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AI-LewisClark
02 Dec 2025
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Seoul Highlights — 5 Days

Seoul in 5 Days — Highlights Itinerary

Explore Seoul’s rich history, vibrant shopping districts, and lively neighborhoods over five days. Start with the grand royal palaces—Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung with its Secret Garden—then wander the picturesque hanok lanes of Bukchon. Take in panoramic city views from N Seoul Tower, shop and snack through the energetic streets of Myeongdong and Namdaemun, and browse traditional crafts in Insadong. Experience cutting-edge design at Dongdaemun Design Plaza, reflect on modern history at the War Memorial of Korea, and immerse yourself in youthful culture, street performances, and nightlife in Hongdae. This balanced itinerary mixes cultural landmarks, shopping, and local experiences suited to a flexible budget and a taste for history and retail.

Recommended Activities

  • Trip Point Pin1

    Gyeongbokgung Palace

    Gyeongbokgung is Seoul’s largest and most iconic royal palace, offering a vivid glimpse into Korea’s Joseon Dynasty architecture and court life. Visitors can watch the colorful Changing of the Guard ceremony, explore restored throne halls and pavilions, and learn about Korean history at the on-site National Folk Museum. The palace’s expansive grounds and scenic views against the Bukhansan foothills make it a must-see for history and photography enthusiasts.
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  • Trip Point Pin2

    Changdeokgung Palace and Huwon (Secret Garden)

    Changdeokgung is renowned for its harmonious integration with natural landscapes, reflecting traditional Korean palace planning. The Huwon (Secret Garden) is a secluded, beautifully landscaped royal garden featuring ponds, pavilions, and winding paths that change with the seasons. Touring Changdeokgung and the Secret Garden provides a peaceful, immersive experience of royal leisure and landscape design not found in more formal palace settings.
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  • Trip Point Pin3

    Bukchon Hanok Village

    Bukchon Hanok Village preserves hundreds of traditional hanok houses in a living neighborhood between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung. Walking its narrow lanes lets you experience historic residential architecture, artisanal shops, tea houses, and cultural workshops. It’s ideal for anyone interested in traditional Korean architecture, local crafts, and authentic street-level scenes, plus it offers numerous picturesque views and photo opportunities.
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  • Trip Point Pin4

    N Seoul Tower (Namsan Seoul Tower)

    N Seoul Tower provides panoramic, 360-degree views of Seoul from atop Namsan Mountain, ideal for orientation and skyline photography. The tower’s observation decks, digital displays, and light shows make it a lively attraction day or night; the surrounding Namsan Park offers scenic walking trails and seasonal foliage. Couples also enjoy the symbolic ‘love locks’ area, and convenient cable car or hiking options add to the experience.
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  • Trip Point Pin5

    Myeongdong Shopping Street

    Myeongdong is one of Seoul’s busiest shopping districts, offering a dense mix of international brands, Korean cosmetics, and street food stalls—perfect for shoppers with a flexible budget who like fast-casual dining and impulse buys. The pedestrian-friendly streets bustle with energy, seasonal pop-up events, and beauty counters where you can sample products. It’s centrally located and well connected to public transport, making it easy to combine with nearby attractions.
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  • Trip Point Pin6

    Insadong Cultural District

    Insadong is Seoul’s cultural heart for traditional arts, crafts, and antiques, with galleries, tea houses, and small specialty shops showcasing calligraphy, pottery, and hanji paper goods. It’s an excellent place to shop for authentic souvenirs, attend short cultural workshops, and enjoy quiet tea-house experiences that contrast with Seoul’s modern neighborhoods. The district’s pedestrian-friendly main street and alleys offer a relaxed cultural immersion and frequent street performances or traditional demonstrations.
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  • Trip Point Pin7

    Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

    DDP is an architectural landmark designed by Zaha Hadid, notable for its futuristic curves, LED facade, and innovative public spaces. It hosts rotating design exhibitions, fashion shows, and markets, making it a hub for contemporary Korean design and nightlife. The surrounding area is also a fashion wholesale and retail district, so it’s great for shopping, street photography, and attending design-oriented events.
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  • Trip Point Pin8

    Namdaemun Market

    Namdaemun Market is Seoul’s largest traditional market, offering a vast array of goods—clothing, accessories, souvenirs, household items, and local snacks—at bargain prices. Its maze-like alleys and long history provide an authentic market atmosphere where bargaining and quick purchases are part of the experience. Open early and late, it’s convenient for flexible shoppers seeking local products and lively street-level commerce.
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  • Trip Point Pin9

    War Memorial of Korea

    The War Memorial provides a comprehensive, well-curated account of Korea’s military history, with indoor exhibits, artifacts, multimedia displays, and extensive outdoor displays of military equipment. It’s both educational and moving, offering context for Korea’s 20th-century history and honoring those who served. The museum’s scale and exhibits make it a recommended stop for history-minded visitors seeking deeper understanding beyond casual sightseeing.
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  • Trip Point Pin10

    Hongdae (Hongik University Street)

    Hongdae is Seoul’s youthful, creative neighborhood known for indie music, street performances, and vibrant nightlife. It offers quirky boutiques, vintage and designer shops, and plentiful fast-casual dining options—perfect for shoppers and those who enjoy energetic street culture. The area’s live clubs, art markets, and weekend performances showcase emerging Korean artists and make Hongdae ideal for nightlife, people-watching, and discovering local trends.
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Restaurants

  • Restaurant Icon

    Jungsik

    4.4
    $$$$

    Jungsik

    Modern Korean fine dining that reinterprets traditional flavors with creative presentation — a landmark for contemporary Korean cuisine and tasting menus.
    4.4
    $$$$
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    Mingles in Gangnam-gu

    4.5
    $$$$

    Mingles in Gangnam-gu

    Renowned for its refined, seasonal Korean dishes blending Western techniques with local ingredients; great for experiencing high-end New Korean cuisine.
    4.5
    $$$$
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    Tosokchon Samgyetang

    4.2
    $$$$

    Tosokchon Samgyetang

    Famous for its ginseng chicken soup (samgyetang), popular with locals and visitors seeking hearty, traditional comfort food in a historic hanok setting near Gyeongbokgung.
    4.2
    $$$$
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    Wooraeok

    4.2
    $$$$

    Wooraeok

    Classic Korean barbecue and naengmyeon house known for long history and traditional flavors, offering a solid experience of grilled meats and chilled buckwheat noodles.
    4.2
    $$$$
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    Kang Ho-dong Baekjeong

    Kang Ho-dong Baekjeong

    Bustling, well-regarded Korean BBQ chain known for high-quality cuts and lively service — good for groups and an energetic dining experience in Seoul.
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Hotels

  • Hotel Icon

    Lotte Hotel Seoul

    Lotte Hotel Seoul

    Luxury hotel in central Seoul near Myeongdong and major palaces; excellent service, roomy rooms, and convenient access to shopping and transport.
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    Four Seasons Hotel Seoul

    4.6

    Four Seasons Hotel Seoul

    Premium accommodations close to Gwanghwamun and cultural sites; renowned for modern comforts, spa facilities, and fine service—ideal for a comfortable, upscale stay.
    4.6
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    Tmark Grand Hotel Myeongdong

    Tmark Grand Hotel Myeongdong

    Comfortable, well-located hotel in Myeongdong offering good value, easy access to shopping streets and public transport—great for shoppers and first-time visitors.
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    Orakai Insadong Suites

    3.7

    Orakai Insadong Suites

    Serviced apartment-style hotel in Insadong offering spacious rooms and a quieter, more local neighborhood feel—convenient for exploring traditional arts and nearby palaces.
    3.7
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    RYSE, Autograph Collection (Hongdae)

    4.5

    RYSE, Autograph Collection (Hongdae)

    Stylish, design-forward hotel in the Hongdae area popular with young travelers; close to nightlife, indie music venues, and boutique shopping.
    4.5
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Local Events & Happenings

Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    Like others said, you can definitely squeeze in more things to do. I'm planning to just stay in one hotel in Myeongdong and subway around. Sightseeing. Gyeongbokgung Palace + ...

    Need advice for 5 day Itinerary in Seoul

    Like others said, you can definitely squeeze in more things to do. I'm planning to just stay in one hotel in Myeongdong and subway around. Sightseeing. Gyeongbokgung Palace + ...

    /r/koreatravel
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  • Reddit Icon

    Gyeongbokgung Palace.+ Plaza + LCK Arena bukchon Hanok Village Cheonggyecheon stream N Seoul Tower at night (if time, depending on how long above things take/how tired I am) F...

    Review 5-Day Seoul Itinerary?

    Gyeongbokgung Palace.+ Plaza + LCK Arena bukchon Hanok Village Cheonggyecheon stream N Seoul Tower at night (if time, depending on how long above things take/how tired I am) F...

    /r/solotravel
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    77 votes, 61 comments. Im planning to travel to Korea in November 2025, and Im already working on my itinerary because I want to estimate how much

    Seoul Itinerary

    77 votes, 61 comments. Im planning to travel to Korea in November 2025, and Im already working on my itinerary because I want to estimate how much

    /r/koreatravel
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    My girlfriend and I and have been creating an itinerary on all the places we want to visit using Google MyMaps. Super handy to see if all the places are located nearby from on...

    5 days in Seoul

    My girlfriend and I and have been creating an itinerary on all the places we want to visit using Google MyMaps. Super handy to see if all the places are located nearby from on...

    /r/seoul
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    You can go on these place the same day, just pace them well so that you enjoy both :) ... For day 3, apart from Bukchon Hanok Village (is cute to walk around) and Gyeongbokgun...

    Seoul 5 days itinerary (pls rate)

    You can go on these place the same day, just pace them well so that you enjoy both :) ... For day 3, apart from Bukchon Hanok Village (is cute to walk around) and Gyeongbokgun...

    /r/koreatravel
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Hi everyone! I have a short stay of 3 days in South Korea and was wondering what to visit... Should I use the 3 days for Seoul only? Should I visit

    3 days in South Korea! HELP ITINERARY!

    Hi everyone! I have a short stay of 3 days in South Korea and was wondering what to visit... Should I use the 3 days for Seoul only? Should I visit

    /r/koreatravel
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    13 votes, 11 comments. Hi everyone. Just hoping to get some feedback for our Seoul itinerary in November (our first time in Korea). I am going with

    Itinerary Check - 7 days in Seoul

    13 votes, 11 comments. Hi everyone. Just hoping to get some feedback for our Seoul itinerary in November (our first time in Korea). I am going with

    /r/koreatravel
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Changdeokgung Palace + secret garden, (second palace constructed; official royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty; supposed to be v cool design) ... Secret Garden Guided Tours (re...

    Itinerary

    Changdeokgung Palace + secret garden, (second palace constructed; official royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty; supposed to be v cool design) ... Secret Garden Guided Tours (re...

    /r/koreatravel
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Try Jongno-gu as the the palaces and hanok village are in Jongno-gu as well as a few history museums and Gwangjang market. Namdaemun Market is in Jung-gu which is just south o...

    Hongdae for first timers?

    Try Jongno-gu as the the palaces and hanok village are in Jongno-gu as well as a few history museums and Gwangjang market. Namdaemun Market is in Jung-gu which is just south o...

    /r/koreatravel
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Id move the N Seoul tower to the next day and do the hanok village the same day as the palaces, since youre going to be in the area already. Id also move the two cafs to the f...

    5 Day Seoul Itinerary Check

    Id move the N Seoul tower to the next day and do the hanok village the same day as the palaces, since youre going to be in the area already. Id also move the two cafs to the f...

    /r/koreatravel
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    If you want to arrive earlier at ... and Chungmuro every 7 to 10 minutes. ... For lunch after Gyeongbukgung Palace, Tongin Traditional Market might be an option....

    Seoul 5 Day Itinerary

    If you want to arrive earlier at ... and Chungmuro every 7 to 10 minutes. ... For lunch after Gyeongbukgung Palace, Tongin Traditional Market might be an option....

    /r/koreatravel
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Hello! Heading to Seoul next April for the first time to visit a friend and is only planning on staying in Seoul. It's going to be my husband and I +

    5 Day itinerary check - recommendations/suggestions?

    Hello! Heading to Seoul next April for the first time to visit a friend and is only planning on staying in Seoul. It's going to be my husband and I +

    /r/koreatravel
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  • Reddit Icon

    13 votes, 25 comments. 62K subscribers in the seoul community.

    What to do in Myeongdong and Hongdae in a day?

    13 votes, 25 comments. 62K subscribers in the seoul community.

    /r/seoul
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  • Reddit Icon

    We will be shopping a lot and I've read that Myeongdong area is overpriced. Also any hotel recommendations for the two general places that is around $100 per night. Thank...

    Hongdae or Myeongdong for first time?

    We will be shopping a lot and I've read that Myeongdong area is overpriced. Also any hotel recommendations for the two general places that is around $100 per night. Thank...

    /r/koreatravel
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  • Reddit Icon

    ... Agreed. Really nothing much to do in hongdae during daytime unless you wanna shop and just chill at cafes. Would recommend insadong, cheonggyecheon stream and gwanghwamun ...

    Day trip to Hongdae or Myeong-dong?

    ... Agreed. Really nothing much to do in hongdae during daytime unless you wanna shop and just chill at cafes. Would recommend insadong, cheonggyecheon stream and gwanghwamun ...

    /r/seoul
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  • Reddit Icon

    This is my first time is Seoul and I'm visiting for work. But I have one extra day to explore. 9am: Start your day by visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace

    Spending 1-day in Seoul. Asked ChatGPT to plan the day. Does this sound good?

    This is my first time is Seoul and I'm visiting for work. But I have one extra day to explore. 9am: Start your day by visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace

    /r/koreatravel
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Gyeongbokgung palace Walk around Bukchon Hanock Village and Insa-dong - have lunch here Return Hanbok Walk along cheonggyecheon stream Gwangjang Market Day 4 Friday Depending...

    Four days in Seoul - itinerary check

    Gyeongbokgung palace Walk around Bukchon Hanock Village and Insa-dong - have lunch here Return Hanbok Walk along cheonggyecheon stream Gwangjang Market Day 4 Friday Depending...

    /r/koreatravel
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Although it is mostly shopping and exploring well do No not really a super tight schedule if you're in the Gyeongbokgung area from the morning, and Insadong has quite a l...

    Seoul itinerary check up

    Although it is mostly shopping and exploring well do No not really a super tight schedule if you're in the Gyeongbokgung area from the morning, and Insadong has quite a l...

    /r/koreatravel
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Or look into the transit tours that leave from the airport and will return you back also. More replies More replies ... Take the AREX to Hongdae and do some shoppingthat'...

    Trying to make an itinerary for an 8 hours layover in Seoul. Interested in The palaces.

    Or look into the transit tours that leave from the airport and will return you back also. More replies More replies ... Take the AREX to Hongdae and do some shoppingthat'...

    /r/seoul
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    ... Id say Seongsu over those three areas, especially for mid-range Korean brands. ... Seongsu and Hannam are better for shopping and generally just far better places to spend...

    Hongdae vs Myeongdong vs Sinsadong for shopping?

    ... Id say Seongsu over those three areas, especially for mid-range Korean brands. ... Seongsu and Hannam are better for shopping and generally just far better places to spend...

    /r/koreatravel
    View on RedditView on Reddit

Music for Your Journey

  • Music Icon

    BTS - Spring Day

    BTS - Spring Day

    Melancholic yet hopeful, this song captures Seoul’s changing seasons and quiet moments—great for palace gardens and reflective walks.
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  • Music Icon

    IU - Palette (feat. G-DRAGON)

    IU - Palette (feat. G-DRAGON)

    A mellow, stylish track about growing into yourself—pairs well with wandering hip neighborhoods like Bukchon and Hongdae.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    JENNIE - Seoul City

    JENNIE - Seoul City

    An upbeat ode to the city with urban textures that match sightseeing, skyline views, and bustling streets.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    Busker Busker - Cherry Blossom Ending

    Busker Busker - Cherry Blossom Ending

    Bright, breezy, and instantly evocative of strolling under blossoms—ideal for Namsan Park and palace grounds in spring.
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  • Music Icon

    iKON - LOVE SCENARIO

    iKON - LOVE SCENARIO

    Smooth, catchy, and easygoing pop—good background music while shopping in Myeongdong or exploring cafes in Insadong.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    SAPFIR - BOUNCE FUNK - Slowed

    SAPFIR - BOUNCE FUNK - Slowed

    Energetic and rhythmic, this track suits late-night exploration and the lively street scenes in Hongdae and DDP.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    Forrest Frank - GOOD DAY

    Forrest Frank - GOOD DAY

    Uplifting and expressive with dynamic vocals; it adds a cheerful soundtrack to discovery and photo-filled days.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    IU - Palette (feat. G-DRAGON)

    IU - Palette (feat. G-DRAGON)

    A relaxed, introspective R&B-pop tune that complements slower museum visits and peaceful moments in the Secret Garden.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for IU - Palette (feat. G-DRAGON)
  • Music Icon

    Lil Yung Pharaoh - I Hate You, But I Love You

    Lil Yung Pharaoh - I Hate You, But I Love You

    Soulful and emotional—works well during quiet transit times or reflective stops like the War Memorial.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    ITZY - DALLA DALLA

    ITZY - DALLA DALLA

    Bold and confident pop with an infectious beat—energizing for shopping sprees, nightlife, and exploring youthful districts.
    Listen on Spotify
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