Seoul in 5 Days: A Mapped Itinerary
Explore Seoul over five full days: the old city and palaces first, followed by the museum and Namsan, western Hongdae and the Han River, then eastern neighbourhoods. This 15-stop plan leaves time for meals and breaks. Allow separately for flights and hotel transfers.
Explore the route stops ↓Palaces and old Seoul
From Gyeongbokgung to Bukchon’s hanok lanes, then tea and crafts in Insadong. Swap this day around Gyeongbokgung’s Tuesday closure. Follow Bukchon’s visitor restrictions and keep quiet in residential streets.
Gardens, market and design
From Changdeokgung to lunch at Gwangjang, then the eastern stream section and DDP. Allow extra time for a Secret Garden visit and leave a DDP exhibition for another day. Changdeokgung closes on Mondays.
Museum, Namsan and evening streets
An introduction to Korean history, views from Namsan and dinner in Myeongdong. Skip the tower deck if visibility is poor and spend longer at the museum. Shorten the Namsan walk to suit weather and mobility.
Hongdae and the Han River
Cafés and independent shops in Hongdae, followed by a relaxed afternoon beside the river at Yeouido. In rain, trade the long riverside walk for cafés and indoor stops in Hongdae. Do not expect every shop to open early in the morning.
Seongsu, temple and modern Seoul
Seoul Forest and a short Seongsu break, Bongeunsa and skyline views in Jamsil. For a longer shopping visit in Seongsu, skip the tower. A second observation deck is optional if you already visited N Seoul Tower.
Using transport and the map
The map shows stop locations; lines are not walking paths or live directions. Travel times are approximate planning ranges and exclude your hotel connection. Check services and transfers with Naver Map or KakaoMap. With T-money, remember to tap in and out.
Tickets and closure days
Gyeongbokgung normally closes on Tuesdays and Changdeokgung on Mondays; public holidays may affect schedules. Reorder days around tickets and closures. Check separate entry conditions for the Secret Garden and observation decks. Hours and fees can change; check official links before visiting.
Make the route your own
Open the plan with your start date and move stops between days; importing it does not book tickets or reservations. With three days, choose the first three; for a café-focused trip, swap the second palace day for Hongdae. Allow an extra day for the DMZ or trips outside Seoul.
Day 1: Palaces and old Seoul
From Gyeongbokgung to Bukchon’s hanok lanes, then tea and crafts in Insadong.
Mostly walking · some hills
Gyeongbokgung Palace
2–3 hours
Explore the courtyards and main halls at a comfortable pace. Reserve the morning for the palace; check the day’s programme separately for a guard ceremony.
Start of the day
Visit Seoul · Google MapsBukchon Hanok Village
45–60 minutes
Take a short walk among hanok houses. This is a residential neighbourhood: follow permitted hours and streets and keep doorways clear.
About 25–35 min walking from the palace
Visit Seoul · Google MapsInsadong
1.5–2 hours
Spend the afternoon on a tea break, crafts and side streets. If tired on your first day, slow down here instead of adding another distant area.
About 15–25 min walking from Bukchon
Visit Seoul · Google MapsDay 2: Gardens, market and design
From Changdeokgung to lunch at Gwangjang, then the eastern stream section and DDP.
Moderate pace · short metro rides or walks
Changdeokgung Palace
2 hours; extra time for the garden
Explore the main palace; check the separate entry conditions and times for the Secret Garden. Shorten one of the following stops if you add the garden.
Start of the day
Visit Seoul · Google MapsGwangjang Market
1–1.5 hours
Stop for lunch in the market’s food section. Check menus and prices before ordering; stalls do not necessarily share the same opening hours.
About 20–30 min walking from the palace
Visit Seoul · Google MapsCheonggyecheon Stream
30–45 minutes
Walk a short eastern stretch towards DDP. The map pin marks this eastern section; walking the entire stream is not part of this day.
About 5–10 min walking from the market to the stream
Visit Seoul · Google MapsDongdaemun Design Plaza
1–1.5 hours
Explore the outdoor spaces and design details. Allow extra time for a major ticketed exhibition; avoid squeezing that and the palace garden into the same day.
About 10–20 min walking from the stream
Seoul Metropolitan Government · Google MapsDay 3: Museum, Namsan and evening streets
An introduction to Korean history, views from Namsan and dinner in Myeongdong.
Metro and bus · hilly park paths
National Museum of Korea
2–3 hours
Begin by choosing a few interests at the museum. Sample the permanent collection rather than trying to finish every gallery, and leave time for lunch.
Start of the day
Visit Seoul · Google MapsN Seoul Tower
1.5–2 hours
Check the current route up Namsan on a local map. The observation deck is optional; leave time for the park and tower surroundings. Queueing is not included in this estimate.
About 45–65 min from the museum with transfers
Visit Seoul · Google MapsMyeongdong
1.5–2 hours
Keep the evening flexible for food and shopping. Arrive later if you stayed at the tower for sunset; avoid rushing between two fixed evening programmes.
About 30–50 min descending and travelling from Namsan
Visit Seoul · Google MapsDay 4: Hongdae and the Han River
Cafés and independent shops in Hongdae, followed by a relaxed afternoon beside the river at Yeouido.
Easy pace · two neighbourhoods
Hongdae
2–3 hours
After a late breakfast, take time for shops and cafés. Keep the day relaxed for side-street exploring and adjust your plans around any events you come across.
Start of the day
Visit Seoul · Google MapsYeouido & the Han River
1.5–2 hours
Enter the riverside park near Yeouinaru station, the transport point marked on the map. Walk beside the river and pause for sunset if the weather is pleasant.
About 30–45 min by metro and on foot from Hongdae
Visit Seoul · Google MapsDay 5: Seongsu, temple and modern Seoul
Seoul Forest and a short Seongsu break, Bongeunsa and skyline views in Jamsil.
Mostly metro · three areas
Seoul Forest
2–3 hours
Explore the park, then take a short coffee break in Seongsu. Trade time from the final tower visit if you want to add a longer shopping session.
Start of the day
Visit Seoul · Google MapsBongeunsa Temple
45–60 minutes
Take a quiet break at the temple amid modern Gangnam. Keep quiet in worship areas and follow photography restrictions and visitor signs.
About 35–50 min by metro and on foot from Seongsu
Visit Seoul · Google MapsLotte World Tower & Seoul Sky
1.5–2 hours
Finish in Jamsil. Check visibility and your ticket if visiting Seoul Sky; otherwise end with the tower surroundings and dinner.
About 25–40 min by metro and on foot from Bongeunsa
Visit Seoul · Google Maps