Seoul is large, so the easiest plan groups sights by area. This three-day route starts with the old royal core, moves to markets and shopping, and ends with the cafe districts and a city view.
Before you go
- Get a transit card for the subway and buses; it is much easier than buying single tickets.
- Use Naver Map or Kakao Map for transit and walking directions. Google Maps is limited for walking routes in Korea.
- Gyeongbokgung is closed on Tuesdays. Check the other palaces' closing days as well.
Day 1: Palaces and hanok lanes
- Morning: Gyeongbokgung Palace. Go early and watch the guard-changing ceremony if it is running that day. Visitors in hanbok get free entry.
- Midday: Bukchon Hanok Village, a residential area of traditional houses; keep voices down and stay on the public streets.
- Afternoon: Insadong and Ikseon-dong for tea houses, small shops and cafes in hanok lanes.
- Evening: Gwangjang Market for dinner (see our Gwangjang guide).
Day 2: History, stream and city view
- Morning: Changdeokgung Palace and its Secret Garden, a UNESCO-listed palace with a quieter feel. The garden is visited on a guided schedule.
- Afternoon: Cheonggyecheon Stream walk, then Myeongdong for shopping and street food.
- Evening: N Seoul Tower on Namsan for the city view at sunset.
Day 3: Cafes and design
- Morning: Seongsu-dong for cafes, pop-up stores and renovated factory spaces.
- Afternoon: Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) and the surrounding shopping area, or Hongdae for youth culture and street performances.
- Evening: Lotte World Tower and Seoul Sky for a high-rise view, or the Han River for a picnic.
Video: the perfect 3 days in Seoul (Sophie Nadeau)
Tips
- Start the day early; palaces and popular cafes get crowded after 11:00.
- Weekends are busy in Bukchon, Seongsu and Hongdae.
- Save one flexible slot for rain: the National Museum of Korea and Starfield Library are indoor options.