Itineraries for Your Trip to Seoul
3 Days in Seoul for First Timers
When I first moved to Seoul, I was wide-eyed and eager to soak in every ounce of the city’s history, culture, and cuisine. The juxtaposition of its ancient palaces and futuristic architecture was dizzying.
During my year there, I developed a well-honed itinerary for whenever friends and family would visit. Over a decade later, they still talk about their Seoul vacations with delight. While absorbing the whole of Korea’s capital is hard to fit into three days, it’s entirely possible to discover its essentials.
Seoul can experience multiple seasons in a day; watch the forecast and dress according.
If you only have time for one Seoul attraction, make it the Joseon-era Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Your Korean adventure begins at Gyeongbokgung Palace, located in the easy-to-reach Jongno-gu District. After wandering the grounds of the 14th-century royal residence, explore nearby Bukchon Hanok Village and Changdeokgung Palace. Then, walk south to the Jogyesa Zen Buddhist Temple to see the country’s largest Buddhist shrine.
For a more modern take on the city, hop on the No. 1 shuttle bus to N Seoul Tower cable car station or all the way to the main entrance of the 774-foot tower. An elevator whisks you to the observation deck for 360-degree views. Visit at sunset to watch the city light up.
On day two, see Korea’s number one attraction: the DMZ. Wednesday to Sunday, the DMZ Peace Train runs once daily from Yongsan Station. A round-trip ticket includes stops at the DMZ's main points of interest, including Dora Observatory and the Third Tunnel. For a deeper understanding of the DMZ’s history, consider a private or group tour.
Upon returning to Yongsan Station, take the subway 10 minutes north to Insadong to explore the antique stores, restaurants, and galleries on its main pedestrian street. Go modern at the Color Pool Museum, traditional with a Makgeolli rice wine tasting, or book a customized tour.
Head to Gwangjang Market in the Jongno-gu District for street food. The kaleidoscopic shopping center is also home to thousands of stores selling everything from handicrafts to traditional medicines. Next, walk 15 minutes east to experience part of the 14th-century Seoul City Wall trail, which extends 11.5 miles. For a very short jaunt, head north to Ihwa Mural Village.
From here, take Subway Line 4 to Ichon Station. Just a 10-minute walk north, the National Museum of Korea presents outstanding exhibits on Korean art and history. After your visit, walk south to Ichon Hangang Park and end your Seoul vacation with a leisurely stroll or paddle along the Han River.
