Seoul is the capital of South Korea, filled with modernity and pop culture. It's the perfect spot if you're seeking a delicious food scene, skin/beauty lover, and tons of shopping options.
South Korea has quickly become a popular spot to visit with the exposure and popularity of of K-Pop, K-Dramas, and Korean movies. If you have watched Parasite and wanted to try "Ram-Don", wanted to see the stomping grounds of groups like BTS and BLACKPINK, or explore the old palace grounds you saw in dramas like Goong or The Moon Embracing the Sun, then Seoul is the perfect place for your next trip!
If you're planning a week-long trip to this dynamic metropolis, here’s an itinerary packed with must-see attractions and uniquely Korean experiences.
Day 1:
Check into your hotel and take some time to rest and settle in.
Late Afternoon/ Evening: Take the cable car up to N Seoul Tower on Namsan Mountain for breathtaking views of the city at night.
If you go for an earlier start, I do recommend hiking up to the tower from the Seoul Education Research & Information. It's a scenic route along a restored fortress wall, particularly beautiful in spring with cherry blossoms, and fall for autumn foliage. Trail has stairs and takes ~40 min - 1 hr.
Consider dining at the tower’s revolving restaurant for a memorable experience. You can then take the cable car /shuttle bus on the way down. (More info on how to get to N Seoul Tower)
Stroll along Myeong-dong Night market, which is a lively street filled with street vendors and shops. This area is shopping haven with everything from global brands to unique Korean cosmetics. Don’t miss the street food vendors offering delicacies like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and hotteok (sweet pancakes).
Tip: Myeongdong can be crowded, so keep an eye on your anti-theft bag, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Day 2:
Morning: Kick off your adventure at Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest and most impressive of Seoul’s Five Grand Palaces built in the 14th century. Arrive early to catch the changing of the guard ceremony – a colorful display of traditional uniforms and martial music (10am and 2pm every day except Tuesdays).
Tip: People wearing traditional garb called hanbok get into the palace for free. There are many affordable and easily accessible hanbok rental shops near the palace, and makes for memorable photos amongst the traditional architecture.
Afternoon: Continue with the traditional theme with a hearty lunch of Ginseng Chicken Soup at the nearby and extremely popular Tosokchon Samgyetang (토속촌 삼계탕).
Stroll over to Bukchon Hanok Village, where you can wander through narrow alleys lined with traditional hanok houses. This area beautifully juxtaposes the old and the new, providing great photo opportunities. The Samcheong-dong neighborhood is a charming area with art galleries, cafes, and boutique shops – perfect for a leisurely afternoon.
Evening: End your day in Insadong, a cultural district known for its antique shops, art galleries, and traditional tea houses. For dinner, try dumplings at Michelin Bib Gourmand recommended Gaeseong Mandu Koong, or Imun Seolnongtang, a traditional ox bone soup.
Stop by a convience store and pick up some water and snacks for tomorrow and rest early.
Day 3:
Morning: Start the day early and take a break from the city to hike in Bukhansan National Park. With its scenic trails and stunning views, it’s a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike.
There are several trails to pick from for every skill level. Start at the visitor center to get a recommended trail.
For a rewarding challenge I recommend starting early to avoid the midday heat / crowds and hiking up to the Baegundae Peak. Bring plenty of water / snacks, and allow 4-6 hours for the trip. Wear comfortable shoes -I wore sneakers which was good enough but trail runners/ hiking shoes would be better for the last 30 minutes to the peak as it's a steep incline from there.
Afternoon: Reward yourself with a hearty meal after hiking all morning! Rest at the hotel if needed.
Relax at Han River Park. You can rent a bike, take a leisurely cruise, or just enjoy people watching by the river.
Evening: Watch the sunset from Dongjak Bridge and then have dinner at one of the nearby restaurants with river views. Catch an evening show of the Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain, a fun and colorful illuminated fountain show synchronized with music.
Day 4
Morning: Join a half-day tour to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). This unique and educational experience offers a glimpse into the history and current situation of the Korean Peninsula.
Tip: Book your DMZ tour in advance, as they can fill up quickly.
Afternoon: Explore the youthful and vibrant area of Hongdae, known for its indie music scene, quirky cafes, and street performances.
Evening: Enjoy a Korean BBQ dinner in Hongdae. Afterward, experience Korean nightlife by visiting a noraebang (karaoke room) – a fun way to end the night.
Day 5
Morning: Visit Changdeokgung Palace, renowned for its Secret Garden (Huwon). This palace offers a more intimate look at Korean royal life and its beautiful garden is a highlight.
Tip: Book a guided tour of the Secret Garden in advance, as it has limited daily slots.
Afternoon: Head to the nearby Ikseon-dong Hanok Village, a charming and trendy neighborhood of traditional hanok buildings renovated into modern cafes, restaurants and breweries. Spend some time hopping between the unique themed cafes.
Explore Jogyesa Temple, a serene spot in the heart of the city and a center of Zen Buddhism in Korea. Afterward, take a leisurely walk along Cheonggyecheon Stream, a picturesque urban renewal project that offers a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Evening: Head to Gwangjang Market for dinner. This market is famous for its street food. Try bindaetteok (mung bean pancake) and mayak gimbap (mini seaweed rice rolls) for an authentic taste of Korea.
For the best kalguksu (Korean Knife Cut Noodle Soup), find the Netflix lady’s stand in the centre of the market. You'll see the crowd and Netflix banner.
Tip: The market can be overwhelming with crowds and the plethora of options; try to go with an open mind and sample as many different foods as you can.
Day 6
Morning: For the k-pop stans, start the morning with a stroll through K-Star Road. It features great photo ops with 17 bear models painted with famous K-pop groups like BTS, Super Junior, EXO and Miss A. It's a couple blocks long and features luxury shopping along the way.
Afternoon: Explore COEX Mall, an extensive underground shopping mall. Don’t miss the stunning Starfield Library, a photographic library / bookstore with flower displays. For animal lovers or those with kids, the COEX Aquarium is a fun stop.
For lunch head to nearby Oegojip Seolleongtang, a famous spot for for comforting ox bone soup.
If you're a fan of amusement parks, or traveling with kids, you can spend the day at Lotte World, one of the largest indoor and outdoor amusement parks.
Hang out near Gangnam Station and Nonhyeon station, lively spots with plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafes where you can sit down, grab a bite or a drink, and people watch.
Evening: For the last night, experience the upscale side Gangnam, with a fancy upscale restaurant. We opted to dine at Jungsik - a beautiful way to re-experience Korea cuisine that we've been enjoying throughout our trip.
Day 7
Your last day may be a good time to book any skin / beauty treatments before leaving. Seoul is known for being a beauty capital and a popular tourist destination for treatments, color consultations, facials, and more.
If you have more time in the the city:
Morning: Begin your day at the futuristic Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), an architectural marvel and hub for design and fashion. Explore the design market and exhibitions before heading to Dongdaemun Market, a shopper’s paradise with countless stores, perfect for last minute souvenir shopping and street food.
Afternoon / Evening: End your trip in Seoul with a lively evening in Itaewon, a diverse district known for its international cuisine, shops, and vibrant atmosphere.
Further Reading:
Heading elsewhere in Korea? Check out my guide to Busan and Jeju Island.
Guide to busses, subway, taxis in Korea
Essential apps to download before visiting Korea
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