5 Days in Seoul: a Ready-Made Itinerary
5 days · 15 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.
Days5
Stops15
AirportICN
Route typeFirst-timer classics
Prefer the story version? Read our in-depth
Seoul 5-day guide with neighbourhood context and food picks.
Day 1 Myeongdong & Namsan
09:30
Namdaemun Market
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.
↓ 0.8 km
11:30
Myeongdong Kyoja
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.
↓ 1.4 km
17:30
N Seoul Tower (Namsan)
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
09:30
Changdeokgung Palace
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
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.
↓ 1.7 km
13:00
Jogyesa Temple
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
09:30
Gyeongbokgung Palace
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
11:30
Tongin Market
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.
↓ 1.2 km
13:00
Bukchon Hanok Village
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
09:30
Yeouido Hangang Park
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.
↓ 1.8 km
11:30
Noryangjin Fish Market
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.
↓ 4.8 km
17:30
Banpo Rainbow Fountain
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.
Day 5 Gangnam & COEX
09:30
Bongeunsa Temple
A 1,200-year-old temple sitting improbably among Gangnam's skyscrapers, with a giant Maitreya Buddha statue and lantern-strung courtyards.
TipThursday-afternoon English templelife programs let you try tea ceremony and lotus-lantern making.
↓ 3.3 km
11:30
Gangnam BBQ Alley
The streets around Gangnam Station hide premium hanwoo (Korean beef) grills where marbled short rib is cooked tableside over charcoal.
TipHanwoo is pricey — a lunch set is the affordable way to taste top-grade beef.
↓ 2.3 km
13:30
Seonjeongneung Royal Tombs
A wooded UNESCO royal-tomb park hidden between office towers — grassy burial mounds, stone guardians and a forest trail that silences the city.
TipA serene, near-empty green escape; combine it with nearby Bongeunsa.
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Information on this page is provided for planning purposes. Prices, opening hours and schedules change — please verify details with official sources before you travel.