Seoul in 3 days

Trip at a glance

Your first day

Add your first day to see each day's date, weather, sunset and closing days.

Day 1: Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon and Changdeokgung

Two royal palaces and the hanok lanes between them, then pancakes at Gwangjang Market and an evening stroll by the stream.

Check the weekday. Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed on Tuesdays. Changdeokgung Palace and Secret Garden is closed on Mondays.

1
9:00 AMGyeongbokgung PalaceArrive at opening to see the throne hall before the tour groups. Closed Tuesdays, so swap days if needed.About 1 hour 45 min here
Adult, 19 to 64: ₩3,000 (about $2) · Ticketed; closed Tuesdays
Official fees: Royal Palaces and Tombs Center, Korea Heritage ServiceLast verified Nov 3, 2026
Walk about 15 min
2
11:00 AMBukchon Hanok VillageVisit residential lanes from 10 AM to 5 PM and skip Sunday, the rest day. Keep voices low and respect gates.About 1 hour here
Residential red zone: 10 AM to 5 PM; Sunday rest day
Walk about 15 min
3
12:15 PMInsadong restaurant lanesHave lunch in the side alleys off Insadong-gil, where small places serve set meals, noodles and stews.About 1 hour 15 min here
Pay as you go
Walk about 15 min
4
1:45 PMBook aheadChangdeokgung Palace and Secret GardenMatch this palace visit to your timed Secret Garden ticket; arrive before its slot. Normally closed Mondays.About 2 hours 30 min here
Palace, foreign adult 19 to 64: ₩3,000 (about $2) · Secret Garden extra, adult 19+: ₩5,000 (about $4) · Secret Garden needs a separate timed ticket
Official fees: Royal Palaces and Tombs Center, Korea Heritage ServiceLast verified Nov 3, 2026
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Walk about 15 min
5
4:30 PMOptionalIkseon-dong hanok lanesWander the narrow hanok lanes for coffee or a pastry; it gets crowded at weekends.About 1 hour here
Free to visit
Walk about 15 min
6
5:45 PMGwangjang MarketSit at a stall for mung bean pancakes, gimbap and makgeolli; point at what looks good if menus are in Korean.About 1 hour here
Pay as you go
Walk along the stream, about 25 min
7
7:15 PMCheonggyecheon StreamFinish with a walk along the lit-up stream, ending at Cheonggye Plaza near City Hall subway.
Free to visit

Before you go

Book these aheadChangdeokgung Palace and Secret Garden (day 1): timed tickets, or tickets that often sell out.
Get a T-money cardBuy a rechargeable transport card at a convenience store or station and top it up with cash for subways and buses.
Use a Korean map appNaver Map or KakaoMap give accurate walking and subway directions in Seoul, where global map apps often fall short.
Check dates before ordering daysPalace closures shift after public holidays. Check museum maintenance dates, and avoid Bukchon residential lanes on Sundays.
Know the hanbok ticket scopeQualifying hanbok gives free ordinary palace admission. The Secret Garden still needs its own timed ticket.
No tipping neededTipping is not expected in restaurants or taxis in Korea, and staff may hand back any extra.

Where to stay for this plan

Stay in Jongno or Insadong to walk to the palaces on day 1, with a short subway ride to Myeongdong and Hongdae.

Hotels in Seoul

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Plan last checked Nov 3, 2026. Check individual fee sources before you go. TravPa earns a commission when you book through a partner; your price stays the same.