3 Days in Seoul Itinerary: Discovering the Best of Korea’s Capital

Day 1: Historical and Cultural Exploration

Your adventure in Seoul starts with a dive into its rich history and vibrant cultures. Prepare yourself for a day filled with palaces, traditional villages, and a taste of local cuisine. Here’s how you can best utilize your first day:

Morning: Gyeongbokgung Palace

Begin your day early at Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of the Five Grand Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty. Located in the heart of Seoul, this palace offers a glimpse into Korea’s royal history.

• Address: 161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
• Admission Fee: 3,000 KRW for adults

Don’t miss the Changing of the Guard Ceremony which takes place daily at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Wander through the sprawling grounds, visit the National Palace Museum of Korea and snap photos of the beautiful Geunjeongjeon Hall.

Late Morning: Bukchon Hanok Village

After touring the palace, take a short walk to Bukchon Hanok Village. This picturesque neighborhood showcases traditional Korean houses, known as hanoks. It’s a great place to stroll through narrow alleyways, take photographs, and even participate in cultural experiences like a tea ceremony or wearing a hanbok.

• Address: 37, Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
• Admission Fee: Free

Lunch: Insadong

Head to Insadong, a cultural district known for its antique shops, art galleries, and traditional Korean restaurants. Sit down for a meal at one of the many hanok-style restaurants and try delicacies like Bibimbap or Bulgogi.

• Recommended Restaurant: Sanchon
• Address: 30-13, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• Opening Hours: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM

Afternoon: Changdeokgung Palace and Huwon Secret Garden

Post-lunch, head to Changdeokgung Palace, another one of the Five Grand Palaces. Don’t miss the Huwon Secret Garden, which is a serene and beautifully maintained garden once reserved for the royal family.

• Address: 99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
• Admission Fee: 3,000 KRW for the palace, 8,000 KRW for the Secret Garden tour

Evening: Gwanghwamun Square and Cheonggyecheon Stream

As the sun sets, make your way to Gwanghwamun Square. This bustling area is home to statues of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-sin. From here, take a leisurely walk to the Cheonggyecheon Stream, an urban renewal project that transformed an old stream into a serene, well-lit evening stroll space.

• Address: 72 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
• Admission Fee: Free

For dinner, indulge in Korean barbecue at a nearby restaurant such as Jongno Korean BBQ Backdon in the Jongno area, known for its quality meats and vibrant atmosphere.

Accommodation Suggestions

It’s essential to choose a centrally located accommodation to make the most of your visit. Here are some recommended places to stay:

• Lotte Hotel Seoul – Luxury stay with a central location.
• Insadong R Guesthouse – Cozy and traditional guesthouse in Insadong.
• JW Marriott Hotel Seoul – Perfect blend of luxury and convenience.

Day 2: Modern Seoul and Shopping Extravaganza

On your second day in Seoul, explore the modern facets of the city, from innovative architecture to bustling shopping districts. Here’s how you can enjoy a blend of contemporary attractions and retail therapy:

Morning: Lotte World Tower and Seoul Sky

Start your day at Lotte World Tower, one of Seoul’s most iconic skyscrapers. Head up to Seoul Sky, the observation deck on the 123rd floor, and take in breathtaking views of the city.

• Address: 300, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul
• Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM
• Admission Fee: 31,000 KRW for adults

Late Morning: Jamsil Area and Lotte World

After enjoying the views, explore the Jamsil Area. Visit Lotte World, a major recreation complex with the world’s largest indoor theme park, an outdoor amusement park (Magic Island), an ice skating rink, and more.

• Address: 240, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul
• Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM
• Admission Fee: 62,000 KRW for adults

Lunch: Korean Street Food at Jamsil

Grab lunch at one of the street food stalls near Jamsil Station. Treat yourself to Korean snacks like Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), Hotteok (sweet pancakes), and Gimbap (rice rolls).

Afternoon: Gangnam District

Make your way to the stylish Gangnam District. Stroll along Garosu-gil, known for its tree-lined streets and trendy boutiques and cafes. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Starfield COEX Mall, an immense shopping mall that houses the famous Starfield Library and an impressive aquarium.

• Address: 513, Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
• Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM
• Admission Fee: Free (Aquarium: 26,000 KRW for adults, online price)

Evening: Yongma Land

After your shopping spree, head to the quirky Yongma Land, an abandoned amusement park that’s perfect for Instagram-worthy photoshoots. The park is open to the public for a small fee, offering a unique and eerie glimpse into Seoul’s past entertainment history.

• Address: 118 Mangu-ro 70-gil, Jungnang-gu, Seoul
• Opening Hours: 09:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Admission Fee: 10,000 KRW

Wrap up your evening by returning to Gangnam for dinner at one of its high-end restaurants like Samwon Garden, known for its excellent Korean BBQ.

• Address: 835 Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
• Opening Hours: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Accommodation Suggestions

Continuing from Day 1, here are some more accommodation suggestions in different parts of Seoul:

• The Shilla Seoul – A luxurious, centrally-located hotel with top-notch amenities.
• STAY Hotel Gangnam – Modern and stylish hotel in the heart of Gangnam.
• Glad Mapo Seoul – Conveniently located with excellent transport links.

Day 3: Nature, Relaxation, and Nightlife

On your final day in Seoul, unwind with some natural beauty, relax in tranquil surroundings, and experience the city’s vibrant nightlife. Here’s the perfect itinerary for your third day:

Morning: Namsan Seoul Tower and Namsan Park

Start your morning with a trip to Namsan Seoul Tower, a major landmark of Seoul. You can hike up the trails of Namsan Park or take the Namsan Cable Car for stunning panoramic views of the city.

• Address: 105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
• Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM (varies by season)
• Admission Fee: 21,000 KRW for adults (observation deck)

While there, check out the Locks of Love fence, a popular spot for couples to attach padlocks as a symbol of their affection.

Late Morning: Itaewon District

After visiting Namsan Tower, head to the Itaewon District, known for its international flair and diverse cuisines. Explore the shops and have brunch at a trendy cafe, such as Plant Cafe Seoul, which specializes in vegan and vegetarian dishes.

• Address: 117, Bogwang-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
• Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Lunch: Noryangjin Fish Market

No visit to Seoul is complete without experiencing the Noryangjin Fish Market. Buy fresh seafood and have it prepared at one of the market’s restaurants. Try dishes like Hoe (raw fish) and Grilled Shellfish.

• • Address: 674, Nodeul-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul
  • Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Afternoon: Han River and Banpo Hangang Park

Spend your afternoon at Banpo Hangang Park along the Han River. Rent a bicycle or a paddle boat to explore the area. The park is an ideal place for relaxation and enjoying the scenic views of the river and city skyline.

• • • • Address: 40, Sinbanpo-ro 11-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul
      • Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
      • Admission Fee: Free

Don’t forget to catch the Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain show, which runs daily from April to October in the evening.

Evening: Hongdae Nightlife

As the night falls, dive into the vibrant atmosphere of the Hongdae District. Known for its youthful energy and artistic vibe, Hongdae is packed with bars, clubs, and live music venues. Enjoy street performances and the lively night markets.

Stop by a quirky cafe like Thanks Nature Cafe where you can sip coffee alongside adorable sheep.

• • • • Address: 10 Hongik-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
      • Opening Hours: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Accommodation Suggestions

Here are a few more accommodation options to consider as you wrap up your trip:

• • • • Imperial Palace Boutique Hotel – Stylish and centrally located in Itaewon.
      • Hongdae Style Guesthouse – Affordable and unique stay in the heart of Hongdae.
      • Conrad Seoul – Luxury accommodation with stunning views of the Han River.

Final Thoughts

Seoul is a city that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity, and you’ll find that three days is just enough to get a taste of its rich culture and vibrant energy. From palaces to futuristic towers, and from peaceful parks to bustling districts, Seoul offers a diverse range of experiences. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or an adventure seeker, this city has something for everyone.