streets, exploring quirky Korean souvenir shops. Be sure to visit Stylenanda Pink Hotel to live out your Barbie dreams, and stop by Acorn to get a caricature drawn.
Myeongdong also features both Western and Korean shops, making it an ideal place to browse and shop. At night, the street hosts a market perfect for grabbing a sweet treat for dessert.
If you’re a fan of Son Heung-min, keep an eye out for the incredible billboards in the area, which make great photo opportunities!
DAY 3
Changdeokgung Palace & Secret Garden (Closed Monday)
Start your day at the stunning Changdeokgung Palace and its famous Secret Garden. Tickets for the Secret Garden must be purchased online in advance, where you’ll select a specific time slot. Once you’ve secured your garden ticket, you’ll also need to purchase a separate ticket for the palace itself (no time slot required).
To access the Secret Garden, enter through the main palace gate and follow the signs. The garden can be explored as part of a guided tour or at your own pace during your allocated time slot. Opting for self-guided exploration is ideal, as it allows you to stay ahead of the tour group, making it easier to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and capture great photos.
The Secret Garden is a tranquil retreat featuring picturesque ponds, traditional pavilions, and serene forested paths. It takes about an hour to fully explore. Depending on your time slot, you can explore the main palace grounds either before or after your garden visit. The palace grounds are equally impressive, with grand architecture and beautifully landscaped spaces.
Bukchon Hanok Village
From the palace, take a leisurely walk to Bukchon Hanok Village, stopping along the way for lunch at Perment Bakeshop Anguk. This bakery offers a delicious selection of pastries, making it a perfect spot to refuel.
The Bukchon Hanok Village is free to visit and filled with traditional Korean homes, known as hanoks. This charming residential area is a wonderful place to stroll, with its quaint streets, scenic viewpoints, and a few cozy cafes and shops.
After exploring the village, head over to the nearby National Folk Museum of Korea.
The National Folk Museum of Korea
Located adjacent to Gyeongbokgung Palace, this museum offers free admission and provides fascinating insights into Korean culture and history. One highlight is the Street of Memories, which recreates a nostalgic street scene complete with old-style Korean buildings, including a shop, restaurant, and more. It’s a great place to take photos and learn about daily life in Korea’s past.
Gyeongbokgung Palace (Closed Tuesday)
From the Folk Museum, you’ll find an entrance leading directly into Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest palace in Seoul and the main royal residence of the Joseon Dynasty.
The palace complex is extensive, with numerous beautiful structures to explore. Must-see highlights include:
- Hyangwonjeong Pavilion: A stunning hexagonal pavilion surrounded by a tranquil pond.
- Gyeonghoeru Pavilion: A picturesque pavilion built on stilts over a pond, once used for royal banquets.
- Geunjeongjeon Hall: The main throne hall, showcasing traditional Korean architecture.
You can easily spend a couple of hours wandering through the palace grounds. At 11:00, 13:00, and 15:30, free guided tours in English are available, providing valuable context and history about the site. Between 11:00 and 15:00, on the hour, you can also watch the Changing of the Guard Ceremony—a colorful and impressive tradition.
As you explore, you may come across live performances or interactive activities within the palace grounds, adding to the experience. When leaving, exit through Gwanghwamun Gate, the grand and iconic main entrance to the palace.
Jogyesa Temple
Just a short distance from Gyeongbokgung, visit Jogyesa Temple, a serene Buddhist temple nestled in the heart of the city. The temple is particularly beautiful during certain seasons when it is adorned with colorful lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere.
Insadong Culture Street
In the evening, head to Insadong Culture Street, a lively area filled with galleries, shops, traditional tea houses, and restaurants. This popular destination is perfect for strolling, shopping, and experiencing Korean culture.
For dinner, choose one of the many local restaurants offering traditional Korean cuisine, or relax with a cup of tea at a teahouse. The mix of modern and traditional elements in Insadong makes it a vibrant and memorable spot to end your day.
SEOUL TRAVEL TIPS
Navigating Seoul
- Maps: Google Maps works in Korea but does not provide accurate directions. Instead, use Apple Maps or Naver Map, both of which are reliable for navigation.
- Metro: Seoul’s metro system is efficient and easy to use. Simply go to the ticket machine, select your destination, and purchase your ticket. Cards cost ₩500 (deposit), and you can refund the deposit by inserting the card into machines after use.
- Alternatively, some contactless cards work on the metro. You can also buy multi-day travel cards for unlimited travel.
- For metro routes, the Seoul Metro app is helpful and provides clear directions.
Custom Map
To make it easier for you, I’ve created a custom Google Map detailing all the places mentioned in this itinerary. This way, you can visualize the route and plan your journey more effectively. While Google Maps won’t give you directions, it can still help you locate destinations.
Enjoy your time in Seoul! This vibrant city offers an incredible blend of history, culture, and modernity.
SEOUL Custom Google Maps
For exact locations of everything mentioned above and more, check out our custom Google maps.
Contact Us
Contact me today if you need any help planning routes or need any travel advice .