I’ve had a lot of friends come visit me in Seoul over the past few years, and after countless nights out, sightseeing days, and hangovers healed by pork bone soup (gamjatang), I’ve nailed down a damn good 7-day itinerary. This isn’t some cookie-cutter list you’d find on a travel agency site, it’s how I actually show people around, what to see, where to eat, when to go out, and when to chill. It’s a mix of history, culture, cafés, and nights that go until 5 a.m.
If you follow this plan, you’ll see the real Seoul, not just the one on postcards.
- Day 1: Arrival and First Look at Seoul
- Day 2: Palaces, Hanoks, and a Taste of Old Seoul
- Day 3: Seongsu, Seoul’s Creative Neighborhood
- Day 4: Itaewon, The International Playground
- Day 5: Hongdae, Music, Street Performers, and All-Nighters
- Day 6: Kondae, Where the Locals Party
- Day 7: Chill or Hit the DMZ
- Add-on Option: Head To Busan
- Where To Stay in Seoul
- Wrap-Up
Day 1: Arrival and Your First Look at Seoul
Your first day should be easy. Drop your bags, grab a coffee (there are loads of cafes), and get a feel for the rhythm of the city. Seoul moves fast, but you don’t have to yet.
I always take friends to Jamsil to go to the top of the Lotte World Tower for their first evening in the city. It’s the tallest building in Korea and the view is unreal. You can see the entire city stretching out beneath you, and at sunset it’s pure magic. The observation deck has glass floors, open skywalks, and a sleek café for that “I’m actually here” moment.
Once you’re down, take a walk around Jamsil, it’s a cool area with many cafes, restaurants, and bars. If you’re planning to visit, grab your Lotte World Tower ticket on Klook, it’s cheaper than buying at the door and skips the line, which means more time for photos and a drink after. If you want a full deep dive, check out my Lotte Tower guide for more tips on how to get there and what to do while you’re there.
Day 2: Palaces, Hanoks, and a Taste of Old Seoul
If you’re only going to do one historical day in Seoul, make it this one. Start early at Gyeongbokgung Palace, the big one. Get there before the crowds and catch the Changing of the Guard Ceremony around 10 AM and 2 PM. It’s theatrical, colorful, and one of those moments that makes you realize you’re standing in a place that’s been around since the 1300s. If you are here in winter and come later in the day, you can see the light show that I included above. The show normally runs every hour.
If you really want to go all in, rent a hanbok before heading in. You’ll see locals and tourists dressed in them for photos, and it honestly makes the whole experience way more fun — plus, you get free entry to the palace when you’re wearing one. You can book the Gyeongbokgung Palace + Hanbok Experience ahead of time, so it’s ready to go when you arrive.
Afterward, wander through Bukchon Hanok Village, full of narrow alleys lined with traditional houses that look straight out of a movie. You’ll find cafés, galleries, and a few hidden rooftop views of the palace.
On your way south toward Myeongdong, swing by Namdaemun Market for a taste of classic Seoul chaos. It’s one of the oldest markets in Korea and the kind of place that hits all your senses at once, sizzling pans, shopkeepers yelling, the smell of hotteok drifting through the air. Stop at one of the famous mandu stalls for a quick snack, and if you’re hunting for souvenirs, this is the spot. Everything from magnets, socks, shirts to handmade crafts is packed into those alleys.
After that, head down to Myeongdong Kyoja Main Restaurant for lunch. I love this place, and it is legendary for a reason. Their kalguksu (knife-cut noodles) and mandu (dumplings) hit the spot every single time. It’s simple, local, and one of those damn good meals that keeps you coming back.
Finish the afternoon with a slow walk along Cheonggyecheon Stream, then go for Korean BBQ in Jongno or Euljiro, two of the best areas for old-school Seoul vibes. These are where people go after work, so they tend to be busier on weekdays than on weekends.
Day 3: Seongsu, Seoul’s Creative Neighborhood
If you want to see where Seoul’s cool crowd actually hangs out, go to Seongsu. I tell everyone it’s like the Brooklyn of Korea. You’ll find industrial-style cafés, concept stores, and local brands doing things their own way.
Start your morning at Daelim Changgo Gallery Cafe, set inside a massive warehouse. This is one of the original cafes of Seongsu and also one of the trendiest. From there, you have to try Jayeondo Salt Bread. This may sound basic but trust me these flaky, buttery buns are absolutely delicious. Wander around, trust me, you’re bound to find some cool cafes and clothing pop-ups.
When the sun starts to set, grab dinner at one of Seongsu’s modern restaurants. I would say you’re more likely to find Western food around here with a few Korean options.
Day 4: Itaewon, The International Playground
By midweek it’s time to party. Itaewon is my favorite area for a proper night out, the crowd’s a mix of locals, expats, and travelers from all over. During the day, check out the Leeum Samsung Museum of Art or grab lunch at Plant Café Seoul.
Once the sun goes down, it’s bar time. Start at Fountain, the visuals are wild, the drinks are solid, and it’s always packed. Move to Casa Corona for rooftop vibes and funkier beats, then Prost for hip-hop and people-watching, and end at Thursday Party if you’re feeling social. If you’re curious about more pochas, bars, and club,s you can read all about Itaewon nightlife in my Seoul nightlife guide.
Day 5: Hongdae, Music, Street Performers, and All-Nighters
If you want chaos in the best possible way, go to Hongdae. This is where the city’s energy hits another level. By day, it’s full of indie shops, art stalls, and animal-themed cafes like this one above Meerkat Friends. By night, it turns into one massive street party.
Start your afternoon at Hongdae, wandering around and watching the buskers perform. When it gets dark, follow the music; there are dance battles, live bands, and small clubs tucked into every corner. I cover Hongdae nightlife in my Seoul nightlife guide as well, if you are curious about specific places to visit.
It’s cheap, crowded, and full of personality. If you’re after a proper Korean university-night-out vibe, this is it.
Day 6: Kondae, Where Locals Go to Party
By the time I take friends to Kondae, they already know how to handle a night out. This area isn’t fancy or touristy; it’s a university area similar to Hongdae but much more local. This is where I live and feel like I know the best out of any area.
Start with a coffee or a quick snack at Common Ground, that big blue container mall you’ve probably seen on Instagram. Then grab dinner at Lamb Skewers Street, which is filled with lamb skewers, hot pot, malatang, and other Chinese restaurants. After I would head to the other side of the subway, this is where all the pochas, pubs and bars are. If you want suggestions for a specific place,s I cover them in my complete Kondae guide.
If you’re going all-in, pregame with a visit to N Seoul Tower for sunset before heading east to Kondae. Watching the city light up from above before your final wild night out is a damn good ritual.
Day 7: Chill or Hit the DMZ
Your final day depends on how much energy you’ve got left.
If you want to recover, hit a jjimjilbang (Korean sauna), stroll through Seoul Forest, or grab a rental bike and cruise along the Han River.
If you’ve still got that explorer itch, take the DMZ Tour. It’s surreal, intense, and something everyone should experience once. You’ll see observation posts, the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, and even glimpse North Korea.
Finish with a relaxed dinner in Jonggak or a final cocktail overlooking the skyline, one last toast to the city that never really slows down.
Add-On Option: Head to Busan
If you’ve got extra time, take a quick trip to Busan. The KTX train gets you there in about 2½ hours, and the energy shift is instant (you will want to book this in advance because the train gets booked out pretty quickly). Seoul is skyscrapers and neon, Busan is ocean air, beaches, and street food that will ruin you for anywhere else.
What to do:
- Watch the sunset from Gwangalli Beach with the bridge glowing over the water.
- Wander the pastel alleys of Gamcheon Culture Village for photos.
- Ride the Songdo Marine Cable Car across the bay for a killer view.
- End the night with seafood and beer at Haeundae Market.
If you want a full list of things to do in Busan, I created a guide covering this as well.
Where to Stay in Seoul
| Neighborhood | Best For | Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| Itaewon | Nightlife, expats | Wild and social |
| Hongdae | Budget travelers | Fun and chaotic |
| Seongsu | Cafés and creatives | Trendy and chill |
| Gangnam/Jamsil | Shopping and skyline views | Modern and clean |
The Wrap-Up
This 7-day Seoul itinerary is exactly how I show my friends around. You’ll hit the big sights like Gyeongbokgung Palace, N Seoul Tower, and Lotte World Tower, but also the real neighborhoods like Seongsu, Itaewon, and Kondae where Seoul actually comes alive.
By the end of the week you’ll be exhausted, your liver will hate you, but you’ll leave saying, that was one badass trip.
