3 days in Seoul: A complete itinerary
One of the main reasons for our relocation to Hong Kong was its relatively central position in Asia. Less than two months after our move, I went on a trip and spent 3 days in Seoul. Little did I know that in a year’s time, the South Korean capital would become my next home.
So, if you are planning a similar trip to Seoul, allow me to help you based on my personal experience. There are some specificities you should be aware of to enjoy a perfect holiday.
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Table of Contents
- The perfect 3 days in Seoul itinerary
- Getting from the airport to Seoul
- Getting around Seoul
- Best time to visit Seoul
- Where to stay for 3 days in Seoul
- Useful apps in Seoul, Korea
- Is Seoul expensive?
- My 3 days in Seoul itinerary and places to visit in Seoul during winter
- Other places to visit in Seoul during the winter when you have more time
- What to eat in South Korea?
- Must buy items when you visit Seoul
- Other City Break Options
The perfect 3 days in Seoul itinerary
I embarked for Seoul on a mid-December day in subtropical Hong Kong. Although the flight was only four hours long, the change in weather couldn’t have been more dramatic. A sunny but freezing day greeted me at Incheon Airport.
The cold must have had a sobering effect on me because I suddenly realized that I hadn’t planned my journey to downtown Seoul. I was about to learn that getting to and around the city is a bit more complicated.
Getting from the airport to Seoul
For starters, you should know Seoul has 2 airports: Incheon Airport and Gimpo Airport.
Incheon is a port city west of Seoul. It hosts the largest airport in South Korea and is connected to Seoul and other major cities by train.
The Airport Express also stops at Gimpo Airport, so no matter where you land, I suggest you take the express train: it is cheap and fast.
AREX Incheon Airport Express Train One-Way Ticket in Seoul
Alternatively, you can take the regular train. The main difference is that it stops at every station on its way to Seoul, so the ride takes significantly longer. Still, depending on your destination, it might be a good option. For instance, if you must disembark at a station where the express line doesn’t stop.
Lastly, you can take a taxi. Since we hadn’t planned ahead, we settled for this option. The ride to Seoul’s Namdaemun area took approximately 1 hour and cost 70 – 100 USD. That is significantly more expensive compared to the train and much slower than the express.
Getting around Seoul
T-Money
This is where things get complicated.
Don’t get me wrong! Seoul has one of the best public transportation systems in the world. And remember, we came from Hong Kong, another global standard bearer of mass transportation excellence.
What is harder to comprehend at first is the “ticketing” system.
First, buying a ticket is not really a thing. I mean, it is theoretically possible, but the locals rarely, if ever, do it. I did it only once while Alex didn’t even know there were tickets available, although we used public transportation extensively during our 1-year stint in the Korean capital.
Instead, one needs a T-Money card. This plastic card can be bought from most convenience stores. There is a catch, though.
You need cash to buy the T-money card, which is strange in a mostly cashless economy. You can top it up with credit at the convenience store only after you buy the card.
However, during my first trip, the ATM didn’t accept my Hong-Kong-issued MasterCard, so I couldn’t withdraw the cash needed to buy the T-money card. A veritable Catch-22 :))
Public Transportation
The cheapest way to travel in Seoul is to take the bus or subway, which will take you from one point to the other and used to cost a bit over 1 USD.
You can pay by T-Money card when you enter the bus, train, or subway station. Make sure to swipe it also when you leave! A discount applies if you embark on another ride within 30 minutes of exiting the bus or subway station.
There are 9 subway lines, which are also connected to metropolitan areas and airports.
Also, there are different types of buses, recognizable by the color they are painted in.
Taxi
There are different types of taxis: standard, deluxe, jumbo, and taxis for foreigners (i.e., the drivers speak English, Chinese, or Japanese).
You can check it out at International taxies.
Best time to visit Seoul
My first visit was in December, but we lived in Seoul for one year after that. So, I had the chance to experience all four seasons. Consequently, I believe the best times to visit are Spring and Fall. Summer may be too hot and humid, and winter may be too cold and grey.
Still, I have loved Seoul since my first visit, even if it was in December. I was blessed with sunny days despite the cold.
Where to stay for 3 days in Seoul
Since we only had 3 days in Seoul and wanted to make the best out of our experience, we chose a central location.
If you want to be in the center of it all, have easy access to most of the tourist attractions, and be perfectly connected to other attractions, choose to stay in one of the following areas of Seoul.
Namdaemunno
We chose to stay here for our weekend in Seoul. It is just one stop away from Seoul Central Station and within walking distance of one of the most important palaces and the Seoul City Hall.
Courtyard by Marriott Seoul Namdaemun.
This place is perfectly located with a view of the NSeoul Tower and the Sungnyemun Gate.
Please note that the breakfast, even though varied, consists mostly of Korean dishes. At the time of my stay, I was unaccustomed to Korean cuisine, so if you are not into it, you might book a room without breakfast.
L’Escape Hotel Seoul. Located in the same area, try this hotel if you are looking for “A Parisian Escape in the heart of Seoul.” A boutique hotel that provides an unexpected Parisian experience.
Myeongdong
One of the most popular areas in the heart of Seoul, Myeongdong is the place to stay if you want to shop and enjoy the best street food stalls and restaurants.
Ibis Ambassador Myeongdong. It is a good hotel that allows you to chill in the sauna once you have finished sightseeing and shopping in the trendiest district.
Nine Tree Hotel Myeongdong. I must admit this was our first choice when it came to hotels in Seoul, but somehow, we ended up in the Courtyard. This one is perfectly located and offers a great quality/price ratio.
Take a look at their prices here!
Insadong
A bit further away from the shopping area, while offering a wide variety of shops in itself, Insadong is much closer to the most important tourist attractions in Seoul.
Ibis Ambassador Insadong – Seoul Tower views and beautiful rooftop terrace are located close to Insadong’s Main Street, which has most of its outlets open all night.
Check out our article about where to stay in Seoul: Hongdae or Myeongdong.
Useful apps in Seoul, Korea
Naver Map
When in Seoul, forget Google Maps, Translate, and all the other global apps you are usually using. If you want reliable information, you must install the local ones.
Naver Map is the local equivalent of Google Maps and will be your trusted guide when navigating Seoul. Google works technically, but the information and directions are unreliable.
Papago
One of the downsides of moving from Hong Kong to Seoul was the language. Koreans are friendly and polite, but most don’t speak English very well. Also, everything from signage to restaurant menus is in Hangul (the Korean alphabet). Don’t panic! Papago will come to your rescue.
Papago can translate speech and text from Korean to English and vice versa. To be honest, we wouldn’t have survived without it, so make sure you install it.
It can translate speech and text to English with high enough accuracy so you can communicate.
Internet in Seoul, Korea
Speaking of Naver and Papago, it is important to note that they require mobile internet to work.
That’s why the first thing you should do after landing in Seoul is to buy a local SIM
card with a 3-day validity so that it covers your entire stay.
Alternatively, you can pre-order your SIM card or pocket wifi and pick it up at the airport upon arrival. Order it here!
Is Seoul expensive?
It certainly isn’t cheap, but it depends on what you are comparing it to.
Since we moved to Seoul after living in Hong Kong, we couldn’t help but compare the two. Hong Kong has higher rental and hotel prices, but restaurants are cheaper than in Seoul.
To put it into a European perspective, Seoul is cheaper than London and similar to Frankfurt.
My 3 days in Seoul itinerary and places to visit in Seoul during winter
Finally, after we covered all the important points, we can get down to your 3 days in Seoul itinerary.
Day 1
DMZ one-day tour (Demilitarized Zone Tour from Seoul)
Most of the people who come to Seoul choose to take this tour even if they only stay for a short time.
Here, you will learn all about the history of North and South Korea’s separation and the tensions that exist up to this day. You’ll step into the area between two of the most heavily fortified borders on Earth.
You might also want to get into the mood beforehand by reading some books about North Korea. I always like to do that before, during, or after visiting a country.
Day 2 – Cultural Heritage Day
Wake up early and make your way to some of the many palaces in Seoul. But do it in style!
We rented traditional clothing called hanbok and visited the palaces, feeling like royalty of old. I enjoyed the experience so much that I convinced Alex to do it again in March. Even he conceded that it was a unique experience.
Be prepared for Koreans to take pictures of you or ask you to shoot a few pictures together. They really enjoy seeing Westerners in traditional garb.
If you are interested to hear more, read about our hanbok experience here.
Click here to rent your hanbok.
Deoksugung Palace
Before renting our hanbok, we stopped by the Deoksugung Palace.
The Daehanmun Gate is beautiful, and I was lucky to catch the change of guard. It takes place three times daily and is one of the nicest experiences in Seoul.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Next, we went to the hanbok rental place, put on the elaborate costumes, and headed to Gyeongbokgung Palace (the Northern Palace).
The Gwanghwamun gate is not as crowded as other entrances to the Palace. Thus, if you come early in the morning, you might get the chance to take some pretty pictures without the crowds. The street leading to the gate is the widest in Korea, being 100 m wide and 600 m long.
The Gyeongbokgung Palace is the largest of all the palaces in Seoul and considered to be the most beautiful of them all. It is also called the Northern Palace because is the furthest north when compared to the neighboring palaces.
It was also the first palace built during the Joseon Dynasty, and it was where their story began. Thus if you want to take a glimpse in the palace life, royal culture, and see the time’s architecture, you shouldn’t miss visiting the Gyeongbokgung Palace.
The National Folk Museum of Korea is also a place where you can learn more about Korean culture. It is also a place with lots of picture opportunities.
Address: 161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Subway: Gyeongbokgung Station (Seoul Subway Line 3) and Exit 5.
Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3) and Exit 1.
Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon Hanok Village is the old town area between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace.
This is where you will see plenty of traditional Korean houses (hanok). It is a super place to take memorable pictures, but it is also important to know that it is a residential area and tourists need to respect the residents.
During the Joseon period, members of the royal family, aristocrats, and senior courtiers used to live here.
We were lucky to find this pretty Tea Museum that had an amazing lookout point over the Bukchon Hanok Village.
Just walk the streets of Bukchon Hanok Village and you will run into lots and lots of beautiful places: traditional coffee shops, small shops with amazing scents for you or your house, hidden traditional museums where I felt like stepping back in time.
Address: 37, Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Subway: Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 1 or 2.
Changdeokgung Palace
I must admit I spent many hours admiring the amazing architecture in Changdeokgung Palace.
When you will look at the map, you’ll understand just why. Less crowded than its bigger brother, but just as colorful and impressive, I would definitely add it to my list of places to visit in Seoul during winter.
Originally built in 1405, the Changdeokgung Palace was restored after it was destryed during the Japanese invasion (1592 – 1598) and was added to UNESCO World Heritage in 1997. Besides the impressive buildings, the palace sits in the middle of a lush garden, lotus ponds, and the Secret Garden.
Visiting the gardens would be more appropriate during Spring when I can imagine the place as astonishingly romantic. Thus, since I was visiting Seoul during winter, I chose not to pay the additional fee for the Secret Garden. This way, I’ll just have a good reason to return in a warmer season.
From the beautiful garden surrounding Changdeokgung Palace, you’ll be able to step inside the Secret Garden and visit Changgyeonggung Palace.
I didn’t have the time to step inside, but I guess it is a great destination to be added to your list when you have more than 3 days in Seoul.
Address: 99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Subway: Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 3.
Jogyesa Temple
Even though the Jogyesa Temple was on every Seoul itinerary and everyone told me to go and see it, I missed it during my first visit because I failed to plan my trip accordingly.
Jogyesa Temple is the center of Korean Buddhism, and here is where you can experience a temple stay, enjoy tea, make lotus lanterns, and do so much more.
The temple can be visited during the week only in a guided group, and I haven’t managed to be there at the right time.
Guided tours in English, are held daily except Saturdays from 10 AM, 12 AM, 14 PM, and 16 PM. The only day when you can see the temple whenever you want, without a guided tour, is on Saturdays.
Address: 55, Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Subway: Jonggak Station (Subway Line 1), Exit 2; Anguk Station (Subway Line 3), Exit 6; Gwanghwamun Station (Subway Line 5), Exit 2.
Myeong-dong area
Once the evening approached, we returned the hanbok and wandered the crowded streets in the Myeong-Dong area.
Countless street food stalls will draw you and make it hard for you to choose only one thing. Not to mention the Myriads of small cosmetic shops that offer world-famous Korean cosmetics.
In case you don’t know, South Korea is number one when it comes to skincare products, and trust me when I say it was very tough to choose from so many options.
I loved Myeongdong and I urge you not to leave Seoul without a stroll in the area or a visit to the Namdaemun Market – the largest market in Korea.
And since you’re here, stop by and take a picture with the Sungnyemun Gate, which is right next to the market.
Day 3 – Gangnam, and see Seoul from above
Gangnam and the Starfield Library
On the last of our 3 days in Seoul, we got to travel by bus to one famous area of Korea’s Capital: Gangnam.
Crossing the river, the landscape was more urban, and plenty of tall buildings met me once I reached my final destination: the Starfield Library.
One of the most Instagrammable places in Seoul, the library is actually located in a shopping mall, and when I got there was packed with teenagers. Everyone comes and hangs around here, either for the pictures, or simply because it is a cool place in town I guess.
Since it’s inside and you can just sit around and read a book, this makes for one of the greatest places to visit in Seoul during winter.
Bongeunsa Buddhist Temple
Only one stop away from the Starfield Library, Bongeunsa Buddhist Temple is a lovely place where I spent some time exploring the 13 smaller temples each with its history and particularities.
The temple holds a long history (over 1200 years), having been built in 794. The temple is home to 3,479 Buddhist scriptures of 13 types.
Perched on a hill, in between greens, the temple offers temple stays during which you can learn more about Buddhism, sample tea, and learn more about the temple itself.
They also have a tea house in one of the smaller temples, which has been open since 2018, where I took a break while savoring a cup of delicious tea.
Ihwa Mural Village
Take the bus from Gangnam and head to the top of the hill, where you will not only see a different side of Seoul but also some picture-perfect places.
Ihwa Mural Village is a residential area filled with beautiful murals, which attract many tourists and locals as well for the beautiful pictures they can take here. The area was revitalized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 2006, and some murals were being refreshed during my visit in the winter of 2019.
In addition, since the village is on a hill, I managed to see a lovely sunset over Seoul and a small part of the Seoul wall. Thus, be prepared to climb some stairs, but it will all be worth it.
Namsan Seoul Tower and Hello Kitty Island
Head over on the other side and climb the hill to get to NSeoul Tower. It is 236 meters high and it offers a complete 360 degrees view over Seoul.
If you are hungry, you can have dinner with an impressive view at the rotating restaurant on the 7th floor.
For the child in you, save some extra time and experience the Hello Kitty Island inside the tower.
Buy your NSeoul tower ticket here.
Other places to visit in Seoul during the winter when you have more time
Of course, 3 days in Seoul is not enough if you want to experience everything to the fullest, but that’s what we had, and we made the best out of it.
However, when you have more time to spend, even if you are visiting during the winter, make sure to add the below to your list:
- Changgyeonggung Palace and the Secret Gardens
- Statice museum
- Take a day trip to Nami Island and Petite France
- Samsung D’Light showcasing Samsung’s latest products
- Lotte World Adventure theme park
- Experience an authentic Korean spa (jimjilbang)
What to eat in South Korea?
Every time someone is asking us what do we miss most about living in Seoul, Alex says the food. And I kind of agree with him.
Here are some traditional Korean dishes you will want to at least try during your 3 days in Seoul trip:
- Kimchi. It is Korea’s number one side dish and you really can’t avoid it while you are there. And you shouldn’t! Admittedly, the smell can be off-putting, but it tastes great after you get used to it. Also, it is a super food for diabetics like my husband, together with Soju (Korean rice wine) and tofu.
- Bibimbap. Another famous Korean dish. Still, it was one of the few local dishes we were not in love with. It is not bad, but it is not wow either.
- Bulgogi – Grilled beef marinated in soy sauce.
- Galbi-tang. Our number one favorite beef short rib soup. My mouth waters when I think of it.
- Naengmyun. It is an absolutely delicious Korean cold noodle soup. The only downside is that the starchy noodles are spiking Alex’s blood sugar. Still, they are to good not to be sampled once in a while.
- Fried chicken, or Korean Fried Chicken, is an American-inspired dish popular with South Koreans.
- Budae – jjigae. It is a type of hot pot but very different from the Chinese variant. They pour hot water over the meat, vegetables, kimchi, and boil it all together. It was really spicy, and you can add additional stuff into it.
Must buy items when you visit Seoul
When it comes to buying souvenirs, I’m always a fan of useful things. That’s why I prefer bringing back things that I will use afterward or that I can offer as a gift and come in handy.
- Cosmetics – Korea has a huge variety of cosmetics, and their products are the best in the world. Tries and tested! You can never go wrong with their face masks, creams, and everything in between. And it is totally worth it to buy as much as you can bring back home because they are both at great prices and very good.
- Hanbok and crafts – if you’ve had your Hanbok rental experience, then you’ve fallen for those beautiful traditional Korean clothes. Why not take some back home?
- Traditional Korean Rice Wine – Soju is one of the most popular Korean drinks which can make for great souvenirs. Alex loves it, but I must admit that I find it less appealing.
Other City Break Options
- Spend 4 days and discover Hong Kong
- The Ultimate 4 days in London
- 2 days in Vienna
- 3 days in Budapest
- Ho Chi Minh Itinerary: Discover Vietnam’s largest city.
- Enjoy the best 2 days in Munich
- 2 days in Berlin
- One day in Nuremberg
- One day in Frankfurt
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