Comprehensive 12-Day Seoul Itinerary from May 30 to June 10, 2025

Day 1: Historic Seoul Introduction

Seoul, South Korea on May 30, 2025

9:00am

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Visit Seoul's iconic 14th-century palace, a grand symbol of Joseon Dynasty architecture and history, with changing of the guard ceremonies at 10am and 2pm daily.
KRW3000, 2h0m

11:30am

Bukchon Hanok Village

Walk through traditional Korean hanok houses reflecting old Seoul culture and picturesque streets, ideal for photos and local artisan shops.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Tosokchon Samgyetang

Enjoy a famous ginseng chicken soup near Gyeongbokgung, known for its nourishing and authentic taste, open 10:00am–9:00pm.
KRW14000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Insadong Street

Explore this cultural street filled with antique shops, tea houses, and galleries, great for souvenirs and feel of traditional Seoul.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Jogyesa Temple

Visit a vibrant Buddhist temple with beautiful lanterns and peaceful gardens, open to visitors during daylight hours.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Myeongdong Kyoja

Try famous kalguksu noodle soup and mandu dumplings in the bustling Myeongdong shopping district, open until 9:30pm.
KRW10000, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Modern Seoul Highlights

Seoul, South Korea on May 31, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Isaac Toast

Start with a popular Korean sandwich chain serving unique toasted sandwiches near Hongdae, open 7:00am–10:00pm.
KRW4000, 0h30m

9:30am

Hongdae Walking Tour

Explore trendy street art, indie shops, and cafes in youthful Hongdae, a hub for modern Korean pop culture.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Trick Eye Museum

Interactive 3D museum featuring optical illusions, fun for all ages with many photo opportunities, open 9:00am–9:00pm.
KRW15000, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Kyochon Chicken

Enjoy Korea's famous fried chicken with various flavors in a casual dining setting, open 11:00am–11:00pm.
KRW15000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

Visit the futuristic landmark with exhibitions, shops, and the LED rose garden, open 10:00am–10:00pm.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Shopping at Dongdaemun Market

Explore the huge night market known for fashion and accessories, great for shopping and street food.
Varies, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Jinokhwa Halmae Wonjo Dakhanmari

Try the traditional Korean chicken hot pot in Dongdaemun, open until late evening.
KRW17000, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Iconic Seoul Views

Seoul, South Korea on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Coffee Libre

Enjoy artisanal coffee with light breakfast options in a well-known Seoul cafe near Itaewon, open from 8:00am.
KRW8000, 0h45m

9:00am

Namsan Seoul Tower

Head up to Seoul’s iconic observation tower for panoramic views and photo spots, tower open 10:00am–11:00pm.
KRW11000, 2h0m

11:30am

Walk Namsan Park

Enjoy a scenic stroll through the well-maintained park surrounding the tower for fresh air and nature.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Maple Tree House

Experience premium Korean BBQ in Itaewon, known for quality meats and a comfortable ambiance, open 11:30am–10:00pm.
KRW30000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Leeum Samsung Museum of Art

Explore world-class modern and traditional Korean art in this architecturally stunning museum, open 10:30am–6:00pm.
KRW10000, 2h0m

5:00pm

Explore Itaewon Street

Discover an internationally diverse neighborhood filled with shops, cafes, and nightlife options.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Prost Pub & Grill

Casual dining with a mix of Korean and Western dishes accompanied by local craft beers in Itaewon, open until midnight.
KRW15000, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Cultural Immersion

Seoul, South Korea on June 2, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Paris Baguette

Start the morning with fresh bakery items and coffee from a popular Korean chain, open from 7:00am.
KRW6000, 0h30m

9:15am

Changdeokgung Palace and Secret Garden

Explore a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage palace known for its secret garden accessible via guided tours only, palace open 9:00am–5:30pm (last admission 5:00pm).
KRW3500, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Tongin Market

Experience traditional Korean street food and buy lunch boxes using yeopjeon coins at this lively market, open 10:00am–6:00pm.
KRW8000, 1h0m

1:45pm

Seoul Museum of History

Learn about Seoul’s development from past to present in this informative museum, open 9:00am–8:00pm.
Free, 1h30m

3:45pm

Cheonggyecheon Stream Walk

Relax along the restored urban stream that runs through downtown Seoul, perfect during the warm months, open 24 hours.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Visit Dongdaemun Night Market

Return to the bustling Dongdaemun area for more night shopping and street food options, open until midnight.
Varies, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Gwangjang Market

Taste some of Korea’s best street food including bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and mayak kimbap, open 11:00am–10:00pm.
KRW10000, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Relaxation and Shopping

Seoul, South Korea on June 3, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Isaac Toast

Try delicious Korean sandwiches to start your day, open 7:00am–10:00pm.
KRW4000, 0h30m

10:00am

COEX Mall & Aquarium

Explore the largest underground shopping mall in Asia and visit the impressive aquarium, COEX Mall open 10:30am–10:00pm, Aquarium open 10:00am–8:00pm.
KRW28000 for aquarium, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Bonjuk

Enjoy Korean porridge in COEX Mall, perfect light meal, open 10:30am–9:30pm.
KRW10000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Bongeunsa Temple

Visit a peaceful Buddhist temple right across COEX Mall, open 9:00am–6:00pm, ideal for cultural immersion.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Apgujeong Rodeo Street

Walk through luxury fashion streets with upscale boutiques and cafes for window shopping and people watching.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Jungsik

Experience high-end modern Korean cuisine at this Michelin-starred restaurant, reservation recommended, open 12:00pm–2:00pm and 6:00pm–10:00pm.
KRW150000, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Nature and Traditional Markets

Seoul, South Korea on June 4, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Onion

Start with fresh pastries and coffee at a trendy industrial-style cafe, open from 8:00am.
KRW8000, 0h45m

9:30am

Hike Bukhansan National Park

Enjoy scenic hiking trails with views over Seoul; suitable trails from 1 to 3 hours, park open all day; advise arriving early to avoid crowds.
Free, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Jeonju Bibimbap restaurant

Savor one of Korea’s signature mixed rice dishes with vegetables and beef, near park exit, open 11:00am–9:00pm.
KRW12000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Namdaemun Market

Explore Korea’s largest traditional market selling everything from clothes to food, open 10:30am–8:00pm.
Varies, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Cheonggyecheon Stream

Evening walk along the lit-up stream to unwind.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Tosokchon Samgyetang

End your day with nourishing ginseng chicken soup, a local favorite, open 10:00am–9:00pm.
KRW14000, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Art and Culture

Seoul, South Korea on June 5, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at The Green Bean Coffee

Enjoy specialty coffee and light breakfast, located in Samcheong-dong, open from 8:30am.
KRW7000, 0h45m

10:00am

National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA)

Explore Korea’s leading modern and contemporary art museum, open 10:00am–6:00pm closed Mondays.
KRW4000, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Samcheongdong Sujebi

Try traditional Korean hand-torn noodle soup in a cozy setting, open 11:30am–9:00pm.
KRW9000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Samcheongdong Street

Wander through charming streets lined with galleries, cafes, and boutiques, perfect for slow cultural exploration.
Free, 2h0m

4:30pm

Changsin-dong Toy Wholesale Market

Discover an unusual market filled with toys and quirky items, great for unique souvenirs.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Korea House

Dine on traditional Korean royal cuisine and enjoy cultural performances every evening, open 12:00pm–2:00pm and 5:00pm–9:00pm (reservation recommended).
KRW80000, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Han River Leisure

Seoul, South Korea on June 6, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Butter Finger Pancakes

Enjoy American-style breakfast with hearty pancakes and eggs in Itaewon, open from 8:00am.
KRW12000, 1h0m

10:30am

Han River Bike Ride

Rent a bike and cycle along scenic Han River parks; bike rentals open 8:00am–9:00pm.
KRW8000, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch Picnic by the River

Grab takeout from nearby convenience stores or cafes and enjoy riverside picnic with views of the city skyline.
Varies, 1h0m

2:30pm

Sebitseom Islands

Visit the floating artificial islands with cafes, galleries, and green spaces, open 10:00am–10:00pm.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain

Watch the world's longest bridge fountain show (8:00pm–9:00pm), perfect evening entertainment.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Magal BBQ near Han River

Enjoy Korean grilled pork belly BBQ in a casual setting, open until late.
KRW25000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Day Trip to DMZ

Seoul, South Korea on June 7, 2025

7:00am

DMZ Tour

Join an organized half-day tour to the Korean Demilitarized Zone, seeing key sites like Dora Observatory and the Third Tunnel, tours typically 6-7 hours including transport, book in advance.
KRW55000, 7h0m

2:30pm

Return and Rest at Hotel

Rest after the intense morning tour and prepare for evening activities.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Baekje Samgyetang

Rejuvenate with a classic chicken soup in central Seoul, open 10:00am–10:00pm.
KRW15000, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Shopping & Leisure

Seoul, South Korea on June 8, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Mamas

Enjoy fresh sandwiches and salads in a cozy cafe, open from 8:30am.
KRW10000, 1h0m

10:30am

Garosu-gil Street

Shop in a trendy boutique street lined with designer stores, cafes, and art galleries, open daily.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Sulbing Korean Dessert Cafe

Try refreshing Korean shaved ice desserts called bingsu in a popular chain, open 11:00am–10:00pm.
KRW8000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Lotte World Tower & Mall

Explore Seoul’s tallest building offering shopping, aquarium, and observation deck (Seoul Sky), tower open 10:00am–10:00pm.
KRW27000 for observation deck, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Place Dining

Enjoy refined Italian-Korean fusion cuisine in an elegant setting, open 12:00pm–10:00pm.
KRW35000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Final Day Highlights

Seoul, South Korea on June 9, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Bora

Taste unique purple sweet potato desserts and coffee, open from 9:00am.
KRW8000, 0h45m

9:30am

Seoul Fortress Wall Hike

Enjoy a morning hike along historic Seoul fortress walls for scenic city views, open all day.
Free, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Namdaemun Market

Savor local street eats in South Korea’s largest traditional market.
KRW10000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Ewha Womans University Area

Shop in lively student district with affordable fashion and unique cafes.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Hangang Park

Unwind by the Han River, perfect spot for last sunset in Seoul.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Final Dinner at N Grill

Dine in the revolving restaurant atop Namsan Tower for a memorable view and meal, reservation highly recommended.
KRW80000, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Departure

Seoul, South Korea on June 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or Local Cafe

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast before preparing for departure.
Varies, 1h0m

8:30am

Transfer to Incheon International Airport

Allow ample time for airport check-in and security, approximately 1 hour from city center by AREX train or airport limousine bus.
KRW9000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability