Ultimate 5 Day Seoul Itinerary for First Timers

Visiting Seoul for the first time? This detailed 5 day Seoul itinerary covers where to stay, things to do, how to get around and my top tips and advice for a memorable trip.

When I first landed in Seoul, I was pretty jazzed but slightly overwhelmed. I mean, most of what I’d learned about Seoul came from my finished library of K-dramas.

Standing in the middle of buzzing Myeong-dong, surrounded by neon signs flashing in Korean and catchy K-pop songs spilling from every storefront, I wondered how I’d even begin exploring this massive city.

Maybe you’re feeling the same right now, trying to figure out how you’ll ever squeeze Seoul’s palaces, street markets, trendy neighbourhoods, and endless food stalls into just a few days without feeling stressed or missing out.

Having recently navigated my way through this incredible city (twice! once in spring and once in fall), spending mornings wandering through historic spots like Gyeongbokgung Palace and evenings eating my way through Ikseon-dong’s lively streets, I know exactly how to maximize your experience.

That’s why I’ve carefully created this five day itinerary. It includes Seoul’s top attractions, hidden gems, restaurant recommendations, and practical tips to ensure you see the best of the city without burning yourself out.

By following this itinerary, you’ll leave Seoul feeling like you truly experienced its vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and dynamic neighbourhoods, all at a comfortable and manageable pace.

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Notes About My 5 Days Seoul Itinerary

• I recommend a lot of my favourite Seoul cafes in this itinerary, so I’m hoping you are a fellow coffee lover like me. If not, matcha and tea are regularly available or make a pit stop at the 7-Eleven.
• While I have been vegan in the past, this Seoul itinerary leans heavily into omnivore food recommendations
• Other than a few hops on and off the subway and bus, I relied mostly on walking throughout this itinerary to get around the city. Make sure to wear good shoes!
• I am assuming that you have booked a 6 night stay at your Seoul hotel, as this itinerary covers 5 full days.
• There is virtually no nightlife outlined in this 5 day itinerary (besides shopping and food markets) since I am not a huge night person. I love getting up bright and early and walking so much that I am absolutely knackered by 7pm.
• This 5 day itinerary for Seoul doesn’t visit the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), which is something I de-prioritized on both my trips to Seoul. But if you’d like to visit, I hear the evening is the best time when the food stalls open up.
• A day tour of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea is optional. If you’d really like to go (which I recommend), I suggest replacing the day 5 itinerary in favour of visiting the DMZ for the day and spending the evening/night in Hongdae.

5 Day Seoul Itinerary Breakdown

Day 0: Arrival & Hotel Check-in

My 10 hour flight from Vancouver spat me into Incheon Terminal 1 just at sunset, caffeine-deprived and slightly delirious. I don’t like to dally at the airport long, so I head straight for the AREX Express train. But if you need some rehydration and a snack, pop into the CU convenience store beside baggage claim.

Next, follow the orange ‘Airport Railroad’ signs downstairs and flash your pre-booked AREX Express e-ticket or just grab it at the terminal kiosk like I do. Remember to also purchase your T-money card here or pick up a pre-purchased card, since you will need it once you arrive in downtown Seoul.

I always buy my e-SIM on my Airalo app before arriving in Korea. Then you just activate it once you land. Or you can find a SKT or LGU tourist SIM card at the airport.

Now sit back and enjoy the 43 minute non-stop train with plush seats, free Wi-Fi, and zero traffic.

Once you arrive at Seoul Train Station, hop a quick taxi or one-stop subway to your hotel in Myeongdong or Jongno. I like to dump my suitcase, refresh myself, and wander straight to a local gimbap shop (Chick Gimbap in Myeongdong is my fave!) for an evening bite before crashing early.

Tomorrow’s 5-day adventure kicks off bright and early!

Want to read through your airport transfer options? Read my guide on how to get from Incheon Airport to Myeong-dong city centre.

Day 1: Gwangjang Market, Ikseon-dong & Insa-dong

8:30 a.m. – Coffee & River Stroll

Kick off at Small Good Coffee Euljiro (Exit 3, Euljiro-1-ga). They open at 7 a.m. on weekdays, so you’ll snag a silky flat white before the crowds roll in. Cup in hand, follow the glassy Cheonggyecheon Stream east. Locals treat the 11-km waterway as their morning gym, and the lantern-lined underpasses make for dreamy photos if you happen to return at night.

10 a.m. – Gwangjang Market Food Tour

Meet your guide for your daytime walking tour at the Jongno-5-ga gate of the Gwangjang food market. Over 3.5 glorious hours, you’ll demolish crispy bindaetteok pancakes, “drug” mayak gimbap, and chewy knife-cut kalguksu.

Bring cash if you decide to purchase some extras as most stalls still shrug at cards. If you’re DIY-ing, the market officially runs until 10 p.m. but hits peak sizzle around lunch.

1:30 p.m. – Ikseon-dong Hanok Village

A 12-minute walk lands you in Ikseon-dong’s maze of 1930s hanok. I always slip into Cheongsudang Bakery for a goodie, housed in a traditional hanok (try their signature strawberry castella cake) then browse hand-painted ceramics and vintage bookstores.

If you are a fellow k-pop or k-drama lover like me, you can find a plethora of photo booth stores to take insta pics to your hearts content.

3 p.m. – Optional Palace Fix

Feeling the history itch? Changgyeonggung Palace is five minutes north with summer hours stretching to 9 p.m., and entry’s a modest ₩1,000. I love the greenhouse and quiet ponds here. Far calmer than Gyeongbokgung.

4:30 p.m. – Insa-dong & Ssamziegil

Wander south into Insa-dong’s calligraphy shops and traditional teahouses. Spiral up Ssamziegil Mall for indie crafts and the whimsical Poop Café on the roof (trust me, it’s a photo op).

7 p.m. – Midnight-Friendly Ramen

Cap the day at Jongno 24-Hour Ramen Convenience Store. Grab any packet, add toppings from the fridge, and cook it yourself at the steamy communal bar. Comfort food for under ₩4,000 and its fun to read all of the post-it notes on the walls.

7 p.m. – Alternative Korean BBQ Dinner

If you want something a touch fancier (I get it), then roll into Wangbijib Myeongdong 2nd store for an epic Korean BBQ experience (I returned twice!).

Day 2: Bukchon Hanok Village, Seochon, Gyeongbokgung Palace & Myeong-dong

7 a.m. – Carbs & Caffeine at Café Onion Anguk

I swear by rolling into Café Onion Anguk the moment their hanok doors slide open (7 a.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. weekends). Nab a crusty pandoro dusted with icing sugar before the Instagram queue snakes around the courtyard.

8:30 a.m. – Quiet Bukchon Hanok Lanes

With coffee in hand, it’s a ten-minute climb to Bukchon Hanok Village. Arriving before the official 10 a.m. visitor window means practically empty alleys and golden light on those tiled roofs. Make sure to whisper as families still live here.

11:00 a.m. – Ginseng Soup Power-Up

Hunger hits fast after hill-walking, so I beeline west to Seochon for Tosokchon Samgyetang. Their bubbling ginseng-stuffed chicken is worth the inevitable line; solo and couple diners get seated lightning-quick at the communal wood tables.

Make sure to wander the charming streets of Seochon with stops at OFR Seoul for kitchy home stuff and GRANHAND perfume store.

1 p.m. – Gyeongbokgung & the Guard

Enter Gyeongbokgung Palace via Gwanghwamun Gate and snag a rail-side spot for the 2 p.m. changing-of-the-guard (also at 10 a.m.; closed Tuesdays). Renting a hanbok nearby scores you free entry and Insta-gold, if you’re into that.

3:30 p.m. – Incense at Jogyesa Temple

Need a breather? The lotus-lantern canopy of Jogyesa is open 24/7. I like to sit under the 500-year-old baeksong pine and let the monk chants mellow the post-palace buzz.

6 p.m. – Dumpling Heaven

Hop two subway stops or just walk like I did to Myeongdong Kyoja. Order the cold spicy bibim-naengmyeon and a steaming basket of pork mandu; the broth-splashed noodles are life-changing and dinner rarely tops ₩11,000. I liked this place so much, I went twice.

7 p.m. – K-Beauty & Night-Market Nibbles

With your tummy happy, dive into Myeong-dong’s neon maze. Stock up on sheet masks at Olive Young, sample snail mucin at Innisfree, then graze street stalls at the Myeongdong Food Market. Try the tornado potato and grilled lobster tail. Pop into a convenience store for a banana milk for dessert (thank me later).

The beauty shops stay open past 10 p.m., so there’s no rush.

Day 3: Namsan Tower, Hannam & Itaewon

8 a.m. – Isaac Toast Grab-and-Go

Swing by Isaac Toast Myeongdong. The Cathedral branch opens at 07:00 sharp, so I snag a bulgogi-egg toast and iced latte before the business people queue forms. Stash a few napkins because their sweet sauce is a drippy affair.

9 a.m. – Caffeine Pit-Stop at Downt Espresso

Amble uphill toward the Namsan cable-car base and duck into Downt Espresso (with its cute counter, opens 9:00 on weekdays). If you’re early, grab a bench outside and people-watch until the baristas lift the shutters, try a classic flat white.

10 a.m. – Namsan Cable Car & Tower

Round-trip tickets are ₩15,000; go straight to the right-hand vending machine to skip the main queue. The ride is only three minutes but the skyline reveal is goose-bump good. If you’d rather catch sunset hues, save the tower for late afternoon and reshuffle the order.

I personally like to get a one-way ticket and walk down the backside of the mountain straight into Hannam to get my steps in.

11:30 a.m. – Leeum Museum of Art

A short taxi or longer downhill walk from Namsan Tower drops you at Leeum (opens 10:00, closed Mondays). I always breeze through Museum 1’s celadon pottery, then linger in Museum 2’s contemporary wing. Jeff Koons meets Korean lacquerware in the most gorgeous concrete-and-copper spaces.

1 p.m. – Lunch at ITALYGUKSI

Cross the street to ITALYGUKSI Hannam (doors up at 11:30) for their kimchi-cream “guksi” pasta; it sounds odd, but the spicy-tangy combo hits every carb craving after a museum morning.

2 p.m. – Hannam Wanders

Hannam is Seoul’s cool-kid pocket. Browse clothing concept stores like Beaker and peek into Home Goods icon D&DEPARTMENT SEOUL by MMMG. Or simply window-shop at every Scandi-inspired boutique you pass.

3:30 p.m. – Sweet Treat or Second Coffee

Need sugar? Lilion Bakery turns out cloud-soft brioche and chewy pastries and opens until 19:00 Tue–Sun. Coffee fiend? The raw-concrete Anthracite Hannam roasts in-house and their single-origin pour-over is worth the prolonged slurp session.

4:30 p.m. – National Museum of Korea

Hop on Bus 400 for a ten-minute ride south to Korea’s flagship museum (free entry, 10:00–18:00; Wed & Sat until 21:00). Don’t miss the 10-storey pagoda and “Gold Crown of Silla” before museum fatigue sets in.

7 p.m. onward – Itaewon Evenings

Finish the day in Itaewon, Seoul’s international melting pot. I’m not a hardcore clubber, but even I enjoy rooftop cocktails at Glam Lounge and a taco fix at Vatos Urban Tacos. If nightlife’s not your scene, grab gelato and watch the neon chaos for a half-hour before retreating to your hotel.

Day 4: Seoul Forest, Seongsu-dong, Gangnam & a Han River Sunset

8:30 a.m. – Morning Caffeine Run & Forest Fix

Grab your T-money, hop on Line 2, and hop off at Ttukseom (Exit 8). I head straight to BETTER Roasting Lab & Showroom for a flat white, the beans are roasted on-site. Or, if you are a real coffee affionado, head to danil seoul (open at 9am weekdays/10am weekends), and get a iced pour over complete with written notes about the bean.

Caffeine secured, cross the road into Seoul Forest. The park is open 24/7, but aim to hit the deer paddock and butterfly greenhouse right at their 10 a.m. opening before the strollers roll in.

11:30 a.m. – Brunch that Sticks to your Ribs

Wander into the Seongsu area and line up at the famous Somunnan Seongsu Gamjatang, a 24-hour local legend where bubbling pork-bone stew arrives family-style (the small feeds two) and staff finish the pot with seaweed-fried rice if you ask nicely.

12:30 p.m. – Seongsu’s Indie-cool Strip

Walk off the broth along Yeonmujang-gil. The old shoe-factory lane is now Seoul’s Brooklyn: pop into Daelim Warehouse for the rotating art show, try on minimalist staples at Matin Kim, then snap a pic outside Dior Seongsu’s mirrored façade.

Need an afternoon snack? Grab the delicious salt breads from Jayeondo Sogeumppang (comes in packs of 4).

Big shopper? I really loved browsing around the container-mall Common Ground.

Caffeine fix? I loved my flat white at Affair Coffee.

4 p.m. – Optional Insta or Book-lover Detour

Feeling literary? Ride Line 2 three stops to Samseong and duck into the Starfield Library. Those 13-metre book towers look unreal in photos. It’s free and open 10:30–22:00, so even a 15-minute wander is worth it.

4:30 p.m. – Afternoon in Glam-nam (Gangnam)

From COEX, bus south to Garosu-gil. Even if luxury logos aren’t your jam, the people-watching is top-tier and cafés like Café Kitsuné make a mean iced matcha. I usually limit myself to window-shopping to save won for dinner.

6:45 p.m. – Cup-ramyeon with River Views

As golden hour hits, taxi (or Bus 740) to Banpo Hangang Park. The floating 7-Eleven lets you build your own ramyeon. Toss in an egg and kimchi, cook it at the communal hot-water bar, then slurp on the steps while the skyline flickers on.

7:15 p.m. – Moonlight Rainbow Fountain Finale

Stake your spot by 7:15 p.m. for the Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain. From April to October it dances 20 minutes to K-pop four to six times nightly (first show usually 19:30). Bring a light jacket, the river breeze can be sneaky cool even in summer.

Day 5: Hapjeong-dong Slow Morning & Hongdae After-Dark

10 a.m. – Lazy Start & Industrial-chic Coffee

Sleep in, then ride Line 2 to Hapjeong Station (Exit 5) for a pour-over at Anthracite Coffee Hapjeong, a former shoe factory turned roastery where beans tumble on vintage machinery and the doors don’t shut until 10 p.m.

11 a.m. – Browsing the “Grown-up Hongdae”

Hapjeong is Hongdae’s calmer, cooler sister and the area I prefer to explore over the younger Hongdae area. Peek at local pottery studios, and snap the mural-splashed alley off Yanghwa-ro 6-gil before the lunch crowd arrives.

12 p.m. – Ramen or Natural Wine?

Oreno Ramen Main Store ladles silky chicken paitan from 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; the spicy karapaitan bowl is my go-to.

Alternatively, two blocks east, Komfy Wine Bar pours chilled orange wines with tiny Korean-Italian plates from noon till midnight, perfect if you’d rather linger over a glass than slurp noodles.

1:30 p.m. – Stock-up Stop

Stroll north to CU Ramyun Library, a 24/7 convenience store lined with 200+ instant noodle flavours. Grab a couple for souvenirs. Just remember liquids stay behind at airport security!

2 p.m. – Retail Therapy

Cross into Hongdae proper and hit the flagship stores: future-retro sunglasses at Gentle Monster (open 12–22 h), streetwear drops at thisisneverthat (11–21 h), then mine the basement vintage racks along Wausan-ro 27-ga-gil for ‘90s denim.

Lockers inside Hongik Univ. Station keep your haul safe while you play.

6 p.m. – Sizzle & Soju

For dinner, I swear by Saemaeul Sikdang: paper-thin pork galmaegisal chars in seconds, banchan is endless, and tables turn fast even at peak time (opens till 3 a.m.).

8 p.m. – Night Moves on Hongdae Walking Street

As neon flickers on, join the crowd gathering around buskers belting K-pop choreo and indie guitar sets. Hongdae’s street performances run nightly and feel like a free festival. Cap the trip with a custard-filled taiyaki or tall matcha ice cream before one last subway ride home.

5 Days in Seoul Trip Planning Advice

When to Visit Seoul

Picking the right time to visit Seoul makes all the difference.

Spring (April–June):

This is my personal favourite, and when I spent my first 5 days in Seoul. Mild temperatures, sunny days, and cherry blossoms that blanket parks like Namsan and Yeouido. Just note that early April can be crowded with blossom-chasers.

I arrived in Seoul at the very end of March and the trees were still bare. I went out to explore the entire country and came back to spend another night here before heading to the airport. By the time I made it back to Seoul on April 10th, the trees were in cherry blossom bliss.

Summer (July–August):

It’s hot, humid, and rainy, but the upside is fewer tourists and lower prices. Bring an umbrella and prepare for sticky afternoons, a perfect excuse for cold Korean desserts like bingsu!

Fall (September–November):

Another ideal choice with crisp weather and stunning fall colours, especially beautiful around Namsan Park and Gyeongbokgung Palace gardens. Pack layers, as temperatures can fluctuate.

When I visited in late November there was a freak snowfall, so just keep that in mind! I’d recommend visiting end of October / early November for the best fall foliage.

Winter (December–March):

Cold but festive. Think cozy cafés, Christmas markets, and street food stalls serving piping-hot snacks like hotteok. Bundle up and prepare for temperatures regularly dipping below freezing and blustery winds.

Getting to Seoul & Airport Tips

Most travellers arrive through Seoul’s main hub, Incheon International Airport. It’s modern, efficient, and easy to navigate.

To get to downtown Seoul, I highly recommend taking the AREX Airport Express train (around 9,500 KRW, 45 minutes) straight into Seoul Station in the heart of the city. You can buy your ticket directly at the AREX terminal in the airport, just follow the signs.

Grab your AREX Airport Express train ticket beforehand

Airport limousine buses (about 15,000 KRW, 60-80 minutes) are another comfortable option, especially if your hotel is near a bus route.

Tip | Avoid taxis unless you’re travelling in a group. It costs around 70,000 KRW and can take over an hour during rush hour traffic.

How to Get Around Seoul

Seoul’s public transport is amazing. I never once needed a taxi!

Your best friend will be a T-money card, which you can purchase at convenience stores or subway stations. It works seamlessly across subways, buses, and even convenience-store purchases (I definitely visited the 7-Eleven on multiple occasions, something I wouldn’t do in North America).

How to purchase your T-money card | You can purchase a T-money card at the airport outside of the AREX terminal (it’s cash only). Luckily, they’ve conveniently located an ATM right beside the T-money card machine, so line up there first.

Prefer to pre-purchase? Have your T-money Card waiting for you at the airport

Seoul’s subway system is extensive, easy to navigate with signs in English, and very affordable (around 1,350 KRW per trip). Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Kakao Taxi exist, too, but traffic can slow you down.

My best advice? Choose a centrally located hotel in Myeong-dong close to the #2 green line and plan your itinerary around the subway. You’ll thank yourself later!

Best Neighbourhoods to Stay in Seoul

Choosing the right neighbourhood really shapes your Seoul experience. Here are my top picks:

Myeongdong:

If shopping and street food are your thing, stay here. It’s lively, central, and packed with skincare shops, fashion boutiques, and amazing night markets. Yes, it is absolutely hopping with tourists, but it’s for a reason. Myeong-dong provides the best transport links for seeing the city!

Plus, the area is a walkable distance to the Seoul Train Station, which is where you will arrive on the AREX Airport Express train.

This is where I stayed on both of my visits to Seoul and where I recommend to stay for first-timers as it offers a perfect balance of convenience, culture, and fun.

Hongdae:

Perfect if you want a youthful, artsy vibe. Cafés, indie stores, street performers, and bustling nightlife make it popular with younger crowds and creative travellers.

Insadong / Jongno:

Stay here for a more traditional feel. It’s quiet yet close to historic sights like Gyeongbokgung and Bukchon Hanok Village. Loads of charming tea houses, galleries, and artisan shops too.

Gangnam:

For something a bit upscale, Gangnam is modern and chic, known for trendy boutiques, luxury malls, and gourmet dining. It’s a bit further from the main tourist attractions, but ideal if you prefer a stylish hotel experience.

Itaewon:

If international food, nightlife, and meeting fellow travellers are important, Itaewon is fantastic. It’s Seoul’s most diverse neighbourhood, packed with global restaurants, lively pubs, and rooftop bars.

Tips & Tricks for First-Time Visitors to Seoul

After exploring Seoul firsthand, here are my quick insider tips to help you make the most of your visit:

Download Useful Apps

Grab KakaoMap or Naver (Google Maps doesn’t fully work here), Kakao Taxi for rides, and Papago for easy Korean translations (I also used Google Translate a lot).

Carry Cash and a T-Money Card

Cards work widely, but small markets and street food stalls usually prefer cash (like at Gwangjang Market). Your T-Money card is your ticket for smooth subway and bus travel.

Embrace the Subway

Seoul’s subway is efficient, safe, and clean. Don’t be intimidated. Stations clearly display signs in English, and it’ll get you nearly everywhere affordably.

Learn a Few Basic Korean Phrases

Even simple greetings (“annyeonghaseyo”) or thank-you (“kamsahamnida”) will warmly open doors and smiles.

Restaurant Etiquette

Many restaurants have call buttons at tables (so handy!), and tipping isn’t customary. Water is typically self-service from a dispenser.

Shop Tax-Free

If you love shopping, especially skincare, look for shops displaying a “Tax-Free” logo. Remember your passport to claim refunds.

Plan Around Peak Times

Try to visit popular attractions like palaces and markets early to avoid large tour groups and have better photo opportunities.

With these quick tips, you’ll comfortably navigate Seoul and truly enjoy your first trip!

A Few Minor Pet Peeves I Had as a Western Visitor in Seoul (not deal breakers by any means)

Cafés open surprisingly late

If you’re someone who loves grabbing a coffee and pastry first thing in the morning, you might be disappointed. Many cafés in Seoul don’t open until 10 or 11 AM. I found myself relying on convenience stores more than once before the city woke up.

Google Maps doesn’t really work

You can use it for subway directions, but walking routes and navigation are a mess. It’ll often lead you in circles or just refuse to show directions. KakaoMap or Naver are your best bet, but be prepared for a bit of a learning curve.

There are almost no public trash bins

You’ll quickly notice how clean Seoul is, but oddly, you’ll struggle to find a garbage can anywhere on the streets. I often ended up carrying wrappers or coffee cups around for hours before finding somewhere to toss them.

5 Days in Seoul Recap

So, there you have it! My recommended way of spending 5 days in Seoul. I’ve visited Seoul twice, once in the spring and once in late fall and have explored most of what this grand South Korean capital has to offer and instilled it into the what I believe to be the perfect 5 day Seoul itinerary.

From scrumptious food in the Gwangjang Market, the historic Bukchon Hanok Village and the trendy Seongsu neighbourhood with frequent stops for coffee and snacks, I have my hopes high that you will enjoy your first trip to one of my favourite cities on earth.