Travel guide
Seoul in 3 days
Explore the essentials with room to breathe, mixing ancient palaces, modern neighborhoods, and dynamic street food scenes.
Seoul by numbers
9.7M
Residents in the city
5
Grand palaces across Seoul
25
Districts (gu) in the city
20,000+
Restaurants and food establishments
The plan for these 3 days in Seoul
| Day | Focus | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Palaces and tradition | Gyeongbokgung Palace and changing of the guard | Bukchon Hanok Village walk | Insadong area and traditional dinner |
| 2 | Modern Seoul | Myeongdong shopping district | N Seoul Tower and Namsan Park | Gangnam area or Hongdae for nightlife |
| 3 | Markets and neighborhoods | Gwangjang Market and street food | Dongdaemun or neighborhood exploration | Traditional hanjeongsik dinner |
Is this travel guide for you?
Great fit if you want
- Ancient palace visits
- Traditional hanok villages
- Vibrant food markets
- Modern shopping districts
- Efficient public transit
Not ideal if you want
- A packed schedule of only palaces
- Day trips outside Seoul
- Late-night party focus
- Beach time
- Off-the-beaten-path only
Day-by-day breakdown
Day 1
Palaces and tradition
Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon, and traditional culture.
Morning
Gyeongbokgung Palace and changing of the guard
Afternoon
Bukchon Hanok Village walk
Evening
Insadong area and traditional dinner
How to enjoy Seoul in 3 days
Seoul rewards a calm pace across its mix of ancient and modern. Anchor each day with one major area, then leave time for palace visits, neighborhood markets, and spontaneous food discoveries.
Group your time by district. Pair Gyeongbokgung with Bukchon for traditional culture, dedicate another day to Myeongdong and Insadong for shopping and food, then explore Gangnam for modern contrast.
Save unhurried time for hanok village walks, local market visits, and the relaxed meals that showcase Seoul's exceptional food culture.
Logistics & practical tips for Seoul
| Best time | April to June or September to November |
|---|---|
| Airport transfer | AREX express train or airport bus to city center |
| Transit tips | Get a T-money card for easy subway and bus access |
| Ticketing | Book palace tours and N Seoul Tower in advance |
| Neighborhood stay | Myeongdong, Insadong, or Gangnam areas |
Good to know before you go
| Crowd timing | Start by 8:30–9:00 for headline sights |
|---|---|
| Seasonal notes | Plan shade or indoor stops on hot afternoons |
| Museum booking advice | Reserve timed slots 1–2 weeks ahead in peak season |
| Common mistakes | Overbooking too many sights in one day |
| Dress code | Bring a light layer for church and basilica entry |
Checklist before you go to Seoul
Tap items as you prepare. No sign-in needed.
Frequently asked questions
Is 3 days enough for Seoul?
Yes for the core highlights. This plan balances traditional and modern Seoul with enough breathing room for palace visits, food markets, and neighborhood exploration. This keeps the pace relaxed and leaves room for breaks.
Do I need to book palace visits?
For Gyeongbokgung, no advance booking needed. For Changdeokgung Secret Garden, yes—book in advance as tours are limited. The changing of the guard at Gyeongbokgung is free and worth timing your visit. This keeps the pace relaxed and leaves room for breaks.
Is Seoul walkable?
Neighborhoods are walkable, but Seoul is spread out. Use the efficient subway system to move between districts, then explore on foot within each area. This keeps the pace relaxed and leaves room for breaks.
Where should I stay?
Myeongdong offers central location and easy access to shopping and food. Insadong provides traditional character, while Gangnam offers modern convenience. This keeps the pace relaxed and leaves room for breaks.
What time should I start each day?
Start early for palace visits to avoid crowds and see the changing of the guard. Markets are best in the morning, and afternoons can be slower with neighborhood walks. This keeps the pace relaxed and leaves room for breaks.
Do I need to book restaurants in advance?
For high-end Korean BBQ or hanjeongsik, yes—especially on weekends. For street food and casual spots, walk-ins are common and part of the experience. This keeps the pace relaxed and leaves room for breaks.
Is English widely spoken?
In tourist areas and with younger people, yes. Many restaurants have English menus, and transit signs are bilingual. Learning basic Korean phrases helps. This keeps the pace relaxed and leaves room for breaks.
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