Seoul in 3 days: a day-by-day itinerary

Three days are enough for a first visit to Seoul: one day for the palaces and the traditional quarter, one for markets, the Cheonggyecheon stream and Namsan tower, and a third for modern Seoul in Gangnam and Hongdae. The metro is fast, clean and signposted in English.

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Day 1. Palaces and traditional Seoul

  1. Gyeongbokgung

    The main palace of the Joseon dynasty, with a ceremonial changing of the guard. Closed on Tuesdays. Entry is free if you wear a hanbok.

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  2. Bukchon Hanok Village

    Lanes of traditional hanok houses where people live. The busiest area has restricted visiting hours: respect them and keep quiet.

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  3. Changdeokgung & Secret Garden

    A UNESCO-listed palace. Its Secret Garden can only be visited on a guided tour, best booked ahead. Closed on Mondays.

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  4. Insadong

    A street of tea houses, galleries and crafts. A good place for souvenirs and dinner.

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Day 2. Markets, the stream and Namsan

  1. Gwangjang Market

    One of Seoul's oldest markets. Try the mung bean pancakes (bindaetteok) and mini kimbap.

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  2. Cheonggyecheon

    A restored stream right in the centre, with a walkway running for kilometres below street level.

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  3. N Seoul Tower (Namsan)

    Take the cable car or walk up to N Seoul Tower to see the city at sunset.

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  4. Myeongdong

    Streets of Korean cosmetics shops and, at night, dozens of street food stalls.

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Day 3. Gangnam and Hongdae

  1. Starfield Library (COEX)

    A library with 13-metre bookshelves inside the COEX mall. It's free.

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  2. Lotte World Tower

    Korea's tallest skyscraper, with an observation deck on the top floors (Seoul Sky).

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  3. Hongdae

    The university district: buskers, independent shops, bars and Korean barbecue until late.

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Practical tips

  • Buy a T-money card at any convenience store: it works on the metro, buses and taxis.
  • Google Maps doesn't give full directions in Korea. Download Naver Map or KakaoMap.
  • There's no tipping in Korea.
  • Staying near Myeongdong, Insadong or Hongdae keeps you well connected by metro.

Frequently asked questions

Are 3 days enough for Seoul?

Yes for the essentials: the palaces, the traditional neighbourhoods, the markets and the modern side. With more days, take a tour to the DMZ or a day trip to Suwon.

Which palaces should I see, and when are they closed?

Gyeongbokgung, the largest, closes on Tuesdays; Changdeokgung, with the Secret Garden, closes on Mondays. Wearing a hanbok gets you into the palaces for free.

How do I get around Seoul?

By metro with a T-money card. For directions use Naver Map or KakaoMap, which work much better than Google Maps in Korea.

Make it yours

Plannit builds an itinerary around your interests and dates, with a map, photos and transport between stops.

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Opening hours and rules can change: check the official websites before you go.