Explore Seoul by Subway in Summer: A 3-Day, 2-Night Easy Trip

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 the must-visit ones include Line 1, home to the Dongdaemun Market famous for wholesale clothing; Line 2, passing through Hongik University and Ewha Womans University; Line 3, which goes by five of Seoul’s ancient palaces including Gyeongbokgung and the traditional Korean cultural district of Insadong; and Line 4, where you can take the N Seoul Tower cable car for stunning night views of the city. Below, we recommend a 3-day, 2-night Seoul subway itinerary. Just follow it, and you can easily complete an enriching and in-depth Seoul self-guided trip.

Once the center of Hanseong during the Joseon Dynasty, the area in front of Gwanghwamun was transformed in August 2009 into a brand-new square. The giant bronze statues of Admiral Yi Sun-sin and King Sejong the Great stand facing each other, 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 at night, the LED lighting enhances the scene even more beautifully. Shortly after its completion, Gwanghwamun Square was rented out for the filming of an action scene in the TV drama “Iris,” perfectly complementing its striking visuals.

 

Transportation: Exit at Exit 5 of Gyeongbokgung Station on Line 3, and walk about 1–2 minutes to reach the square.

Located in the heart of northern Seoul, Cheonggyecheon is an artificial stream that runs from the Gwanghwamun area near City Hall eastward to the Dongdaemun Design Plaza area. With a history of over 500 years, it originally formed naturally due to the terrain before being transformed into its current form through human engineering. The narrow waterway is lined with various trees, and features many thoughtful details such as murals inspired by traditional Korean paintings, reconstructed old-style laundry stones and stone bridges. At night, colorful lighting adds a romantic ambiance to this long-developed area of northern Seoul, providing a relaxing space for citizens.

 

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, home to a fountain and the stream’s origin, which occasionally hosts weekend community events. Another great place to enjoy the stream is near Dongdaemun Stadium. After a 10-minute walk from Exit 1 through the shopping crowds, you’ll find Cheonggyecheon. If time allows, taking a stroll along the streamside is a wonderful way to appreciate Seoul’s scenery.

 

Transportation: Take Line 5 to Gwanghwamun Station and walk 3 minutes from Exit 5.

If you only have one day in Seoul, what place is a must-visit? Many K-pop and Korean culture fans would say: “Myeongdong!” It’s a rare pedestrian-only zone in central Seoul, stretching from Euljiro in the north to Chungmuro in the south, from Namdaemunno in the west to Samil-daero in the east. The area is packed with trendy fashion stores, cosmetics and skincare shops, restaurants, hotels of all levels, and performance theaters. It's a prime location for shopping and soaking in the latest trends. The area is considered one of the most representative commercial districts in Seoul.

 

Namsan Park & N Seoul Tower