3 Days Travel Guide to Seoul, South Korea
Seoul, the vibrant capital of South Korea, is a city where ancient meets modern, offering a myriad of attractions ranging from historic palaces and cultural landmarks to cutting-edge technology and fashion districts. This guide will help you explore the best of Seoul in 3 days, ensuring you experience its most significant and unique offerings.
Day 1: History and Culture
Morning: Gyeongbokgung Palace (9:00 AM – 11:30 AM)
- Location: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Cost: KRW 3,000 (Adult)
- Description: Start your Seoul adventure at Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of the Five Grand Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty. Witness the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony, explore the beautiful palace grounds, and visit the National Palace Museum of Korea located within.
- Time Allocation: 2.5 hours
Lunch: Insadong (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM)
- Location: A short walk from Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Cost: Varies
- Description: Head to Insadong for lunch, where traditional Korean restaurants and tea houses line the streets. It’s the perfect place to try authentic Korean dishes.
Afternoon: Bukchon Hanok Village (1:30 PM – 3:30 PM)
- Location: Between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace
- Cost: Free
- Description: Explore Bukchon Hanok Village, known for its traditional Korean wooden houses (hanoks). This area offers a glimpse into Korea’s historical lifestyle, contrasting with the modern city surrounding it.
- Time Allocation: 2 hours
Evening: N Seoul Tower (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
- Location: 105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- Cost: KRW 11,000 (Observatory)
- Description: Conclude your day with panoramic views of Seoul from the N Seoul Tower, located on Namsan Mountain. The tower’s observatory provides a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city, especially beautiful at sunset.
- Time Allocation: 2 hours
Day 2: Modern Seoul
Morning: Hongdae (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
- Location: Near Hongik University Station
- Cost: Free to explore; shopping and activities vary
- Description: Dive into the youthful and artistic spirit of Seoul in Hongdae, known for its indie music scene, street performances, unique cafes, and fashion stores.
- Time Allocation: 2 hours
Lunch: Myeongdong (12:30 PM – 1:30 PM)
- Location: Jung-gu, Seoul
- Cost: Varies
- Description: Enjoy lunch in Myeongdong, one of Seoul’s main shopping districts. This area is also famous for its street food stalls, offering everything from Korean snacks to international dishes.
Afternoon: Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
- Location: 281 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Cost: Free for the plaza; exhibitions vary
- Description: Visit the iconic Dongdaemun Design Plaza, a major urban development landmark designed by Zaha Hadid. Explore its unique structure, public spaces, and various design-related exhibitions.
- Time Allocation: 2 hours
Evening: Cheonggyecheon Stream (4:30 PM – 6:30 PM)
- Location: Begins at Cheonggye Plaza, Seoul
- Cost: Free
- Description: End your day with a relaxing walk along Cheonggyecheon Stream. This 11km-long modern public recreation space in downtown Seoul is beautifully lit in the evenings, offering a tranquil escape from the city bustle.
- Time Allocation: 2 hours
Day 3: Nature and Relaxation
Morning: Changdeokgung Palace and Huwon (Secret Garden) (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
- Location: 99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Cost: Combined ticket KRW 8,000 (Adult)
- Description: Visit Changdeokgung Palace, another one of the Five Grand Palaces, renowned for its well-preserved architecture and Huwon (Secret Garden). The garden tour offers serene landscapes and a peaceful atmosphere, showcasing traditional Korean garden design.
- Time Allocation: 3 hours
Lunch: Samcheong-dong (12:30 PM – 1:30 PM)
- Location: Close to Changdeokgung Palace
- Cost: Varies
- Description: Head to Samcheong-dong for lunch, where you can find a variety of restaurants serving both Korean and international cuisine. The area is also known for its quaint boutiques and galleries.
Afternoon: Lotte World Tower & Mall (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
- Location: 300 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul
- Cost: Observation deck KRW 27,000 (Adult)
- Description: Experience modern Korean engineering and architecture at the Lotte World Tower, the tallest building in South Korea. Visit the observation deck for spectacular views, and explore the adjoining mall for shopping and entertainment options.
- Time Allocation: 3 hours
Evening: Han River Cruise (5:30 PM – 7:00 PM)
- Location: Departs from various docks along the Han River
- Cost: Approximately KRW 15,000 – 20,000 (Adult)
- Description: Conclude your Seoul exploration with a peaceful Han River cruise, offering a unique perspective of the city’s skyline. It’s a perfect way to unwind and reflect on your journey.
- Time Allocation: 1.5 hours
General Tips for Seoul:
- Transport: Utilize the Seoul Metropolitan Subway for efficient and affordable travel around the city. Purchase a T-money card for convenience.
- Connectivity: Rent a portable Wi-Fi device or purchase a SIM card to stay connected.
- Cultural Etiquette: Familiarize yourself with basic Korean etiquette to show respect to locals.
- Weather: Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly, as Seoul experiences distinct seasons.
Enjoy your 3-days journey through the fascinating city of Seoul, embracing both its historical roots and modern flair.
