South Korea · 2026 itinerary
Seoul 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Seoul: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
An 11-km restored urban stream with walking paths, bridges, and public art. Cuts through downtown Seoul.
🕐 Open 24 hours
Free entry💡 Visit after sunset when the stream is softly lit; start from Gwanghwamun Plaza and walk south for the best sections.
Hotels near Cheonggyecheon Stream →A residential area with hundreds of traditional Korean houses (hanok) on narrow, hilly streets. Active community, not a museum.
🕐 Public access at all times; some houses open as galleries 10:00–18:00
Free entry💡 Go early (before 10am) to avoid crowds and noise complaints from residents. Stay quiet on the upper alleys—locals live here.
Hotels near Bukchon Hanok Village →선창회집 · ££
다락회집 · ££
Deeper Into Seoul
A hilltop park with panoramic views of Seoul, including the old city wall and, on clear days, Namsan Tower. Popular with locals for evening walks.
🕐 Open 24 hours
💡 Walk up from Daehangno area via the old fortress wall (Naksan Fortress Wall) for a gentle hike with great photo stops. Best just before sunset.
South Korea's flagship museum with vast collections of Korean art, ceramics, and archaeology. Permanent exhibitions are free.
🕐 09:00–18:00 (extended to 21:00 on Wednesdays and Saturdays; closed 1 Jan, Lunar New Year, Chuseok)
💡 Download the free audio guide app before you go. The museum grounds include a park, pond, and pagoda—worth a stroll.
느티나무회집
동해회집
Final Favourites & Departure
The largest of Seoul's Five Grand Palaces, rebuilt after destruction. Watch the changing of the guard ceremony at the main gate.
💡 Wear a hanbok (rental from 15,000 KRW) for free entry. Otherwise, admission is 3,000 KRW.
해원회집
등대회집
Getting Around Seoul
Get rechargeable T-money card at convenience stores. Fastest local transit. Four Seasons is 5-min walk from Jongno 3-ga Station Exit 5.
Comfortable for luggage. Stops at major hotels and stations. From Gangnam Station terminal, take metro Line 2 to Jongno 3-ga, or taxi (10 mins, 5000 KRW).
Book pre-arranged limousine through hotel concierge for guaranteed availability and professional service. More reliable than street taxis for airport arrival.
Most economical option. Take Express line to Seoul Station in 43 mins, then Line 1 subway one stop to Jongno 3-ga. Walk 5 mins to Four Seasons.
Hotel is 2-minute walk from Myeongdong Station (Line 4). Get a T-money card for seamless travel across metro, bus, and taxis
Hotel is near Gangnam Station (Line 2); buy rechargeable T-money card (₩2,500) at convenience stores; Line 2 circular route connects major districts; English signage throughout
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Seoul?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Cheonggyecheon Stream and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Seoul?
See our full best time to visit Seoul guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, Seoul N Hotel Dongdaemun, THE SHILLA Seoul. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.