3 day itinerary for Seoul

Itinerary

Seoul is a vibrant city with a rich history, delicious food, and a lively culture. With a relaxed pace in mind, here’s a delightful 3-day itinerary that allows you to soak in the sights without feeling rushed. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Historical Seoul

Morning: Gyeongbokgung Palace

• Start your day at Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of the Five Grand Palaces. Arrive early to catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which happens at 10 AM and 2 PM. The palace grounds are beautiful, so take your time wandering around and snapping photos.
• Don’t forget to visit the National Folk Museum located within the palace grounds to learn about traditional Korean life.

Lunch: Bukchon Hanok Village

• Stroll over to Bukchon Hanok Village, a charming area filled with traditional Korean houses (hanoks). There are plenty of quaint cafes and restaurants here. Grab a light lunch at a local spot—perhaps some bibimbap or a refreshing bowl of naengmyeon (cold noodles).

Afternoon: Insadong

• After lunch, head to Insadong, a cultural district known for its art galleries, antique shops, and tea houses. Take your time exploring the narrow streets, and don’t hesitate to pop into a tea house for a traditional Korean tea experience.

Evening: Dinner in Insadong

• For dinner, try a traditional Korean BBQ restaurant in Insadong. Enjoy grilling your own meat and savoring the various side dishes (banchan) that come with it.

Night: Stroll along Cheonggyecheon Stream

• After dinner, take a leisurely walk along Cheonggyecheon Stream. The illuminated pathways and gentle sounds of the water create a lovely atmosphere to end your day.

## Day 2: Modern Seoul

Morning: Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

• Start your day at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, an architectural marvel. Explore the exhibitions and the surrounding area, which is filled with unique shops and street vendors.

Lunch: Gwangjang Market

• Head to Gwangjang Market for lunch. This bustling market is famous for its street food. Try some bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and mayak gimbap (mini seaweed rice rolls)—they're delicious!

Afternoon: Myeongdong Shopping District

• After lunch, make your way to Myeongdong, a shopping paradise. Take your time browsing through the shops, and don’t forget to stop for some street food snacks like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) or hotteok (sweet pancakes).

Evening: N Seoul Tower

• As the sun sets, head to N Seoul Tower. You can take a cable car up to the tower for stunning panoramic views of the city. Enjoy the sunset and the twinkling city lights as night falls.

Dinner: Itaewon

• After descending, head to Itaewon for dinner. This area is known for its diverse food scene. Whether you’re in the mood for Korean fried chicken, international cuisine, or something else, you’ll find plenty of options.

## Day 3: Nature and Relaxation

Morning: Hangang Park

• Start your day with a leisurely stroll or bike ride along the Han River at Hangang Park. It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors and take in the city’s skyline. You can rent a bike if you’re feeling adventurous!

Lunch: Picnic by the River

• Pack a picnic or grab some kimbap from a nearby convenience store and enjoy lunch by the river. It’s a lovely way to relax and soak in the scenery.

Afternoon: Hongdae

• After lunch, head to the vibrant Hongdae area, known for its youthful energy and artistic vibe. Explore the quirky shops, street performances, and art installations. If you’re interested, you can also check out a local café for some coffee and dessert.

Evening: Traditional Korean Spa (Jjimjilbang)

• For a unique experience, spend your evening at a jjimjilbang (Korean spa). Dragon Hill Spa is a popular choice. Relax in the saunas, soak in the baths, and enjoy some snacks at the spa’s restaurant. It’s a perfect way to unwind after a busy few days!

Dinner: Casual Dining in Hongdae

• For your final dinner, find a cozy restaurant in Hongdae. You might want to try some Korean fried chicken or a comforting bowl of jjigae (stew).

And there you have it! A relaxed yet fulfilling 3-day itinerary in Seoul that balances history, modernity, and relaxation. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take lots of photos! If you have any other questions or need more tips, feel free to ask!