Seoul itinerary — 2 days
Day 1 — Seoul
4 stops · ≈ 5 h 5 minCheonggyecheon is an acclaimed 10.9-kilometer urban stream restoration and linear park threading through the heart of downtown Seoul. Covered by a concrete highway during post-war modernization, it was revitalized in 2005 into an ecological corridor with clear water, native flora, and cooling breezes. Pedestrians stroll along stone pathways, cross stepping-stone bridges, and enjoy illuminated waterfalls and vibrant cultural festivals.
Tosokchon Samgyetang is a legendary traditional Korean restaurant located inside a charming courtyard hanok near Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul. It is celebrated across the country for its signature samgyetang—young chicken stuffed with glutinous rice, whole ginseng root, chestnuts, garlic, and jujubes, slow-cooked in a rich herbal broth. Despite frequent queues, the spacious dining rooms and rapid service welcome crowds every day.
The main and grandest royal palace of the Joseon dynasty, established in 1395 beneath the granite peaks of Mount Bugaksan. Beyond the towering Gwanghwamun Gate lie vast stone courtyards, the stately Geunjeongjeon throne hall, and the picturesque Gyeonghoeru pavilion floating on an islet. A ceremonial changing of the royal guard takes place daily outside the palace gates in vibrant period dress.
A futuristic urban landmark in central Seoul designed by world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid. The monumental neo-futurist structure features fluid curves clad in 45,000 unique aluminum panels with virtually no straight angles. Serving as a creative hub for design, fashion, and technology, the complex encompasses exhibition halls, art shops, and a public park, mesmerizing evening visitors with striking illumination.
Reserve
5If you have time left — worth it too.
Seoul's premier entertainment complex, opened in 1989 along Seokchon Lake in Songpa District. It combines a massive indoor theme park beneath an enormous glass dome with Magic Island, an outdoor artificial island featuring a fairytale castle and thrill rides like the Atlantis roller coaster and Gyro Drop. The venue also houses an Olympic-sized indoor ice skating rink, an overhead monorail, and a rich Korean Folk Museum.
An elevated park some 17 metres above street level: a 1970 highway overpass beside Seoul Station converted in 2017 into a walking path more than a kilometre long. The name 7017 marks the road's rebirth from 1970 to 2017. Along the way sit hundreds of planters, cafes housed in the old on-ramps and views over rail tracks and skyscrapers. The walkway is free and lit until late, with Namdaemun Market a ten-minute walk away.
A conversion park in the Mapo district, near the 2002 World Cup stadium and Haneul Park. Six oil tanks built in the 1970s against an oil crisis were reimagined in 2017 as a cultural venue: T1 became an exhibition hall, another tank an open-air stage, with gardens, covered passages and paths between them. In the evening the lighting comes on, and the brutalist cylinders turn unexpectedly poetic.
Opened in 1970 near Seoul's East Gate, Dongdaemun General Market is the largest textile and fabric hub in Asia. Across its multistory halls, thousands of stalls offer silk, lace, ribbons, buttons, yarn, beads, and notions. Serving as the creative core of South Korea's fashion industry, it attracts both professional fashion designers sourcing fabrics and craft lovers seeking unique DIY supplies.
A national park of granite peaks right inside Seoul's city limits, established in 1983. Its highest point is Baegundae, 836.5 m, reached by popular trails, with the Bukhansanseong fortress wall and Joseon-era gates running along the ridges. The paths are among the busiest in the country — on weekends the ascent turns into a procession of hikers of every age in full gear. The view of the megacity from the granite tops is the reward.
- Download a translation app for easier communication.
- Use a T-money card for convenient public transport access.
- Learn basic Korean phrases to enhance your experience.