Essential Seoul itinerary for 2~5 day visits

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There's a lot to do in Seoul. 

Today we're going to talk about several options for your itinerary to help out with your planning. Check out the new and improved 2019 version of where to go in Seoul, for two, three, four, and five day visits. 

Travel Seoul：1. Two-Day Itinerary

This plan is for those of you who:

• are only here for weekend
• plan on going to other cities
• South Korea is a short stopover

Two-Day Plan A

• Day 1：Mangwon Market, Hongdae, Yeongdeungpo Underground Street/Dongdaemun
• Day 2：Myeongdong, Yongsan Dragon Hill Spa, Seoul Lotte Supermarket

Two-Day Plan A
Day 1

Mangwon Market and Hongdae are both in Mapo. This is a great area where you can experience the hip, youthful neighborhood (Hongdae) and then go across to the traditional Korean market (Mangwon). Hapjeong Station is in the middle of the two areas. There's also a Homeplus if you need to do any grocery/supermarket shopping. 

Seoul Two-day Plan A: DAY 1

Hongdae has a lot of shopping, trendy cafes, and popular restaurants. Yeonnamdong is also a popular hipster neighborhood loved by Korean 

Hongdae BBQ

Hongdae Transportation

Hongdae Stationary Store

Hongdae Cafes

Yeongdeungpo or Dongdaemun is great to shop in the evening because they're open until late. 

Yeongdeungpo Buffet

Dongdaemun Chicken

Yeongdeungpo Underground

Dongdaemun Buffet

Two-Day Plan A
Day 2

Myeongdong and Yongsan Dragon Hill Spa is on the list for the second day, where you can first shop till you drop and then have a super relaxing spa day. Finally, go to Seoul Lotte Supermarket to get some Korean snacks. And that's it! You've covered the essential Seoul experiences in two days.

Two-Day Plan A: Day 2

Myeongdong Shopping

Namdaemun Noodle Street

Yongsan Station

Myeongdong Food

Lotte Supermarket

Yongsan Dragon Hill Spa

Pick up some Korean fashion trends from Hongdae, Dongdaemun, or Yeongdeungpo, and then some makeup from Myeongdong the next day. Finish off by having a rest at the Dragon Hill Spa at Yongsan (or Shinyongsan) Station. Everything is pretty close to each other, so this is a plan where you can hit all the important spots without wasting too much time on the subway.

Two-Day Plan B

• Day 1：Ehwa Univ., Shinchon, Itaewon
• Day 2：Shinsadong Garosu-gil Road, Gangnam, Express Bus Terminal Undergroun, COEX

Two-Day Plan B
Day 1

The Two-Day Plan B is for the youth. Walk around Ehwa Women's University and Shinchon during the day, both hip college neighborhoods. You'll find tons to do there, including shopping, cafes, restaurants, and photos in front of murals. In the evening, head over to Itaewon explore the vibrant nightlife of Seoul.

Two-Day Plan B: Day 1

Ehwa Food Recommendation

Shinchon No Brand

Ehwa Shopping

Shinchon Shopping

In the morning, walk around the Ehwa stores and see if there's any trends that you like. Head over to the neighboring Shinchon to grab some lunch or dinner, maybe shop a little more. Finally, stop by Itaewon and hunt for the most hipster bars and enjoy the lively atmosphere of Seoul's nightlife.

It's a bit of a hassle to get from Ehwa/Shinchon to Itaewon, so we recommend taking the bus. Or you could just go with the Hongdae itinerary from Plan A instead.

Itaewon Food Recommendations

Itaewon Book Park

Two-Day Plan B
Day 2

The next day is a tour south of the Han River: Gangnam, Shinsa Garosu-gil Road, Express Bus Terminal Underground, and COEX Star Library. This is the chance to shop till you drop.

Two-Day Plan B: Day 2

The shopping itinerary goes like this: Shinsa Station → Express Bus Terminal → Bongeunsa Temple Station to COEX Star Library → From Samsung Station to the Gangnam Underground. This route will save a lot of time from walking and transfering.

Starfield Library

Shinsa Boulevard

COEX Visit

Express Bus Terminal Visit

There is plenty of food around all along this route as well. Shinsa has a lot of fancier Western cuisines, while Express Bus Terminal has a bit of everything. Gangnam has cheap Korean restaurants, many of them fusion. Each stop has several famous/popular Seoul restaurants, so do a bit of research before you go.

? Gangnam Petit Procedures

Two-Day Plan C

• Day 1：Shopping in Seoul, Seongsu-dong, Konkuk Univ., Dongdaemun
• Day 2：Hyehwa University Road, Gyeongbokgung Palace or Changdeokgung Palace, Insa-dong or Samcheong-dong, Lotte Supermarket
• 
  

Two-Day Plan C
Day 1

Itinerary C is focused on East Seoul. Konkuk Univ. is one of Seoul's three major campus business districts, where you'll find a lot of shopping and food. Then stop by the hip cafe area Seongsu-dong, or to one of the Han River parks. 

Two-Day Plan C: Day 1

Seongsu Yeongbang

Konkuk Univ. Common Ground

Konkuk Univ. Map

Seongsu Cafes and Restaurants

The most popular spot around Konkuk Univ. is Common Ground, which is a small shopping center made of giant shipping containers. Konkuk Univ. is definitely a more local area and has a lot of casual nightlife; it's not very different from Hongdae or Ehwa in terms of shopping.

There is a large E-Mart at Wangsimni Station (line 2). On the same metro line, Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station is where you would get off to visit the Dongdaemun shopping district.

Two-Day Plan C
Day 2

On the second day head over to University Road at Hyewha, or Naksan Park. The traditional historical sites are not too far from this area. Rent a hanbok outfit and take pictures around the old palaces and then explore the charming alleyways of Ikseon-dong.

Two-Day Plan C: Day 2

Current Situation at Ehwa Mural Village

Hyehwa University Road

The ancient palaces of Seoul are conveniently located in the city center. Nearby are Samcheong-dong, Ikseon-dong, and Insa-dong are all super interesting neighborhoods with a certain old-Korea flair. 

Ikseon-dong Recommendations

Insadong Recommendations

Samcheong-dong Cafes

Blue Bottle Coffee

Travel Seoul: 2. Three-Day Plan

This plan is for those of you who:

• want to visit all the key spots in Seoul
• are staying mostly in Seoul
• aren't trying to visit other Korea cities

Three-Day Plan A

• Day 1：Gyeongbokgung, Samcheong-dong or Ikseon-dong, Gwangjang Market, Dongdaemun
• Day 2：Yeouido, Han River, Express Bus Terminal Underground
• Day 3：Ewha Univ., Shinchon, Hongdae

Three-Day Plan A
Day 1

When you look at the map, you'll see that the ancient palaces, Dongdaemun, and Gwangjang Market are all within walking distance. You might want to consider grouping these areas together as it'll help you save on transportation and save time. 

Three-Day Plan A: Day 1

Gwangjang Market

Gyeongbokgung Food Recommendations

Rent a set of hanbok and wear it around not only the ancient palace, but the old Korea neighborhoods nearby like Samcheong-dong or Bukchon Hanok Village. Ikseon-dong's alleyways and cafes all have that old Korea aesthetic; perfect to take pictures in and pretend you've traveled back in time. 

Seoul Hanbok

Gyeongbokgung Cafes

Three-Day Plan A
Day 2

Shopping and scenery are one of Seoul's best features. Yeouido is close to the Han River and is extremely beautiful. From there, it's convenient to head over to Express Bus Terminal or the Yeongdeungpo Underground for shopping.

Three-Day Plan A：Day2

Skyfarm Brunch Cafe

Han River Park

Three-Day Plan A
Day 3

On the last day, check out Seoul’s young neighborhoods in Ehwa, Shinchon, and Hongdae. These are perfect places to shop and check out what's trending in Korea. Yonsei 

addition to visiting Pearda, you can also go shopping here, then walk to Yonsei University and enjoy the Seoul New Village cuisine. It ended in the Hongdae business district.

Three-Day Plan A：Day3

Shinchon Food

Gongrueng Chicken

Hongdae is a must if you're visiting Seoul. It's a young, artsy neighborhood with everything from shopping, restaurants, cafes, and even photo studios for ID/passport photos. 

Hongdae Itinerary

Hongdae Aland

Three-Day Plan B

• Day 1：Ehwa Univ, Shinchon, Hongdae
• Day 2：Jamsil, Express Bus Terminal Underground, Gangnam
• Day 3：Itaewon, Yongsan, Myeongdong

Three-Day Plan B
Day 1

On the first day, go shopping in the neighborhoods in the center of Seoul like Ehwa, Shinchon, and Hongdae. These are must-visit neighborhoods in Seoul.

Three-Day Plan B：Day1

Hongdae Female-Only Spa

Hongdae Bar Recommendations

Three-Day Plan B
Day 2

On the second day, take the Seoul Metro Line 2 to Jamsil. Lotte World (an amusement park), school uniform rentals, and Olympic Park is located in or near Jamsil. Gangnam or Express Bus Terminal Underground are great places to go shopping. If you don't want to move around, Jamsil also has the Lotte World Mall and an Underground mall.

Three-Day Plan B：Day2

Olympic Park

Jamsil Underground

However, because the Olympic Park sometimes has different styles due to seasonal changes, it is recommended that you also consider the weather when you are in Seoul, because the Lotte Paradise and high school uniforms are considered outdoor activities.

Lotte Seoul Sky

High School Uniform Rentals

Three-Day Plan B
Day 3

On the third day, explore the Namsan Mountain and Myeongdong areas. After shopping for a bit and enjoying the street food in Myeongdong, head over to Yongsan and relax at the spa. Finally, visit Itaewon in the evening to find cool bars and experience Seoul's nightlife.

Three-Day Plan B：Day3

Kakao VR Paradise

An Intro to Seoul Nightlife

The yellow buses are convenient when you're going around the famous tourism spots such as Namsan N Seoul Tower and Myeongdong. Check the table below.

Travel Seoul: 3. Four-Day Plan

This plan is for those of you who:

• would like to include a day trip to another city
• would like a richer and more comprehensive Seoul experience

Four-Day Plan A

• Day 1：Sky Park, Mangwon Market, Hongdae, Home plus
• Day 2： Day trip from Seoul
• Day 3：Myeongdong, Dongdaemun
• Day 4：Gyeongbokgung Palace, Shinchon, Tongin Market

Four-Day Plan A
Day 1

The Hongdae area (Mapo) is rich with places to visit. There's a hip neighborhood, a traditional market, and even a park. 

Four-Day Plan A：Day1

Sky Park in the Spring

Sky Park in the Autumn

There are also so many places to eat in the Mapo District. Refer to the articles below to get some recommendations!

Hapjeong Homeplus

Hapjeong Food Recommendation

Four-Day Plan A
Day 2

There are so many options in terms of day trips from Seoul. Enjoy nature and water sports at Nami Island, or check out the neighboring port city of Incheon, or even take a quick trip down south. 

Incheon Day Trip

Paju Day Trip

DMZ Day Trip

Pocheon Day Trip

Of course, there are many extra places you can go in Seoul if you'd rather stay. Do some research and figure out what you'd like! 

Gyeonggi-do Attractions

Four-Day Plan A
Day 3

This day is almost exclusively for shopping. This is because the nature of Myeongdong, the biggest shopping district in Seoul. But if you'd like a more casual vibe with cheaper items, you might prefer Dongdaemun. 

Four-Day Plan A：Day3

Chonggyecheon Intro

Dongdaemun Emart

Four-Day Plan A
Day 4

This day consists of renting hanbok and checking out the ancient palaces of Seoul. Walk around Seochon, the wealthy neighborhood of old Korea, or check out the traditional Tongin Market. 

Four-Day Plan A：Day 4

Tongin Market Visit

Seochon Walking Tour

Ancient Palace Entry Regulations

Pedi Cabs

Four-Day Plan B

• Day 1：Gyeongbokgung Palace, Gwangjang Market, Dongdaemun
• Day 2：Konkuk Univ., Jamsil, Gangnam
• Day 3：Day trip from Seoul, Hongdae
• Day 4：Seoul Lotte Supermarket, Incheon

Four-Day Plan B
Day 1

On the first day that you arrive in Seoul, you have to experience a bit of Korean culture. Get some interesting Korean dishes at Gwangjang Market such as raw beef, raw octopus, or mung bean pancakes. Then head over to Dongdaemun and shop for a bit. Take a walk along the Cheonggyecheon stream, located in Dongdaemun. 

Four-Day Plan B：Day1

Gyeongbokgung Palace Night Openings

Dongdaemun Night Market

Four-Day Plan B
Day 2

The second day is a Seoul tour along Metro Line 2. Konkuk Univ. and Jamsil Station are both lively areas with very different vibes, but we recommend that you start with Jamsil in the day and then head over to Konkuk Univ. in the evening. That way, you can really experience the youthful energy of the university area.

Four-Day Plan B：Day2

Jamsil Seoul

Jamsil Songlidan-gil Road

Four-Day Plan B
Day 3

The third day of the trip saved for a day trip of your choice. Most of the day trips that we offer start and end at Hongdae, which allows for a short evening visit to the neighborhood before you head back to your accommodation. 

Hongdae L7 Hotel

Four-Day Plan B
Day 4

If you're not tired on the fourth day, you can either go to Incheon and explore the area a little bit before heading to the airport, or you can take this day to stock up on some souvenirs. Get some Korean snacks and instant noodles on your way out!

No Brand Must Buy

Best Korean Chips

Korean Instant Noodle Recommendations

Lotte Supermarket Must Buy

Korean Nut Recommendations

Korean Alcohol Recommendations

Travel Seoul : 4. Five-Day Plan

For a longer stay in Seoul

• Day 1：Ehwa Univ. Shinchon, Itaewon
• Day 2：Shinsa Garosu-gil Road, Gangnam, Express Bus Terminal, COEX
• Day 3：Gyeongbokgung Palace, Gwangjang Market, Dongdaemun
• Day 4：Day trip from Seoul, Hongdae
• Day 5：Yeouido, Munllae-dong, Yeongdeungpo Underground Street

All the important destinations in Seoul can be covered within five days. Of course, depending on your traveling style, you may want to take it easy on some of the days or take more time at each area and make sure that you've fully enjoyed it. Take the itinerary as a reference and adjust according to your style.

Mullae-dong Intro

Paju Outlet

Sungshin Women's Univ. Shopping

Mario Outlet

New Seoul Attractions

Water Parks in Korea

These links are some of the less famous, but still worth-while things to do while in Seoul, in case you're interested.

Seoul is great to travel around because the public transportation system is so cheap and easy to use. Once you get the hang of it, getting around is super easy. 

Take a look at these suggested plans and see if you've missed out on some worth-while neighborhoods that you might want to include in your own plans. 

Until next time!