Seoul Itinerary: 3-10 Days Without Wasting a Single Day (2026 Guide + Map)

Struggling to find the perfect Seoul itinerary? After spending months living in Seoul, I’ve created this 10 day itinerary covering everything from palaces and markets to hiking trails and day trips.

This itinerary covers everything you need for 3, 5, 7, or 10 days in Seoul. Whether you’re short on time or have the luxury of a longer trip, I’ve broken down exactly what to see each day, how to get there, and what it costs. After spending months living in Seoul, I’ve figured out what is worth seeing.

Post updated January 2026.

^{Some links in this post are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase.}

How many days do you need in Seoul? Is 10 days too long?

I say this with my full heart, no, no, no, 100 times over.

Seoul is very spread out with a range of different attractions outside the main tourist areas. If you would like to see more than Seoul’s main neighbourhoods and go on day trips 10 days is the perfect amount of time.

I feel a minimum of 5 days is needed to see the main areas of the city.

Dont forget travel insurance. Healthcare is expensive AF in Korea. I had to visit a clinic in Busan for a check up and needed a translator on top of the other costs. The bill cost me over 500,000 KRW.

I use True Traveller (for EU/UK citizens). But World Nomads is also an excellent choice for anyone outside of here.

Best Time To Visit Seoul

Seoul is a year-round destination, but some seasons are better than others depending on what you’re after. My recommendation?

If you can choose, go in autumn (late September to early November) or spring (late March to early May). You’ll get the best weather, the prettiest scenery, and a much more enjoyable experience walking around the city.

Here’s the honest breakdown.

Spring (March to May)

Cherry blossom season is the big draw here, usually peaking in early to mid April. The palace grounds, riverside, and Namsan Mountain are absolutely stunning with pink blossoms everywhere. The weather is mild (around 10-20°C) and it’s genuinely one of the prettiest times to visit.

The downside? Everyone knows this. Expect crowds at popular spots and higher accommodation prices. If you’re set on cherry blossom season, book your hotels at least a month in advance.

Summer (June to August)

Summer is not ideal. The monsoon season (called “jangma”) hits from late June through July, bringing heavy rain and intense humidity. August is hot and sticky (30°C+). You’ll be sweating through your clothes within minutes of leaving the subway.

That said, if summer is your only option, it’s not a disaster. Focus on indoor activities like museums, shopping malls, and cafes. The markets are covered so you can still explore those. Just pack an umbrella and accept that you’ll be damp.

Autumn (September to November)

This is when I visited and honestly, it’s my favourite time. The weather is crisp and dry, the humidity disappears, and the autumn foliage in late October is stunning. The maple trees at Changdeokgung Secret Garden were bright red when I was there and it was genuinely one of the most beautiful things I saw in Korea.

Temperatures hover around 10-20°C which is perfect for walking around all day. The only downside is that foliage season (late October to early November) does get busy, especially at Bukhansan and the palaces.

Winter (December to February)

Cold, I mean really really cold. Temperatures drop to -10°C and the wind cuts right through you. But if you don’t mind layering up, winter has its charm. The Christmas lights in Myeongdong are lovely, the crowds thin out significantly, and it’s perfect weather for warming up in cosy cafes and jjimjilbangs (Korean spas).

Ski resorts near Seoul also open in winter if that’s your thing. And accommodation prices drop quite a bit outside of the Christmas and Lunar New Year holidays.

Getting from Airport

The majority of readers will be arriving to Seoul via Incheon Airport. This is about 50km west of central Seoul, so you’ll need to factor in travel time on your first day. We found there are plenty of options to get from Incheon to Seoul and they’re all pretty straightforward.

AREX Express Train (Fastest)

This is the quickest way into the city. It takes 43 minutes direct to Seoul Station with no stops. Trains run every 30-40 minutes and cost 9,500 KRW (around $7). You can book online or purchase tickets from terminal 1 or 2.

Operating hours:

• Terminal 1: 05:23 (first train) – 22:48 (last train)
• Terminal 2: 05:15 (first train) – 22:40 (last train)

From Seoul Station you can transfer to the subway to reach your accommodation. Best for anyone staying near Seoul Station, Myeongdong, or anywhere on the subway network where Seoul Station is a convenient transfer point.

AREX All-Stop Train (Cheapest)

This is what I took. Same train line but it stops at every station along the way, taking about 66 minutes to Seoul Station. The big advantage is it stops at Hongik University Station (Hongdae), so if you’re staying in Hongdae you can get off directly without transferring.

It costs 4,150 KRW (around $3) and you can pay with your T-money card. Trains run every 6-12 minutes so you won’t be waiting long.

Operating hours:

• Terminal 1: 05:24 (first train) – 23:38 (last train)
• Terminal 2: 05:18 (first train) – 23:32 (last train)

I’d recommend this one for most people. It’s cheap, easy, and the extra 20 minutes really isn’t a big deal when you’ve just landed.

Quick Guide To Seoul Neighbourhoods

Seoul is divided into districts (gu). The city is very spread out and is best to organise your days by districts to maximise your time.

The main tourist areas are:

District	Main Areas	Vibe / Highlights
Jongno-gu	Palaces, Bukchon, Insadong	Historic Seoul
Jung-gu	Myeongdong, Namsan, Namdaemun	Shopping and landmarks
Mapo-gu	Hongdae, Mangwon	Young, trendy, nightlife
Gangnam-gu	COEX, Bongeunsa	Upscale, modern
Yongsan-gu	Itaewon, museums	International, diverse

The best place for first timers to stay in Seoul is Hongdae and Myeongdong. And if you want to go out a few nights then Hongdae, Itaewon and Gangnam are the best places to base yourself.

10 Day Seoul Itinerary

How To Use This Itinerary

There is no denying this is a long a** blog post. I’ve tried to make it as digestible as possible.

Trip Length	Days to Follow	Highlights
3 days	Days 1–3	Hongdae, palaces, Namsan Tower, Myeongdong
5 days	Days 1–5	Above + Gangnam, DMZ
7 days	Days 1–7	Above + rest day, City Wall Trail, Gwangjang Market
10 days	Days 1–10	Full itinerary including day trips and hiking

10 Day Seoul Itinerary Map

I’ve saved all attractions, cafes, restaurants and bars mentioned throughout this Seoul itinerary to this map.

Need a shorter itinerary? Check out my One Day In Seoul Itinerary here

3 Day Seoul Itinerary

Day 1: Hongdae

Getting here: The blue, green and brown line all run though Hongdae. Hongik Univ. Station (blue line) will get you the closest to Hongdae street.

Morning: Cafe Hopping In Yeonnamdong

One of my favourite things to do in Hongdae was to cafe hop. After all, the cafe culture in Korea is a big deal.

The cafes tend to be very aesthetic, Korea is known to favour looks so it makes sense their coffee shops are also just as pleasing to the eye. Think picture perfect interiors and Instagrammable corners.

The coffee tends to be sweet, with drinks like the Austrian einspanner (iced latte topped with a thick often sweetened layer) on almost every menu. The selection of pastries are insane, with most cafes having a self-serve pastry selection at the front where you pick up tongs and a tray and choose one (or 5!) to enjoy.

I found the area of Yeonnam to have the most impressive and aesthetic cafes. My picks are McCoy’s Coffee (looks like an American cabin in the woods), Coffee Nap Roasters (the floor is super cool), MintChoco World (what can I say, I love mint). But really just wander the area and you will be spoilt for choice.

Read my guide on the 32 Instagrammable cafes in Seoul

Not in the mood for coffee? Then yeonnamdong kombucha is a refreshing alternative

Afternoon: Gyeongui Line Forest Park

After filling up on pastries and lattes a walk might be in order. Gyeongui Line Forest Park is a stunning peaceful local park nestled in amount residential buildings. A former old railway line, it has been repurposed into a relaxing park.

Gyeongui Line Forest Park is 6.3 km, that goes between Map-gu and Yongsan-gu. There is also the Gyeongui Book Street where 14 book booths are in the shape of a train that are filled with a range of books.

I loved just taking a seat and watching all the pampered fur babies (FYI dogs – not actual babies), often in prams with cute outfits on, sometimes even diapers. Dogs are treated like royalty in Korea (as they should be) with posh outfits and stylish haircuts.

If you are visiting during cherry blossom season the paths are especially beautiful as they are lined with cherry blossom trees with the pink blossoms peppering the ground.

Mangwon Market

The first of a few Korean food markets over the course of this Seoul itinerary. Compared to other markets on this list, Mangwon Market is not touristy at all, it feels authentic with a wide selection of street food and fresh produce.

The market is a 200 metre stretch under a covered arcade making it also a great place to go in Seoul when it rains.

Come here for lunch to try some Korean street food favourites like spicy tteokbokki (rice cakes), kalguksu (knife cut noodle soup), odeng (fish cake) and hotteok (hot pancake stuffed with seeds and honey).

In terms of stalls I recommend at Mangwon Market, HoonHook hotteok (located in the basement), Uirak Mangwon (deep fried chilli peppers), Mangwon Tteokgalbi (short rib bugers) and Kyuseu Chicken (fried chicken + tteokbokki).

Evening: Hongdae

Hongdae is one of Seoul’s most famous areas, what Shibuya is to Tokyo, Hongdae is to Seoul, no trip is complete without it! It’s known as the trendy part of town with a young population, clubs, cool boutiques and lots of aesthetic cafes. Here are some things I recommend doing in Hongdae.

1. Hongdae Shopping Street

Here you can find all the latest Korean fashion trends with the streets lined with fashion boutiques, jewellery, phone cases and bags to name a few. One thing to note is that the clothes are mostly just one size and you are not allowed to try them on.

Along with fashion Hongdae shopping street also has a few food stalls. I highly recommend trying the Smores ice-cream here. These are marshmallow-covered blocks of ice-cream on a stick, the marshmallow is toasted with a hand burner in front of you. They are delicious!

2. Hongdae Square

In the day Hongdae colourful square is an excellent photo spot.

However, it is best experienced in the evening when performers take to the streets. These performers are extremely talented, you could witness singers, dancers, and even a K-pop group busking for the crowds.

One night a colourful purple stage was erected where a rock band preformed for a large crowd. Although I didn’t know who they were, they drew a big crowd and we really enjoyed watching them.

Want to try K-BBQ?  Pig Company and ungteori saenggogi in Hongdae have high-quality meats and are an excellent place for first-time K-BBQ goers.

3. Photobooths

Did you even go to Korea if you didn’t come back with a suitcase full of Polaroids? Photobooths are so much fun!

You can grab props like wigs, glasses, hats and even full outfits for the best everlasting souvenir. You can also filter your pictures for flawless skin.

You’ll find loads of photo booths scattered around Hongdae and the rest of Seoul. Here are some unique ones to look out for.

• BYTP has subway backgrounds.
• Movement takes low and high angle photos. Results are very 90’s.
• Photoism edits in your favourite K-POP star
• DON’T LXXK UP takes photos while you look up to the camera. Results are very cool.

4. Karaoke

Koreans LOVE karaoke, you’ll notice many karaoke joints across the country, many of have large glass windows, so you can put on the performance of your life for the people outside.

If you’ve ever dreamed of being a pop star, now’s your chance!

In Korea, karaoke is called “noraebang” which translates to song room. You can visit a coin noraebang where you pay per song through a coin slot or a regular noraebang which is pay per hour. I recommend a regular noraebang over a coin one as you really will want at least an hour here.

A regular noraebang should cost between 6,000-30,000 won ($5-25) depending on how luxurious it is while a coin noraebang is approximately 500 won per song. You can order snacks and drinks, some sell alcohol but not all. Reservations are not required.

I recommend 수노래연습장 홍대 본점 and Su Noraebang (럭셔리수노래방) both are very fun overlooking Hongdae square.

You might also like: 33 Best Things To Do In Seoul For First Timers

Day 2: Palaces, Bukchon + Insadong

Day 2 of this Seoul itinerary, we are going to go back in time and learn more about Seoul’s rich history.

Getting here: Take Line 3 to Anguk Station (Exit 2) for Changdeokgung or Gyeongbokgung. Both palaces are about a 10 minute walk from the station.

Morning: Palace Tour

There are five grand palaces in Seoul, all built during the Joseon Dynasty. You don’t need to visit all of them (they start to blur together after a while), but I recommend picking two. Gyeongbokgung is the must-see, then choose between Changdeokgung or Changgyeonggung depending on your interests.

If you’d prefer a guided experience, this 3-hour tour of Jogyesa Temple, Gyeongbokgung, and Changdeokgung is a good option for maximising your time.

Pro tip: Arrive at 9am when the gates open. By 11am, the courtyards are packed with tour groups and it’s harder to get photos without crowds.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Dating back to 1395, Gyeongbokgung is Seoul’s largest and most iconic palace. It was the main royal residence of the Joseon Dynasty but has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times. It was first destroyed during the Japanese invasions of 1592, then deliberately demolished during Japanese colonial rule (1910-1945). The reconstruction you see today began in 1990 and is ongoing, with about 40% of the original structures restored.

A fun and memorable thing to do here is rent a traditional Korean dress called a hanbok and take photos on the palace grounds. I’ll be honest, I felt a bit silly at first, but once I saw that half the visitors were doing it (locals included), I relaxed. The photos came out beautifully against the traditional architecture.

Don’t miss the changing of the guard ceremony at Gwanghwamun Gate (10am and 2pm daily, except Tuesdays). Get there 10 minutes early for a good viewing spot.

Hours: 9am-6pm (varies by season, check here) Closed: Tuesdays
Entry: 3,000 KRW (free with hanbok)

Changdeokgung Palace + Secret Garden

If you only have time for one palace beyond Gyeongbokgung, make it Changdeokgung. Built in 1405, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and feels more intimate than its larger neighbour.

The highlight here is Huwon, the “Secret Garden.” This is a stunning 78-acre garden with pavilions, lotus ponds, and centuries-old trees. Unlike the main palace grounds, the Secret Garden can only be visited on a guided tour (90 minutes, limited spots). I’d recommend booking online in advance, especially during autumn when the foliage draws big crowds.

When I visited in late October, the maple trees around Buyongji Pond were bright red. It was genuinely one of the most beautiful places I saw in Korea.

Hours: 9am-6pm (varies by season, check here)
Closed: Mondays
Entry: 3,000 KRW (palace only) or 8,000 KRW (with Secret Garden tour)
Secret Garden tours: Book in advance here or arrive early and try for same-day tickets

Changgyeonggung Palace

Changgyeonggung is the quieter, less-visited option. Built in 1483, it originally served as a residence for queens and concubines.

This palace has a painful history. During Japanese occupation, it was converted into a zoo and botanical garden in 1909 as a deliberate act of cultural humiliation. The zoo wasn’t removed until 1983, and restoration continues today. Knowing this context made walking through the grounds feel more meaningful.

It’s smaller than the other palaces and takes about an hour to explore. I’d recommend it if you want to escape the crowds or if you’re interested in the colonial history angle.

Hours: 9am-9pm
Closed: Mondays
Entry: 1,000 KRW

Jogyesa Temple

Considered Korea’s most important temple as it was once the headquarters of the largest branch of Korean Buddhism, the Jogye Order.

Located in Insadong it’s a small and tranquil temple where both locals and tourists come. Many events are held here so make sure to check the website for what is going on when you visit. We were lucky to be here during Buddha’s birthday when the grounds were covered in colourful hanging lanterns.

Afternoon: Bukchon Hanok Village + Insadong Culture Street

Bukchon Hanok Village

One of Seoul’s most beautiful neighbourhoods is Bukchon Hanok Village, one of my favourite areas on this 10 day Seoul itinerary. Here you will find approximately 900 traditional Korean houses called hanoks. These buildings are characterised by the strong wooden frame, and gabled roofs along with walls made from natural materials.

This village is built on a steep hill and consists of many narrow paths, some offer gorgeous views of the city (especially during sunset).

Here are just some things you can do at Bukchon Hanok Village:

• Take part in a tea ceremony
• Attend a kimchi masterclass
• Browse the boutiques of Samcheong-dong
• Visit the house of Baek Inje, the doctor who founded Inje University Seoul Paik Hospital.

Insadong Culture Street

Insadong is another traditional neighbourhood in Seoul, it is a quiet area with many shops and restaurants. There are also many nice cafes here that have been designed to look like a hanok.

You can find some cool products from local artists that will make a nice gift to you, from you!

Some things you should not miss in Insadong:

• Ssamziegil – mall with a quirky design, it is full of artisan boutiques
• Ddong Café – poo-themed cafe, silly and oddly delicious
• Visit a traditional teahouse such as Dalsaeneun Dalman Saenggak Handa or Namusae Tea house

Evening: Eulji-ro

If you have still some energy left after all of today’s activity, close to Insadong is Eulji-ro. This small corner of Seoul ended up being my favourite area to have drinks. The bars are trendy and laid back with great energy.

One bar dominates them all and that is Manseon Hof, a mammoth chicken and beer establishment.

To get here from Insadong you can take the line 3 metro just 1 stop from Jongno 3-ga station.

Day 3: Namsan Tower, Naedaemun + Myeongdong

Getting here: Hoehyeon station will land you the closest to Namsan Tower + cable car. From the station it is a 10 minute uphill walk.

Morning: Namsan Tower

Day 3 of this 10 day Seoul itinerary starts with one of the city’s most iconic landmarks Namsan Tower, also called N Seoul Tower. Namsan Tower stands at 219 metres (915 feet) and you can decide if you want to hike or get a cable car to the top. The hike is moderately challenging with many steps that are steep in some parts, however it takes just 15 – 20 minutes.

On the other hand, the cable car will treat you to a smooth photographic journey where you will arrive a little less sweaty. Whether you decide to hike or take the cable car I encourage you to explore the many trails on Namsan mountain. The pine trail was a highlight for me.

The tower is located at the top where you can go to the observatory for stunning views across Seoul. There is also a love lock fence and lots of cafes and restaurants.

Hours: 9am-9pm
Closed: Mondays
Entry: 43,000 KRW for observatory + cable car

Afternoon: Namdaemun Market

Location number two today is Korea’s oldest and biggest traditional market, Namdaemun. A 16 minute walk from the bottom of Namsan Mountain. This market is truly a maze of clothing, footwear, gadgets and household objects, as well as a food section.

Although it can become crowded locals certainly outnumber tourists. Prices are cheap here so it’s the perfect place to pick up a few souvenirs, haggling is also accepted and part of the fun.

In addition to shopping, there is a large area dedicated to food where you can try authentic Korean food like hotteok or kimbap (Korean sushi rolls).

Find the 9 best areas to stay in Seoul with map

Evening: Myeongdong

Myeongdong is a major hub of entertainment, it is also one of the best places to stay in Seoul due to its liveliness and centrality.

I suggest spending the rest of the day here browsing the shops, trying street food and soaking up the atmosphere. It is better during the evenings as Myeongdong Street is lined with street food under the colourful lights of the surrounding buildings.

Myeongdong Streetfood

One of the best parts of Myeongdong is its street food. From around 5pm every night the street is lined with some of the most delicious Korean street food.

It tends to be the most touristy market in Seoul but there’s a great atmosphere.

Some of the best things to try are:

• Tteokbokki: chewy rice cakes in spicy gochujang sauce
• Eomuk (odeng): fish cake skewers served in warm broth
• Kimbap: seaweed rice rolls with vegetables and meat
• Hotteok: sweet filled pancakes (usually brown sugar, cinnamon, nuts)
• Gyeran-ppang: egg bread (whole egg baked into sweet bread)
• K-dogs: hotdogs or cheese coated in potatoes or ramen
• Bungeoppang: fish-shaped pastry filled with red bean
• 10 won coin: cheese filled coin
• Tanghulu: candied fruit on skewers (strawberries, grapes)
• Dalgona: honeycomb toffee candy (Squid Game iykyk)

Shopping In Myeongdong

Myeongdong is one of Seoul’s shopping districts, there is a mix of Korean brands and international Western brands.

• NyuNyu is a large earring shop where you can find a huge selection of cute earrings and other accessories.
• There is also a large selection of Korean Skincare brands where you can try out the latest trends and face masks. I personally love Innisfree for their light and eco friendly creams.
• Korea is also known for having cute affordable socks, you’ll find lots of sock shops in Myeongdong for around 1,000 won.

Myeongdong Cathedral

Catholic Church is located amongst the madness of Myeongdong. It offers a peaceful place to light a candle or just admire the architecture. This was the first ever Catholic Church in Korea, it dates back to the 19th century. 11% of Koreans are Catholics.

It was actually the first catholic church I visited in about a year, when I walked through the doors I could have been back in any church in Ireland. For fellow catholics, you might just appreciate the familiarity.

Every Sunday at 9 am there is an English mass.

Chimaek

Have you heard of Chimaek? It combines the words chikin (chicken) + maekju (beer). It’s a popular thing for locals to do, I have to admit, it’s the best combination!

There is a complex in Myeongdong where 5-6 chimaek establishments are located together, the restaurants spill out onto the street and it gets pretty lively. Korean fried chicken has a crunchy skin that is coated in a flavourful sauce such as Korean hot sauce or soy garlic. It’s messy and so so good!

Of all the chimaek joints here, I highly recommend BHC, although it’s a chain it never disappoints. The red hot cheese bbrinkle was are go to time and time again. It’s spicy cheese powder that is roaring hot. It comes with a side of yogurt to cool you down along with pickled radishes.

NANTA Theatre

Get ready for some slapstick humour, a non-verbal and interactive comedy show where communicating relies on body language and rhythmic beats.

I don’t want to give too much away but the show is based in a kitchen and features martial arts, circus acts and a bucket load of comedic genius.

If you want to take part make sure to book a seat close to the stage.

5 Day Seoul Itinerary

Day 4: Gangnam + Baseball

Morning: Gangnam Shops + COEX Library

Garosu-gil Street + Apgujeong Rodeo

Gangnam is an affluent area, there are many high-end restaurants and luxury shops to spend your hard-earned cash. Me, on the other hand, these shops are totally outside of my budget but it was still enjoyable strolling the streets and looking in through shop windows at how the other live.

The best streets in Gangnam for shopping are Garosu-gil Street and Apgujeong Rodeo. Garosu-gil is a pretty tree-lined street flagged by many luxury shops while Apgujeong Rodeo features many flagship designer stores along with K star road, where you will find colourful bear statues dedicated to Kpop stars.

Any BTS fan’s need to check out Yoojung Sikdang, a BTS cafe. The boyband used to visit here during their early days as trainee idols and this cafe is now dedicated to them. Hey if it makes money, it makes sense!

Bongeunsa Temple

Tucked behind the gleaming COEX Mall, Bongeunsa Temple feels like stepping into another century. Founded in 794 during the Silla Dynasty, it’s one of the oldest temples in Seoul and a striking contrast to the Gangnam skyscrapers that tower around it.

The highlight is the 23-metre (75-foot) Maitreya Buddha statue, one of the tallest in Korea. I visited on a weekday morning and had the grounds almost to myself. Watching office workers in suits stop to bow at the shrine before heading to work was a reminder that these temples aren’t just tourist attractions; they’re still very much part of daily life.

Take some time to wander the grounds. There’s a beautiful main hall (Daeungjeon) with intricate painted details on the eaves, and the smell of incense throughout creates a calming atmosphere. If you’re interested in a deeper experience, the temple offers templestay programs where you can try meditation and eat Buddhist temple food. You can book this experience here.

It takes about 30-45 minutes to explore, making it an easy stop before heading to the nearby Starfield Library.

Hours: 4am-10pm daily
Entry: Free

Starfield Library

Unless this blog post is the first time you’ve looked up Seoul, I’m gonna take a guess that you have already seen this library somewhere online.

It is one of Seoul’s viral attractions, a 134-metre (440-foot) bookcase reaching the ceiling packed full of colourful books. There is an escalator in the middle that you can use to reach books at the top or take a cool photo on!

Although, I did notice a few girls holding up the queue to get their perfect photo, which was really annoying. If you would like the escalator to yourself, please be mindful that this is actually a real library, instead just get here when it opens at 10:30 AM.

Starfield library is located in the COEX mall, there are mostly Western brands here so I suggest not spending too long here. However, inside the mall is the impressive  COEX Aquarium with 650 different sea species across 183 tanks, it is one of the best family-friendly things to do on this Seoul itinerary.

Evening: Baseball + Beer

Jamsil Baseball Game

Did you know that Baseball is the most popular sport in Korea? No? Neither did I! Going to a baseball game in Korea is such a fun and memorable experience. Korea has its own league called the KBO with 10 teams, including Seoul’s home teams, the Doosan Bears and LG twins.

The atmosphere is electric, the crowd literally goes wild! I encourage you to get a seat in the cheering zone to get involved in the chants.

The best way to purchase tickets as a tourist is to buy them at the ticket office 1-2 hours before the start of the game.

Art Monster

If you have any energy left after the game then a short subway ride away is Art Monster, a Hong Kong-themed self-serve bar. Flickering neon signs at Art Monsters entrance transport you to the streets of Hong Kong. Although the entrance is basically spectacular, the bar offers a fun experience of trying some of their 10 craft beer flavours.

If you don’t like beer there is a very nice flavour called Sour Blueberry that tastes more like cider.

Day 5: DMZ

I am not sure any 10 day Seoul itinerary is complete without a visit to the DMZ.

The DMZ is a 4 km (2.4-mile) demilitarized zone separating South Korea and North Korea. It was created in 1953 after the Korean war truce, but remains one of the most armed borders in the world.

I found it surreal to stand there and know that just a stone’s throw away is a nation of prisoners, locked up by a totalitarian regime with their basic rights and freedoms stripped from them. This is not a joyful day, but one where you will learn a lot.

Some things to note before you go:

• You can only visit the DMZ as part of a group tour. You cannot just rock up on your own.
• You have to bring your passport
• No clothes with any political messages or military style clothing

There are many day trips from Seoul to DMZ, most include stops at Freedom Bridge where prisoners of war were exchanged during the truce, Dora Observatory where you can see into North Korea including the propaganda village (Kijong-dong), Gamaksan Suspension Bridge and Ungye Falls.

For something unique this tour includes a meet up with a North Korean defector for an added layer of understanding North Korea.

7 Day Seoul Itinerary

Day 6: Rest Day

It’s been a full-on 5 days but this is a 10 day Seoul itinerary so there’s lots more to do. Therefore, I am suggesting you take today as a rest day. That doesn’t mean you stay in your hotel all day, but instead, just give your feet a rest, slow down, recoup and experience Seoul at a different pace.

Here are some things I recommend you do to have a relaxing day in Seoul.

Beauty Treatments

Koreans know a thing or two about skincare. After being in the country for less than 24 hours I couldn’t help but notice how incredible the girl’s skin here is. Seriously, glass skin is real and the ladies and gentlemen of Korea have perfected it!

In terms of treatments, you can get just about anything done here. Korea is the capital of cosmetic surgery after all. Now, I am not suggesting you spend your day on the operating table rather something less permanent like channel injection, LDM therapy, Aqua Peel. Korea is also big into their botox so if that’s your thing you could save some cash here by using their homegrown version, Nabota.

Facials can start from 98,430 KRW ($67/€57/£50) with luxury treatments like skin boosters and laser lifting costing upwards of 2,952,000 KRW ($2,000/€1,700/£1500).

Sulwhasoo Spa and Muse Clinic have an excellent reputation along with English-speaking staff.

Cafe Hopping

A day spent visiting some of Seoul’s many cute cafes is guaranteed to be revitalising, giving you both a sugar rush and caffeine kick. If cafe hopping is not on your Seoul itinerary you are doing it wrong 😉

I have a detailed list of what I consider the 32 best cafes in Seoul but these are my top picks:

Pie In The Shop for insanely good pies. I recommend the strawberry cheesecake and the creamy ham and cheese pie.

Rain Report is one of Seoul’s coolest cafes with a rain installation that no matter what it’s like outside you experience that rainy day atmosphere with a water feature and the sound of falling rain. There is also a cool place to take photos outside where you are given a umbrella.

Cafe Pokpo is on the foot of Ansan Mountain with stunning views of Pokpo waterfall. It almost doesn’t look real.

Tea Ceremony

A tea ceremony is a cultural and relaxing activity to do in Seoul.

Known as “darye”, you typically dress up in a traditional Korean robe, learning about the etiquette of drinking tea, and how to make traditional tea bags, this ceremony even shows your how to make your own Korean tea cookies (dasik).

Day 7: City Wall Trail + Dongdaemun

Morning: City Wall Trail

One of the top things to do in Seoul is walk the historic fortress wall, a 19-kilometre trail that goes across four mountains (Baegak, Naksan, Namsan and Inwangsan). As you follow the fortress walls you will have amazing views of the city.

You don’t need to walk the full 19 kilometres (although I encourage it) there are six routes that you can follow with varying degrees of difficulty:

1. Inwangsan: difficult; 4km
2. Sungnyemun: easy; 2km
3. Namsan: moderate; 4km
4. Haeunginjimun: easy; 2km
5. Naksan: easy; 2km
6. Baegak: hard; 5km

If you are going to do just one route I highly recommend Naksan. It starts at Hyehwamun Gate and finishes at Heunginjimun Gate, passing through Ihwa Mural Village and Jangsu Village. It is a short and scenic trail that is suitable for all fitness levels.

I did the Naksan route on a Sunday and it took about 90 minutes at a relaxed pace. The trail itself isn’t difficult (more of a walk than a hike), but there are some uphill sections. The murals in Ihwa Village were a highlight, quirky and colourful with good views of the city from the top.

When you are finished you will be close to Dongdaemun Design Plaza, our next spot.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Dongdaemun is a shopping district, although it’s mostly wholesale markets there are also department stores with unique finds from Korean brands.

Along with shopping you can visit Dongdaemun Design Plaza, a building like no other, it was designed by Zaha Hadid. This futuristic building holds many events and exhibitions, it’s definitely worth dropping by to see its cool architecture but you likely won’t spend too long here.

I enjoyed just walking through the grounds surrounded by the spaceship-esqe building. There was a nice moment where a local was playing the in-house piano which created a nice atmosphere.

Afternoon: Gwangjang Market

I am sure you must be hungry after your walk, so the next stop is Gwangjang Market! This is the most famous market in Seoul and it was my favourite market during my whole trip. I loved the atmosphere created by large numbers of people sitting around a stall watching the chef prepare their meal.

We did find that the stalls are repetitive so I recommend to not worry too much about which stall to eat from, just grab an available seat and enjoy the experience.

That being said, these are some to keep on eye out for:

• Gohyang Kalguksu: featured on Netflix’s Street Food Asia. The dumpling and noodle soup are recommended.
• Park’s Mung Bean Pancake: famous for their bindaetteok a mung bean pancakes with pork and vegetables.
• Ho Seonsaeng Jeon: all that food needs something to wash it down with. Find a large selection of Makgeolli here, an alcoholic beverage made of fermented rice, it’s slightly creamy, fizzy and tangy. So many flavours to choose from.
• Chapssal Kkwabaegi: chewy twisted donuts, similar to churros. Queues can be long, around 15-30 minutes, but it’s worth it.

Evening: Cheonggyecheon Stream

Considering you have walked a lot today the last activity is just a short one, located close to Gwangan market it’d be a shame not to give it a quick visit.

The total length of the stream is 11 kilometres (6.8 miles), it is surrounded by Seoul’s skyline and is particularly beautiful during sunset. The juxtaposition of this peaceful stream encased by skyscrapers is surreal but it works.

You’ll notice many locals sitting along the banks with food and drinks just catching up with friends.

10 Day Seoul Itinerary

Day 8: Gangchon Rail Park

Gangchon Rail Park

This would not be a comprehensive 10 day Seoul itinerary if it did not include a day outside the city and into the countryside. The perfect place to see a different side of Seoul is Gangchon Rail Park. A fun, and scenic ride through the country on a railbike. I felt like I was in a K-Drama pedalling around all these scenic landscapes.

Gangchon is built on an old railway, with 3 routes that are spread out from each other. These are Gimyujeong, Gyeonggang and Gapyeong, the best one is Gimyujeong and this is the one I suggest you do today.

The track has a total length of 8.5 km, with the first 6 km on the rail bike while the final 2.5 km is on the “Romance Train” where you can just sit back and take in the views, no pedalling required. This is not a strenuous activity, the track is mostly on a gentle downward slope so you barely have to pedal.

I found there was lots to keep us all entertained along the route such as 4 immersive tunnels each with a unique theme, the views of the Bukhangang River and the quaint Nanguu village.

Tickets can be purchased online in advance, they are slightly discounted on Klook.
A 2 seater rail bike costs $27.25 and 4 seater rail bike cost $38.15.

Many tours include Gangchon Rail Park, this can be an great idea for anyone looking to visit other attractions close by such as Petit Francis and Nami Island 

Getting here: From Seoul, take the ITX-Cheongchun train from Yongsan or Cheongnyangni Station to Gimyujeong Station (about 1 hour 20 minutes, around 8,000 KRW). The rail park entrance is then a 10-minute walk from the station. Trains run roughly every hour. You can pay with your t-money card.

Read my detailed guide on Gangchon Rail Park here

Day 9: Museums + Itaewon

National Museum Korea

Free to enter museum focusing on the history and development of Seoul throughout the last 400 years, starting at the Joseon Dynasty up to Korea today. Free audio guides are available at the information desk which I recommend so you can learn about each exhibit.

Some cool things to see are the Ten-Story Stone Pagoda from Gyeongcheonsa Temple, Pensive Bodhisattva statue, and the miniature model of Seoul at night which can be found at the end of the museum.

There is a lot to see, we spent 2 hours here.

War Memorial Museum

This museum is must-visit for anyone wanting to understand South Korea’s journey to liberation. The fight for freedom has been a long and hard battle. From the Japanese invasions (1592 – 1598), to the Japanese occupation (1910 – 1945), and finally, the Korean War (1950 – 1953). The Korean War alone resulted in the loss of approximately 1.3 million South Korean soldiers and civilians, a heavy price paid for freedom.

Along with relics from the war there is a sombre tribute with the names of the fallen soldiers engraved on plaques, it really shows the magnitude of loss and the sacrifice that was made for the country’s liberty.

We spent around 90 minutes here, it’s a heavy visit with lots to see and think about. It’s not a “fun” museum, but it’s an important one. It’s considered one of the best military museums in Asia.

Itaewon

The next location is Itaewon, an international neighbourhood in Seoul. Along with a large number of foreigners residing here, there are also many international shops and restaurants. The first thing I saw when I got off the subway here was a Turkish restaurant beside a French restaurant.

Itaewon has been an international area for a long time, prior to World War II Japanese colonists lived here, then after World War II American soldiers moved in and are still there to this day, due to a nearby base. Itaewon is mostly known for its fun nightlife, with many clubs and bars. We had a few good nights here and I highly recommend Fountain.

Aside from nightlife, there are some other noteworthy places to check out in Itaewon:

• Seoul Central Mosque: the first mosque in South Korea. It has a Turkish-style exterior with blue tiles.
• Antique Furniture Street: many antique shops here, selling mostly furniture but it is a cute street to wander.
• 108 Heaven Stairway: the only structure left behind from the Japanese invasion. It’s a popular spot for photos and there’s a funicular.
• Yongsan Haebangchon Village: known as “Liberation Village”, many Koreans returning from the war moved here. Another nice area to wander, there are lots of cafes, boutiques and even some hanoks. It is very steep though! so wear comfy shoes

Day 10: Bukhansan or Lotte World

The day we all dread on a trip, the final day! Day 10 on this 10 day Seoul itinerary has two options as I understand not everyone likes to hike. Whether you choose option 1 or option 2 you’ll be ending your trip on a high note.

[Option 1] Bukhansan Park

Often considered one of the world’s most popular parks with up to 5 million annual visitors, there are many different trails but I am going to suggest the best one, Bukhansanseong Course.

This trail takes you up to Bukhansan’s highest peak, Baegundae, at 836 metres. It is approximately 7 kilometres (4.2 miles) with a gradual incline. Some parts will have you climbing over large rocks with just a rope to hold onto. It will take between 4 – 6 hours to complete and is moderately challenging. The views of Seoul are breathtaking and worth every drop of sweat.

We found the mountain to be very busy and safe to hike alone, but if you would prefer a guide you can find one here.

Getting here: take the line 3 to Gupabal Station, leave via exit 1. Take bus number 34, 704 or 8772 to Bukhansanseong.

[Option 2] Lotte World

For anyone who likes to get their heart racing a different way than hiking, Lotte World will do just that!

Lotte World is a massive theme park with two distinct sections: Adventure and Magic Island. Adventure boasts one of the largest indoor theme parks in the world, while Magic Island is set outdoors, surrounding the picturesque Seokchon Lake.

We spent about 5 hours here and it was more fun than I expected. The indoor section (Adventure) is massive and has air conditioning, which was a lifesaver.

The Gyro Drop queue was about 45 minutes even on a Tuesday, so I’d definitely recommend the magic pass if you want to do multiple big rides. We managed to get on Atlantis, the French Revolution coaster, and the Gyro Swing before calling it a day.

The school uniform rental thing is everywhere. We didn’t do it but honestly, seeing groups of adults in matching uniforms was entertaining.

This is the end of this 10 day Seoul itinerary but keep reading for some useful information to help you plan your trip.

10 Day Seoul Itinerary FAQ

Do I need a visa to visit Korea for 2 weeks?

Citizens of up to 100 countries can enter Korea VISA-FREE for a length of 30 to 90 days. However, you need a pre-entry K-ETA which you can apply for here. 22 countries are exempt from this K-ETA, you will know if you are exempt as a pop-up box will appear.
Check current requirements before booking.

Can you take a day trip from Seoul to Busan?

Yes it is possible, it takes less than 3 hours. Although, just because you can doesn’t mean you should. Busan has a lot to see, I recommend at least 3 days here.

Should I go to Busan or Seoul first?

I suggest arriving in Seoul and making your way down the country. Seoul is a fantastic starting point to get to know the culture, it’s also easier as many locals can speak English in Seoul.

Is Seoul expensive?

Accommodation is expensive but eating out and transport is pretty affordable. There is a wide range of cheap to high end restaurants and bars. We found the biggest expense was grocery shopping, as vegetables are mostly imported.

How much money do I need for a trip to Korea?

Budgeting around 80,000 KRW ($67/£50/€60) per day will cover all your food at midrange restaurants, coffees, public transport and you will likely have enough left over for any shopping.

Can you drink tap water in Korea?

Tap water in Korea is perfectly fine to drink.

Is Seoul good for solo travellers?

Yes. Seoul is one of the safest cities in Asia and very easy to navigate alone. The subway has English signage, locals are helpful, and there’s plenty to do without needing a group.

Let me know in the comments below if you’ve been or are planning to go to Seoul? Doing anything different than what’s on this itinerary? I’d love to hear from you !

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