The Ultimate 3-Day Seoul Weekend Itinerary: From Palaces to Pop Culture

Gyeongbokgung Palace

경복궁

서울특별시 종로구 사직로 161

The largest and most beautiful of Seoul's five grand palaces. Catch the changing of the guard ceremony at Gwanghwamun Gate for a spectacular display of pomp and circumstance.

Tip: Rent a Hanbok (traditional Korean dress) at a nearby shop; wearing one grants you free admission to the palace!

Tosokchon Samgyetang

토속촌 삼계탕

서울특별시 종로구 자하문로5길 5

A legendary restaurant famous for its Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup). The rich broth and tender chicken stuffed with glutinous rice is a must-try stamina food.

Tip: The line moves fast, but arrive before 11:30 AM to avoid the main lunch rush. Try the roasted chicken if you want variety.

Bukchon Hanok Village

북촌한옥마을

서울특별시 종로구 계동길 37

A picturesque residential area with hundreds of traditional 'hanok' houses. It offers great photo opportunities and a glimpse into traditional architecture while overlooking the modern city.

Tip: This is a real residential neighborhood where people live. Please keep your voice down and respect the residents' privacy.

Insadong

인사동

서울특별시 종로구 인사동길 44

A vibrant street filled with antique shops, traditional tea houses, and art galleries. It's the perfect place to buy unique Korean souvenirs like ceramics and hanji paper.

Tip: Don't miss Ssamzigil, a spiraling open-air mall within Insadong full of cute craft shops and the famous 'poop bread'.

Cheonggyecheon

청계천

서울특별시 종로구 창신동

An 11km-long modern stream that runs through downtown Seoul. It is a brilliant urban renewal project providing a relaxing walking path below street level.

Tip: Start at Cheonggye Plaza near the spiral shell sculpture; it's especially beautiful when lit up at night.

Gwangjang Market

광장시장

서울특별시 종로구 창경궁로 88

One of the oldest traditional markets in Korea. The central food alley is bustling with vendors selling bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), mayak gimbap, and fresh raw beef.

Tip: Bring cash! Most stalls prefer cash. Look for the stall with the longest line for the freshest bindaetteok.

N Seoul Tower

N서울타워

서울특별시 용산구 남산공원길 105

An iconic landmark sitting atop Namsan Mountain. The observation deck offers 360-degree views of the entire city skyline.

Tip: Take the Namsan Cable Car for a scenic route up. If the air quality is bad (yellow dust), the view might be obscured.

Myeongdong Kyoja

명동교자

서울특별시 중구 명동10길 29

A Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant famous for Kalguksu (knife-cut noodle soup) and Mandu (dumplings). A staple of the Myeongdong food scene for decades.

Tip: Order one portion of noodles and one portion of dumplings to share. The kimchi here is very garlicky and spicy!

Myeongdong

명동

서울특별시 중구 명동

The mecca of K-Beauty and street food. Rows of cosmetic shops offer endless samples, and the middle of the street is packed with food stalls.

Tip: Bring your passport to get immediate tax refunds at major cosmetic stores like Olive Young or Etude House.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza

동대문디자인플라자

서울특별시 중구 을지로 281

A futuristic landmark designed by Zaha Hadid. It hosts exhibitions, fashion shows, and features a stunning LED rose garden (seasonal).

Tip: Visit around sunset to see the building's exterior lights turn on; it looks like a spaceship has landed.

Jinokhwa Halmae Wonjo Dakhanmari

진옥화할매원조닭한마리

서울특별시 종로구 종로40가길 18

Located in 'Chicken Alley' near Dongdaemun, this spot serves 'Dakhanmari' (whole chicken) in a rich broth. You cut the chicken yourself and boil it with kimchi and noodles.

Tip: The sauce bar allows you to mix soy sauce, mustard, vinegar, and chili paste. Ask the staff for the 'golden ratio' mix.

Yeonnam-dong

연남동

서울특별시 마포구 연남동

Located right next to Hongdae, this area is filled with aesthetic cafes and small boutique shops along the Gyeongui Line Forest Park.

Tip: Many popular cafes open around 11 AM or 12 PM. Use Naver Maps to check hours and find 'Instagrammable' spots.

Myth Jakbal

미쓰족발

서울특별시 마포구 어울마당로 123-1

Famous for Jakbal (braised pig's trotters), a beloved Korean dish. The meat is incredibly tender and flavorful, served with fresh salads and spicy noodles.

Tip: If you are hesitant about pig trotters, order the Garlic Jakbal. The sweet garlic sauce masks any gamey flavor perfectly.

Hongik University Street

홍대걷고싶은거리

서울특별시 마포구 홍익로

The epicenter of Korea's youth culture. Expect buskers performing K-pop covers, affordable fashion shops, and a high-energy atmosphere.

Tip: This is the best place to buy trendy clothes and socks at budget prices. Look for the 'subway' entrance looking shops.

The Hyundai Seoul

더현대 서울

서울특별시 영등포구 여의대로 108

Seoul's largest department store located in Yeouido. It features an indoor forest, stunning architecture, and pop-up stores for trendy brands.

Tip: Visit the basement food court 'Tasty Seoul' for a collection of Korea's trendiest restaurant franchises all in one place.

Yeouido Hangang Park

여의도한강공원

서울특별시 영등포구 여의동로 330

The most popular park along the Han River. It's the perfect spot for a picnic, riding tandem bikes, or taking a river cruise.

Tip: Rent a picnic mat and order fried chicken delivery to the park (delivery zones are marked) for the full local experience.

Mapo Jeong Daepo

마포정대포

서울특별시 마포구 도화길 52

An authentic Korean BBQ restaurant specializing in Galmaegisal (pork skirt meat). The bustling atmosphere and charcoal grills define the Korean dining experience.

Tip: They pour egg mixture around the rim of the grill plate. Let it cook into a delicious steamed egg crust while you grill the meat.