A Weekend In Seoul: Perfect Two Day Itinerary For Seoul 2024

Seoul is an incredible place to visit any time of year and you could spend weeks exploring Seoul’s various attractions, parks, culture, history, and fantastic dining spots. However, if you only have a weekend in Seoul, and want to know what places you must visit, then this two day itinerary for Seoul will be perfect for you. You can definitely see the best of Seoul in a weekend.

Two days in Seoul might seem like a short time for one of the world’s busiest metropolises, but still enough to have an amazing time. Wander through royal palaces dressed in traditional Korean hanbok, see the sights from up high in N Seoul Tower, cruise along the Han River at night to see the glittering skyscrapers, and fill your heart and soul (and stomach) at Myeongdong’s Street Food Alley and markets.

For those who want to do all the best activities in Seoul in a short time, and aren’t sure where to start, then this article is perfect for you. If you plant to spend longer than a weekend in Seoul, then you can spread these activities out over a few days and have extra time to spend visiting ancient tea rooms, cool cafes, a wide variety of interesting museums, and lots more that you can’t miss out on in Seoul.

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Tips For Planning A Weekend In Seoul

This two day itinerary for Seoul covers some of the best sights and experiences in Seoul that I think most travellers to Korea’s capital will enjoy. The good thing about this city is that there are a few key areas where many of the attractions are located, which makes it easier to get around and see lots on foot or with a few short bus or subway rides.

This section offers some really useful insights and tips that I think you need to know before you start planning your weekend in Seoul, including where to stay, what to bring, and how to get around. There’s also a quick rundown of Seoul’s seasons and when’s the best time to visit for your weekend stay.

Where To Stay In Seoul

To maximise your time seeing Seoul’s sights in a tight schedule of just two days, I recommend basing yourself in one of the main tourist areas. These areas all have lots of attractions, shops, and restaurants, as well as convenient transport links to other parts of Seoul. I think staying in Myeongdong would be the best option as it is close to many of the historic and cultural attractions mentioned in this article.

For more information about Seoul’s major districts, including details about what you can find in each area and a few hotel recommendations for each budget, check out my guide about where to stay in Seoul. It’s packed full of useful tips for finding the right place to stay in Seoul for the right price.

Best Time To Visit Seoul

Without a doubt the best time to spend a weekend in Seoul is in spring or autumn. In spring you’ll see colourful cherry blossoms, the weather is mild, and nature is starting to show itself, there are also lots of fun spring festivals. In autumn, the heat disappears and the cool weather is perfect for seeing another natural wonder – autumn leaves, which can be seen in the royal palaces and parks.

Don’t let the weather put you off visiting Seoul at other times, though. Seoul is a modern city and most places will be heated or air-conditioned depending on the season. If you’re travelling during summer or winter, try to plan to do more indoor activities in Seoul. This is especially important for summer as that’s also rainy season. Fortunately, there are lots of museums, galleries, malls, and cafes to visit.

What To Pack For A Weekend In Seoul

Seoul is a modern city and convenience stores like 7/11 will stock most things you can imagine that you might need in an emergency. Some things that you might want to bring to make life more comfortable for 48 hours in Seoul, especially if this is your first time in Korea or Asia, are as follows:

For more information about what to pack and how to prepare for a trip to Korea, be sure to read my South Korea Travel Guide, which is packed with my best tips about coming to Korea.

How To Get Around In Seoul

It’s easy to get around in Seoul thanks to the efficient public transport system, taxis, and your two feet. Seoul’s subway system is in English. There are plenty of lines that will get you from each area in a short time. Pick up a Korean transportation card when you arrive from the airport or at a convenience store in Seoul. You can use this to pay for public transportation in Seoul and beyond.

For a weekend in Seoul, you shouldn’t need to charge a transportation card with more than ₩20,000. This will cover more than 10 bus or subway rides and many of the places included in this article are within walking distance of each other anyway. If you plan to use a taxi, then perhaps add more to the transportation card as you can use this to pay for taxis, too.

If you’re flying into Incheon Airport to spend two days in Seoul, I recommend taking the high speed train (AREX) to Seoul Station and then a taxi to your hotel in Myeongdong. For those staying in Hongdae, take the all-stop subway from Incheon Airport to Hongik University (Hongdae) subway station. If you’re in a group with lots of luggage, then maybe a private airport transfer is more convenient.

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First Day Of Your Weekend In Seoul

This first day of your weekend in Seoul will introduce you to Korean history and culture before visiting Seoul’s famous markets. Sample authentic street food, see the night view from atop a mountain, and then head down the other side to check out the cool bars and restaurants of Itaewon.

Please note: You don’t have to do everything in this two day Seoul itinerary, and you might not have time to do them all depending on how long you spend at each place. I’ve included them to show you what’s available in each area and you’re free to pick and choose what you want and skip the rest.

1: Wear Traditional Korean Hanbok

So you’ve come to Korea for a weekend in Seoul and you want to embrace the culture and see the sights. The best way to do this is to dress like a true Korean would – by wearing hanbok. Hanbok (Korean traditional clothes) can be worn by anyone and consists of a colourful skirt with a loose shirt over the top for women, or loose trousers and shirt for men.

Wearing hanbok will help local people warm to you and certainly show that you appreciate their culture. This might open doorways to conversations and photo ops you might not normally have. You can rent hanbok from many locations, such as near Gyeongbokgung Palace. Coincidentally, this is the next stop on your weekend in Seoul.

2: See Seoul’s Magnificent Palaces

If you’ve rented hanbok, then I have some great news for you. Those wearing hanbok can gain free access to Gyeongbokgung, Changgyeonggung, Changdeokgung, and Deoksugung Palaces, as well as jump the queues! That’s definitely a good enough reason to wear Korea’s traditional clothes, as well as the gorgeous pictures you can take.

Take a picture outside Gyeongbokgung Palace’s gigantic front gate (Gwanghwamun Gate) before strolling around the imperial residence and gardens. Afterwards, head into the National Folk Museum and Culture Centre, where you can try some traditional Korean games.

Whilst Gyeongbokgung might be older and larger, my personal favourites are Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung Palaces. These are both a short walk east of Gyeongbokgung. These two palaces are actually part of a larger complex that includes The Secret Garden (access limited, book ahead).

3: Step Back In Time In Bukchon Hanok Village

After visiting one of these palaces, head north to the area between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace. Here you’ll find a wonderful area full of authentic Korean charm, hanok (traditional Korean houses), cafes, murals, and lots, lots more. This area is the Bukchon Hanok Village and is where wearing hanbok certainly pays off.

You can take great snaps in the narrow, traditional streets and there are lots of peaceful, historic streets with traditional tea rooms, and even more photo opportunities. No weekend in Seoul would be complete without a stroll through this area. For more information, check out my detailed guide about all the best places in Bukchon Hanok Village.

4: Rest And Shop In Insadong

After you’ve snapped your heart out in Bukchon, a great place to recover is in Insadong. Famous for its art stores, souvenirs, culture, and cafes, Insadong is sure to please. The main street (Insadong-gil) has dozens of galleries to explore, showcasing some of the finest Korean art. Not just paintings, you can find ceramics, woodwork, stonework, calligraphy, and much more in this area.

This is a good place to stop and get lunch in one of the traditional Korean restaurants. There are also lots of traditional tea houses and food stalls selling yeot (Korean taffy), ice cream, and spicy tteokbokki. Be sure not to miss out on Ssamziegil – a large collection of art shops, cafes, and amusing things. There’s also Anyoung Insadong, a modern shopping mall with a retro-style approach to Korean history and modern culture.

5; Get Back To Nature At The Cheonggyecheon Stream

Walk south from Insadong and you’ll be near the start of the Cheonggyecheon Stream. The start area, Cheonggye Plaza, usually has events for tourists, including hands-on activities to learn about Korean culture and history. This area is also one of the best to take photos with the river and fountains. There’s even a giant multi-coloured shell statue towering over the start of the stream.

The stream was created as a place for gathering, harmony, peace, and unity. It gives Seoulites a place to come and cool off in summer, and to be together away from the concrete jungle. For tourists, this is a wonderful chance to experience the light and lantern festivals that often occur along the stream, as well as take a break to hop over the stepping stones and get some colourful photos.

6: Shop Till You Drop In Seoul’s Market

Shopaholics with a weekend in Seoul have to visit one of Seoul’s famous markets. These markets have street food, fashion, cosmetics, souvenirs, and bargains all around. Continuing south from the Cheonggye Plaza, you’ll soon run into two of the best markets in Seoul – Namdaemun Market and Myeongdong Market.

The best place for branded goods can be found in these markets. Stalls in the street, which are open until late at night, will often have the cheapest goods (but likely to be fake), while the stores will offer huge discounts for tourists and lots of special offers. Find out more about traditional markets in Korea.

7: Sample Myeongdong’s Famous Street Food

Hungry after shopping? You’re in the perfect place to sample another can’t-miss experience in Seoul – Myeongdong’s street food, including delicious Korean winter foods. The range of food has exploded in recent years as people flock to Myeondong’s street food stalls. You can find the best examples of traditional Korean street food, as well as some of the new insta-worthy fusion snacks.

For those who want to sample the more traditional Korean street food, make sure you try out tteokbokki, odeng, hotteok, or gyeranppang. For those seeking something new, try out tornado potatoes, lobster tail with cheese, or foot-long ice creams. Head to Myeongdong-gil to find the best treats. You could probably spend your whole weekend in Seoul here and not run out of things to try!

8: Ride The Cable Car Up Namsan Mountain

Feeling refreshed by some awesome street food? Why not head to the top of Namsan Mountain to get some fantastic night views of Seoul? There are several options to get to the top of the Namsan Mountain, including hiking to the top. My favourite way is getting there by cable car. The Namsan Cable Car is found a short walk south of Myeongdong Station. Head up the hill and you can’t miss it.

You can buy single or return tickets to the peak and back. It’s probably best to buy a return ticket as transport from the bottom is much easier than at the top. Time it right and you can watch the sunset on your way up Namsan Mountain. Whatever time you ride, you’re sure to have great views with the northern part of Seoul slowly spreading out above the skyscrapers and around the mountains.

9: See All Of Seoul From N Seoul Tower

When you get to the top of Namsan Mountain, head on over to the ticket booth and purchase a ticket for the N Seoul Tower observatory. Alternatively, you can book discount tickets for the observatory and a range of other attractions online and save on your entry fee.

There are several restaurants that you can dine in, as well as cafes and gift shops. Take as many pictures as you can, there is a lot to see from every side – cityscape, mountains, rivers, fortress walls, and Seoul as far as the eye can see. Romantic couples can also leave a ‘love lock‘ to symbolise their eternal commitment to each other.

10: Eat, Drink, Interact In Itaewon

What better way to end the first night of your weekend in Seoul than with a bite to eat or a drink or two in one of the liveliest parts of Seoul – Itaewon. Known as the ‘foreigner district’, this location is a melting pot of Korean and foreign culture that offers up some of the best restaurants, with food from every corner of the world.

Take a taxi from the cable car station, ride the subway from Myeongdong Station, or take a bus (03/143 nearby) to get to Itaewon, south of Namsan Mountain. You can’t miss the plethora of restaurants, bars, and cafes around Itaewon Station. The best place to check out is the street directly north of Itaewon Station (Itaewon-ro 27ga gil), which is a narrow, busy street lined with English pubs, Spanish tapas restaurants, Italian pizzerias, nightclubs, and lots, lots more.

For those who want something a bit quieter and don’t mind paying for it, walk west towards Noksapyeong Station until you see a small road heading up the hill on your right (Noksapyeong-daero 40 gil). Meat lovers can find Manimal Smokehouse here – a delicious American smokehouse. You can also find lots of good bars and clubs in Itaewon in case you don’t want to sleep this weekend.

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Second Day Of Your Weekend In Seoul

On the second day of your weekend in Seoul, start off with some exercise with a gentle walk, see the future in Dongdaemun, then shoot up to the observation deck of the world’s 6th largest building – Lotte Tower. If you still have time and energy, head to Gangnam for a K-Pop experience and then head over to the south west of Seoul for a night cruise and to check out the coolest part of Seoul – Hongdae.

1: Follow The Fortress Wall Trail

Seoul is an amazing city for many reasons, one of those is the number of historic monuments still in place around the city, including fortress walls. Seoul’s fortress walls were built over 600 years ago and are still protecting the city today – from over-development. These beautifully preserved walkways are perfect for a morning stroll through the city without the hassle of cars and street lights.

You can join from many places, but I’d recommend a short walk starting at Naksan Park – easily accessed from Hyehwa Station by walking up the hill to the east. You’ll see some beautiful views from the walk from the station to the park. There are lots of cafes nearby if you need a bit more energy. Head south from the park and you’ll walk towards Dongdaemun, the next stop on the tour.

Of course, this can be skipped if you were out a bit late the night before.

2: Experience Dongdaemun Design Plaza

A weekend in Seoul will usually find me visit Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) at least once. This place not only looks incredible – like a futuristic space ship – but also has so much to offer. Come for the interesting exhibitions and galleries, stay for the shopping, museums, cafes, and night markets.

There is a big slope from one side that acts as a giant lawn above the city. Here you can relax in the sun and see more of the surrounding areas. The DDP is good at any time of day. I’d recommend checking out the shops inside the main area for some unique, quirky gifts. Head to the Dongdaemun Culture and History Park Station to find the DDP or walk south from Dongdaemun Station.

3: Shop More In Dongdaemun’s Fashion Markets

In case shopping in Myeongdong’s markets weren’t enough for you, one of the other hot spots for bargain hunters is right outside the DDP – Dongdaemun Market. Made up of several large department stores and indoor markets, you could probably spend a whole weekend in Seoul here and not finish checking out everything.

For the lowest prices, head to Good Morning City or HelloAPM department stores. For other brands and shops, check out Lotte Fitin or Migliore. They are all right next to each other and you can’t miss them once you’ve left the DDP. Check out the back streets behind these shopping behemoths for some cheap eats and local treats.

4: Brave The Heights Of The Seoul Sky Observatory

Lotte World Tower stands like a finger pointing up into the heavens in the centre of Seoul. It’s hard to miss the world’s 6th tallest building which stands at 555 metres above Seokchon Lake. Getting here from Dongdaemun is really easy. Simply take the green subway line (Line 2) from Dongdaemun Culture and History Park Station to Jamsil Station and you’ll appear right at Lotte World Tower.

If you’ve ever wanted to know what it would feel like to soar above the streets of Seoul, then the Seoul Sky Observatory on the 120th floor of the Lotte World Tower is for you. Spread over 7 floors, from the 117th to 123rd floor, there are lots of things to do here. Take a selfie on the glass floor, looking down nearly 500 metres to the streets below if you have the courage to. Not for the faint hearted!

Once you’ve had your fill of the soaring heights, head outside to Seokchon Lake.

5; Walk Around The Beautiful Seokchon Lake

Seokchon Lake is a small lake that spreads out like butterfly wings below the towering Lotte World Tower. On the left wing is Lotte World Magic Island – a small theme park, squashed together like a magical kingdom. Taking a stroll around the lake is very pleasant and will help you feel grounded after soaring above the clouds in the Seoul Sky Observatory.

If you’re lucky enough to spend a weekend in Seoul during April, then you’ll get get to see the incredible cherry blossoms. The Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the best festivals in Seoul and needs to be seen to be believed. Cherry trees line the entire pathway around the lake and there are hundreds of selfie spots to capture the cherry blossoms.

You can find loads of great cherry blossom festivals in Seoul if you’re visiting at in early April.

6: Get Your K-Pop Fix In Gangnam

Whether K-Pop is your thing, or you just want to learn more about Korean culture, then head to Gangnam. Just 3 stops away from Jamsil Station (Lotte Tower) is Samseong Station, home to the gigantic COEX Mall. Outside the COEX Mall you’ll find a giant statue dedicated to ‘Gangnam Style‘, created by Korea’s first big K-Pop star – PSY.

The other hot place in Gangnam for K-Pop fans is the K Star Road. Starting from Apgujeong Rodeo Station to the Cheongdam intersection, you will see cute GangnamDols in the image of famous K-Pop stars, including BTS, EXO, Girl’s Generation, and more.

Once you’ve finished taking pictures with your favourite idols’ statues, you can check out some of their favourite locations in the area and maybe even bump into someone famous!

7: Find Fashion And Fun In Hongdae

Hongdae is arguably the coolest place in Seoul and for many good reasons. Home to big name fashion stores, discount stores, award winning restaurants, nightclubs, cute cafes, escape rooms, activity cafes, and so, so, so much more. You can visit Hongdae many times over and never get bored.

If you’re around COEX Mall, then take the green subway line (Line 2) from Samseong Station all the way across town to Hapjeong Station or Hongik University Station. This will put you at one of the two ends of Hongdae. You could spend all day exploring Hongdae.

The best way is to explore Hongdae is to start at Hongik University Station and then wander down towards Hapjeong Station. Generally, shops are in the north, cafes, bars and nightclubs are in the south.

8: Rest Among Some Cute Animals In Hongdae

There are many cute cafes in Hongdae. One of my favourite cafes is the Thanks Nature Sheep Cafe. Here you can get in touch with nature whilst sipping on a latte and dining on a waffle. It’s a great place to experience real sheep up close, but in a safe environment for you and them. The sheep have their own little stable and you can stroke their soft, woolly backs while they walk around peacefully.

9: Take A Cruise On The Han River

After a busy weekend in Seoul, it’s time to wind down and put your feet up. Head over to Yeouinaru Station and take a cruise along the broad Han River. You’ll see a magical sight as the sun sinks and the lights of the city start to shine. You’ll pass under many bridges along the way, including the magical Banpo Moonlight Rainbow Bridge, which shoots jets of water in rainbow-like colours.

Tours depart from Yeouido Dock near Yeouinaru Station and start from 11:30 am. I recommend trying to book an evening tour as the sights are so much better and you’ll get to experience the rainbow bridge in all its glory. They’re also sold out quite early in the day and if you turn up in the evening, there might not be any tours available. You can also save money by booking in advance.

Enjoy some live music and fireworks (evening shows) while you peacefully meander along the Han River and see other sights from the boat, including the N Seoul Tower, Olympic Stadium, and Yanghwa Bridge.

10: End Your Weekend In Seoul In A Sauna

The last stop during your weekend in Seoul would probably be back to your hotel. But, before you go there, why not head to a jjimjjilbang (sauna) and let the stress wash off your body. You can find jjimjjilbangs throughout the city.

I recommend visiting Sea La La – a big sauna that has lots of places to relax, soak, get a massage, eat, drink, and recover from a busy day of exploring Seoul. These indoor hot springs have something for everyone, from steaming saunas to freezing cold pools and everything in between. There’s also a rest area where you can don the free pyjamas, relax with your friends or family, and even sleep overnight.

One thing that might frighten some people away is the need to be naked in the sauna section. Koreans have no qualms about nudity when bathing, but don’t be shocked. Now is your chance to embrace the culture and see how Koreans let it all go.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about spending a weekend in Seoul. These answers are based on my own experience and from research conducted to write this article. If you have any more questions about this topic, please feel free to post a comment at the end of this article.

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