Itineraries for Your Trip to Seoul
1 Day in Seoul for First Timers
It was the changing of the seasons that led me to Seoul, as I’d heard it looked spectacular during the fall. I’d been among the humid climates of Southeast Asia for six months at that point, so I found myself craving crisp mornings and russet-colored leaves reminiscent of my English home. But while I’d have been happy with a few orange trees, South Korea’s capital delivered culture in droves and quickly became one of my favorite cities in all of Asia.
And while you could easily while away a week ticking off the hundreds of must-see Seoul attractions, a 1-day stay in Seoul still lets you see plenty of the city’s top sights—if you don’t get waylaid by the tempting scent of tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and Korean hot dogs, that is. So if you’ve just got a short amount of time in Seoul, here’s how to spend it.
If you only have time for one thing, make it admiring traditional Korean houses at Bukchon Hanok Village.
While Seoul experiences four distinct seasons, it also sees a sharp increase in rain from June through August, so don’t forget your rain gear if visiting then.
Seoul sprawls, so you’ll want to spend your first morning getting your bearings among the bustle. Opt for a private tour that lets you customize your itinerary to your interests, whether you want to trace hundreds of years of history at the Joseon-era Gyeongbokgung Palace or pop into the tea houses and galleries of Bukchon Hanok Village. Many travelers like to explore these historical monuments in hanbok (traditional Korean costume); you can rent an outfit to take your vacation photos to the next level.
This afternoon, set your sights on some of Seoul’s more modern attractions, which are just as worth a visit as its historical highlights. Browse the boutiques, beauty shops, and convenience stores along Myeongdong Shopping Street, Seoul’s equivalent to Fifth Avenue, before shooting to the top of Namsan Tower (N Seoul Tower), where observation decks and restaurants offer unrivaled views of the cityscape. Revive with a matcha latte in one of the quaint cafés in Insadong, an artistic neighborhood where you’re likely to catch a street performance.
Before you head back to Incheon International Airport, make sure you feast your senses on Seoul’s fragrant street food scene—best done on an evening tour of a night market. A guide helps you decipher Korean characters, allowing you to tuck into signature snacks such as kimbap (seaweed-wrapped filled rice) and hotteok (sweet Korean pancake). If you’ve got the energy afterward, experience the energy of Seoul’s famous nightlife district of Itaewon for yourself on a bar crawl.
