Seoul Itinerary: 3-Day and 5-Day Sightseeing Tours of Korea

A pre-planned Seoul itinerary can make a tour of Korea even more incredible. Seoul is a fantastic, modern city that also stays true to its traditional roots. Its historical sights blend wonderfully with the modern cityscape, providing a tourist destination that is a wonder to behold. Whether you’re visiting for three days, five days, or seven, a good Seoul itinerary insures you’ll never be short on things to do in Seoul.

Seoul Itinerary: What to do in Seoul

Seoul is known for its amazing food, beautiful historical sites, and wondrous modern attractions and is an appealing destination for all ages. Whether you’re looking to get some shopping done in the Gangnam district or in Myeongdong, you want to hit up the traditional Bukchon Hanok Village or you are looking to eat some spectacular street food, Seoul is there to give you a great time. With this Seoul itinerary guide, you can plan a trip that will surely give you memories that last a lifetime!

Check in to Hotel Gracery Seoul, Step out to Hwangudan Altar

Seoul Itinerary Tips – How to Avoid Stress in Seoul

If you’re visiting Seoul for the first time, get ready to see a wonderful city, but with so much to see, do, and eat in Seoul, it’s best to have a good game plan developed prior to your arrival. As with any vacation, the more you know before you land at your destination, the less you have to worry about once you get there. The following tips can help you to best enjoy your time in Seoul and help to keep your vacation as stress-free as possible, whether you’re in the city for a 3-day Korea tour, or spending 5-days in the area.

• Learn all that you can about Seoul’s subway system. Seoul is one of the most connected cities in the world, and its subway system is expansive. Read about the subway prior to leaving (referenced later in this guide), to ensure you know how to get around the city with ease.
• Get familiar with Seoul before you take off. Know where, when, and how you’d like to visit the city. Decide which major landmarks and attractions you need to see and work out a plan from there. If you know nothing about the city when you land, you’re going to introduce more stress than necessary into your vacation.
• Plan a budget ahead of time and stick to it. A good rule of thumb for Seoul is to expect to spend about $100 USD per day, per person. Some days, you will spend less than this amount, and some days, you may spend more. But by planning for around this amount (this amount includes your per day accommodations), you’ll probably be able to stick to your budget and won’t find yourself running over.
• Choose a district that is right for you. If you’re planning on doing a lot of shopping, then consider staying in a district that has plenty of shopping options (like Gangnam or Myeong-dong); if you’re looking for historical attractions, then stay near the historical sites that you want to see. Plan your vacation so that you can spend less time in transit, and more time at the attractions you came to visit.
• Do your best to see the sites outside of peak hours. If you can plan your daily excursions so that you’re seeing the sites earlier in the day, or during the weekdays, then you’ll have to contend with smaller crowds and an overall more enjoyable experience.

Choose Where to Stay in Seoul Based on Your Vacation

There are plenty of great neighborhoods in Seoul, so no matter where you stay, you’re likely to end up somewhere great. However, each district in the city is known for different things, so choose a district accordingly. This overview of some of the popular districts in Seoul can help you narrow down a neighborhood that is right for you!

• Hongdae District: Young, hip, and full of students, the Hongdae District is a great area to stay if you’re looking for cheap eats, great nightlife opportunities, indie shopping experiences, and modern art. Modern and exciting, this is a great district to stay in if you’re looking to have fun in Seoul.
• Gangnam District: This district is where the rich and famous come to play, but even if you’re not a millionaire, there’s lots of fun to be had in the Gangnam District. With designer shopping, nightclubs, upscale eateries, and modern attractions, Gangnam is hip, trendy, and known for being a pop culture fan’s dream.
• Myeongdong District: If you’re looking for great shopping, fantastic Korean food (including street vendors galore), then the Myeongdong district is for you! But there’s more than just shopping and eating, with both folk and staged dramas available to see at the Myeongdong Nanta Theatre, as well as a 19^th-century cathedral in the area, there’s a great mix of modern and historical attractions that round out this fantastic neighborhood.
• Insadong District: This amazing district has a pedestrian-only street as its main feature, which is great for visitors to the area. Explore then many Korean tea houses and traditional shops that the area is known for. If you are looking for handcrafted, Korean gifts, then the Insadong District is the right area for you. This area is also known for its fantastic street food offerings, so be sure to step out into the Insadong District when you’re hungry!

Check in to Sotetsu Hotels The Splaisir Seoul Myeong-Dong, Step out to Lotte Young Plaza Myeongdong

Seoul Itinerary: What to do in Seoul During a 3-Day Trip

Seoul is a great destination for any traveler, but as there are so many things to do in and around the city, it’s really important to plan what kind of vacation you’d like to have ahead of time. If you are visiting the city as a young backpacker, then you are likely going to want to target areas that will be able to fit within your budget and interests, likewise, if you’re visiting the city to have more of a historical tour, then you’re going to want to pick areas and attractions that fill your need for history. No matter what kind of vacation you decide to have in Seoul, the city is so well connected that, even if you change your mind halfway through your visit, it won’t be an issue – flexibility is another great accessory to pack, so plan ahead and, if even your vacation desires change, always make it your highest goal to enjoy yourself.

3 Days Seoul Itinerary: Seoul Shopping & Entertainment Tour

Seoul was made for shopping and fun, so get your walking shoes on (but don’t forget to pack your dancing shoes as well), because this itinerary is all about the best places to shop and be entertained in the city.

• Seoul Day One (morning): Head out and grab some breakfast in Myeongdong before getting some shopping done in the area. From designer brands, Korean cosmetics, and more, there’s plenty to buy in this district. Check with your hotel and see if you can grab some tickets to the Myeongdong Nanta Theatre (or plan ahead and grab some tickets before you arrive in the city) so that your evening is covered for activities.
• Day One (afternoon): After you’ve shopped ’til you dropped, grab some tasty street food from one of the many vendors in Myeongdong. These street vendors often feature delicious Japanese and Thai snacks. Use this as your lunch to save you some time, and money, then head over to the Gyeongbokgung Palace and watch the changing of the guards, or even dress up in a gatekeeper costume and have your picture taken before heading back to your hotel to get ready.
• Day One (evening): Get ready to eat! Stick with Korean food for dinner choose from one of many great Korean BBQ restaurants or other Korean food restaurants in the area. Taekdaerine Gogi Jib is nearby the neighborhood and is highly recommended. After dinner, head over to the Myeongdong Nanta Theatre and enjoy a show. The shows range from contemporary to classic, so you never know what you’re going to get. After the show, either head out for a nightcap at one of the local bars, like the Bubble Lounge and Bar or head back to your hotel for the night. If you choose your hotel right, there may even be a bar at your hotel that you can enjoy!

Check In to Tmark Grand Hotel Myeongdong, Step Out to Namdaemun Night Market

Seoul Itinerary: Shopping & Entertainment Tour Day 2

• Seoul Day Two (morning): This is one of the only itineraries that is going to tell you to get up later in the day but sleep late, you’re going to have a late night. Once you’re up, head to the subway and over to the Namdaemun Market. This market is the largest traditional market in all of South Korea and they sell just about anything you can imagine. The market is even open overnight (from 11 pm to 4 am), which is quite the sight. This area is also known for its street food, so be sure to eat up before heading on for the rest of your day.
• Day Two (afternoon): If you’re visiting the area during the warmer months, then head over to the Cheonggyecheon steam and dip your feet in to beat the heat. This area also attracts lots of locals, musicians, and features a water light show, making it a great stop during your trip. Pop into a local restaurant and experience some Korean BBQ before heading over to the Dongdaemun Night Market.
• Day Two (evening): The Dongdaemun Night Market is open very late (sometimes until 5 and 6 am the next day), so get ready to have some fun! With rows upon rows of retailers selling clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories (all at highly discounted prices), this is a great place to get some shopping done in Seoul. With nearly 30,000 shops in this area to choose from, you really can shop until you dropped, so get your shopping done and then head back to your hotel for the night.

Check In to HOTEL in 9, Step Out to Lotte World

Seoul Itinerary: Shopping & Entertainment Tour Day 3

• Seoul Day Three (morning): Today is the day where you should take a food tour! Seoul’s food is amazing and you don’t want to miss a thing while you’re in the area so, after a quick breakfast, schedule yourself a food tour. Many food tours will last about 4 hours and cost around $80 USD, but the cost and duration of your tour will depend on which one you choose. You can stick with something more traditional, or opt for a walking tour that features street foods and Korean BBQ. Choose a tour that features your favorites, or pick one that is entirely new and get out and have a food adventure on your Seoul day!
• Day Three (evening): After your food tour, opt for a light dinner before heading out for drinks in Gangnam. Today is your last day (unless you’re opting to extend your trip into 5 days), so go out in style. Choose a bar that fits your style though the ALICE bar is cozy and offers great cocktails. After drinks, head over to a club! Gangnam has some of the most interesting clubs in the world, so you really just have to choose one that suits your needs, but here are a few suggestions:
  • Once In A Blue Moon: If you’re more into jazz than dancing, then hit up and enjoy the wonderful sounds of live jazz music as you dine and drink during your evening out. This club is also a popular shooting location for film and TV shows, so you might even recognize it from your favorite K-Drama!
  • CLUB ANSWER: With three floors, and celebrity clientele, CLUB ANSWER is one of the trendiest clubs in the area. Open every day of the week, they often feature promotions and giveaways, as well as fun events and sometimes even free concerts. Boasting great DJs and a lively atmosphere, go out in style at CLUB ANSWER.
  • CLUB ARENA. This is where Seoul goes to party! With an all-star clientele, two main floors, and VIP booths, you can choose your area. The first floor is primarily dedicated to hip-hop music, while the second is features more electronic dance music, but no matter which dancefloor you choose, make sure to wear your dancing shoes!

These dance parties go all night, so drink lots of water and get ready to have the time of your life during your last night in Seoul!

Check In to ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun, Step Out to City Hall, Seoul

Itineraries – Seoul: A 3-Day Tour for History Lovers Visiting Seoul:

Seoul has so many great attractions for history lovers, the only hard part is choosing where to go! Fortunately for you, this guide will help walk you through some of the great historical sites while also making recommendations about great outdoor activities that you can’t miss when visting Seoul. If a mix of history and the great outdoors is what you’re looking for, then this 3 days Seoul itinerary is for you!

History in Seoul Tour – Day One

Day One (morning): Grab a bite to eat before heading out to the Jogyesa Temple. Which is one of the most important temples for Seon Buddhism in South Korea. A temple was established in this location in 1395 though the modern temple was founded in 1910. In the temple’s courtyard are two 500-year-old trees that stand guard over the premises, a testament to the time that’s gone by. The temple is a mix of palace architecture and traditional temple architecture, and it is quite beautiful. Enjoy this religious monument before getting on with the rest of your day.

Day One (afternoon): Head over to the Gyeongbokgung Palace which is the largest of the palaces that exist in Seoul. Yours are available and recommended for the palace as you will be able to get more out of the visit if you are able to appreciate the history of the site. The royal guard changes twice daily, so time your visit for one of these shift changes (10 am and 2 pm daily). While you’re at the palace, be sure to stop at the National Palace Museum of Korea which is home to over 20,000 relics from the Joseon Dynasty. Expect to spend a few hours at the palace and the museum, as well as exploring the grounds, before heading out for the evening.

Day One (evening): Stay near the palace and enjoy one of the local restaurants. There are plenty to choose from in the area and, once you’re finished, get some gorgeous shots of the Gwanghwamun Square at night before heading in for the evening.

Check In to Hotel the Designers Seoul Station, Step Out to Namdaemun Market

History in Seoul – 3-Day Tour Day Two

Day Two (morning): Get going early and grab a bite to eat before heading over to the Bukchon Hanok Village. This traditional village features preserved hanok (traditional Korean homes) and also offers tourists a chance to immerse themselves in Korean culture with different information sessions and craft building workshops. Spend some time in this remarkable area before continuing on with your day.

Day Two (afternoon): From the Bukchon Hanok Village, head over to Insa-dong and enjoy the pedestrian-only main street of this bustling area. With Korean restaurants and traditional tea houses lining the streets in this area, you can continue your cultural experience from the morning all throughout your afternoon in Insa-dong.

Day Two (evening): Head over to the Hakgojae Gallery and appreciate some modern art while you’re in the area before making your way to SSamziegil where more art, quirky cafés, and workshops will greet you. Head out to a local restaurant afterward, such as the Osegye Hyang restaurant, which serves delicious vegan food and is run by members of a Taiwanese sect, which makes it an interesting way to end your day in the area.

Check In to CenterMark Hotel, Step Out to Seoul Art Center Gongpyeong Gallery

History in Seoul – 3-Day Seoul Itinerary, Day 3

Day Three (morning): After breakfast, start your day off at the Namsangol Hanok Village and spend some time in this Korean village. Made up of traditional homes, called hanok, you can imagine what it was once like to live in a traditional, Joseon-era Korean village as you explore this historical attraction. This village is highly detailed with extra special care and attention being given to the decorations for each home, which are furnished with both era-appropriate and social status appropriate household items. Immerse yourself in this village before heading over to Namsan Park for the next part of your days 3 adventure.

Day Three (afternoon): Located in the center of Seoul, Namsan Park is a must-see attraction for nature lovers who are visiting the city. This park is also considered a historical site as at the top is the Bonghwadae (beacon) that was originally built during the Joseon Dynasty and served as a way to relay information to the surrounding area. Head over to Namsan Park and get hiking. When you visit Namsan Park, be sure to wear some good shoes because you’re going to spend a lot of time on your feet at this attraction. However, if you have some accessibility issues or don’t feel like climbing the stairs to the top, there is a cable car available to take you up to the peak.

Day Three (evening): After exploring Namsan Park, make your way over to the N Seoul Tower, which is also known as the Namsan Tower (or Seoul Tower), and head up to the observatory. At nearly 480 meters above sea level, the N Seoul Tower is one of the highest towers in Asia and offers unparalleled views of the city. But that’s not all. The N Seoul Tower also features multiple attractions, including the Hello Kitty Island exhibit, a must for any Hello Kitty fan. With dining options available in the tower, you don’t have to go far to find great food either, so consider having your dinner at the N Seoul Tower as well. The tower is open until 11 pm and makes for a great way to finish off your visit to Seoul.

Check In to Itaewon Crown Hotel, Step Out to The War Memorial of Korea

Seoul 5 Days Itinerary: Day Trips to Add to Your Three-Day Itinerary

If you’re planning on staying in Seoul for more than 3 days, then these recommendations for attractions and events are a good addition to the base three days. Though the activities are broken up into the historical and shopping/entertainment categories, it might be a fun idea to choose some attractions from the itinerary that is different from your 3-day Seoul itinerary to create your own 5-day Seoul itineraries! Some of these attractions will be at destinations outside of Seoul, so if you are looking for a day-tour from the city, these are a great way to visit more sites across South Korea. If you end up wanting to spend more time in the area, you can also combine these recommendations for the ultimate Seoul itinerary for 3-7 days! Additionally, revisiting locations that you’ve already seen but would like to spend more time at is also an option. So go ahead and decide where you’d like to spend your final two days with the help of the following recommendations.

Seoul Tour: Head to Gapyeong and See the Sites!

Located to the Northeast of Seoul is Gapyeong, which is about 34 miles (or 55 kilometers) away from the city, so this makes for a great stop if you are looking to create a 5-day Seoul itinerary. In this area, are more than a few attractions that make it a great place to visit when you are looking to experience some day trips outside of Seoul. During this day trip, you can visit three unique sites (or choose your favorite to spend more time in one area). Nami Island, Petit France, and the Gangchon Rail Park are all near the Gapyeong area and are great destinations to visit if you want to spend some time outside of the city.

Seoul Itinerary 5 Days: Zip into Fun on Nami Island!

This lush, beautiful island draws in visitors from all over who are looking for a peaceful place to visit in South Korea. This island has no telephone poles on it as all the wiring was done underground, which means there are no wires to obstruct your view. If you visit during the warmer months, there are facilities for swimming, and the area also features boating and water-sports activities. If you’re feeling adventurous, opt to use the zip line into Nami Island instead of the bus, though you will have to take the bus to leave as the zip line is only one way.

5 Days Seoul Itinerary – Experience La Vie en Rose in Petit France

Head out of Seoul and over to the Petit France park. This theme park has been modeled after France and offers a European view right in South Korea. Choose from retailers that sell French food, clothing, and household items as you explore the 16 French-style buildings in this park. If you’re interested in seeing France with a Korean spin, then this kitschy village may be just the site you’ve been looking for.

Korea Itinerary: It’s Full Steam Ahead at the Gangchon Rail Park

This park was built on the tracks of an old railway system and now is a place where tourists flock to experience the pedal cars (which are attached to the old railway line), while they enjoy the beautiful view of the Bukhangang Riverarea.

One Day Korea Trips: Take a Visit to Ultra-Modern Incheon

Spend the day in Incheon during one of your day tour adventures. Just hop on the subway and get to Incheon. This spectacular, modern city is huge and is also home to the Incheon International Airport which is Korea’s largest airport and happens to be one of the busiest airports in the world. Head out of Seoul and into Incheon to experience the city’s casino, the popular Incheon Fish Market, and make some time for a boat tour. This great adventure can be your day 5 in Korea. Once you’ve enjoyed the best of Seoul’s attractions, head out of the city and explore the rest of South Korea for even more adventures!

Check In to the Shilla Stay Mapo, Step Out to the Hyochang Stadium.

Best Transportation Options in Seoul

Getting around Seoul is a breeze once you get used to taking public transportation in the city. Fortunately for visitors, Seoul has one of the best subway systems in the world which means, for most trips, you’ll be able to get to and from destinations all with the convenient subways system. However, if you’re making a short trip, or are heading to a destination that is off of the subway path, never fear, because Seoul also has a great bus system in use as well. Additionally, there are plenty of taxis available to hire in the city, so if you’re tired, or just don’t feel like taking public transit, then taking a taxi is always an option. If you’ve never ridden on a major subway system before, then the subway in Seoul can be a little overwhelming, but the following tips offer some information that will help you on your journey through the city.

• Study up on the subway before you arrive. If you’ve never taken the subway system in Seoul before, then it’s best to read up on the system beforehand. Depending on where you need to go, you may need to switch subway cars at certain stations, so understanding how that works before will go a long way towards making sure you don’t get lost.
• Download the Seoul Subway App before you get there. Seoul has one of the largest subway systems in the world, so having your route planned ahead of time will help keep you from getting lost. Play around with the app before you leave and get used to using it before you arrive so that reading it during your journeys is easy.
• Signage is in English and Korean. The signage in the subway is conveniently color-coded and written in both English and Korean, so you don’t have to worry if you can’t read the Korean alphabet.
• Save money and time by purchasing a T-money card. You can purchase a reloadable T-money card that can be used as your ticket for the public transit system as this reloadable card is used to pay for fares. You can purchase these cards in the subway stations at vending machines, and can also load them up at these same machines.
• T-money cards are good for up to 5 years. If you’re planning on going back to Seoul any time soon, you can keep your T-money card and use it during your trip. Alternatively, these cards eliminate the need for change and are also refundable (if you have over 20,000 KRW or more loaded onto the card which is about $18 USD).
• The subway is inexpensive and can help you save money. The basic fare for the subway ranges between 1,250 won and 2,00 won (from about $1.10 to $1.80 USD), so instead of taking a taxi or paying for a shuttle, save some cash and take the subway.
• Rush hour gets crazy on the subway. If you can, travel outside of rush hour (between 4 pm to 8 pm), otherwise you will find that you’re competing for spots on the subway with commuters, which can be a cramped and overwhelming experience for anyone who’s not used to it.

If you’re going to a stop that’s not too far away, sometimes the best option can be to take the bus instead of the subway in Seoul. Because the subway system is so expansive, shorter stops may require more than a few transfers (as navigating through a small area sometimes means you have to switch lines a few times to get going in the right direction). Taking the bus can sometimes take you straight to where you need to be, or closer than the subway would take you, so it’s always a good option to remember. Check your route ahead of time and see whether the bus might be the better option for your trip. Bus fares range in price from about 1,050 won and up (about $0.95 USD). The cost for the fare will depend on the distance traveled during your trip. The bus system in Seoul is color-coded, so it’s really easy to tell which bus is for what:

• Yellow buses are for the Central Business District (the downtown area)
• Green buses connect riders to transfer points and also connect riders with the residential areas outside of the city.
• Blue buses connect Seoul’s suburbs to downtown.
• Red buses are commuter buses.

For your day trips and to explore the entirety of South Korea, you may find it’s easiest to make use of the fantastic railway system in South Korea. With both regional and high-speed trains available to choose from, you can get from one side of the country to the other with ease – and make it to and from your day trip destinations in no time. Korail is the main train operator in South Korea and they even offer a “KR Pass” for visitors to make use of while they’re traveling in the country. This pass should save you some money as it means you get discounted rail rates when using their trains.

And, when push comes to shove, Seoul is a major metropolitan area and has plenty of taxis to give you a hand at the end of a long day, or when you just don’t feel like having to navigate through public transit any longer. Fortunately for you, the rates in Seoul are less expensive than other major cities, so taking a ride now and then shouldn’t put too much of a dent in your budget. Remember, if you’re heading out for the day, and you’re not how to get to your destination, or you’re not sure which method of transportation is best, then you can always ask your hotel’s guest services or concierge for help. They are there to give assistance, and sometimes a little local advice goes a long way.

Check in to Nine Brick Hotel, Step Out to Trick Art Museum

Discover more apartments and hotels for your Seoul itinerary