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7 days in Seoul – what to do in Seoul for a week

Last Updated on October 7, 2024 by Alex

South Korea’s capital is an impressive metropolis, with plenty of things to do and see, especially when planning to spend 7 days in Seoul.

My first visit to the city was short, but I was lucky to come back and live there for almost one year. Even with that time, I still couldn’t see it all or go on any of the great day trips outside of Seoul.

However, if you are planning your first visit, I will do my best to provide all the information you need for an unforgettable one-week stay in Seoul. From valuable tips on where to stay, how to get around, what money to bring, what to see, where to go, and what to eat, you will find it all in this comprehensive guide, written itinerary-style, so that you won’t have to worry about a thing.

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Table of Contents
  1. 7 days in Seoul – what to do in Seoul for a week
    1. Useful Travel Information for your Seoul vacation
      1. Where to stay in Seoul
        1. Courtyard by Marriott Namdaemun
        2. Sunbee Insadong Hotel
        3. Migliore Hotel Seoul Myeongdong
        4. Nine Tree Hotel Myeongdong
      2. When is the best time to spend 7 days in Seoul?
      3. How much money do you need per day in Seoul?
      4. What and where to eat in Seoul
      5. Understanding the city & how to get around Seoul
    2. Day 1 of your 7 days in Seoul – get used to the city
    3. Day 2 – Insadong, Bukchon Hanok Village, Jogyesa Temple, Cheonggyecheon stream, Hongdae
      1. Insadong
      2. Bukchon Hanok Village
      3. Jogyesa Temple
      4. Cheonggyecheon stream
      5. Hongdae
    4. Day 3 – Day trip to DMZ
    5. Day 4 of your 7 days in Seoul – Palaces, hanbok, and shopping in Myeongdong
      1. End your day in Myeongdong
    6. Day 5 – day trip to Garden of Morning Calm & Nami Island
    7. Day 6 – explore the south of the river, Yeouido & Gangnam
      1. Yeouido
      2. Gangnam
    8. Day 7 – Namdaemun Market, Namsan Tower & Itaewon
      1. End the day in Itaewon – the expat-friendly neighborhood
    9. Other things worth doing in Seoul
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7 days in Seoul – what to do in Seoul for a week

Useful Travel Information for your Seoul vacation

Lotte Sky Tower

For those traveling to South Korea for the first time, things might seem a bit complicated and overwhelming, from getting around town to finding the right apps to use or even ordering at the restaurant.

We have seen so many questions asked about the above and more that we decided to organize all the information so that you will find it easy to access and digest.

Here are a few articles you might want to check out first:

Where to stay in Seoul

Where to stay in Seoul

Choosing the right place to stay in a city as large as Seoul can prove challenging, especially when there are so many things to do and scattered all over the city.

Going by public transportation is easy and affordable, but you will still spend much time commuting from one place to another.

That’s why choosing the right area to stay in should depend on what you want to see and do in the city.

The best areas to stay in for this itinerary would be around Insadong, Myeongdong, or even Hongdae.

Read also: The top 8 best areas to stay in Seoul on your first visit | Choose the best Hanok Stay in Seoul | The Best Guesthouses in Seoul

Courtyard by Marriott Namdaemun

On our first visit to the city, we stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott Seoul Namdaemun. The hotel is relatively close to Seoul Station and within walking distance of Myeongdong, Insadong, and the Palaces.

We had a room overlooking Namsan Tower and the Namdaemun Gate. The beds were extremely comfortable, and we were welcomed with ginseng face masks and local sweets. You might find breakfast a bit too local, but they have a cafe on the ground floor and another in the building in front.

Sunbee Insadong Hotel

This hotel is perfectly located steps away from the Museum Kimchikan or the Insadong Information Center. It has big rooms and is near two subway stations (Anguk or Jonggak).

Tourists appreciated the helpful staff and the hotel’s luggage storage, big rooms, and laundry (ideal for longer trips).

Migliore Hotel Seoul Myeongdong

This hotel is set in Myeongdong, close to the KAL Limousine stop and the Myeongdong subway station, making it very accessible.

Moreover, one of the entrances is directly on the Myeongdong walking street.

Nine Tree Hotel Myeongdong

Many tourists stay at this hotel because it is close to the limousine bus stop and convenience stores, restaurants, and shops.

When is the best time to spend 7 days in Seoul?

View from Namsan Mountain

While you could visit the city in all seasons and still love it, winter and summer have extreme temperatures, which might make it challenging to see.

Winter in Seoul is cold and humid; you feel it in your bones. However, I visited during December and managed to see many attractions.

Summer in Seoul brings high temperatures and humidity, with typhoons hitting the country occasionally.

Therefore, visiting Seoul during spring or autumn would be the best choice. In spring, you can admire the cherry blossoms and see the city come to life, while in fall, you can enjoy beautiful foliage and some of the most breathtaking landscapes.

How much money do you need per day in Seoul?

From our experience, you can expect to spend between 50.000 won (when you choose to eat local food) and 100.000 won (if you are a Korean BBQ fan) without considering any tourist attractions.

As with anything, the budget for one day in Seoul depends on many things. Where you choose to eat, how often you decide to take the taxi, and how far and how long you travel by public transportation are only a few things that can impact your daily budget in Seoul.

Of course, there are ways in which you can save money, but you can also spend much more when you choose high-end restaurants or enjoy shopping.

What and where to eat in Seoul

Dining in South Korea - Korean bbq

Dining in South Korea can be intimidating, especially if you are traveling here for the first time. However, we have a post covering all the do’s and don’t’s to help you understand what to expect.

The first time we visited South Korea, I thought they only had spicy food. After living there for almost one year, I had the chance to try many dishes and loved nearly all of them.

What are a few food dishes you should not skip on your vacation?

  • Korean BBQ – comes with all kinds of side dishes and starters. You are expected to order at least two portions of meat and only pay for that.
  • Korean dumplings are served in a delicious soup base, and the restaurant in Buam-dong (suggested above) is one of the best places to serve this dish.
  • Gimbap – the Korean sushi
  • Bibimbap – a mix of cooked rice with vegetables, kimchi, soy sauce, fried egg, and more.
  • Korean fried chicken.

Understanding the city & how to get around Seoul

The Han River splits the impressive metropolis into two parts. The north of the river is more traditional and has the most important historical sights and attractions. The south of the river holds its hip neighborhoods and modern hang-out spots.

On both sides of the river, parks and bike lanes offer some of the best city skylines.

Seoul is divided into districts (gu) and neighborhoods (dong), and the river passes below Mapo-gu, Yongsan-gu, and Seongdong-gu.

Map of Seoul Districts
By 안우석 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

Public transportation is accessible in Seoul. Even though South Korea’s capital is vast, its public transportation system is top-notch, and there is a bus or subway line to take you almost anywhere.

Extra tip: you can either get a SIM card + TMoney card in advance or save money with the Discover Seoul Pass.

Taking a taxi in Seoul is not too expensive. It is safe to hail a cab off the street, but I suggest you download and install the Kakao Taxi app.

Day 1 of your 7 days in Seoul – get used to the city

I suggest you keep this day relatively empty and use it to get used to the town and get everything in order.

Depending on your flight schedule and time spent traveling here, you might need to adjust to the local time zone.

If you need to exchange money, Myeongdong is the right place. Additionally, you can eat here at one of the many restaurants.

If you arrive early enough and have the energy, you could also participate in a Nanta cooking Show in the evening.

It takes place in Myeongdong and is one of the city’s most popular attractions. Thus, to reserve a spot, you must book ahead of time.

If you try to book directly on their website, you might encounter issues – many local websites don’t accept payments by international cards. The workaround is booking on an international website such as Klook. They always have good deals, and you won’t have any payment issues.

Day 2 – Insadong, Bukchon Hanok Village, Jogyesa Temple, Cheonggyecheon stream, Hongdae

Today, you will explore the city’s central & historical areas.

Getting from one place to the other is easy, either by walking or by public transportation. We will add information on how to get from one place to the other for each step and the time needed.

You will visit Insadong, Bukchon Hanok Village, Jogyesa Temple, Cheonggyecheon Stream, and Hongdae.

Insadong

Insadong Seoul

A mix of old and new, Insadong concentrates the most art and antique shops in Seoul.

Stop to buy some valuable souvenirs, grab a bite at one of the traditional restaurants hidden on the narrow streets (we particularly loved Sacheonjib in the area, and we went back a few times—even though it is in a tourist area, the food is really good and authentic), or grab a cup of tea at Osulloc Tea House.

From here, make your way north towards Bukchon Hanok Village. You can walk there and won’t have to take a bus or other public transportation.

Head toward Anguk Station, and you won’t miss the hanok houses.

Bukchon Hanok Village

If you’d like to see what a medieval Korean city looked like, you must visit Bukchon Hanok. It is one of the favorite areas of foreign tourists. We loved walking its storied streets whenever we had the chance.

You can also enjoy a Makgeolli Spa & Jjimjilbang experience at Rakkojae Hanok Hotel in Bukchon Hanok Village!

Greenmile Coffee Bukchon 그린마일커피 북촌점
Greenmile Coffee Bukchon 그린마일커피 북촌점

The area hosts several museums, coffee shops, and restaurants. It is also an excellent place to rent a hanbok. So you can start the day with a coffee in Bukchon Hanok Village, then dress up and walk its history-filled streets under the admiring gaze of the passersby.

Address: Jongno-gu, 계동길 37

Jogyesa Temple

Jogyesa Temple Seoul

Jogyesa is the chief temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism.

The Jogye Order is the representative order of traditional Korean Seon Buddhism. Although persecuted, Buddhism still has a large following in the country—not as large as Christianity, though, as testified to by the numerous churches.

Guided tours in English are held daily except Saturdays from 10 AM to 12 AM and 2 PM to 4 PM. On Saturday, you can see the temple whenever you want without a guided tour.

Admission Fee: Adults 1000 won; Children: 500 won

Address: 55, Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Extra: If you want to learn more and have an authentic experience at the temple, try the Jogyesa Temple stay.

Cheonggyecheon stream

A river in the heart of the city, where even though you will be in between skyscrapers and concrete, you will have the chance to reconnect to nature.

Walk along the stream and admire the beautiful displays available for different occasions throughout the year.

You can walk to Euljiro 4(sa)-ga subway station and take line number 2 (green line) to Hongik University station. The whole trip will be around 30 minutes.

Hongdae

Hongdae Seoul

Hongdae is one of the most vibrant and exciting neighborhoods in Seoul. The Mapo-gu district is a bustling area filled with unique shops, restaurants, bars, clubs, and street performers.

Hongdae is known for its creative energy and youthful vibe, which draw locals and visitors alike to explore the area. The city also offers various cultural activities, such as art galleries, music venues, and theaters, which provide insight into Korean culture.

Because no trip to South Korea’s capital would be complete without a stroll in this area, I have put together the top things to do in Hongdae.

Hongdae is one of Seoul’s most vibrant and exciting areas. It is known for its universities, convenient airport connections, and fun attractions. It is an excellent destination for those seeking an eclectic mix of culture and entertainment.

Because we lived close, I loved going out and simply strolling around this area. There is something for everyone, and you cannot get bored in Hongdae!

Come here in the evening for delicious meals and nights filled with fun!

Read also: Where to buy skincare in Seoul

Day 3 – Day trip to DMZ

Day trip to DMZ: how to choose the best tour

Today, you will go on a day trip to the DMZ, the Demilitarized Zone, at the border with North Korea.

It is the number one tourist attraction in South Korea.

If you, too, are looking for the best day trip to the DMZ from Seoul, this guide will help you make the right choice!

Given the sensitive nature of the area, there are strict security rules for visiting.

Day 4 of your 7 days in Seoul – Palaces, hanbok, and shopping in Myeongdong

Today, you will have the chance to feel like a Korean prince or princess because you will not only get to visit the Palaces in Seoul but also dress up (if you would like that, of course).

Changdeokgung Palace

While you might not have the time to see all five palaces in one day and rent a hanbok, you must choose a few of your favorites.

It is possible to get from one palace to the other on foot.

Each palace has an admissions fee, but the entrance is free if you wear a hanbok.

If I were you, I would at least try to visit 2 or 3 palaces, with Gyeongbokgung Palace as the main attraction.

Tip: If you would instead go with a guide and learn everything you can about the history of some of the palaces while also experiencing other popular attractions in the area, book a full-day Royal Palace guided tour!

End your day in Myeongdong

Myeongdong Seoul

Set in Seoul’s very heart, there’s no wonder this area attracts mainly tourists. Packed with cool cafes and shops, Myeongdong lights up as night falls and becomes one of the most vibrant areas in town and one of the best places to visit in Seoul at night.

Even though I visited Seoul with a friend during a cold winter (before actually living there), no matter how cold the weather was, we couldn’t help but go back to explore more of this area.

Here are the top things to do in Myeongdong!

Day 5 – day trip to Garden of Morning Calm & Nami Island

Garden of the Morning Calm

Today, you will visit one of our favorite destinations outside of Seoul. These places are particularly charming in spring and fall.

Nami Island and the Garden of the Morning Calm are two main attractions and things to see outside of Seoul.

We strongly suggest you go during the week to avoid the crowds. Moreover, take a tour so you won’t worry about parking spaces or the bus schedule.

Day trip from Seoul: Garden of the Morning Calm

The Garden of Morning Calm is a vast arboretum located east of Seoul, nestled between several mountain peaks.

It houses over 5000 plant species, some of them rare or endangered.

Day 6 – explore the south of the river, Yeouido & Gangnam

Today, you will cross the river and head to the southern part of the city.

Yeouido

Yeouido Seoul

Home to the Yeouido Cherry Blossoms Festival, this area has some of the fanciest hotels.

The financial area of Seoul is also close to the Han River and its beautiful park and right next to the most popular department store, which is packed with shops and restaurants.

Come here for the park, grab a coffee from one of my favorite coffee places in Seoul, do some (window) shopping, and head over to Gangnam.

How to get to Yeouido: take line 5 (purple line) to Yeouido or Yeouinaru Station.

How to get to Gangnam Station: walk to Yeouido Station and take Line 9 to Gangnam Station.

Gangnam

Gangnam-gu (district) became famous thanks to PSY, the Korean artist who broke YouTube with his video in 2012.

With so many things to do in Gangnam, you might need more than a few hours to explore. I have compiled a comprehensive list of all the cool things to do in Gangnam, and you should read it first.

Visit COEX Mall and its famous Library and Aquarium. Don’t skip Bongeunsa Temple, luxury SPA treatments, cool cafes, renowned restaurants, Olimpic Park, Lotte WorldLotte Sky Tower & Aquarium, and much more.

Extra TIP: If you plan to see at least 2 of these attractions in Gangnam, it might be worth buying the Klook Pass Seoul. You choose and purchase your ideal pass and save on some of the best attractions in town. See more here!

Day 7 – Namdaemun Market, Namsan Tower & Itaewon

This itinerary was one of my favorites during my stay in Seoul. It involves mild exercise, a view of the city from above, visiting some of the most popular attractions in town, and tasting delicious local food.

If you stay at the same hotel as we did during our first visit to Seoul, your first attraction, Namdaemun Market, is just across the street.

Shop for souvenirs, buy affordable Korean cosmetics, eat street food, or look around—immerse yourself in this authentic place.

On the other side of the market, start your climb towards Namsan Park and Namsan Tower.

Namsan Tower

I strongly suggest you climb to the top on foot. You will be surprised by plenty of stunning views. However, if you would instead take the bus or cable car, here is a complete guide to Namsan Tower.

The tower is 236.7m high and sits on top of the highest mountain in the city center, 243m above sea level.

Inside the tower, you’ll find restaurants, cafes, photo spots, observation decks, and more. On a clear day, you can enjoy an unobstructed 360-degree city view. 

Book your ticket for the Namsan Tower Panoramic Deck here!

End the day in Itaewon – the expat-friendly neighborhood

Itaewon Seoul

Easily reached from Namsan Tower, Itaewon is a colorful and vibrant area packed with murals, trendy cafes, stunning views, and a Culture Trace Journey where you can learn about Seoul and this part of town.

Visit the Leeum and Samsung Museum of Art, explore the Itaewon Mosque, shop on the antique street, or taste some international oriental cuisine.

End your day with a traditional dinner at the Korea House restaurant. The setting is impressive, the food is delicious, and they often have shows or wedding ceremonies you can admire.

Other things worth doing in Seoul

If you would like to replace some of the activities on this list or add some more, here are a few other popular Seoul attractions to choose from:

Skip Lotte World and head to Everland, one of the world’s largest and best theme parks. Book your entry ticket and return shuttle here!

Go on an Eland Hangang River Cruise and enjoy Seoul’s skyline as the sun sets. Or book a Han River cruise with a picnic in the park.

Take a full-day small group private tour of the city and learn about its history from a local guide.

Don’t skip taking a Korean Cooking Class with a Full-Course Meal & Local Market Tour in Seoul – you will learn to cook some of the most popular local dishes and taste a 10-course dinner at a local’s home.

Visit the Blue House in Seoul—or Cheongwadae (청와대) in Korean. This was the president’s home until recent years when the current president decided not to live there anymore.

As a tourist, you can visit the Blue House on a tour, but you cannot book it online – the only option is to show up for one of the two available slots (at 9 AM and 1:30 PM).

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