Start your first morning in Seoul with a leisurely breakfast at Isaac Toast near your hotel, then stroll through the bustling lanes of Myeongdong Cathedral Plaza for coffee and people-watching. Afterward, take the Namsan cable car up to Namsan Seoul Tower, enjoy panoramic city views from the observation deck, and wander the wooded trails around Namsan Hanok Village to get a gentle, scenic introduction to the city before diving deeper into Seoul's neighborhoods later in the day.
After a relaxed morning, head south toward the vibrant streets of Namdaemun Market for an energetic lunch of grilled skewers and kalguksu at a bustling stall, followed by browsing artisanal goods and Korean snacks. Continue to the nearby cultural hub of Cheonggyecheon Stream, where you can walk the restored urban waterway, catch local street performances, and pause at the illuminated bridges as the city shifts into evening.
As night falls, wander to the lively streets of Dongdaemun Night Market for late-night street food stalls serving spicy tteokbokki and crispy hotteok, then browse the neon-lit wholesale fashion malls. Afterward, catch a short taxi to the riverside area near Cheonggye Plaza to join locals enjoying illuminated installations and pop-up performances, or step into a cozy makgeolli bar in Ikseon-dong Hanok Alley for traditional rice wine and small plates in an atmospheric, restored hanok setting.
Begin with a tranquil early stroll through Gyeongbokgung Palace, catching the changing of the guard ceremony and exploring the ornate throne halls and serene palace gardens, then step into the nearby National Folk Museum of Korea to see traditional crafts and seasonal exhibits. From there, wander the charming lanes of Bukchon Hanok Village, popping into a tea house like Cha Masineun Tteul for a cup of Korean tea and panoramic hanok rooftop views before heading to a cozy hanok bakery for fresh rice cakes and pastries.
Wander down from Bukchon into the atmospheric alleys of Insadong, where you can browse antique shops, stop at Ssamziegil for handcrafted souvenirs, and savor a traditional set lunch at Tosokchon Samgyetang (or a local tea-and-dessert house). After lunch, head to Jongmyo Shrine for a peaceful, shaded walk through its UNESCO-listed grounds and, time permitting, join a guided explanation of royal ancestral rites before finishing with a relaxing break at Ikseon-dong's renovated hanok cafés to watch the neighborhood's slower, more modern rhythm unfold.
As dusk settles, head to Seochon Village for a quieter, local evening-wander its narrow lanes, pop into an intimate gallery like Art Space Boan1942, and dine at a cozy modern-Korean bistro such as Tosokchon Seochon (not the samgyetang branch) for seasonal small plates. After dinner, take a short walk to the atmospheric Cheongun Literature Library terrace to sip tea while enjoying night views of the palace rooftops, then finish with a relaxed drink at a speakeasy-style bar in Gahoe-dong to soak in the hanok-lined ambiance under soft lantern light.
Start your morning with a sleek coffee and people-watching session at Cafe Mamas before strolling the tree-lined avenues of Sinsa-dong Garosu-gil, popping into indie boutiques and modern design stores. Continue to the tech-forward side of Gangnam with a guided visit to the interactive exhibits at the Samsung d'light showroom, then relax in the green oasis of Seonjeongneung Royal Tombs for a calm contrast to the neighborhood's high-energy streets.
After a morning in Sinsa and Seonjeongneung, head to the ultra-modern heart of Samseong: explore the vast underground shopping and cultural hub at Starfield COEX Mall, pop into the serene COEX Aquarium to cool off among jellyfish and coral displays, then browse design-forward bookstores and K-beauty pop-ups at Byeolmadang Bookstore. Late afternoon, walk the landscaped plaza outside Bongeunsa Temple for a surprising moment of calm against the skyline, and finish with an early evening tea or light bite at the rooftop cafe of Asem Tower while watching Gangnam's skyscrapers turn gold as the sun sets.
As night falls, dive into Gangnam's nightlife with creative cocktails at the rooftop bar Rooftop Kloud overlooking the district's neon skyline, then stroll to the nearby lively pedestrian plaza around Gangnam Station Underground Shopping Center for late-night street snacks and pop-up performances. Finish with a high-energy visit to Octagon Club or a more relaxed live-jazz set at All That Jazz Seoul to experience Seoul's modern music scene before heading back to your hotel in Sinsa for a quieter end to the day.
Board an early guided tour from Seoul to the DMZ and begin at the Imjingak Park complex, where you can walk the Freedom Bridge memorial and visit the poignant exhibitions at the Park Museum; continue to the observation point at Dora Observatory to scan North Korea through binoculars and hear the guide's briefings on the border's history. Alternatively, choose Suwon for a lively morning: stroll the restored ramparts of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, watch traditional craftsmen demonstrate brick-and-tile techniques at Hwaseong Haenggung Palace's workshop area, and sample local specialties like Suwon galbi at a nearby family-run restaurant before the afternoon activities.
If you chose the DMZ route, after the morning sites head to Dorasan Station for a guided look at the futuristic rail terminal and then join an authorized tour segment at the Third Infiltration Tunnel for a sobering, hands-on view of Cold War history; finish with a reflective walk and photo stop at the grassy viewpoints of Unification Village while listening to the guide's regional updates. If you opted for Suwon, spend the afternoon tracing the fortress walls toward the elegant Paldalmun Gate, sample grilled marinated ribs at a local tavern, then visit the lively Suwoncheon Stream promenade and catch a traditional performance or artisan demonstration at Hwaseong Haenggung before returning to Seoul with a deeper sense of Korea's living heritage.
After returning to Seoul, unwind with a restorative Korean spa experience at Siloam Sauna, soaking in warm jjimjilbang rooms and herbal baths to ease travel fatigue, then change into casual clothes for a relaxed riverside dinner cruise on the Han River Cruise (Evening Cruise) for illuminated skyline views and seasonal light displays. Finish the night with a late stroll and dessert in the lively Yeouido Hangang Park area-grab a Korean-style bingsu from a nearby café and join locals picnicking under the trees while city lights reflect on the water.
Ease into the day with a riverside bike ride along the Han, starting at Yeouido Hangang Park's rental kiosk and pedaling past willow-lined paths toward the scenic Floating Islands (Sebitseom) where you can pause for coffee and light brunch bites at a waterside café. Afterward, join locals for a relaxed paddleboard session or a guided small-boat tour launching from Yeouido Marina, then picnic on a blanket with fresh gimbap and seasonal fruit from a nearby convenience stall while watching weekend rowers and joggers-perfect after a week of palaces and modern neighborhoods.
Cross the Han to explore Ttukseom Hangang Park where you can rent an electric cruiser or tandem bike along the riverside paths before relaxing on the grassy slope with a craft beer from the Magpie Brewing Taproom pop-up. Later, head to the creative island of Seonyudo Park for a riverside walk through industrial-turned-garden landscapes, visit the refurbished water treatment structures and greenhouse, then grab an early evening snack of dakgangjeong from a nearby street vendor before making your way toward Hongdae's evening energy.
As daylight fades, head into Hongdae's electric evening scene starting with live indie acts and busker performances at Hongdae Playground, then duck into intimate sets at Club FF for raw rock or Mudaeruk for upbeat DJ-driven nights. After catching a show, wander the neon alleys to sample late-night street eats-try spicy fish cake skewers at Ssalbbang Street Vendors-and finish with cocktails at the cozy speakeasy Le Chamber for a stylish, mellow wind-down before returning to Yeouido.
Spend a relaxed final morning hunting for gifts and gourmet treats at Gwangjang Market, sampling fresh bindaetteok and buying handcrafted silk goods, then stroll to nearby Dongmyo Flea Market to unearth vintage finds and quirky souvenirs from local vendors. Finish with a calming coffee and light brunch at the riverside Nodeul Island Bookstore Café, pack purchases, and arrange a convenient airport transfer (AREX express from Seoul Station or an app-booked van) to leave Seoul with time to spare and a few last culinary mementos.
Spend a leisurely afternoon hunting for perfect last-minute gifts in Apgujeong Rodeo Street, popping into designer boutiques and concept stores for K-beauty sets and limited-edition fashion pieces, then stop at Dosan Park Café Street for a relaxed coffee and people-watching break. Afterward, head to the sprawling underground emporium at Express Bus Terminal's Goto Mall to scoop up discounted socks, accessories, and snacks for the flight, and finish with a quick Korean fried chicken snack at Kyochon (Branch near Gangnam Express Bus Terminal) before collecting luggage and heading to your airport transfer.
Celebrate your final evening with a relaxed food-and-finds stroll through Itaewon Antique Street, hunting unique homewares and small vintage treasures before settling into a convivial final meal at Vatos Urban Tacos for Korean-Mexican fusion flavors. After dinner, catch a panoramic night view from the rooftop bar at The Griffin hotel for one last skyline toast, then head to Seoul Station or an app-booked airport limousine from nearby stops to arrive at Incheon International Airport with time to spare and any last-minute duty-free treats purchased.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Isaac Toast | ₩6,000 |
| Myeongdong Cathedral Plaza | Free |
| Namsan Cable Car | ₩10,000 |
| Namsan Seoul Tower (observation deck) | ₩15,000 |
| Namsan Hanok Village | Free |
| Namdaemun Market (street food lunch) | ₩10,000 |
| Cheonggyecheon Stream | Free |
| Dongdaemun Night Market (street food) | ₩8,000 |
| Cheonggye Plaza / riverside installations | Free |
| Makgeolli bar in Ikseon-dong (drink + small plates) | ₩18,000 |
| Gyeongbokgung Palace (entry) | ₩3,000 |
| Changing of the Guard ceremony (Gyeongbokgung) | Free |
| National Folk Museum of Korea | Free |
| Bukchon Hanok Village | Free |
| Cha Masineun Tteul (tea house) | ₩8,000 |
| Hanok bakery (rice cakes & pastries) | ₩6,000 |
| Insadong / Ssamziegil (shopping) | ₩10,000 |
| Tosokchon Samgyetang (meal) | ₩16,000 |
| Jongmyo Shrine (entry) | ₩1,000 |
| Ikseon-dong cafés (drink & dessert) | ₩9,000 |
| Seochon Village (evening stroll) | Free |
| Art Space Boan1942 (gallery) | Free |
| Tosokchon Seochon (dinner) | ₩30,000 |
| Cheongun Literature Library (tea & views) | Free |
| Gahoe-dong speakeasy bar (drink) | ₩18,000 |
| Cafe Mamas (coffee/meal) | ₩12,000 |
| Sinsa-dong Garosu-gil (shopping stroll) | Free |
| Samsung d'light (showroom visit) | Free |
| Seonjeongneung Royal Tombs (entry) | ₩1,000 |
| Starfield COEX Mall (shopping) | Free |
| COEX Aquarium (entry) | ₩29,000 |
| Byeolmadang Bookstore (visit) | Free |
| Bongeunsa Temple (visit) | Free |
| Asem Tower rooftop cafe (drink) | ₩10,000 |
| Rooftop Kloud (cocktail) | ₩18,000 |
| Gangnam Station Underground Shopping Center (snacks) | ₩8,000 |
| Octagon Club (entry/drink) | ₩30,000 |
| All That Jazz Seoul (live-jazz cover + drink) | ₩20,000 |
| DMZ guided tour (per person, typical) | ₩60,000 |
| Imjingak Park | Free |
| Dora Observatory | Free |
| Dorasan Station (visit) | Free |
| Third Infiltration Tunnel (entry via tour) | Included in DMZ tour |
| Unification Village (viewpoint) | Free |
| Suwon Hwaseong Fortress (entry) | ₩1,000 |
| Hwaseong Haenggung Palace (entry) | ₩1,000 |
| Suwon galbi (meal) | ₩25,000 |
| Siloam Sauna (jjimjilbang entry) | ₩12,000 |
| Han River Evening Cruise | ₩20,000 |
| Yeouido Hangang Park (bike rental) | ₩5,000 |
| Floating Islands (Sebitseom) (visit / café) | ₩8,000 |
| Yeouido Marina paddleboard / small boat (rental) | ₩25,000 |
| Picnic (gimbap & fruit) | ₩8,000 |
| Ttukseom Hangang Park (electric cruiser rental) | ₩20,000 |
| Magpie Brewing Taproom (beer) | ₩9,000 |
| Seonyudo Park (entry) | Free |
| Dakgangjeong (street snack) | ₩6,000 |
| Hongdae Playground (buskers / indie acts) | Free |
| Club FF (entry) | ₩12,000 |
| Mudaeruk (entry/drink) | ₩15,000 |
| Ssalbbang Street Vendors (street eats) | ₩5,000 |
| Le Chamber (cocktail) | ₩20,000 |
| Gwangjang Market (bindaetteok) | ₩8,000 |
| Dongmyo Flea Market (shopping) | ₩5,000 |
| Nodeul Island Bookstore Café (coffee) | ₩7,000 |
| Airport transfer - AREX Express (Seoul Station to Incheon) | ₩9,500 |
| Apgujeong Rodeo Street (shopping) | ₩10,000 |
| Dosan Park Café Street (coffee) | ₩8,000 |
| Goto Mall (Express Bus Terminal) (shopping) | ₩5,000 |
| Kyochon (Korean fried chicken snack) | ₩18,000 |
| Itaewon Antique Street (shopping) | ₩10,000 |
| Vatos Urban Tacos (meal) | ₩20,000 |
| The Griffin rooftop bar (drink) | ₩18,000 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | ₩651,500 |