Seoul South Korea 3 Day Itinerary

Seoul Itinerary: A 3-Day Whirlwind Adventure

This itinerary focuses on popular attractions and offers a mix of cultural experiences, shopping, and delicious food.

Things to Know:

  • Currency: South Korean Won (KRW)
  • Language: Korean (English is spoken in tourist areas)
  • Transportation: Seoul has an excellent public transportation system with subways and buses. Purchase a T-money card for easy travel.
  • Wifi: Free wifi is widely available.

Accommodation:

  • Myeongdong: Lively, youthful area with plenty of shopping and dining options. (Hotels: Lotte City Hotel Myeongdong, Myeongdong Kyoja)
  • Insadong: Traditional neighborhood with art galleries, tea houses, and hanok villages. (Hotels: Hotel28 Myeongdong, Insadong Boutique Hotel)
  • Gangnam: Upscale area known for its stylish boutiques, entertainment, and nightlife. (Hotels: The Shilla Seoul, Park Hyatt Seoul)

Day 1: History & Tradition

  • Morning: Explore Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul’s largest and most stunning royal palace. Don’t miss the changing of the guard ceremony.
  • Lunch: Enjoy traditional Korean cuisine at Tosokchon Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) near Gyeongbokgung.
  • Afternoon: Stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village, a charming neighborhood with traditional Korean houses. Take photos and soak in the atmosphere.
  • Evening: Immerse yourself in Korean culture with a Nanta performance - a non-verbal percussion show full of energy and humor.

Day 2: Shopping & Modern Seoul

  • Morning: Shop ’til you drop at Myeongdong, known for its trendy fashion, cosmetics, and street food.
  • Lunch: Sample delicious street food in Myeongdong – try tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), kimbap (seaweed rice rolls), or hotteok (sweet pancakes).
  • Afternoon: Visit the iconic N Seoul Tower on Namsan Mountain for panoramic views of the city. Enjoy a romantic cable car ride to the top.
  • Evening: Experience the vibrant nightlife in Gangnam. Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants and bars in the area, followed by karaoke or dancing.

Day 3: Art & Culture

  • Morning: Immerse yourself in art at the Leeum Samsung Museum of Art, showcasing both traditional Korean and contemporary art.
  • Lunch: Indulge in a delicious bibimbap (mixed rice with vegetables and meat) lunch at Gogung (near Leeum).
  • Afternoon: Explore the trendy neighborhood of Hongdae, known for its independent boutiques, street art, and live music venues.
  • Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at one of Seoul’s many Michelin-starred restaurants or savor authentic Korean BBQ.

Transportation Tips:

  • Download the KakaoMetro app for easy subway navigation.
  • Consider purchasing a T-money card for seamless travel on buses and subways.
  • Taxis are readily available but can be expensive during rush hour.

Other Things of Interest:

  • DMZ Tour: Visit the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea for a glimpse into history.
  • Korean Folk Village: Experience traditional Korean village life with performances, crafts demonstrations, and historical buildings.
  • COEX Aquarium: Explore diverse marine life at this impressive aquarium located in the underground COEX Mall.

This itinerary is just a starting point - feel free to customize it based on your interests and time constraints! Enjoy your Seoul adventure!