Ready to dive into one of Asia's most dynamic cities? Seoul, a city where ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology coexist, is really worth exploring. Whether you're a K-pop fan, a food lover, or just someone searching for a great city break, our detailed 72-hour Seoul itinerary is your ticket to an unforgettable experience. From wandering through historic palaces dressed in traditional hanbok to savoring street food in bustling markets, we've curated a guide packed with must-see sights, hidden gems, and local favorites. So tie up your walking shoes, grab your camera, and get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Seoul. Let’s embark on a journey that will leave you wanting for more!

72 hours in Seoul, South Korea

Day 1: Bukchon Village, Changdeokgung Palace & Ikseon-dong

Morning | Bukchon Hanok Village & Changdeokgung Palace

Start your day with a stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village (traditional Korean houses), where you can wander through picturesque alleyways lined with traditional Korean houses. I would highly recommend getting there before 9AM so you can enjoy the empty streets as most people get there around 10AM. Keep in mind that this is a residential village so visitors are asked to be quiet to preserve the peacefulness of the place for residents, for the same reason, the alleys are closed to tourists on Sundays.

You can also stop by the Bukchon Traditional Culture Center to learn about hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) and even try on a hanbok for a memorable photo opportunity. You will see both locals and tourists walking around in hanboks and you will find many hanbok rental shops on the main street leading to the village.

Walk a bit south to Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning Secret Garden. You can opt for a guided tour to fully appreciate the historical significance and beauty of the palace grounds. If you do not want to take a guided tour, the site can be discovered on your own but you will need to purchase 2 tickets, one for the Palace grounds and one for the Secret Garden.

Lunch

If you are still up for a bit of walking I would recommend crossing Ikseon-dong which you would visit in the afternoon and end up in a more office-based district full of quick traditional lunch spots for the local employees. Ttukbaegi-jip is a great place for lunch as it only serves 4 different types of stew, the prices are very low and the staff only speaks Korean so you will have a very local experience. It is simple, we were the only Europeans in the area and the restaurant. The Food is delicious and brought to you very quickly, perfect for a quick break.

Afternoon | Ikseon-dong

Next, walk to Ikseon-dong, a charming neighborhood with narrow alleyways also lined with hanoks but the vibe here is very different as it is not residential but filled with cute shops and cafes. It is definitely on the pricier and touristy side but worth a detour. I would strongly recommend getting your Korean-style caricature there at Acorn Caricature it's a great experience and will cost you around 5 euros per person.

Evening | Hongdae

In the evening, head to Hongdae, Seoul's most vibrant district. Known for its great pop scene, street performances mainly K-pop dancing or singing, and eclectic cafes. Hongdae is the perfect place to experience Seoul's nightlife. Shops are open until late at night so you can even squeeze in a bit of shopping.

Day 2: Dongdaemun & Myeongdong

Morning | Dungdaemun

Dongdaemun is known for its massive shopping complexes like Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), which offers everything from high-end fashion to affordable streetwear. The DDP also hosts very interesting and free art exhibitions. For architecture lovers, the building itself is quite impressive. We had the chance to view a 'brain art' exhibition there that was really worth going to. Beyond shopping and design, Dongdaemun holds significant historical value, featuring ancient landmarks like the Dongdaemun (meaning Great East Gate) itself, which is part of the original Seoul city wall.

If you walk a bit further East, you will find Dongmyo Flea Market, a great option to stroll around and look at all the unique clothes and objects offered by hundreds of stalls.

Lunch | Gwangjang Market

Head to Gwangjang Market for lunch, one of Seoul's oldest and most famous traditional markets. Dive into the vibrant food scene with Korean street food favorites such as bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), kimbap (bite-sized seaweed rice rolls), or even more 'sit down dishes' such as beef tartar and live octopus for the more adventurous people. The lively atmosphere and diverse food options make it a must-visit for any food lover. We recommend trying bindaetteok and the sweet and sour fried chicken from Guang-Jang Nurungji Chicken it was just delicious.

Afternoon | Myeongdong

Make your way to Myeongdong, a bustling shopping district. Dive into the vibrant atmosphere, where neon lights illuminate streets filled with cosmetic shops, fashion boutiques, and street food vendors. Treat yourself to a shopping spree, and don't forget to try some Myeongdong street food like hotteok (sweet pancakes) and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes). Take a walk along the river for great photo spots and a relaxing stroll in the middle of the city.

Day 3: Seoul Forest & Gangnam

Morning | Seoul Forest 

Spend your morning in Seoul Forest, a massive park offering a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle and bustle. Explore its different sections, including the deer park, butterfly conservatory, and eco-forest by renting a kind of kart or a bike. There is even a waterpark if you're visiting in the summer and feel like cooling down. We would recommend stopping by a convenience store before entering the park and stocking up on an iced coffee or a snack.

Lunch

For lunch, visit Sum Cafe within the forest, a charming cafe with views of the surrounding greenery. Their brunch menu and coffee are highly recommended.

Afternoon | Gangnam

After a relaxing morning, head to Gangnam, a district synonymous with luxury and modernity but also world-famous for the song Gangnam Style by Psy. Drop by the COEX Mall, Asia's largest underground shopping mall, featuring an aquarium, an Instagram-famous library, and numerous shops and restaurants. If you're interested in K-pop, don't miss the SMTOWN Coex Artium, where you can dive into the world of your favorite idols.

Evening

Only one metro station away is the Jamsil Baseball Stadium where you can experience the great atmosphere of Korean baseball, if you can, try to find a game between the Doosan Bears (Seoul's team) and the Lotte Giants (Busan's team). Stay tuned for a full article on how to get tickets on this blog.