How to Spend One Day in Seoul: The Perfect Itinerary

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If you only have one day in Seoul, buckle up because it’s going to be a whirlwind! I spent three days in this incredible city and still felt like I barely scratched the surface—there’s just so much to see and do. Seoul is a massive, dynamic city with neighborhoods that each have their own vibe, so it’s tough to fit it all into one day.

To make the most of your quick visit, I recommend focusing on one or two neighborhoods instead of trying to see everything. Whether you’re drawn to the lively streets of Myeongdong, the tranquil beauty of Jongno’s palaces, or the vibrant energy of Itaewon in Yongsan-gu, Seoul is bursting with opportunities for exploration.

Everyone’s travel style is different, so I’ve put together a few options to help you craft the perfect 1-day adventure in Seoul for you.

How to spend one day in Seoul

Morning: rent a hanbok and explore historic sites

Rent a hanbok in Seoul

Kick off your one day in Seoul by 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.

Not only is this the perfect way to immerse yourself in Korean culture, but it also gets you free entry into the palaces, not to mention you’ll feel like royalty wandering through the grand halls and serene gardens.

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.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

The Gyeongbokgung Palace is the most popular of the five palaces in Seoul. This palace is closed on Tuesdays, so ideally that’s not the day you plan on spending in the area. 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.

Normally, entry costs around 3,000 KRW (about $2.50), but if you decide to rent a hanbok it’s free!

Bukchon Hanok Village

Right between the Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Changdeokgung Palace is the charming Bukchon Hanok Village. The village is filled with traditional Korean houses (hanoks).

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!

Cafe Onion Anguk

Odds are you’re getting hungry, and even if you’re not, it’s the perfect time to treat yourself! Stop by Cafe Onion Anguk for a coffee and one of their incredible pastries. Trust me, every single pastry here looks so delicious that picking just one is going to be a serious challenge. Whether you’re craving something sweet or just need a caffeine boost, this spot is a must-visit!

Changdeokgung Palace

After soaking in the beauty of the Bukchon Hanok Village, take a short stroll over to Changdeokgung Palace. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its Secret Garden, which is a hidden gem bursting with vibrant greenery and tranquility.

The grounds here are pretty expansive, and with such a short amount of time in Seoul, you won’t be able to see it all. But like I mentioned it’s not too far of a walk from the Bukchon Hanok Village if you want to try and squeeze in another palace. But if you are feeling crunched for time at this point, go ahead and skip this!

Keep in mind this palace is closed on Mondays.

Afternoon: shopping and street food

Myeongdong Street

Next head to Myeongdong Street, a bustling shopping district packed with trendy shops that cater to all styles! While you’re in the area make a pit stop at Myeongdong Kyoja, a Michelin Guide recognized restaurant where the menu is small but mighty. With just four items to choose from, you’ve got to try the dumplings—they’re an absolute must.

And the best part? 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.

Namdaemun Market

Just a short distance away, Namdaemun Market is one of the oldest and largest markets in Korea with over 10,000 stores to explore! Every day (except for Sundays), around 300,000 people—locals and visitors alike—flock here to soak up the lively atmosphere and discover all sorts of amazing finds.

It’s also a great place to try authentic Korean street food. The food vendors here are legendary, and trying the street food is an absolute must—we had the most delicious dumplings, fish cakes on a stick, and hotteok (sweet pancakes) all for super affordable prices!

Beyond the food, there’s plenty of shopping to be done. You can find everything from sunglasses and clothes to bags and more, and don’t be shy about haggling a bit for a better deal.

Evening: sunset at N Seoul Tower

N Seoul Tower

As the evening rolls in, it’s time to head up to 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!

The perfect day tour

If you really want to make the most of your one day in Seoul, this full-day tour is a great option. The tour lasts 8-9 hours and It includes everything I mentioned above and then some. With the tour, you can customize the itinerary based on your interests, enjoy a traditional Korean lunch, and relax in all-inclusive transportation around the city.

Exploring the Jongno and Jung districts in a day is a great way to get the perfect blend of culture, shopping, and stunning views all packed into one awesome adventure. By sticking to these neighboring areas, you can make the most of your time and soak in some of Seoul’s must-see spots without wasting a minute on long commutes.

Alternate afternoon and evening

Afternoon: explore Gangnam

COEX Mall & Starfield Library

After your morning of cultural exploration, head over to Gangnam and dive into the vibrant energy of the COEX Mall—one of the largest underground shopping centers in Asia! Inside, you’ll find the stunning Starfield Library, which has been on my vision board for years! I’m a sucker for unique libraries when I travel, but even if books aren’t your thing, the sheer beauty of this space is worth a visit.

While you’re there, check out the COEX Aquarium—yes, there’s even an aquarium in the mall!

Gangnam Style Statue & Bongeunsa Temple

After you’ve had your fill at COEX, step outside and strike your best Gangnam Style pose in front of the iconic statue. I mean, the song is already playing, so no judgment if you do the dance.

Just a 5-minute walk away, you’ll find Bongeunsa Temple, a beautiful Korean Buddhist temple that’s free to enter. It’s the perfect spot to take a peaceful breather and soak in some tranquility before diving back into your day of exploring.

Evening: sunset at Lotte World Tower

Lotte World Tower

To cap off your day in Seoul, head to the Lotte World Tower—Seoul’s tallest building and the 6th tallest in the world! At the top, you’ll find the Seoul Sky Observatory, an incredible space spread across seven levels, each offering its own unique vibe. Grab your ticket here!

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’re in for a treat. We caught the sunset here, and the views are magical! It’s an iconic way to cap off your day in Seoul.

This alternate route lets you experience the best of Seoul’s modern side while still squeezing in a bit more cultural exploration. Whether you choose to stick to Jongno and Jung or venture into Gangnam, you’re in for an unforgettable day!

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 everything you’ll want to see in just one day. But if I had to choose, Myeongdong takes the cake!

Why? Because Myeongdong is a lively hub packed with shopping, food, and a great vibe, making it the ideal base for your Seoul adventure. Plus, there are some seriously stunning hotels in this area that you’ll love.

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.

If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, there’s a charming guesthouse in the area for under $100 per night! Just a heads up—if you’re planning to visit during a busy season, definitely book in advance to snag your spot. Whether you’re splurging or saving, Myeongdong is the perfect place to kick back and enjoy the best of Seoul!

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

Are you ready for an epic one day in Seoul?!

I hope this guide has given you a taste of the magic that this amazing city has to offer! I know one day in Seoul will leave you craving more adventures, delicious eats, and stunning sights. But hey, that just means you’ll have to plan a return trip, right? Until then, I hope you’ve enjoyed this whirlwind tour and feel inspired to make the most of your time in Seoul.

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

South Korea travel tips

South Korea packing list

Guide to planning a trip to South Korea