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4 Days in Seoul: a Ready-Made Itinerary

4 days · 16 stops · Updated July 2026

This is the classic first-timer route through Seoul, drawn from our hand-curated library of real, verified places. Grab a T-money card at any convenience store — Seoul's subway and buses cover this entire route with ease. Spring (Apr–May) and autumn (Oct) are the loveliest; pack layers and comfortable walking shoes year-round. Every stop lists an arrival time, a realistic visit length and the distance to the next stop.

Days4
Stops16
AirportICN
Route typeFirst-timer classics

Day 1 Myeongdong & Namsan

09:00
Myeongdong Shopping Street
attraction · stay ~1h · Kakao Map
Seoul's neon retail spine — Korean skincare flagships, global brands and, after dark, a dense street-food gauntlet of hotteok, egg bread and tornado potatoes.
TipCosmetics shops hand out generous free samples; compare a few before buying.
↓ 0.1 km
11:30
Myeongdong Kyoja
restaurant · stay ~45m · Kakao Map
A no-frills institution serving one thing brilliantly since 1966: hand-cut kalguksu noodles in a rich chicken-and-dumpling broth, with fiery kimchi on the side.
TipThe menu is basically four items — the kalguksu and mandu combo is the move.
↓ 0.8 km
12:45
Namdaemun Market
attraction · stay ~1h · Kakao Map
A 600-year-old sprawling wholesale market for everything from kitchenware to eyeglasses, threaded with galchi (hairtail) alleys and hotteok stalls.
TipThe 'kids' alley' is where locals buy cheap clothes — bargaining is expected.
↓ 1.3 km
17:30
N Seoul Tower (Namsan)
attraction · stay ~1.5h · Kakao Map
The city's landmark observation tower atop Namsan, reached by cable car, with a 360° panorama that's unbeatable at sunset and a wall of love-locks.
TipRide up before dark, watch the sunset, then descend through the illuminated city.

Day 2 Jongno & Ikseon-dong

09:00
Changdeokgung Palace
attraction · stay ~1.5h · Kakao Map
A UNESCO-listed palace whose Secret Garden (Huwon) melts into the hillside — pavilions, a lotus pond and centuries-old trees laid out to follow the land.
TipThe Secret Garden is timed-entry with limited spots — book the English tour online (palace closed Mondays).
↓ 1.3 km
11:30
Gwangjang Market
restaurant · stay ~1h · Kakao Map
Seoul's oldest market and a street-food temple: mung-bean bindaetteok fried to order, mayak 'drug' gimbap, raw beef yukhoe and live-octopus counters.
TipSit at a stall on the food alley — pointing at a neighbour's plate always works.
↓ 0.9 km
13:00
Ikseon-dong Hanok Alley
attraction · stay ~1h · Kakao Map
A warren of 1920s hanok converted into candlelit cafés, vintage bars and boutiques — Seoul's most atmospheric old-meets-new lane.
TipIt's tiny and packed on weekends; a weekday afternoon is far calmer.
↓ 0.8 km
14:30
Jogyesa Temple
attraction · stay ~40m · Kakao Map
The urban head temple of Korean Zen Buddhism, its main hall wrapped in painted eaves and, in spring, a canopy of paper lotus lanterns.
TipFree templestay-style meditation sessions run some afternoons — ask at the info desk.

Day 3 Palaces & Bukchon

09:00
Gwanghwamun Square
attraction · stay ~30m · Kakao Map
The ceremonial civic plaza anchored by statues of Admiral Yi Sun-sin and King Sejong, with Gyeongbokgung and Bugaksan mountain rising behind.
TipThe underground Sejong Story exhibit is free and blissfully air-conditioned.
↓ 1.1 km
11:30
Tongin Market
restaurant · stay ~1h · Kakao Map
Covered market lane west of Gyeongbokgung, beloved for its coin-operated dosirak café: trade cash for brass yeopjeon coins, then fill your lunch tray stall by stall.
TipCome at lunchtime — coin sales end mid-afternoon. Don't miss the pan-fried 'oil tteokbokki'. Closed Tuesdays and the 3rd Sunday.
↓ 0.6 km
12:45
Gyeongbokgung Palace
attraction · stay ~1.5h · Kakao Map
The grandest of Seoul's five Joseon palaces, with the Gwanghwamun gate, throne hall and a graceful reflecting pavilion. The changing-of-the-guard ceremony runs at 10:00 and 14:00.
TipWear a rented hanbok and entry is free — and note the palace is closed on Tuesdays.
↓ 0.6 km
14:30
Bukchon Hanok Village
attraction · stay ~1h · Kakao Map
A hillside maze of traditional tiled-roof hanok in a district with 600 years of history, where people still live today, framing skyline views between the eaves. Eight marked photo spots reward a slow wander.
TipKeep your voice down — these are private homes, and residents post quiet-hours signs.

Day 4 Yeouido & the Han

09:00
The Hyundai Seoul
attraction · stay ~1.5h · Kakao Map
A light-flooded, greenery-filled mega department store with an indoor garden, gourmet food hall and rooftop park — retail as public space.
TipThe basement food hall is a destination in itself for take-away and dessert.
↓ 1.8 km
11:30
Noryangjin Fish Market
restaurant · stay ~1.5h · Kakao Map
A cavernous wholesale seafood market where you pick live fish downstairs and have it prepared as sashimi or spicy stew at an upstairs restaurant.
TipAgree the price before they weigh it; the upstairs cooking fee is small and worth it.
↓ 1.8 km
13:30
Yeouido Hangang Park
attraction · stay ~1h · Kakao Map
The city's most popular Han River park — bike paths, ferry piers, picnic lawns and, in spring, the Yunjungno cherry-blossom tunnel.
TipRent a tandem bike or hop a river cruise; sunset over the bridges is superb.
↓ 5.9 km
17:30
Banpo Rainbow Fountain
attraction · stay ~45m · Kakao Map
The world's longest bridge fountain, spraying lit water in arcs set to music on summer evenings, best watched from the moonlight-park terraces.
TipShows run only spring–autumn evenings; check the day's schedule before heading over.

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