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Planning a trip to Seoul? Get ready for one of Asia’s most exciting cities!
South Korea’s capital is packed with amazing things to do, from exploring ancient palaces to eating street food and shopping at quirky fashion boutiques. But with so much on offer, planning your trip can be overwhelming!
After spending a lot of time wandering, tasting, and temple-hopping in Seoul, we’ve put together the ideal 3-day itinerary, with two extra days of optional activities if you’re lucky enough to stay for longer. So grab the Naver app (trust us, Google Maps won’t cut it here), and let’s dive into everything you need to experience in Seoul!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE activity was this full-day DMZ tour from Seoul! We learned so much about Korea’s history from our guide, and it all came to light as we visited the Bridge of Freedom, the DMZ, the third tunnel, and more.
Check out the 30,000+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
Day 1
Just a quick note before we get started: this is a 3-day itinerary, but if you have extra time in Seoul, we’ve added two extra days of activities. There’s definitely enough to keep you occupied for 5 days in Seoul, but we’ve included the absolute must-dos in the first 3 days.
Secondly, a lot of the spots in this itinerary are on Google Maps, but the app has limited functionality in South Korea, so it doesn’t work for directions. You’ll want to download the Naver app instead, as this is the best mapping app in the country.
Morning – Explore Seoul on a private, customizable tour
This morning, get your bearings in Seoul on this private walking tour! It was certainly one of the highlights of our first trip here, and we’re sure it will be the same for you.
The great thing about this tour is that you can customize it exactly to your personal interests. We recommend booking the 4-hour option for 9 am. You can request pickup from most of the major hotels or a convenient meeting point. We also suggest visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village, as they are two of Seoul’s main attractions.
We loved visiting the palace, and since it was a private tour, we were able to ask our guide, GJ, all of our burning questions. We got to learn about the parts of the palace’s history that interested us the most, which added so much depth to the experience!
Then, we went to Bukchon Hanok Village, home to 900 traditional Korean houses. GJ shared so many stories about what life was like in the Joseon period, which I found super interesting.
He also took us to see less touristy parts of the city, such as Mangwon Market, and we totally fell in love with it. Seoul is quite spread out, and we had to use the subway to get around, so it was a great lesson on how to use Seoul’s public transport system.
We loved this tour as it felt so personal! And we’re not the only ones. You can read over 300 5-star reviews from other happy customers here!
Book this private walking tour here and get FREE 24-hour cancellation!
Lunch – Ikseon-dong
After your morning tour, we recommend heading to Ikseon-dong for lunch. This trendy neighborhood is technically part of Insa-dong, but it has a more hole-in-the-wall feel. It’s full of narrow alleys, hanok-style buildings, and hidden cafes, so perfect for a relaxed wander.
We stopped at Songam Onban for lunch and absolutely loved it. It’s a charming little restaurant that blends traditional architecture and modern design, and there’s a peaceful little garden tucked inside. You can order via touchscreen at your table, and we went for the pork rice soup, seafood pancakes, and perilla oil noodles. It was all so tasty!
Afternoon – Explore Insa-dong
Insa-dong is one of Seoul’s most charming neighborhoods, known for its blend of tradition and creativity. The area is full of narrow streets lined with hanok-style buildings, old tea houses, and unique shops. Depending on your interests, there are a few different ways you could spend your time in Insa-dong, so choose one of the following options:
Shopping/city life
If you’re in the mood for shopping, head straight to Insa-dong Culture Street. It’s a lively stretch packed with art shops, calligraphy stores, handmade crafts, and street food vendors. The souvenirs here are way more special than your average trinkets, and there are plenty of cafes where you can grab coffee and sweet treats if you need a break between browsing.
History
For a dose of history, you’re in the right place. Changgyeonggung Palace is just a short walk from Insa-dong. It’s one of Seoul’s lesser-known royal sites, but it’s absolutely worth visiting for its beautiful grounds and peaceful atmosphere. Jogyesa Temple is also nearby, and we highly recommend checking out its colorful lanterns and huge ancient trees for a unique glimpse into Korean Buddhism.
Nature
For a capital city, Seoul actually has a surprising amount of nature on offer. So if you’d like to spend a bit of quiet time enjoying the outdoors, follow the path to Cheonggyecheon Stream. It’s a peaceful urban waterway that winds through the city, and we always enjoy taking a scenic stroll alongside the water. You’ll find stepping stones, small waterfalls, and shaded benches, so this area is perfect for a slow wander or a quick rest before your evening plans.
Evening – Taste your way around Seoul’s night market
Seoul has some incredible food markets, so I can’t think of a better way to spend your first evening here than on this night market food tour! This is my favorite thing that we’ve done in Seoul because we got to taste a ton of amazing food and dive headfirst into Korean market culture.
Start times for this tour vary between 5 pm and 8 pm, depending on availability. The experience lasts for 2 hours, so we recommend booking the 6 or 7 pm time slot if it’s available.
The tour is a deep dive into Gwangjang Market, and what we love about it is that it’s part cultural discovery and part fun night out. In fact, we even ended up playing some drinking games with our guide!
Speaking of whom, Rocky was absolutely incredible! He was passionate about food and a super funny guy, so he really made sure that we had a great night. He shared the history of the Gwangjang Market and took us to his favorite stalls, where we got to try everything from crispy pancakes to kimchi cucumber, kimbap, and barbecue shrimp. It was so yummy, and we never had to wait in line, because being part of this tour meant that we got to skip the queues at the market’s top food stalls.
After walking around the market, we settled down in a cozy restaurant where we enjoyed Korean barbecue, soup, as well as makgeolli, soju, and local beer. Here, Rocky taught us some Korean drinking games, which had everyone in hysterics by the end!
This is one of the best street food tours we’ve ever done, and we can’t say enough good things about it! But don’t just take our word for it – read over 700 5-star reviews here!
Book this top-rated food tour here, before it sells out!
Nightlife
Seoul is famous for its vibrant nightlife scene, and the city really comes alive after dark! Honestly, it’s worth venturing out and joining the fun on any day of this itinerary, so feel free to go and enjoy yourself.
Hondae, Itaewon, and Gangnam are some of the city’s most popular nightlife spots. Tonight, I suggest heading to the area that’s closest to where you’re staying and starting there. Or, if you’re in the mood for karaoke, you can rent out a private karaoke room all over the city! This is very popular, and it’s called “noraebang” in Korean, so look up the one closest to you and warm up those pipes.
Day 2
Full day – Visit the DMZ
If you only do one thing in Seoul, it should probably be visiting the Korean Demilitarized War Zone (DMZ), so that’s where we’re headed today. It’s the most heavily guarded border in the world, so you can only visit with a guided tour. We booked this one and learned a ton with the help of our guide, Alex.
We recommend booking the Gamaksan Red Bridge option. It departs at 7:30 am, and you can either request hotel pickup or meet the tour at one of three major meeting points. It lasts for about 8 hours, so you’ll get back to Seoul at around 3:30 pm.
This is the best-selling option, and it means that in addition to exploring the DMZ, you’ll get to visit the Red Suspension Bridge. What many people don’t realize prior to visiting is that the DMZ is actually a very scenic area, so walking across this bridge is an amazing way to soak up the views!
The DMZ has seen some very tense moments between North and South Korea over the years. We were fascinated to visit the Third Tunnel, which is one of the incursion tunnels built by North Korea as a part of an attempted invasion, although they officially claimed that they were mining for coal!
We also got to see over the border into North Korea from the Dora Observatory, which is a pretty rare opportunity. One of the most moving parts of the tour was seeing the Freedom Bridge, where 13,000 prisoners of war walked towards their freedom in 1953.
Visiting the DMZ is a must while you’re in Seoul, and this tour is the top-rated option out there, with an incredible 30,000+ 5-star reviews! It doesn’t run on Mondays, though, so if your second day in Seoul falls on a Monday, then I suggest switching days 2 and 3 around.
Check availability and book this tour here, with free cancellation!
Related Read: For even more epic tour options, see the five best DMZ tours from Seoul here!
Late afternoon – Namsan Park, cable car, and N Seoul Tower
After a full day DMZ tour, we just wanted something relaxed for the late afternoon and evening, so we visited the peaceful Namsan Mountain Park, and we recommend that you do the same. It’s a lovely spot in the heart of the city, with leafy walking trails and plenty of scenic lookouts along the way, so it’s an ideal place to unwind.
You can hike to the top in about 30 minutes, but after our busy day at the DMZ, we decided to take the Namsan Cable Car instead. It leaves from the Hoehyeon-dong platform in Myeong-dong and takes you to the top of Namsan Mountain, where the Seoul Tower is.
If you take the cable car, the ride lasts just 3 minutes, so you’ll be at the top in no time! It’s open until 11 pm, so there’s no need to rush around.
Tickets cost 12,000 KRW (around $9 USD), and at the top, you can pay to go up to the Seoul Tower observation deck. However, we decided to skip this as the views from the hilltop were just so stunning that we didn’t feel the need to go any higher! Instead, we simply enjoyed stretching our legs after a day on the bus, walking around and watching Seoul light up as darkness fell.
Dinner – Myeong-dong Korean BBQ
Enjoying Korean barbecue is a MUST while you’re in Seoul, and this beloved local spot is just a short walk from the base of the cable car. Plus, it’s open late (until 2 am, in fact!), so there’s really no need to rush down from Namsan Mountain. Take your time, and then come here for a relaxed but delicious dinner when you’re ready.
We loved eating here because not only was the meat top quality, but the side dishes were just as good, and the staff kept refilling them for us! They also showed us how to use the grill properly so that we got the most out of our meal. We felt so welcome, and everything we ate was full of flavor.
Day 3
Morning – Learn how to cook Korean food
For me, the best part of a trip to Seoul is eating as much Korean food as you can! But this morning, we’re going one better than that and learning how to actually cook it. So book this cooking tour for 10 am and get ready to make (and eat) everything from bibimbap to sweet potato noodles – yum!
The day kicks off with a visit to Mangwon Market. We loved this part of the tour as we got to shop like locals, so it made the whole experience feel really authentic. Then, we headed to the cooking studio where everyone in our small group got their own station. Our teacher, Jomin, gave us super clear instructions, and it was easy to follow along. We rolled up our sleeves and prepared three classic Korean dishes: bibimbap, soft tofu stew, and japchae (sweet potato noodles).
Once the cooking was done, we sat down together as a group to enjoy the meal, which was delicious. We also got some makgeolli, which is a lightly sparkling, thick, milky rice wine. Don’t worry, it tastes a lot better than it sounds!
We left this class with big smiles on our faces, and a recipe book so that we could recreate the dishes we made at home, which we’ve done several times since! It wraps up at around 1:30 pm, ready for you to digest all of that food as you explore Myeong-dong.
Read hundreds of 5-star reviews and book this cooking tour here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Afternoon – Explore Myeong-dong
Myeong-dong is one of Seoul’s liveliest neighborhoods, so you can’t miss it while you’re here. The area is best known for its iconic shopping street, where you’ll find everything from Korean skincare brands to local fashion and quirky accessories, but there’s also a beautiful old church, plenty of yummy food, and even a futuristic design plaza to check out. Here’s how to make the most of your visit:
Go shopping
Myeong-dong Shopping Street is legendary, especially for Korean beauty products. You’ll find all the big names like Innisfree, Etude House, and Olive Young, plus plenty of local boutiques and souvenir stands. Even if you’re not buying, it’s fun to browse and people-watch – trust me, there is ALWAYS something happening on this street!
Grab a snack
There’s no shortage of great food around here – after all, all of that shopping really works up an appetite! Keep an eye out for Deli Manjoo, which is a popular street stall selling warm, custard-filled cakes shaped like ears of corn. They’re so good that I’m getting hungry just thinking about them!
But if you’re in the mood for something cool and refreshing, then I love stopping by Sulbing Korean Dessert Café for bingsu, Korea’s famous shaved ice dessert. It’s the perfect sweet treat on a warm afternoon.
Myeongdong Cathedral is right in the neighborhood, and we definitely think it’s worth checking out this beautiful old church. Its peaceful grounds are nice for wandering around away from the crowds, and this place actually has a pretty interesting history. It was actually the first brick church built in Korea, and it’s the seat of the Archbishop of Seoul. Currently, that’s Peter Chung-soon-taik.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza
If you’ve got extra time, hop on subway line 4 at Myeongdong Station and head over to Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP). It takes about 17 minutes to get there, which is actually pretty quick in a big, spread-out city like Seoul, where getting around takes a little longer. And it’s worth it to check out this awesome, futuristic building that’s home to all manner of crazy exhibitions, art installations, and design shops. It’s a must-see if you’re into modern architecture or creative spaces!
Dinner – Myeongdong Restaurant The Sic-ddang
Tonight, we’ll dine in Myeongdong at one of our favorite restaurants in the area: The Sic-ddang! It’s a fairly unassuming local spot, but we enjoyed the authentic, cozy atmosphere inside. Oh, and the bibimbap and spicy octopus are some of the best we’ve had, so don’t miss this place!
Evening – Learn about Seoul’s dark history on a nighttime ghost tour
Ghost tours always give you a totally different perspective on the city than the guidebooks do, so take this opportunity to dive deep into the dark side of Seoul! This ghost tour is an absolute blast, and it starts at 8 pm, so head there after dinner.
The meeting point varies by day, so be sure to double-check it after you book, and leave enough time to get there. You’ll probably have to take a short subway ride from The Sic-ddang.
You can book a 1.5 or 2.5-hour version of this tour. We did the latter, and we’re so glad that we did because we absolutely loved having an extra hour of chilling ghost stories.
The first stop of the tour was at Gyeonghuigung Palace, which is the most haunted place in Seoul. We loved hearing tales about the ghostly inhabitants and how they came to be there.
Then, we went to Pimatgol Alley, which is a shady street (in both senses of the word) that’s known for its motels and cheap restaurants, so you’d better believe that there’s plenty of chilling crime lore around these parts!
This tour was a blast, and we really felt like we got to see a side of the city that most tourists miss. One thing to note is that this tour doesn’t run on Monday or Wednesdays, so if that’s when your third day falls, you may have to swap the days around to make it work.
Book this chilling ghost tour here, with free cancellation!
If you have extra time…
Day 4
Morning – Take an e-bike ride through Seoul
This morning e-bike tour of Seoul is a new and fun way to experience Seoul. We had so much fun exploring the city’s most famous highlights while effortlessly gliding over its hills on our e-bikes.
The tour departs at 9:30 am and lasts until around 12:30 pm, so you’ll finish just in time for lunch. And you’ll see a lot in those three hours, trust me!
We began with a ride along the Cheonggyecheon Stream and then headed to the Gyeongbokgung Palace. Then, we went to Tongin Market, where our guide, Tae Jin, introduced us to unique street foods and ordered some tteokbokki – Korea’s famous simmered rice cakes. We also got to visit a traditional Korean village, visit the Blue House, and then finished off relaxing at the Jogyesa Temple!
One of the things that we loved about this tour is that we were in a small group, so it felt really personal and relaxed. The e-bikes were so easy to ride, too, so this tour is an ideal way to get around the city – it’s a blast for anyone, and such a fun way to explore Seoul!
Read over 300 5-star reviews and book this e-bike tour here!
Lunch – Sushi Tei
Your bike tour will wrap up in Myeongdong, so head to the station and take a quick train over to Yongsan, where this afternoon’s museum stop is. But before you head there, grab lunch at Sushi Tei. It looks unassuming from the outside, but trust me, this place is a local favorite for a reason. The sushi (as well as the entire menu) is fresh and absolutely delicious – just as good as any we’ve ever had in Japan!
Afternoon – National Museum of Korea
I find South Korea to be an absolutely fascinating country, and if you’re planning a visit to Seoul, then I’m sure you feel the same! So after lunch, head to the National Museum of Korea to take a journey through Korean history.
Honestly, I wouldn’t call myself a museum lover, but I found this one absolutely fascinating. It’s well laid out and has lots of interactive exhibits, so if you don’t know much about the country’s background, it’s like taking a Korea 101 class! I especially loved seeing the prehistoric Korean artifacts and learning about the Joseon dynasty.
After checking out the museum, I also recommend taking a walk through the peaceful grounds to see the pond and sculpture garden. General admission is free, and all of the exhibits have English descriptions, so there’s no need to worry about the language barrier!
Late Afternoon – Gangnam District
If you’ve still got some energy left by late afternoon, head over to Gangnam and see what all the fuss is about. I know what you’re thinking, and the answer is yes, this is the very neighborhood that inspired the famous (or should that be notorious?) song, “Gangnam Style.”
Gangnam is one of Seoul’s most affluent neighborhoods. The iconic song was actually a celebration of the area’s glitz and glam. In fact, among the flashy cars, sleek skyscrapers, and designer stores, you’ll also find a statue dedicated to PYS’s song, which drew worldwide attention to this desirable district. Start by snapping a fun photo with this kooky statue, which is a giant pair of golden hands frozen in the exact pose from the “Gangnam Style” dance.
After that, walk over to Bongeunsa Temple, which sits in complete contrast to the ostentatious modern district around it. The temple itself is quite small, but the huge Mireuk Daebul statue sits on top of it, so it’s pretty eye-catching!
The mega malls in Asia are next level, but you’d be hard-pressed to find one more impressive than the one in Gangnam. Head to the Starfield COEX Mall, the largest underground mall in Asia, with over 300 shops, and it also boasts the Starfield Library. It’s the most futuristic library I’ve ever seen, and it boasts floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, so it’s a book lover’s dream!
And if you’re more into history than malls, stop by the Seolleung and Jeongneung Royal Tombs. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s a little pocket of ancient history and open green space right in the midst of Gangnam’s fast-paced glamor. Admission costs 1,000 KRW (just under $1 USD) and there are descriptions in English.
Dinner – Jinmi Pyongyang Naengmyeon
Unsurprisingly, Gangnam has lots of upscale restaurants, but dinner here doesn’t have to be a pricey affair! Head to Jinmi Pyongyang Naengmyeon, which is an affordable restaurant serving up Pyongyang-style cold noodles. They are a real staple of Korean cuisine, but if you fancy something more warming, they also serve yummy bulgogi, hot pot, and dumplings.
Like so many of Seoul’s restaurant gems, this place looks pretty modest from the outside, but it actually has a Michelin Bib Gourmand award. This is the award given to restaurants that serve amazing comfort food at great value!
As we mentioned earlier in this guide, Gangnam is one of Seoul’s best nightlife areas, so feel free to go and check out some of the fun bars here afterwards. Just a heads up, though, tomorrow morning’s tour does start pretty early!
Day 5
Full-day – Spend a day exploring Nami Island, the Garden of Morning Calm, and the Gangchon Railbike
By the time you reach your fifth day in Seoul, you might just be ready to trade the hustle and bustle of the city for some scenic and underrated attractions. So this full-day tour is the perfect getaway, and a great way to cap off your time in the city.
The tour departs from Seoul at 7:45 am and returns at around 6 pm. It’s a pretty long day, but it’s very relaxing and you’ll see a lot in that time.
We started the day with a fun ride on the Gangchon Railbike, which involved pedaling along a scenic track surrounded by beautiful, tranquil landscapes. It was such a cute experience, and we think it’s perfect for families to enjoy together.
Then, we went to Nami Island, a nature reserve with postcard-perfect scenery and plenty of tree-lined paths. We were really glad that we got some free time here since it’s famous for being the location of a famous Korean TV show, Winter Sonata. We even got to see one of the places where a scene was filmed!
The last stop of the day was the Garden of Morning Calm, which was pretty magical. It has 22 themed sections, and we loved checking them all out. The vibrant displays and artfully landscaped gardens were a true feast for the eyes, and we loved exploring. Again, we had free time here, so we could take it at our own pace.
All in all, this tour was a fun, relaxing, and super scenic day trip from Seoul. As a couple, we had a pretty romantic day out, but we would also highly recommend this tour for families. Kids will love running around in the gardens and riding on the Gangchon Railbike!
Check the glowing reviews and book this wholesome tour here!
Evening/dinner – Myeongdong Kyoja
We stayed in Myeongdong, so we grabbed dinner at Myeongdong Kyoja, an amazing, family-run soup and dumpling spot that serves up delicious hand-cut noodles. We had a fantastic meal and highly recommend this place if you’re staying in the area!
Of course, if you’re staying in another area, feel free to grab dinner there instead. Then, you can spend your last night in Seoul wandering the streets, grabbing a drink at a local spot, and enjoying the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Related Read: Find yourself with extra time? Here are the 10 best things to do in Seoul to add to this itinerary!
Where to Stay in Seoul, South Korea
Before you set off exploring the city, you need somewhere comfortable to stay! There are plenty of areas to stay in Seoul, so you really can’t go wrong in terms of location. However, with so many different hotels, sifting through them all can take hours. I’ve done the heavy lifting for you and picked out three excellent, centrally located hotels for a range of budgets, so check them out below:
Luxury – $$$
Four Seasons Hotel Seoul is a top-tier luxury stay in the heart of the city. It’s just steps from Gwanghwamun Plaza and a short walk to Gyeongbokgung Palace, so it’s ideal if you want to be close to Seoul’s historic center while still enjoying five-star comfort.
Speaking of which, the rooms here come with panoramic floor-to-ceiling views, and I love the on-site swimming pool – especially the fact that they provide goggles for you to use! Oh, and don’t forget about the luxury Korean sauna, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and 3D golf simulator, either – what more could you ever need?
This is a splurge-worthy stay and king rooms typically cost between $400 and $700 USD per night, depending on the season. Check availability and book your stay here!
Mid-range – $$
If you’re looking for convenience, the Four Points by Sheraton Josun is my top choice because it’s connected to Seoul Station. You can get anywhere in the city easily, but the hotel is quiet and relaxing despite its central location. The rooms are comfortable and simple, ranging from twin to king rooms.
Prices start at $100 USD per night. Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.
Budget – $
Seoul N Guesthouse Dongdaemun is a basic and comfortable guest house that is also budget-friendly! Located about a 15-minute walk from Dongdaemun Market, it’s super convenient and in a fun area. You can book a private room for about $40 USD a night or a bed in a shared room for about $15 USD a night. The rooms are basic, but clean, and the staff are very helpful and friendly.
Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.
For even more options, check out all the hotels in Seoul here!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Whether you have three or five days to explore Seoul, you will never be bored! We fell in love with this megacity and can see why it’s high on many travelers’ bucket lists. This itinerary includes the highlights and a few of our personal favorite activities. Follow along, and you’ll see the best of Seoul!
If you need help planning more of your travels, check out our other Asia blogs! We have guides whether you want to explore a city, enjoy the outdoors, or find somewhere off the beaten path. Here are a few related blogs to inspire your next adventure – cheers!
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