Seoul 3-Day Itinerary: Palaces, Markets, and Trendy Spots
Source:
@PhatLife Project
22 places in Seoul featured in a youtube post by PhatLife Project, verified on Google Maps: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, N Seoul Tower, and 19 more.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Cultural landmark
4.6
Gyeongbokgung Palace is the most famous royal palace in Seoul, built during the Joseon Dynasty. It served as the main political and royal heart of Korea, and visitors can get a sense of its grandeur by exploring its massive complex of courtyards, pavilions, and mountain views. Visitors wearing a hanbok can enter for free.
Bukchon Hanok Village
Landmark
4.4
Bukchon Hanok Village is a historic neighborhood filled with traditional Hanok houses, narrow alleyways, and tiled rooftops, offering picturesque views. It's an active residential area, so visitors should be mindful of noise levels. It's best experienced by exploring its smaller side streets and visiting early in the morning to avoid crowds.
N Seoul Tower
Landmark
4.5
Namsan Tower, one of Seoul's most iconic landmarks, offers panoramic views of the entire city from its location at the top of Namsan Mountain. Visitors can reach the summit via a unique 'sky elevator' or a cable car, which offers scenic views during the ride. The tower is famous for its love padlocks and is a popular spot for both daytime sightseeing and sunset views.
Cheonggyecheon
Park
4.5
Cheonggyecheon Stream is a revitalized urban stream running through the middle of Seoul, offering a stark contrast to the surrounding city traffic and office towers. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists to jog, relax, have food, or simply unwind. The stream stretches about 11 kilometers from Cheonggye Plaza to Jungnangcheon Stream.
DDP │ Dongdaemun Design Plaza
Cultural center
4.3
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is one of Seoul's most futuristic and visually striking landmarks, known for its unique curvilinear architecture. It hosts numerous design exhibitions, pop-ups, fashion events, shops, and creative spaces, with many exhibitions offering free entry. The building itself is highly photogenic and a hub for design and innovation.
Banpo Bridge
Place
4.4
Banpo Bridge is a very popular spot to watch the sunset in Seoul, particularly known for its Rainbow Light Water Show that occurs every night starting around 7:30 PM. People gather at the Banpo Hangang Park nearby, often enjoying instant ramen cooked at the park, while waiting for the colorful water display to begin. It's an ideal place for a relaxing evening with entertainment and beautiful views.
Namdaemun Market
Market
4.2
Namdaemun Market is one of Seoul's oldest and most traditional markets, located near the historic Namdaemun Gate. It's a bustling marketplace offering a wide variety of goods, including clothing, household items, and especially street food. The market provides a vibrant cultural experience and is a great place to sample local delicacies.
The National Folk Museum of Korea
Museum
4.5
The Korean Folk Museum, located next to Gyeongbokgung Palace, offers free entry and showcases how Koreans have lived through different periods of history. It features multiple exhibitions, and a nostalgic street area with recreated shop fronts, barbershops, cafes, and comic book stores from the 1960s to 1980s.
Jibokjae
Historical landmark
4.7
The King's Library, also known as Jibokjae, is a UNESCO Heritage site and the former private library of King Gojong, located within Gyeongbokgung Palace. It is noteworthy for its ornate architecture and interior design, but visitors should check its opening hours as it is only open at certain times of the year.
Samseong Haemaji Park
Park
4.6
Samseong Haemaeji Park offers stunning sunrise views, particularly over the Han River and the Seoul skyline. It's located about a 20-25 minute walk from COEX Mall, making it an ideal spot to visit for early morning tranquility and photography.
Myeongdong Kyoja Main Restaurant
Restaurant
4.2
Myeongdong Kyoja is a multi-Michelin Bib Gourmand winning restaurant in Myeongdong, renowned for its delicious Kalguksu noodles and Mandu (dumplings). It's a highly recommended spot for dinner, celebrated for its consistent quality and flavorful traditional Korean dishes. The restaurant has maintained its Michelin recognition for several consecutive years.
Myeondong Shopping Street
Shopping mall
4.3
Myeongdong is one of Seoul's most popular shopping districts, bustling with K-beauty stores, fashion boutiques, shoe shops, and various other retail options. It's an ideal place for shopping, especially for cosmetics and trendy clothing, and even offers options for extra luggage bags. The area also features a vibrant night market and numerous food stalls.
찰스 H Charles H.
Bar
4.6
Charles H. is a blue-ribbon bar located in the Four Seasons Hotel, renowned for its sophisticated ambiance and themed cocktail menu. It has been recognized as one of the World's 50 Best Bars in 2021 and Asia's 50 Best Bars in 2022. The bar is known for its exquisite and delicious cocktails, each inspired by famous historical figures.
Tamburins
Cosmetics store
4.6
Tamburins is a popular fragrance store in Seongsu, known for its unique scents and often attracting long queues. The store itself is beautifully designed and frequently features new or seasonal products and artistic displays. It is a must-visit for those interested in niche perfumes and a chic shopping experience.
Muguok
Chicken restaurant
4.7
Muguok is a restaurant near Gyeongbokgung Palace famous for its North Korean-style Seolleongtang, a milky white ox bone soup. Despite often having a queue, the restaurant is known for its delicious and authentic dishes. It's a great spot for lunch after visiting the palace.
Nuldam Space - Haebangchon branch
Cafe
4.4
Nudam Space is a unique cafe where visitors can write letters to their future selves. This activity provides a thoughtful and personalized experience, making it a great spot for reflection.
Le Chamber
Lounge bar
4.4
Le Chamber is a hidden speakeasy bar in Apgujeong Rodeo, known for its sophisticated ambiance and award-winning cocktails. To enter, guests must press a specific book on a bookshelf, which then reveals a secret passage to the main bar. The bar offers live music and is celebrated for its stunning drink creations, including the 'Laughing Buddha' and 'Chamber Story'.
Mil Toast Ikseon
Cafe
4.0
Mil Toast is a breakfast spot in Ikseon-dong known for its freshly toasted bread, especially its steamed bread, offered in varieties like plain, chestnut, and black sesame. The cafe has a cozy, rustic-chic ambiance with both indoor and outdoor seating, featuring traditional Korean architecture and a small water feature.
READY YOUNG PHARMACY
Pharmacy
4.9
Ready Young is Olive Young's pharmacy competitor in Seongsu, offering a wide range of beauty and health products. It's a great stop for skincare, cosmetics, and everyday essentials, especially for those looking to explore local Korean beauty brands.
Sunset Record Bar
Bar
4.3
Sunset Record Bar in Euljiro is a hidden gem that perfectly captures the neighborhood's gritty old-school charm with a retro rock-and-roll ambiance. The bar is adorned with vintage music memorabilia, vinyl-inspired decor, and plays music videos, allowing guests to request their favorite songs. It offers a unique atmosphere with great music and strong cocktails, making it a memorable spot for a night out.
누데이크 티 하우스 (NUDAKE TEA HOUSE)
Tea house
4.8
The Nu:Dake House in Seongsu is a large, artistically designed cafe with a crazy, must-try cafe experience on its top level. The cafe offers a unique atmosphere and creative dessert presentations, making it a standout spot for those looking for an Instagrammable and memorable culinary adventure.
Eun&Jeong Myeongdong Dak-Galbi Budaejjigae
Chicken restaurant
4.6
This restaurant in Myeongdong specializes in Dak-galbi Budaejjigae, a popular Korean dish featuring spicy stir-fried chicken with vegetables and often cheese. It offers a hearty and flavorful dining experience, suitable for those craving something with a kick. The restaurant is a good option for a casual yet delicious meal.