Day 1: History Route

Gyeongbokgung Palace (watch the changing of the guard ceremony at 10:00/14:00) → National Folk Museum → Bukchon Hanok Village → Samcheong-dong Cafés → Jongmyo Shrine or Changdeokgung Palace Secret Garden. Return to Myeongdong in the evening for street food.

Day 2: Trendy Route

Hongdae (street performances and youth culture) → Yeonnam-dong → Garosu-gil in Sinsa-dong → Apgujeong Rodeo Street → COEX Mall and Starfield Library in Gangnam. Head to Hangang Park in the evening for takeaway fried chicken and beer.

Day 3: Night View Route

Ikseon-dong Hanok Village or Seochon stroll → N Seoul Tower (take the cable car up) → Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) (night LED rose garden) → Dongdaemun Night Market.

Tips

• Seoul’s subway system is extensive; a T-money card is your all-access pass.
• Google Maps has limited navigation in South Korea; install Naver Map or Kakao Map instead.
• Cosmetic shops in Myeongdong and Dongdaemun offer tax refunds—keep your receipts to claim them at the airport.