Seoul in 3 days: a first-timer itinerary
Palaces, markets, Han River and Hongdae — grouped by neighbourhood so you spend time on sights, not on the subway.
Day 1 — Palaces and old Seoul
- Gyeongbokgung at opening (closed Tuesdays); hanbok rental nearby gets you free entry
- Walk to Bukchon Hanok Village, then down to Insadong for lunch and tea
- Gwangjang Market for an early dinner: bindaetteok, mayak gimbap
- Cheonggyecheon stream walk back toward City Hall
Day 2 — Han River and the skyline
- Morning: War Memorial or National Museum of Korea (both free)
- Lunch in Itaewon or Hannam
- Afternoon: Yeouido Han River Park, bike rental, convenience-store ramyeon by the water
- Evening: N Seoul Tower via Namsan cable car, or Seoul Sky in Jamsil
Day 3 — Hongdae and Seongsu
- Brunch in Yeonnam-dong
- Seongsu for cafés and pop-up stores
- Back to Hongdae for street performances, shopping and dinner
- If flying out next morning, Hongdae has a direct AREX train to the airport
Buy a T-money card on arrival. Book DMZ or Nami Island as a 4th day if you have one; both need a tour.
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