🗓️ Seoul in 3 Days: A First-Time Itinerary

Day 1: Palaces and old Seoul

Start with Gyeongbokgung, the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. It closes on Tuesdays, whereas most other royal palaces, including Changdeokgung, close on Mondays. Admission is free if you wear hanbok, and there are usually free-entry days such as the last Wednesday of the month, so check the palace’s current notices.

Walk east to Bukchon Hanok Village, a residential area of traditional houses, and be quiet and respectful because people live there. Continue to Insadong for tea, crafts and traditional snacks, then end at Cheonggyecheon stream for an evening walk.

Day 2: Namsan, Myeongdong and design

Ride up Namsan by cable car or hike the park’s paths to N Seoul Tower for city views, ideally in the afternoon light so you can stay for sunset. Then shop and eat in Myeongdong, known for cosmetics and street food, and stop at the Tourist Information Center for maps and tips.

In the evening head to Dongdaemun Design Plaza, whose curved building is lit at night, and browse the late-opening fashion malls nearby.

Day 3: Trendy neighborhoods and the Han River

Spend the morning in Seongsu-dong, a former factory district now full of cafés, pop-up shops and design studios, or in Hongdae, the youth and indie-music area. Pick one rather than trying to fit in both.

In the afternoon, borrow a picnic mat and relax in a Han River park such as Yeouido. Order fried chicken or ramyeon from the machines or convenience stores if you fancy a local picnic, and finish with a night view from a bridge or riverside.

Practical tips

Get a T-money card at the airport or a convenience store and tap on and off buses and subways. Wear comfortable shoes, carry a small umbrella in summer, and eat lunch before 13:00 or after 14:00 to avoid queues.

If something goes wrong, the 1330 Korea Travel Hotline runs 24 hours with staff for Korean, English, Japanese and Chinese.