Seoul in 5 days

24-hour city of K-beauty, BBQ, palace walks, and the best café culture in Asia. Best time to visit: April-May (cherry blossom) and October-November (autumn foliage). Average daily budget: $80 to $150 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: Hongdae, Youth culture, live music, street food, the most energetic nightlife.

Morning: Gyeongbokgung Palace at 9am (Tuesday closed). Watch the changing of the guard, then walk Bukchon Hanok Village right after.

Afternoon: Explore Hongdae, Youth culture, live music, street food, the most energetic nightlife.

Evening: N Seoul Tower at sunset. The city lights up like a circuit board. Lock your love on the fence.

Eat: Samgyeopsal (pork belly BBQ) at any local joint

Day 2, Iconic sights

Base: Gangnam, Luxury shopping, K-beauty megastores, sleek cafés, the 'rich' Seoul.

Morning: Korean BBQ at Maple Tree House or 678. Book ahead. Order the marinated galbi and soju.

Afternoon: Explore Gangnam, Luxury shopping, K-beauty megastores, sleek cafés, the 'rich' Seoul.

Evening: Late-night street food in Myeongdong and Gwangjang. Gwangjang Market for bindaetteok and live octopus, Myeongdong for tornado potatoes and egg bread. Seoul eats late, so go hungry after dark when the stalls are in full swing.

Eat: Bibimbap at Gogung (Myeongdong)

Day 3, Local neighbourhoods

Base: Insadong & Bukchon, Traditional tea houses, antique shops, hanok alleys, palace views.

Morning: Jjimjilbang (Dragon Hill or Siloam). 24-hour sauna, sleeping floors, the most Korean experience you can have.

Afternoon: Explore Insadong & Bukchon, Traditional tea houses, antique shops, hanok alleys, palace views.

Evening: Hanbok and palaces at Gyeongbokgung. Rent a hanbok nearby and entry to the grand palace is free. Catch the changing-of-the-guard ceremony, then wander into the traditional hanok houses of Bukchon village next door.

Eat: Tteokbokki and sundae at Gwangjang Market

Day 4, Day trip or nature

Base: Itaewon, International, diverse food scene, craft beer, late-night bars.

Morning: Ihwa Mural Village - street art and city views most tourists miss.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Itaewon, International, diverse food scene, craft beer, late-night bars.

Evening: Gwangjang Market for bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and live octopus.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Bingsu (shaved ice) at Sulbing

Day 5, Slow finish

Base: Seongsu-dong, The Brooklyn of Seoul. Converted factories, indie brands, best coffee.

Morning: Seonyudo Park - a former water treatment plant turned garden island on the Han River.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Seongsu-dong, The Brooklyn of Seoul. Converted factories, indie brands, best coffee.

Evening: Bongeunsa Temple at dawn, surrounded by Gangnam skyscrapers.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Samgyeopsal (pork belly BBQ) at any local joint

Hidden gems

Ihwa Mural Village - street art and city views most tourists miss.
Gwangjang Market for bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and live octopus.
Seonyudo Park - a former water treatment plant turned garden island on the Han River.
Bongeunsa Temple at dawn, surrounded by Gangnam skyscrapers.

Getting around

T-money card on the subway and buses. The subway is extensive and signs are in English. Taxis are cheap and Uber works. Walking within neighbourhoods is great; crossing the city is a 30-45 minute subway ride.

Safety

One of the safest cities in the world. Solo female travellers regularly report walking home at 3am without concern. The only 'risk' is drinking too much soju and ending up in a jjimjilbang.

Seoul in 3 days | Seoul in 7 days | Full Seoul guide