Cities like Seoul are like a living, breathing adventure. You could spend years and still not get over its beauty. With so many beautiful places to visit from its best museums, temples, cafes to its nature parks, and other attractions, one might wonder how many days do you need in Seoul? Well, a week can be enough if you plan your itinerary well.
In Seoul, the sprawling megacity of 10 million, figuring out where to go can be a bit overwhelming. How would you know what to do in Seoul for a week, where to go shopping or what day trips can you take from Seoul, South Korea? Well, here we are to help you nail the perfect Seoul Itinerary within 7 days.
Ultimate Seoul Travel Itinerary for a 7-Day Trip
From enjoying the street food of Myeongdong to exploring the traditions of Hanok villages, here is your comprehensive travel guide on what to do in Seoul for a week.
Day 1: Visit Myeongdong and Ascend Namsan Seoul Tower
11am: Myeongdong Cathedral
After reaching Seoul, kick off your vacation with a visit to the Myeongdong Cathedral. Constructed in the late 1800s, the towering red-brick historical site holds immense cultural significance among the local Korean Catholics.
Spend an hour exploring the serene location, take in the grand interiors of tall ceilings and tinted windows, and offer prayers in the peaceful setting.
Address: 74, Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (Map)
Hours: Open daily: 6am to 10pm
1pm: Namsan Seoul Tower
Climb the Namsan Tower next, the second-highest pointin Seoul and a local landmark. If you're visiting in Spring, you will find the whole Namsan Park full of lovely pink cherry blossoms. You can also take a cable car to the top of the hill, where the tower stands, or you can hike if you prefer.
Enjoy a magnificent view of the Seoul skyline from the Observation Decks. Also check out the Proposal Staircase full of lovers' locks, the animal figurines in Yoohoo Land & Linlin Land, the view from Bridge of Love, and the mesmerizing OLED displays on different floors.
Address: 105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (Map)
Hours: Mon to Fri: 10:30am to 10:30pm, Sat & Sun: 10am to 11pm
4:30pm: Myeongdong Shopping Street
Wondering where to go in Myeongdong afterward? Find various famous Korean skincare, clothing, and accessories brands like Laneige, Stylenanda, Olive Young, Daiso Korea, The Plain, and more on the Shopping Street. Finish the day attending the Nanta Musical Show, a comedic-instrumental spectacle.
Day 2: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Ewha, and Hongdae
9am: Gyeongbokgung Palace
Constructed in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace was the main royal residence of the world-renowned Joseon Dynasty. The grandness of the attraction is worth every penny and each second spent. Explore the main Geunjeongjeon Hall, visit the Hyangwonjeong and Gyeonghoeru Pavilions, and rent a Hanbok for a memorable photoshoot. Do stay for Sumunjang, the Change of the Royal Guard. It happens at 10am and 2pm on all opening days.
Address: 161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Map)
Hours: Wed to Mon: 9am to 5pm (Nov-Feb)
Wed to Mon: 9am to 6pm (March-Oct)
Closed on Tuesdays.
Free Guided Tours (English): Wed to Mon: 11am, 1:30pm, 3:30pm
1pm: Ewha Shopping Street and Womans University
After a delectable lunch at Beezza, Kandasoba, or Sambaek Jip, spend your afternoon relaxing at Ewha Shopping Street. Treat yourself to retail therapy, sip on a boba, and explore the historical complex of Ewha Womans University.
Address: 52, Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul (Map)
Hours: Open daily: 11am to 9pm (Timings of each shop may vary)
5pm: Hongdae Shopping Street
Dotted with pubs, cafes, and boutiques, Hongdae Shopping Street is a haven for young travelers with a love for quirkiness. If you were wondering where to go shopping in Seoul, this is your place to be.
Shop at thrift stores, marvel at the street graffiti, sing at a karaoke bar, witness lively street performances, and savor the street food.
Places worth visitinginclude the Trick Eye Museum, Hongdae Free Market, Zzang Games Arcade, the Kakao Friends flagship store, and Gyeongui Line Book Street. Pop by any eatery of your choice to cap off the day. 943 King's Cross is a popular Harry Potter-themed cafe that you can visit. Other options include Always Cat Cafe which has lovely felines you can play with, while Thanks Nature Cafe has two sheep inside to welcome you.
Address: 365-8 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul (Map) Take Subway Line 2 to Hongik University Station, use Exit 9, turn left, and walk for a minute to the second cross street.
Hours: Open daily: 10am to 11pm (Timings of each shop may vary)
Day 3: Thrilling Adventures at Everland or Lotte World
Keep the third day for an adrenaline rush at Everland or Lotte World Seoul.
Everland
The largest theme park in South Korea, Everland is a must-visit if you have kids. Enjoy exciting rides, stirring photo spots, the lush Four Season Garden, a Panda World, a Double Rock Spinrollercoaster, Caribbean Bay water slides, and more.
Do not miss out on Lost Valley, a convertible ride to witness 150 wild animals. You can feed the giraffes on this safari. With Global Fair, KFC, and a myriad of other eateries in the park, you won't have any difficulty finding a good place to eat.
Address: 199, Everland-ro, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do (Map)
Hours: Open daily: 10am to 7pm (Timings may varies by month; check official website)
Lotte World
Another option includes Lotte World Seoul, which has the world's biggest indoor amusement parkcalled Lotte World Adventure. It is full of thrilling rides, live parades and performances, and the heart-thumping Gyro Swing.
Make sure to visit the ice skating rink, in-premise craft shops, Folk Museum, Lotte World Aquarium, Seoul Sky Observatory, and Lotte World Mall for shopping and scrumptious treats.
Address: 240, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul (Map)
Hours: Open daily: 10am to 9pm (Closing time may vary; refer to official website)
Day 4: Day Trip to Nami Island
A Nami Island day trip from Seoul is a must-have on the itinerary. The picturesque fairytale island made popular by K-dramas is a soothing balm for the tired soul.
The island presents itself as an independent country Naminara Republic, with its designated passport, currency, and flag, which is all part of the fun. You can enter the island on a scheduled ferry or a motorboat, or a zip-wire ride and undergo the due "immigration" process.
Wash away the exhaustion of the trip by walking the tree-lined lanes, strolling the gardens, and taking in the scenic beauty. Pose for as many pictures as your heart desires. Metasequoia Lane, Ginko Tree Lane, Baekpungmilwon Maple Garden, and General Nami's Tomb are worthwhile attractions. You can walk around the island or rent a bicycle or tandemto save time and energy.
If you have time, pair Garden of Morning Calm and Petite France with the day trip to Nami Island. The first is a botanical park with 5000 different species of plants to explore. The second is a French-style cultural colony with buildings, museums, galleries, and cafes.
Address: 1, Namiseom-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do (Map)
Hours: Open daily: 8am to 9pm
Day 5: Personalised Day Trips to Busan, DMZ, or others
Spend your fifth day taking a break from the city and exploring some of the exciting day trips from Seoul South Korea has to offer.
Busan
Take a day trip to Busan from Seoul via train or private car and enjoy a day in this heartwarming beach town.
Walk the colorful streets of Gamcheon Cultural Village, visit BIFF Square for mouthwatering street food, soak in the sun at Haeundae Beach, and offer prayers at the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple on your day trip to Busan from Seoul. End the day with the futuristic drone show at Gwangalli Beach.
DMZ
DMZ, or the Demilitarized Zone is a strip of land across the Korean Peninsula marking the border between North and South Korea. It is reminiscent of the partition of Korea at the end of the Second World War and a reminder that the country, now starkly different in culture and politics, was once one.
A day trip to the DMZ from Seoul is a must if you are a history buff or interested in world politics. Notable attractions here are the Peace Train, the last ride to cross the borderbefore the Korean War in 1950, the Dora Observatory, from where you can look across the empty DMZ and into North Korea, and the Third Infiltration Tunnel allegedly dug by North Koreain 1978. You can stop at Unification Village for snacks and refreshments.
Note that the tour won't take you to the official DMZ but rather the portion on the southern side open to civilians. You can, however, peek into the fortifications of North Korea on the other side using a binocular or even bare eyes.
More Day-Trip Options for a Free and Easy Itinerary in Seoul
UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Gyeongju and Yangdong Folk Village
Trekking at Bukhansan National Park
Vivaldi Park Snowy Land (best in winter)
Alpaca World
Legoland Korea
Day 6: Bukchon Hanok Village, Insadong, and Dongdaemun
10am: Bukchon Hanok Village
Seoul's Bukchon Hanok Village boasts of hundreds of preserved traditional architectures dating back to the Joseon era. Navigate the ancient houses and the tranquil alleyways to get transported back in time.
Explore the several cultural joints, museums, and tea houses enclosed in the houses. Since the village is still home to many local families, be considerate while looking around and respect people's privacy.
Address: Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Map)
2pm: Insadong Street
Insadong Street is a charming neighborhood filled with true-blue Korean shops, cafes, art galleries, and boutiques. Wondering where to go in Insadong? Check out Alive Museum, Ssamziegil Shopping Complex, Jogyesa Buddhist Temple, and Kimchi Museum.
5pm: Dongdaemun
As your trip almost draws to an end, shop for gifts and souvenirs in Dongdaemun. Find trendy fashion and knick-knacks at pocket-friendly prices. Confused about where to go in Dongdaemun? Migliore and Hello APM are two malls offering a wide variety at reasonable rates. Visit the Dongdaemun Design Plaza before leaving.
Day 7: Historic Sights and Culinary Delights (Itaewon)
Take some time on your last day to explore some historical locations and devour the local cuisine. If you want both in one place, head to Itaewon after you're done packing.
Wondering where to go in Itaewon? Seoul's cultural hub has the War Memorial of Korea and the LEEUM Samsung Museum of Art. Islam Street is a paradise for halal non-veg dishes, but you will also find a good mix of international cuisine at World Food Culture Street. If you are vegan, try out the Itaewon branch of Plant Cafe.
If you can spare the time, take a quick pottery class or indulge in self-care at a luxurious Korean spa.
Have a Safe Flight Home
Use this guide to help you craft the perfect Seoul travel itinerary for your stay in South Korea. Feel free to add or subtract from it, depending on your liking. Remember to use the Kakao apps for maps and the Discover Seoul Pass for easy access everywhere in the lovely city. Last but not least, have a safe flight home with tons of memories.
Commonly Asked Questions
Is 7 days in Seoul too long?
A week is a perfect amount of time to spend in Seoul. You will find ample time to see the capital's attractions and also make nearby day trips.
How long to spend in Myeongdong?
Half a day is a good amount of time to explore the street food and markets of Myeongdong. Remember to see the Cathedral as well.
How much does 7 days in Seoul cost?
It depends on where you're staying, what you're eating, and which attractions you're visiting. On average, be prepared to spend around SGD 2,000-2,500 for one person.
How to get to Everland from Myeongdong?
If you're staying in Myeongdong, the cheapest and fastest way to go to Everland is the shuttle bus. Pelago's Discover Seoul Pass itinerary covers the transportation cost.
Where to go at night in Seoul?
You can visit the Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market, take a nighttime hike along the Seoul Fortress Wall, or go on a pub crawl.