The Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary in Seoul

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Note that this itinerary is jam-packed with activities to see as much as you can in a short amount of time. So of course, feel free to tailor this itinerary to fit your own interests, pace, and/or schedule.

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SEOUL 3 DAY ITINERARY

The above map shows all the points of interest mentioned in this Seoul itinerary. The points are color-coordinated as:

• Day 1 Points of Interest → DARK BLUE
• Day 2 Points of Interest → LIGHT ORANGE
• Day 3 Points of Interest → PURPLE

HOW TO USE THE ABOVE SEOUL MAP:

Action	Description
Click a Colored Point of Interest	Shows additional information and details of the selected Point of Interest
Click the Four-cornered Square at the Top Right	Opens the map in a Larger Map view in your personal Google Maps account
On Larger Map view, click the STAR ☆ under “Seoul, South Korea“	Adds the Map to your personal Google Maps account to access anytime on Computer* or on Phone App**
*On Computer: In your Google Maps, Click “Saved” on left bar → Click “Maps” → Click “Seoul, South Korea“	**On Phone App: In your Google Maps app, Click “You” on bottom bar → Scroll to bottom → Click “Maps” → Click “Seoul, South Korea“

Day 1: Palaces, Traditions & City Views

The first day of this 3 day itinerary dives straight into the history of Seoul, with royal heritage and skyline views.

If you want to experience all the stops on this day with a live tour guide who also provides transportation, then book it here, or in the widget below. I highly recommend booking a tour so you can have a driver/guide AND you can learn as much as you can about Seoul’s landmarks, history, and culture.

Jogyesa Temple

Start your morning at Jogyesa Temple, the center of Korean Zen Buddhism. Even though it’s located downtown, the temple feels both calm and peaceful, a nice contrast to the bustling city of Seoul.

Once you arrive you’ll immediately notice the ceiling of lanterns, each colored bright and vibrantly. But as you head towards the temple, you’ll notice the contrast where the colors transform into a peaceful and serene temple. Before entering, you are required to remove your shoes at the doorway and also absolutely no photos once inside!

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Next, head to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the grandest and most iconic of Seoul’s royal palaces. Here you can wander through the vast courtyards, admire the intricate architecture, and, if timing allows, watch the changing of the guard ceremony at the main gate at 10 AM. It also happens at 2 PM if you prefer to go in the afternoon. It’s important to note that the changing of the guards does not happen on Tuesdays, so plan accordingly!

National Folk Museum of Korea

Located within the palace grounds is the National Folk Museum of Korea, which provides helpful context about traditional Korean life, customs, and history. It’s an easy add-on and worth a short visit.

Ginseng Center

If you’re on the Sightseeing tour, you’ll be taken to a traditional ginseng center to learn about Korea’s most famous herbal remedy. While there is a sales aspect, it’s still an interesting cultural insight into Korean wellness traditions. Free samples are provided to help you in any shopping decisions.

Lunch in Insadong

For lunch, explore Insadong, one of Seoul’s most charming neighborhoods. This area is known for traditional Korean restaurants, teahouses, and souvenir shops. It’s the perfect place to try dishes like bibimbap and bulgogi while soaking up a more traditional atmosphere.

I opted to eat Korean Gyoza (which was delicious!!), and stopped by a cafe for a much-needed tea paired with a nice view of the street.

Namsangol Hanok Village

After lunch, head to Namsamgol Hanok Village. Here you’ll see restored traditional homes that show what life was life during the Joseon Dynasty. It is much quieter than Bukchon and you get an amazing view of the Tower from here.

N Seoul Tower

Then end your day at the famous N Seoul Tower on Namsan Mountain. You can either take the cable car up or a bus up, but the cable car line was not long at all and is a great way to see Seoul as you ascend up the mountain.

Once at the top of the mountain, you’ll get amazing views of the city, and you can stroll along the wooden walkways where hundreds of love locks were left by couples. You can even purchase or bring your own love lock to put on the fence if you want to leave a mark.

If you want, you can also purchase a ticket to go up the Tower to the observation deck to get an even high view of Seoul. If you time your visit right, you can watch the sunset from up here 🙂

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Day 2: Modern Seoul, Cafes & Shopping

On your second day of this 3 day itinerary in Seoul, experience Seoul’s modern side with visits to trendy cafes and exploring vibrant shopping districts

Forest Outings Cafe for Breakfast

Start your morning at Forest Outings, a greenhouse-style cafe just outside central Seoul. It is a bit farther, but I think it’s worth the visit! Inside the cafe is a beautiful indoor forest with cute and whimsical ceiling fixtures that really give this cafe a magical and unique vibe. Not to mention the pastries and coffee were really good too!

Starfield Library & Gangnam Style Sculpture

Next, head back into Seoul and visit Starfield Library inside COEX Mall. There’s towering bookshelves, an open design, and is one of Seoul’s most instamous photo spots. Even if you’re not a bookie/reader, I’m sure you’re still going to enjoy this spot! A short walk from the Starfield Library is the Gangnam Style Sculpture. Take a brief stop here if you want to see the iconic Gangnam Style dance hands.

Alternatively (or maybe additionally?), if you want to venture out of the city to visit another Starfield library, then check out the Starfield Library in Suwon. This one is a lot farther (outside of Seoul), but it is also really beautiful and grandeur.

Seoul Sky & Seokchon Lake Park

Make your way to Lotte World Tower, the tallest building in South Korea and go up to Seoul Sky, the observation deck located on the tower’s upper floors. From here, you’ll get breathtaking panoramic views across Seoul! Who doesn’t love a good bird’s-eye-view of the city 🙂

After taking in the views, head outside to Seokchon Lake Park, which wraps around the base of Lotte World Tower. This scenic walking path offers beautiful reflections of the skyscraper on the water and it’s a great spot for photos.

Seoul Forest Park

If you love nature, then head to the Seouls Forest Park. The park is especially stunning during cherry blossom season in spring and golden foliage in autumn.

Myeongdong Shopping Street

As the sun sets, make your way to Myeongdong Shopping Street. This lively area is packed with beauty stores (Olivia Young!!!), fashion shops and food street stalls. The streets light up with tall neon lights signs, and is a great place to shop, snack and experience Seoul’s energetic nightlife vibe.

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Day 3: Markets, Hanok Villages & Scenic Walks

On your final day of your 3 day Seoul itinerary, you’ll experience local food, scenic strolls, and traditional neighborhoods

Cafe Pokpo for Breakfast

Start your morning at another beautiful cafe at Cafe Pokpo. It’s known for its views of a small waterfall and relaxed atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot to ease into your last day in Seoul.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

Then head to the Dongdaemum Design Plaza which is a futuristic landmark designed by Saha Hadid. Even if you don’t go inside, the exterior alone is worth seeing and gawking at (especially for the architecture lovers out there)

Cheonggyecheon Stream

Then, head over the the Cheonggyecheon Stream! This is a peaceful pathway that winds through the city with plenty of people enjoying a stroll and stream-side vibes.

Gwangjang Market for Lunch

Right off the Stream, you can make a pitstop at the Gwangjang Market for lunch. it is one of Seoul’s oldest and most beloved traditional markets. This is the place to try classic Korean street foods like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), tteoknokki, and the famous Maya gimbal. The market is lively, bustling and full of local flavors and smells. Definitely a must visit for food lovers. There are also small shops where you can buy some souvenirs.

Ikseon-dong Hanok Village

After lunch, walk or take a short ride to Ikseon-dong Hanok Village. The village is a trendy neighborhood that blends historic hanok houses with modern cafes, boutique shops, and dessert spots. Here you can wander the narrow alleys, cafe hop, and take a short coffee/tea break.

Bukchon Hanok Village

Next, continue to Bukchon Hanok Village, where you’ll find beautifully preserved hanok homes. This area is residential (and therefore quieter) but it does get crowded… So be mindful of noise levels since people do still live here. The streets do close promptly at 5 PM to allow the residents peace and quiet as the sun sets.

Bukchon Observatory

While in the Bukchon Hanok Village, visit the Bukchon Observatory, a perfect place to end your Seoul itinerary. The Bukchon Observatory offers a great viewpoint above the traditional homes where you’ll see rows of tiled hanok rooftops framed by the tall modern building in the distance. The view is especially beautiful during sunset.

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