Epic 3-Day Itinerary for Seoul, South Korea

This post contains affiliate links which means that I will make a small commission if you purchase a product after clicking on any of them, at no extra cost to you.

Seoul is one of those cities that just pulls you in and makes you fall in love! If you’re planning a trip to South Korea, I truly hope you have at least 3 days to explore this dynamic destination. I’ve put together a 3-day itinerary for Seoul that’ll give you a solid taste of what this city has to offer. And hey, if you’re short on time, I’ve also got a one-day itinerary that covers the essentials—but trust me, you’re going to want more! Even with three days, it felt like I was just scratching the surface of this vibrant city. Let’s dive into all the amazing things you can see and do in Seoul in just three days!

3-day itinerary for Seoul

Day 1: palaces, markets, and N Seoul Tower

Morning:

Start your first full day in Seoul by immersing yourself in the culture and renting a hanbok. If you aren’t familiar, a hanbok is beautiful traditional Korean dress. You can rent them from one of the many nearby rental shops. Check out my full guide to renting a hanbok in Seoul, or check out current pricing here.

Expect the process to take up to an hour. Costs vary by shop, by style, and by duration of your rental. But prices can start as low as $6 USD! I even opted to get my hair styled and it was just an additional $5.

Once you’re dressed and ready for the day, head over to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the most popular of the five palaces in Seoul. Expect to spend around an hour here, and if you’re in the area at 11 AM or 1 PM be sure to watch the changing of the guards. Keep in mind this palace is closed on Tuesdays.

Next, take a stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village to admire the traditional Korean houses. This area is not only picturesque, but it’s also a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. The narrow alleyways and beautiful architecture make it a photographer’s dream, so be sure to snap plenty of photos!

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, swing by Café Onion Anguk for a coffee and pastry break. The vibe here is as delicious as the pastries! And be sure to enjoy one of their iced or hot lattes to fuel your adventures.

If you’re doing okay on time, and feel like you’ll have plenty of energy for the rest of the day, check out Changdeokgung Palace—you’ll get free entry to all of the palaces in your hanbok btw! This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its Secret Garden. The grounds here are pretty expansive, don’t feel like you have to see it all. We weren’t able to see it all, but we were happy we checked it out. This palace is closed on Mondays.

After that, it’s time to return your hanbok and get ready for the next adventure!

Afternoon:

Next head to Myeongdong Street, a bustling shopping district packed with trendy shops that cater to all styles! Pop into Daiso for some cute and affordable souvenirs!

Be sure to stop by Myeongdong Kyoja Main Restaurant for their famous dumplings—they’re Michelin Guide-approved! We ordered two dishes, and the bill was just $17! Plus, they have robo servers delivering your food, which is such a cool touch and definitely not something you see every day in the US. We were in and out of here so quickly! Just remember to save some room, because Namdaemun Market is up next.

Just a short distance away is the Namdaemun Market. It is one of Korea’s oldest and largest markets, boasting over 10,000 stores and drawing around 300,000 visitors daily (aside from Sundays)! It’s a must-visit for authentic Korean street food—think delicious dumplings, fish cakes on a stick, and sweet hotteok—all at great prices. Beyond the food, the market offers a fantastic shopping experience with everything from sunglasses to clothes!

Evening:

Hopefully you still have some energy, because it’s time to head up to the N Seoul Tower, perched right on Namsan Mountain. You can take the Namsan Shuttle Bus, hop on a cable car, or even hike your way up—whatever you prefer! Once you’re at the top, get ready for some seriously stunning panoramic views of the city. The observation deck is the ultimate place to catch the sunset and watch Seoul’s skyline light up as the night unfolds.

And don’t miss the chance to check out the famous “love locks” at the tower! Couples from all over the world attach padlocks with their names or initials to the fences and railings, leaving a little piece of their love behind in Seoul.

Grab your ticket for the tower here, and for the cable car here!

Day 2: jjimjilbang, cafe-hopping, and shopping

Morning:

I think you’re really going to enjoy day 2 of your 3-day itinerary for Seoul! We’re Kicking off your second day in Seoul with some much-needed pampering! Start with a rejuvenating spa day at a traditional jjimjilbang (Korean bathhouse). We loved our experience at Insadong Spa and Sauna. This spot is super authentic, and while there’s a bit of a language barrier, don’t worry—you can always use your phone to translate. Knowing a little about spa etiquette will help you navigate the experience too!

We went all out and got the Massage Package, which included a full-body massage, spa and sauna experience, and a facial—all for just $75! Seriously, it was an unbelievable deal. The massage was on the deeper side, so it wasn’t all gentle, but wow, it was just what I needed after some long travel days. I left feeling like a brand-new person!

Afternoon + evening:

After your spa day, it’s time to hit the streets! Ikseon-dong and Insadong are the perfect areas to explore next. Wander through the charming alleyways of Ikseon-dong, where traditional meets trendy, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Insadong. There are plenty of unique shops and quaint spots to discover.

Feeling peckish? Take your cafe-hopping game to Hongdae. This district is packed with cool cafes, each offering its own unique vibe. We stopped at Thanks Nature Cafe where the sweet treats were great, but the adorable sheep were the main attraction! Harry Potter fans will love 943 Kings Cross which has 8 magical Harry Potter-themed floors to experience.

Wrap up your day with some retail therapy at Olive Young if you haven’t been yet. This beauty and skincare haven is a must-visit for stocking up on Korean skincare goodies! Trust me, you’ll want to take home some of these amazing products.

Yesterday was pretty jam-packed, so I left today a little light. But get ready for another busy day in Seoul tomorrow!

Day 3: explore Gangnam and experience the Lotte World Tower

Morning + afternoon

Your final day in Seoul kicks off in style—Gangnam style, that is! Start by exploring the glitzy district of Gangnam, known for its upscale shops, vibrant nightlife, and the iconic “Gangnam Style” statue. While you’re there, why not do the dance in front of the statue? The song is already playing, so you might as well join in the fun!

Next up, head to the COEX Mall, one of Asia’s largest underground shopping centers! Wander through endless stores, and don’t forget to snap a photo at the stunning Starfield Library. The towering bookshelves make for an Instagram-worthy shot! While you’re there, check out the COEX Aquarium—yes, there’s even an aquarium in the mall!

Once you’ve explored all that you can at the COEX Mall, take a short stroll to the Bongeunsa Temple. This serene Buddhist temple offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s free to enter and absolutely stunning—perfect for a moment of zen before continuing your adventure.

Evening:

To cap off your 3 days in Seoul, make your way to the towering Lotte World Tower for an unforgettable sunset experience. Standing tall as the 6th tallest building in the world, this is the spot to soak in breathtaking views of Seoul from the Seoul Sky Observatory.

Whether you decide to sip matcha at the cafe, grab a glass of champagne at the 123 Lounge, or take in the fresh air on the open-air skydeck (yep, that’s 1,800 feet up!), you’ll be blown away by the sight of the city bathed in golden light as the sun sets! The views are magical, and it’s an iconic way to cap off your 3-day itinerary in Seoul. Grab your ticket here!

Bonus Seoul activities if you have extra time:

• Gwanghwamun Square: A lively plaza in the heart of Seoul, featuring impressive statues of Korean heroes and a vibrant atmosphere that captures the essence of the city.
• Jogyesa Temple: This serene Buddhist temple offers a peaceful retreat with its beautiful lantern displays and tranquil ambiance, right in the middle of the city.
• Sinyet Chatjip (Shin Tea House): A charming tea house nestled in Insadong, known for its relaxing atmosphere and traditional Korean tea, perfect for a cozy break.
• Ssamziegil: A unique multi-level shopping complex in Insadong filled with eclectic boutiques, art galleries, and craft shops, ideal for finding unique souvenirs.
• Cheonggyecheon Stream: An urban stream that flows through downtown Seoul, providing a scenic and tranquil escape with picturesque views and a serene atmosphere. It’s common for people to bring food and drink here and enjoy a relaxing picnic!

Where to stay in Seoul

When it comes to picking the perfect spot to stay in Seoul, Myeongdong and Insadong are the top two neighborhoods I recommend. Both areas offer a prime location and easy access to a lot of the main attractions in this 3-day itinerary. My top picks for where to stay in Myeongdong are:

• The Aloft Seoul Myeongdong
• Moxy Seoul Myeongdong (the Moxy Seoul Insadong is just as chic and runs slightly cheaper!)
• Royal Hotel Seoul

All three of these gorgeous spots are within a five-minute stroll of each other and offer chic, comfy stays that’ll make your trip feel extra special. Prices hover around $200 per night, but keep in mind they can vary depending on the season.

For our trip, we stayed at Amare Hotel Jongno which is closer to Insadong. The price was super affordable, and the room was spacious, plus, it was within walking distance to spots like the palaces, the spa, and Onion Cafe Anguk.

While I originally wanted to stay in Myeongdong, most places were booked up a month out—especially since we needed two rooms with the kids. But honestly, we were pretty satisfied with our stay, and they even had a nice little breakfast included! Also, I soaked in the tub every night after being on our feet so much, and it was amazing everytime!

Check out all accommodation options available and prices for your dates here.

Getting around in Seoul

Getting around in Seoul might take a little getting used to, especially if you’re not familiar with subways or are new to the apps used here. Since Apple and Google Maps don’t work as well in Korea, navigating the city can feel like a bit of a learning curve at first. But once you get the hang of it, it’s smooth sailing! Download KakaoMap or Naver Map for navigation.

The city’s subway system is extensive, clean, and efficient, with signs and announcements in English to help guide you. A T-money card is a must—it’s a reloadable card that works on buses, subways, and even some taxis. You can grab one at convenience stores or the airport, and it’ll make your travels so much easier.

Taxis are also an option, and they’re relatively affordable. Just keep in mind that most drivers don’t speak much English, so having your destination written in Korean or showing it on a map can be really helpful. The KakaoTaxi app is another great tool for ordering a cab, similar to Uber, and it’s super convenient.

While Seoul is quite walkable in areas like Myeongdong and Insadong, you’ll likely want to use a mix of transportation options depending on where you’re headed. Buses are another handy way to get around, especially for those spots that are a bit farther out.

Are you ready for an epic 3 days in Seoul?!

I hope you have an absolutely amazing 3 days in Seoul! This city is bursting with energy, culture, and endless things to do, and I’m so excited for you to experience it all. You might notice I didn’t dive too deep into specific restaurants or places to eat—Seoul’s food scene is just so vast and overwhelming (in the best way!), and it’s hard to predict where you’ll be when hunger strikes. Normally, I’m all about planning out meals when I travel, but here, I found myself just going with the flow and discovering great spots as I wandered.

Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other South Korea blog posts:

South Korea packing list

South Korea travel tips

South Korea trip planning guide