Itineraries for Your Trip to Seoul
2 Days in Seoul for First Timers
I’d been traveling in Southeast Asia for several months by the time I arrived in Seoul in time for fall, so I had forgotten what cold weather felt like. I’d just flown in from the Philippines, and still wore the denim shorts and sandals that had become my beach uniform.
Although I felt foolish for forgetting that East Asia had more distinct seasons, I was immediately besotted by this dynamic city, where ancient tradition coexists harmoniously with cutting-edge technology. While you could spend weeks exploring the fast-paced and fashion-forward city of Seoul, two days are enough for a taste of culture, cuisine, and history that stretches back thousands of years. Here’s how to spend 48 hours in South Korea’s capital.
If you only have time for one thing, make it sampling Seoul’s fresh and flavorsome food that’s entirely different to that of its East Asian neighbors.
Just like Japan, Seoul experiences a beautiful blanket of cherry blossoms during the spring months of March through May.
Dedicate your first morning to Seoul’s must-see sights on a private tour that lets you set the pace. Follow the pedestrianized Cheonggyecheon Stream past sculptures and skyscrapers before exploring the artistic hub of Insadong, which is the perfect place to go shopping thanks to its boutiques and craft stores.
After grabbing a rainbow-colored bibimbap (Korean rice dish served in a hot stone bowl) for lunch, head to Gyeongbokgung Palace, a 600-year-old complex and the largest of Seoul’s Five Grand Palaces. You can even rent traditional Korean outfits to explore the attraction in for the ultimate collection of vacation photos.
After a day of shopping and sightseeing, relax aboard a cruise on the Han River. Listen to live music as you drift pass illuminated skyscrapers and beneath bridges. See landmarks such as Jeoldusan Park, Namsan Tower, and the Seoul Olympic Stadium, and if the timing is right, watch the Banpo Bridge Fountain Show from the ferry.
Wake up with a matcha latte before climbing onto the saddle for a morning bike tour of the capital, so you can explore before the daytime crowds descend. Zip between highlights such as Bukchon Hanok Village, where hundreds of traditional hanok houses sit beside tea shops and art galleries, and the Buddhist Jogyesa Temple.
This afternoon is all about Seoul’s exceptional street food scene. Get off the beaten path on a tour that helps you navigate the city’s secret alleys and markets, and feast on local favorites such as kimbap (rice and seaweed wrap); tteokbokki (rice cakes in a spicy paste); and skewers of grilled squid.
