Hotels in Myeongdong or Hongdae HotelBoth close to subway lines.
3Days
12Stops
9Meal tips
About Β£70-130 a day, mid-range, flights excludedBudget
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Three days in Seoul: the royal palaces and Bukchon hanok village, markets and Korean barbecue, and the trendy districts of Hongdae and Gangnam. Seoul is efficient and safe. Spring and autumn are most pleasant. Wear comfortable shoes.
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Book a place to stay and the popular tickets early for Seoul, South Korea.
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Where Mohammed Ali stayed and what to book
DMZ tour from Seoul TourA half or full day trip to the border with North Korea. Book through a licensed operator.
K-pop dance class ActivityA fun way to learn some moves.
Day by day
Palaces and old Seoul
09:00
Gyeongbokgung Palace
The grandest of Seoul's five palaces, with a changing of the guard ceremony. Wearing a hanbok gets free entry.
View on map βπ‘ Closed on Tuesdays.
12:00
Bukchon Hanok Village
A neighbourhood of traditional Korean houses on a hillside. People still live here, so keep your voice down.
View on map βπ‘ Respect visiting-hour rules.
14:30
Insadong
A street of tea houses, galleries and craft shops.
View on map βπ‘ Try traditional tea and sweets.
18:00
Gwangjang Market
A historic market famous for bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), mayak kimbap and raw beef.
View on map βπ‘ Eat in the central food lanes.
π½ Where to eat
breakfastHotel breakfastKorean Β· $
lunchBibimbapKorean Β· $
dinnerMarket street foodKorean Β· $
π Book ahead for day 1Tickets and tours: Gyeongbokgung Palace π¨ Find a hotel
Myeongdong, Namsan and BBQ
10:00
Changdeokgung Palace and Secret Garden
A UNESCO palace with a hidden garden, visited on guided tours.
View on map βπ‘ Book the garden tour in English.
13:00
Myeongdong
A shopping and street food district famous for skincare and cosmetics.
View on map βπ‘ Look for samples and tax-free shopping.
16:00
N Seoul Tower on Namsan
Take the cable car up for city views. Lovers' padlocks cover the fences.
View on map βπ‘ Go at sunset.
19:30
Korean BBQ dinner
Grill pork or beef at the table, wrapped in lettuce with kimchi and sauces.
View on map βπ‘ Most places need two diners.
π½ Where to eat
breakfastCafe breakfastKorean Β· $
lunchStreet snacks in MyeongdongKorean Β· $
dinnerKorean BBQKorean Β· $$
π Book ahead for day 2Tickets and tours: Changdeokgung Palace and Secrβ¦
Hongdae and the Han River
10:30
Ihwa Mural Village or Seoul City Wall
A hillside neighbourhood of murals with views over Seoul.
View on map βπ‘ Be respectful of residents.
13:30
Hongdae
A youthful district of street performers, cafΓ©s and independent shops near Hongik University.
View on map βπ‘ Best from afternoon into evening.
17:30
Han River park picnic
Pick up fried chicken and beer (chimaek) and picnic by the river at sunset.
View on map βπ‘ Convenience stores sell supplies.
20:00
Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain
A water show with colours at night from spring to autumn.
View on map βπ‘ Check the schedule.
π½ Where to eat
breakfastHotel breakfastKorean Β· $
lunchTteokbokki street foodKorean Β· $
dinnerFried chicken by the riverKorean Β· $
π Book ahead for day 3Tickets and tours: Ihwa Mural Village or Seoul Cβ¦
Good to know
βοΈ Getting thereIncheon Airport connects by AREX train (about 45-60 minutes) or bus.
π Getting aroundSubway and buses are clean and efficient. Use a T-money card.
π· CurrencySouth Korean won (KRW). Cards are widely accepted.
π£ LanguageKorean. English is common at tourist sites.
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Photos: vignesh srivatsav, Jan Ε½idlickΓ½, Chhabiraj Adhikari on Pexels.
Mohammed Ali
Mohammed Ali is the Founder and CEO of Tripsora, an AI-powered travel companion transforming how people discover and plan their journeys worldwide. Driven by a passion for authentic exploration, tech innovation, and seam
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