First Time Travel Seoul? The best 3-Day Itinerary Awaits

With a long-standing fascination for South Korea, we finally made our dream a reality by travel Seoul in September 2024. Following our Indonesian journey, we spent three days immersing ourselves in the unique culture and bustling atmosphere of this captivating city.

*Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. However, this comes at no extra cost to you.

Quick Itinerary

Quick travel plan for when you travel Seoul:

Day 1: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Changdeokgung Palace, Insa-dong Culture Street, Jogyesa Temple, Cheonggyecheon Stream and Myeongdong Night Market.

Day 2: Namdaemun Market and explore Gangnam.

Day 3: DMZ-tour and N Seoul Tower.

Best Time to Visit Seoul

We went to Seoul i September and had some very nice summer days. We can recommend this time of year, but otherwise, you can travel Seoul year-round. Whether you are seeking the vibrant energy of spring, the festive atmosphere of summer, the picturesque autumn foliage, or the magical charm of winter, Seoul has something to offer every visitor. Spring (March – May) is renowned for its cherry blossom festivals, while summer (June – August) is filled with outdoor events. Autumn (September – November) provides a serene escape with its stunning fall colors, and winter (December – February) transforms the city into a winter wonderland.

Planning to travel Seoul soon? We’ve put together a list of our top travel resources and must-have accessories to ensure you’re all set for your adventure!
– Find the perfect accommodation on Booking.com or Hotels.com
– Discover amazing tours on Get Your Guide
– Compare and rent a car for your journey on Discovercars.com
– Find the best prices for buses, trains, and flights on Omio.com
– Secure travel insurance Onshorekare.com
– Check out our favorite travel gear HERE
– Get your eSim for seamless connectivity iRoamly.com
– Get some great deals on tickets to tourist attractions check out Klook.com
– We love the detailed travel guides from Lonely Planet! Use this LINK or code “JESPEREDMAN10” at checkout to get 10% off

Save this itinerary to Pinterest:

How Long Should You Stay?

If you’re short on time, 3 days is a great way to travel Seoul and experience the best of the city! This itinerary is designed to maximize your trip, hitting the must-see sights and offering a taste of the city’s unique charm. But don’t feel restricted by it – it’s your adventure, so customize it as you like. If you have more time there are some really cool 1-day trips to take!

Travel Seoul: Accommodation

Seoul offers a wide range of neighborhoods, each with its unique charm. To make the most of your trip, we recommend staying centrally located. Myeongdong is a fantastic choice for those seeking shopping and entertainment, while Insadong offers a more cultural experience. For a taste of modern Seoul, Gangnam is the place to be. We had a wonderful stay at Hotel Thomas Myeongdong.

Find your Accommodation here

Transportation

Seoul boasts a world-class public transportation system that makes navigating the city a simple task. The subway is the most convenient option, with its extensive network and clear signage in both Korean and English. Buses offer a more local experience and complement the subway system. Taxis are available, but can be more expensive, especially during rush hour. For a more active way to explore, consider renting a bike. However, be cautious as traffic can be heavy.

On day two, we easily navigated the subway to Gangnam for just a few won. We also did a lot of walking to soak in as much of this amazing city as possible.

Single-journey tickets

• Base fare: 1,400 won (around 1 USD) for rides within the same zone.
• Additional zones: 200 won extra per zone you travel through.
• Travel card (T-money or Cashbee): Reduces the base fare by 100 won.

Tip: Google Maps may not provide the most accurate directions in Seoul. We recommend downloading and using the app Maps.me instead.

What to Pack when you travel Seoul

We always try to pack light and only use carry-on luggage. One tip for doing this is to use clothes made of merino wool. You can wear these clothes for multiple days in a row as moisture and air will disappear from the clothes just by hanging them up overnight.

Also be sure to pack comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking! You should also pack a light jacket, as the weather can be unpredictable.

Check out some of our best travel gear HERE

Is Seoul safe to travel?

From our experience when we travel Seoul, the city is a remarkably safe. We wandered around quite a bit, even at night, and never once felt uncomfortable. While it’s always wise to be mindful of your surroundings, we truly felt at ease and had no issues whatsoever. It made our trip even more enjoyable.

Here is a list of things you can do to increase safety while travelling:

• Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to what is happening around you, and be extra careful in crowded places.
• Protect your valuables: Keep your passport, money, and other valuables in a safe place. Avoid displaying large amounts of money or wearing expensive jewelry.
• Don’t share too much information: Be careful about sharing personal information with strangers.
• Do your research: Before traveling, research the areas you will be visiting, including any potential safety hazards and local laws and customs.
• Avoid walking alone at night: If possible, avoid walking alone at night or in unsafe areas.
• Trust your gut: If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, leave. It is better to be safe than to take unnecessary risks.
• Have a plan: Have a plan for what to do if you are robbed, get sick, or experience another emergency. Have important phone numbers and addresses written down.
• Let someone know your plans: Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.

Klook.com

If you are in to gaming

Seoul’s gaming culture is a force to be reckoned with, a vibrant blend of cutting-edge technology and passionate communities. From the ubiquitous PC bangs (gaming cafes) where you can dive into the latest releases to the electric atmosphere of esports arenas hosting fierce competitions, Seoul offers a unique experience for gamers. If you’re keen to explore this side of the city, make sure to check out a PC bang, even if it’s just for the cultural experience. For a dose of nostalgia, explore the retro game shops in Yongsan Electronics Market, where you might stumble upon rare finds and classic consoles. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch a live esports event, where the energy of the crowd is as exhilarating as the gameplay itself.

Full Itinerary – 3 days in Seoul

Travel Seoul: Day 1

We arrived early in the morning at Seoul Incheon International Airport. After around one hour bus ride from the airport to downtown Seoul, we dropped off our bags at the hotel for check in later, and to explore the city. We started by exploring the magnificent Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of the five grand palaces of the Joseon Dynasty. You can almost feel the weight of history here!

After the palace, we took a stroll to the charming Bukchon Hanok Village. Here you can wander through narrow alleys and admire the traditional Korean houses. Bukchon Yukgyeong is an especially popular photo spot.

We continued our walk to Changdeokgung Palace, known for its beautiful gardens. Afterwards, we visited the lively Insa-dong Culture Street, where you can find everything from traditional crafts to modern artwork. Nearby is also Jogyesa Temple, a peaceful and serene temple in the heart of Seoul.

To end the day before checking into our accommodation, we took a walk along Cheonggyecheon Stream. This beautiful stream winds its way through the city and offers a lovely oasis in the middle of the urban jungle.

The evening was spent exploring Myeongdong Night Market. Here you can find everything from clothes and makeup to delicious street food.

Tip: Have some cash with you, as many stalls don’t accept credit or debit cards.

Travel Seoul: Day 2

Start your day at the bustling Namdaemun Market. Afterwards, take the subway to Gangnam, Seoul’s pulsating heart and home to trendy shops and glitzy entertainment. Gangnam is more than just a song. It’s a place where tradition meets modernity, and where you can find everything from shopping and entertainment to culture and history.

Our first stop was Starfield Coex Mall. It’s Asia’s largest underground shopping mall and an experience in itself, with everything from brand stores to a large cinema and countless restaurants. But what really caught our attention was the Starfield Library. The Starfield Library is a bibliophile’s paradise, with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and cozy reading nooks that invite you to get lost in a good book.

For those interested in K-pop, K-Star Road is a must-visit. Here you can take selfies with your favorite idols and feel like part of Korean pop culture. And don’t forget to visit the Gangnam Style Sculpture – a perfect photo spot to remember your trip.

Tip: South Korea is known for its skincare, and Olive Young is a fantastic store chain to find your old or new favorite products!

Travel Seoul: Day 3

A trip to Seoul would not be complete without a visit to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). This unique place, which separates South Korea from North Korea, is both historically and politically charged. It can be a good idea too book your DMZ tour in advance, especially during peak season. You can also book through your accommodation witch we did and that was no problem at all.

The DMZ tour was one of the highlights of our trip. Along with a small group and a knowledgeable guide, we were picked up early in the morning to go to the border. We started with a visit to the information center where we learned more about the complicated history between North and South Korea. Then we headed to the Odusan Unification Observation Deck, where we could see into North Korea. It was a surreal experience to stand so close to such a closed country. Another interesting stop was The Third Tunnel. This underground passage was built by North Korea secretly with the aim of infiltrating South Korea. Standing inside the tunnel and thinking about the war mentality was a tangible experience.

N Seoul Tower

Love Lock of Namsan Tower is a tradition where couples attach padlocks to the fences as a symbol of their love. It’s a romantic gesture that has become a popular attraction.

End the day with a dinner in the Namsan area, or take a walk through Namsan Park and enjoy the beautiful view. The DMZ and N Seoul Tower are two completely different experiences, but both are important parts of a trip to Seoul. One gives you a glimpse into the past and the other a fantastic view of the future.

Outro

We had three incredible days when we travel Seoul! From the serene beauty of the palaces and temples to the vibrant energy of Gangnam and the poignant experience of the DMZ, this city truly captivated us. We explored bustling markets, wandered through charming villages, and even ventured underground to a secret North Korean tunnel. Seoul is a city of contrasts, where ancient traditions meet modern marvels, and where every corner holds a new discovery. We hope our itinerary inspires you to create your own unforgettable Seoul adventure. We can’t wait to go back someday and explore even more!

If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment.

Youtube video for inspiration

Thanks for reading! We spend a lot of time on these posts, so if you enjoyed it, feel free to buy us a coffee!