| | |

1 week Seoul itinerary for first-timers

If you’ve ever wanted to plan a week trip to Seoul, South Korea, then this is the 7 day Seoul itinerary for you – especially if it’s your first time in the vibrant city. Before getting started, make sure to check out my Know Before You Go post on Seoul which will help you plan this trip and get ahead on what to pack, book in advance, and start thinking about to have a seamless trip.

Day 1 – Gyeongbokgung Palace, Tongin Market, Bukchon Hanok Village and Ikseon-Dong

Start your trip with a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of Seoul’s five palaces. Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Korea walking through the palace grounds and take in the architecture. Don’t forget to catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony or oggle the tourists and locals dressed in hanbok, or traditional clothing.

Next, head to the National Folk Museum of Korea located within the palace complex. This museum offers exhibits that showcase traditional Korean life.

Lunch at Tongin Market

Head to the Tongin Market to grab some Korean street food like pancakes and spicy tteokbokki. Use the market’s unique lunchbox café system to fill your tray with a variety of dishes, paying vendors with market specific coins.

Food stall at Tongin Market
Food stall at Tongin Market

Leedorim Coffee Shop and Bukchon Hanok Village

In the afternoon, stop by Leedorim Coffee Shop, a cozy café known for its incredible art display (read: very instagrammable). Cafe culture is huge in Korea, as you’ll find with the never-ending display of cute shops like this one.

Next, take a leisurely walk through Bukchon Hanok Village, a charming neighborhood filled with traditional Korean houses called hanoks. Wander the narrow alleys and try to find Cafe Onion, which has some of the most beautiful pastries I’ve ever seen.

Dinner in Ikseon-Dong

End your day in Ikseon-Dong, one of Seoul’s trendiest neighborhoods. Sample a variety of delicious Korean street foods and take in the late night scene of dessert cafes and people eating BBQ on stools in the street.

Eating at a night market in Ikseon-Dong.
Diners in Ikseon-Dong.

Day 2 – Ancient walls, Design & Markets

Heunginjimun Gate and Dongdaemun Market

Begin your day at Heunginjimun Gate, where you can walk along and enjoy views in all directions of Seoul. The wall eventually will lead you into the general Dongdaemun area, where you can start with checking out the market – endless stalls selling clothes, shoes, accessories, and more. Even if you don’t need to buy anything, it’s overwhelming to see the stalls that go on for miles.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza

After shopping, take a short walk to Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), a futuristic architecture design center by Zaha Hadid. There are some exhibits and cafes within the plaza, and nice views of the city from the roof.

A large metallic building with a futuristic design stands behind a tall, nude, gold-colored statue and a person walking with an umbrella.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP).

Afternoon in Seongsu Dong

In the afternoon, hop on the subway and head to Seongsu Dong, a neighborhood known for its trendy cafes, art galleries, and unique shops. I really liked the Daelim Changgo coffee shop where we cooled down for awhile.

Evening at Gwangjang Market

Wrap up your day with a visit to Gwangjang Market, one of Seoul’s oldest and largest traditional markets. Offering a wide range of Korean delicacies, try the bindaetteok (mung bean pancake) or mayak gimbap (mini seaweed rice rolls).

A vendor arranges seafood and marinated dishes at a busy indoor market with various fresh and prepared seafood on display.
Treats at Gwangjang Market.

Day 3 – A Day Trip to the DMZ

Explore the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)

On your third day, take a day trip to the DMZ, the buffer zone between North and South Korea. You are required to visit on an organized tour and must do so with your passport. At the moment, there is no access to the Joint Security Area (JSA), which prior to 2023 was the closest one could get to the border. Still, the tours are fascinating and you can’t go wrong no matter which operator you go with as they all basically do the same tour (there isn’t a lot of room for variety given it is a strictly controlled military area). Most trips include a stop at the Imjingak park, the 3rd tunnel, and the Dora Observatory where you can look into North Korea. There is also usually a stop for lunch in one of the nearby South Korean villages which is within the DMZ. Finally, a lot of the tours stop at the Gamaksan Suspension Bridge which is a tourist attraction and hiking area. It’s a full day experience.

Large colorful DMZ letters, a monument, and a flag are displayed outside a modern building surrounded by trees and greenery.
Visiting the DMZ.

Dinner at Myeongdong Night Market

Return to Seoul in the evening and head to the Myeongdong Night Market for dinner.

A busy city street with many people walking and colorful shop signs in Korean and English on tall buildings.
Myeongdong Night Market.

Day 4 – Palaces and Relaxation

Changdeokgung Palace and Secret Garden

Start your day with a visit to Changdeokgung Palace, known for its architecture and gardens. Be sure to get tickets to the Secret Garden, a tranquil oasis filled with lush greenery, ponds, and pavilions. There is a specific website for foreigners where you can book. You have to use this link if you are paying with a foreign credit card.

Afternoon at a Korean Spa

In the afternoon, treat yourself to a relaxing Korean spa experience. Head to Gold Spa, a traditional jjimjilbang (Korean bathhouse) that offers various saunas, baths, and relaxation areas. Pamper yourself with a traditional scrub. Don’t forget to try out the unique sauna rooms, such as the salt room or charcoal room.

Pharaoh-themed photo booth with yellow and black striped headdress and Korean signs on the front, located indoors.
One of the saunas at the Gold Spa.

Day 5 – Nature Escape

Hike in Bukhansan National Park

Escape the bustle of the city with a hike in Bukhansan National Park. This beautiful park offers a range of hiking trails suitable for all levels, from leisurely walks to challenging climbs. Enjoy stunning views of the mountains, and especially the unique rock formations along the ridgeline (see below).

You can learn more by checking out my tips for hiking in Bukhansan National Park or my favorite hike in Bukhansan National Park. Hiking is a huge part of Korean culture and a great way to immerse yourself more fully into the local experience.

A person wearing a blue shirt, shorts, and a backpack stands on a rocky outcrop overlooking forested mountains.
Hiking in Bukhansan National Park.

Day 6 – Trendy Hotspots & Fish Market

Explore Hongdae

Spend your sixth day in Hongdae, a cute part of town with tons of shops and narrow alleys. Don’t miss Hongdae Dakgalbi, a popular spot for a ramen stir fry dish with chicken that I’m still daydreaming about.

Noryangjin Seafood Market

In the evening, head to Noryangjin Seafood Market, one of Seoul’s largest seafood markets. Browse the stalls filled with fresh fish, shellfish, and other seafood. Pick out your favorite catch and have it prepared on-site at one of the market’s many restaurants on the top floor.

Seoul is a city that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity, offering a wealth of experiences for every type of traveler. Whether you’re exploring historic palaces, indulging in delicious street food, or hiking through serene national parks, this post should give you an idea of a 7 day Seoul itinerary to keep you busy.

Related Posts

Leave a Reply