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Itinerary · 3 days

Seoul in 3 Days: A First-Visit Itinerary

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Seoul in 3 Days: A First-Visit Itinerary (AI-generated illustrative image)

This route is built for a first visit and keeps each day within one part of the city, so you spend your time sightseeing rather than crossing town. Day one covers the royal heart of Seoul in Jongno; day two moves east and south to the markets, Dongdaemun and Namsan; day three crosses the Han River to Gangnam and Jamsil before ending in Hongdae.

Opening days matter: most palaces close one day a week and the days differ, so swap days one and two if needed. Each linked attraction page has verified hours, closing days and admission. For an overview of the city by district, see the Seoul guide.

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Day 1: Palaces, Bukchon and Insadong

  1. Gyeongbokgung PalaceStart at opening time to see the main courtyards before the crowds; check the guard-ceremony times and the Tuesday closing on the attraction page.
  2. National Palace MuseumRoyal artefacts right beside the palace — a good indoor stop.
  3. Bukchon Hanok VillageWalk the hanok lanes between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung. Parts of the area have visiting-hour limits for tourists; see the page before you go.
  4. Changdeokgung Palace and the Secret GardenThe Secret Garden can only be seen on a timed tour with its own ticket, so book or buy it early.
  5. InsadongCraft shops, galleries and teahouses for the late afternoon and dinner.

Day 2: Markets, Namsan and Myeongdong

  1. Gwangjang MarketOne of Seoul's oldest markets; come hungry for mung-bean pancakes and other stall food.
  2. CheonggyecheonWalk west along the restored stream towards Gwanghwamun.
  3. Dongdaemun Design PlazaZaha Hadid's curving landmark and the fashion malls around it.
  4. Namsan and N Seoul TowerGo up in the late afternoon to see the city by day and after dark.
  5. MyeongdongCosmetics shops and evening street-food stalls at the foot of Namsan.

Day 3: South of the river, the Han and Hongdae

  1. Bongeunsa TempleA historic temple facing the COEX towers.
  2. Starfield Library at COEXThe tall bookshelf atrium inside the COEX mall.
  3. Lotte World Tower and Seoul SkyKorea's tallest building, with an observatory at the top and Seokchon Lake below.
  4. Yeouido Hangang ParkRiverside park for a sunset walk or picnic.
  5. HongdaeStudent district for an evening of street performance, cafés and nightlife.

Frequently asked questions

Is three days enough for Seoul?

Three days covers the main palaces, the old neighbourhoods, markets and a view from Namsan or Lotte World Tower. Add a fourth day for a DMZ tour or a hike in Bukhansan.

How do I get around between the stops?

By subway: every stop on this route is near a metro station. Use a T-money card or the Climate Card; see getting around Seoul.

Sources

Facts on this page were checked against these sources on 2 October 2026. Prices, hours and rules change — confirm with the operator before you go.