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Explore Seoul for 3 Days and 2 Nights by Subway in Summer – EasyGo

Published: 2026-09-25 👁 100 views
Last updated 2026-09-25 — Thanks to Seoul’s convenient subway network, first-time visitors can easily experience this vibrant and diverse metropolis using public transportation. The Seoul Metro consists of 8 lines, and among the must-visit ones are...

Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network, Reported by Chen Guanxin
 
Thanks to Seoul’s convenient subway network, first-time visitors can easily experience this vibrant and diverse metropolis using public transportation. The Seoul Metro consists of 8 lines, and among the must-visit ones are Line 1, home to Dongdaemun Market famous for wholesale fashion; Line 2, which passes by Hongik University and Ewha Womans University; Line 3, which goes through five of Seoul’s historic palaces including Gyeongbokgung and the traditional Korean cultural district of Insadong; and Line 4, which takes you to N Seoul Tower for a breathtaking night view of the city. Below, we recommend a 3-day, 2-night Seoul subway travel itinerary. Just follow it, and you’ll be able to enjoy a rich and in-depth Seoul trip with ease.
 

In recent years, Seoul, South Korea has become a popular destination for independent travel among locals, and its convenient subway network makes it easy for backpackers to explore the city. (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)

Day 1: Gwanghwamun Square → Cheonggyecheon Stream → Myeongdong → Namsan Park & N Seoul Tower

Gwanghwamun Square

The area in front of Gwanghwamun, once the center of Hanseong during the Joseon Dynasty, was transformed in August 2009 into a brand-new square. The giant bronze statues of Admiral Yi Sun-sin and King Sejong the Great face each other from afar, aligned with Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukhansan Mountain behind them, creating a grand and majestic atmosphere. The fountain near Admiral Yi’s statue occasionally performs a dancing display, and when lit up by LED lights at night, it becomes even more spectacular. Shortly after its completion, Gwanghwamun Square was rented out for the TV drama “Iris” to film an action-packed gun battle scene, which indeed drew attention and complemented the site beautifully.
 
Transportation: Exit at Exit 5 of Gyeongbokgung Station on Line 3, and walk about 1–2 minutes to reach the square.
 

The giant bronze statues of Admiral Yi Sun-sin and King Sejong the Great stand facing each other at Gwanghwamun Square, aligned with Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukhansan Mountain, creating a majestic atmosphere. (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)

Cheonggyecheon Stream

Located in the heart of Seoul’s northern region, Cheonggyecheon is an artificial stream that extends from the Gwanghwamun area near City Hall to the Sangwangsimni area to the east. With a history of over 500 years, it originally formed naturally due to the terrain but was later developed into its current form through human engineering. The narrow waterway is lined with various trees, and along the stream, you’ll find thoughtful features such as murals inspired by traditional Korean paintings, restored old laundry stones, and stone bridges. At night, colorful lighting adds a romantic touch, turning this long-developed part of northern Seoul into a relaxing space for both citizens and visitors.
 
The best spots to view Cheonggyecheon are near Gwanghwamun at the starting point of the stream. To the right of the subway exit is Cheonggye Plaza with its fountain, where various weekend events for citizens are often held. Another great place to enjoy the stream is near Dongdaemun Stadium—just walk about ten minutes from Exit 1 through the shopping crowds, and you’ll find Cheonggyecheon. If you have time, taking a stroll along the streamside is a wonderful way to appreciate the sights of Seoul.
 
Transportation: Take Line 5 and get off at Gwanghwamun Station, then walk 3 minutes from Exit 5.
 

In recent years, Cheonggyecheon in Seoul has become a romantic resting spot for locals. (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)

Myeongdong

If you only have one day in Seoul, where must you go? For many Korea enthusiasts, the answer would be: “Myeongdong!” As a rare pedestrian-only zone in central Seoul, Myeongdong spans from Euljiro in the north to Chungmuro in the south, from Namdaemunno in the west to Samil-ro in the east. The area is packed with trendy fashion, cosmetics and skincare, restaurants, hotels of all levels, and performance theaters. It’s a hub where fashion, beauty, and food trends converge, making it a prime location to experience Seoul’s most iconic consumer culture.
 
Transportation: Take Line 4 and get off at Myeongdong Station.
 

Myeongdong is a trendsetting destination in Seoul, offering top choices in fashion and cosmetics. (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)

Namsan Park & N Seoul Tower

Seoul was chosen as the capital of South Korea partly because of its easily defensible geography, surrounded by Bukhansan Mountain to the north and Namsan Mountain to the south. Standing 265 meters tall, Namsan once played a crucial role in defending the capital during the Joseon Dynasty, and even today, it stands proudly as if guarding the royal palace. On the western side of the park are a botanical garden, a public library, and the Ahn Jung-geun Memorial Hall.
 
N Seoul Tower, originally called Namsan Tower, stands 236.7 meters tall atop Namsan Mountain, which itself rises 243 meters above sea level, making the tower reach an elevation of 479.7 meters. It is Korea’s first radio tower, transmitting TV and radio signals across Seoul and surrounding areas. After a full renovation in 2005, it was renamed N Seoul Tower and now features a 360° observation deck, a revolving restaurant, a teddy bear museum, cafes, and more. It’s a popular weekend destination for locals and a must-visit attraction for international tourists.
 
During the day, the area around N Seoul Tower offers a rare green escape with fresh air high up on the mountain. At night, it’s an even better time to visit—the tower is beautifully lit up, and on clear nights, you can enjoy a sweeping view of Seoul’s sparkling city lights. The illuminated tower looks dazzling against the night backdrop, yet complements the urban scenery without appearing overly artificial.
 
Transportation: Take subway Line 4 and get off at Hoehyeon Station, then walk 15 minutes from Exit 4.
 

Originally called Namsan Tower, N Seoul Tower offers a stunning night view of Seoul’s vibrant city lights on clear evenings when viewed from the top. (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)

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