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3-Day Seoul Weekend: Classic Sights, Foodie Stops, and Han River Relaxation

Day 1: Historic Seoul

Seoul, South Korea on April 24, 2026

9:00am

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Explore the largest Joseon dynasty palace; attend the royal guard changing ceremony at 10:00 to see traditional uniforms and pageantry. Open daily (closed some national holiday adjustments).
KRW3000, 1h30m

11:00am

National Folk Museum (on palace grounds)

Quick museum visit to learn Korean daily-life history and artifacts; convenient and short for context after the palace.
KRW0-KRW3000, 45m

12:15pm

Lunch — Tosokchon Samgyetang

Famous for ginseng chicken soup (samgyetang); hearty midday meal popular with locals and tourists. Typically open 10:00–21:00 but can be busy at lunch.
KRW18000, 1h

13:45pm

Bukchon Hanok Village

Wander narrow lanes lined with traditional hanok houses offering great photo ops and window into Seoul's past; respectful quiet required. Open always (outdoor).
KRW0, 1h

15:00pm

Insadong Street

Shop for crafts, tea houses, and galleries—perfect for souvenirs and trying traditional teas/snacks. Most shops open 10:00–20:00.
KRW0, 1h15m

17:00pm

Jogyesa Temple

Short serene visit to an active Buddhist temple in the city center, ideal near sunset for calm atmosphere. Open daily dawn–dusk.
KRW0, 30m

18:30pm

Dinner — Myeongdong Kyoja

Famous for knife-cut noodle soup (kalguksu) and dumplings; fast, comforting dinner near Myeongdong shopping streets. Open ~10:30–21:30 (confirm current hours).
KRW9000, 1h

20:00pm

Myeongdong Night Shopping

Explore vibrant street food stalls, cosmetics shops, and neon-lit shopping alleys; lively into late evening (many stalls open past 22:00).
KRW0, 1h30m

Day 2: Modern Culture & Views

Seoul, South Korea on April 25, 2026

8:30am

Breakfast — Local café in Hongdae (e.g., Café Travel Maker)

Casual Korean-style brunch or sandwiches in youthful Hongdae neighborhood; many cafes open from 08:00. Good start for a creative district walk.
KRW8000, 45m

9:30am

Hongdae Streets & Free Market (weekends)

See street performers, indie shops, and the Hongdae Free Market (Saturdays) showcasing local artisans; lively daytime culture spot. Shops generally open 10:00–22:00.
KRW0, 1h30m

11:30am

Ewha Womans University shopping area

Browse trendy, affordable boutiques around the campus for fashion and accessories—popular with students and bargain hunters. Open 10:00–21:00.
KRW0, 1h

13:00pm

Lunch — Yeonnam-dong gimbap/ramen spot (e.g., Gimbap Cheonguk)

Quick local lunch of gimbap or ramen in hip Yeonnam-dong, ideal for keeping the day moving; many eateries open through afternoon.
KRW7000, 45m

14:30pm

Trick Eye Museum + Ice Museum (if open) or Hongdae galleries

Interactive optical-illusion museum for playful photos; check current opening (often 10:00–22:00). Alternative: visit small contemporary galleries.
KRW15000, 1h

16:00pm

Namsan Seoul Tower (N. Seoul Tower)

Take cable car or hike up Namsan for panoramic Seoul views and lock-filled terraces; tower open typically 10:00–23:00 (grounds earlier).
KRW12000, 1h30m

18:30pm

Dinner — Itaewon BBQ (e.g., Maple Tree House)

Korean barbecue in multicultural Itaewon for high-quality meats and lively atmosphere; many restaurants open until late (22:00+).
KRW25000, 1h30m

20:30pm

Itaewon nightlife or Han River evening walk

Option: explore bars/clubs in Itaewon or take a relaxed Han River stroll for lights and riverside cafés; nightlife varies by venue hours (22:00–02:00).
KRW0-KRW20000, 2h

Day 3: Gangnam & Han River

Seoul, South Korea on April 26, 2026

8:30am

Breakfast — Local bakery in Gangnam (e.g., Paris Baguette)

Grab pastries or Korean-style sandwiches for a quick start before exploring upscale Gangnam; bakeries open from early morning (~07:00).
KRW6000, 30m

9:15am

Bongeunsa Temple

Contrast modern Gangnam skyscrapers with this peaceful Buddhist temple founded in the 10th century; temple grounds open daily, check for special programs.
KRW0, 45m

10:30am

COEX Mall & Starfield Library

Visit Asia's large underground mall and the photogenic Starfield Library; shops typically open 10:30–22:00, library hours vary but often 10:00–22:00.
KRW0, 1h30m

12:15pm

Lunch — Korean fried chicken (e.g., Kyochon)

Enjoy popular crispy Korean fried chicken with sides and beer; many branches open midday through late evening.
KRW15000, 1h

14:00pm

Hangang Park bike ride

Rent a bike at Yeouido or Banpo Hangang Park for a scenic ride along the Han River and views of Seoul skyline; rental typically 2–3 hours, parks open all day.
KRW8000, 2h

16:30pm

Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain (seasonal)

See the colorful fountain show in the evening (usually runs Apr–Oct; check nightly times around sunset). If off-season, enjoy riverside cafés and sunset views.
KRW0, 45m

18:30pm

Dinner — Korean traditional set (e.g., Tosang Korean Restaurant in Gangnam)

Finish with a multi-course Korean set meal to taste varied side dishes (banchan) and mains; typical dinner hours 17:00–22:00.
KRW25000, 1h30m

20:30pm

Nightcap — Han River cruise (optional, seasonal)

Optional evening river cruise for city lights and relaxed end to the trip; cruises run year-round with schedule variations, book ahead.
KRW15000, 1h
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