The Ultimate Seoul Itinerary (2025)
7 Days of Culture, Cafes, Shopping & Scenic Views
Seoul is South Korea’s capital and largest metropolis, home to over 9 million residents and known as one of the most dynamic cities in Asia. It's a place where ancient temples and royal palaces meet world-class shopping, street food, and sleek skyscrapers. With so many contrasting experiences packed into one vibrant city, Seoul offers a little something for everyone.
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, foodie, fashion lover, or museumgoer, Seoul has something for everyone. This 7-day itinerary breaks the city into themed one-day plans so you can explore by vibe, not just location. Each day flows naturally without long commutes.
Day 1: Classic Seoul
Neighborhoods: Bukchon Hanok Village, Gyeongbokgung, Insadong
Vibe: Traditional, quiet, historic, elegant
9:00 AM – Stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village. Rent a hanbok and enjoy scenic alleyways perfect for photos.
10:30 AM – Explore Gyeongbokgung Palace and catch the royal changing of the guard ceremony.
11:15 AM – Watch the gate-guard performance and visit the National Folk Museum.
1:00 PM – Lunch at Tosokchon Samgyetang (famous for ginseng chicken soup).
2:30 PM – Walk over to Insadong for traditional teahouses, antique shops, and craft galleries.
5:00 PM – Enjoy Korean pancakes and makgeolli at a cozy pub.
7:00 PM – Catch a traditional music or dance performance at Jeongdong Theater
Day 2: Trendy & Youthful Seoul
Neighborhoods: Hongdae, Yeonnam-dong
Vibe: Artistic, energetic, creative
9:00 AM – Brunch at Cafe Layered, a favorite for pastries and Instagram-worthy interiors.
10:30 AM – Visit KT&G Sangsangmadang for art exhibitions and local design shops.
12:00 PM – Explore Hongdae’s street performers and handmade markets.
1:30 PM – Lunch on rose tteokbokki, Korean corn dogs, or a jumbo ice cream swirl.
3:00 PM – Head to Yeonnam-dong and unwind in Gyeongui Line Forest Park.
5:30 PM – Grab coffee at Anthracite or another design-forward café.
7:00 PM – Dinner at Mapo Sutbul Galbi or Salad Brothers for vegetarian options.
8:30 PM – Experience Hongdae nightlife with live music at FF Club or Rolling Hall.
Day 3: Riverside & Global Seoul
Neighborhoods: Banpo, Itaewon, Namsan
Vibe: Relaxed, scenic, multicultural
8:00 AM – Rent a bike at Banpo or Yeouido Hangang Park and enjoy river views.
10:00 AM – Breakfast at Fritz Coffee Company near Yeouido.
11:00 AM – Tour the War Memorial of Korea or Leeum Museum of Art.
1:00 PM – Lunch in Itaewon: choose from halal Korean BBQ, tacos, or vegan dishes.
2:30 PM – Shop local boutiques and antiques along Gyeongnidan-gil.
4:00 PM – Visit Namsan Seoul Tower. Take the cable car or walk up to the observatory for panoramic city views.
6:00 PM – Dinner at Plant Itaewon or upscale Korean fusion at Mingles.
8:00 PM – Drinks at The Fountain or a rooftop bar. Optionally walk along Banpo Bridge and see the rainbow fountain show.
Looking for the perfect place to stay nearby? Click below to start browsing accommodations that fit your vibe.
Day 4: Seoul Shopping Spree
Neighborhoods: Myeongdong, Dongdaemun
Vibe: Fashion-forward, fast-paced, fun
9:00 AM – Breakfast at a Myeongdong bakery.
10:00 AM – Explore Myeongdong’s endless skincare and fashion shops.
12:00 PM – Lunch at Myeongdong Kyoja (famous for kalguksu noodles).
1:30 PM – Walk Cheonggyecheon Stream and relax by the water.
3:00 PM – Visit Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) and browse the exhibitions.
5:00 PM – Shop at Dongdaemun's mega malls: Doota, Migliore, and more.
7:30 PM – Street food dinner at the night market or mall food court.
9:00 PM – Late-night fashion shows or installations at DDP.
Day 5: Museum & Ceremony Highlights
Neighborhoods: Yongsan, Jongno, Ikseon-dong
Vibe: Reflective, immersive, educational
9:00 AM – Begin at the National Museum of Korea in Yongsan.
11:00 AM – Explore Jongmyo Shrine, known for its ancestral rituals.
12:00 PM – Lunch at a nearby traditional Korean eatery.
1:00 PM – If it's the first Sunday in May, catch the Jongmyo Jeryeak royal ritual performance.
2:30 PM – Head to Donuimun Museum Village for hands-on cultural exhibits.
4:30 PM – Take a tea break at a hanok café in Ikseon-dong.
5:30 PM – Stop by Unhyeongung Palace, which occasionally holds royal reenactments.
7:00 PM – Dinner in Ikseon-dong, choose from modern Korean or traditional set menus.
8:30 PM – End with a lantern-lit stroll through Jongno.
Day 6: Lotte World Tower & Modern Luxury
Neighborhood: Jamsil
Vibe: Upscale, modern, immersive
9:00 AM – Start the day at Lotte World Mall for light breakfast and coffee.
10:00 AM – Visit the Lotte World Aquarium, one of Korea’s largest.
12:00 PM – Explore Lotte World Tower: shop luxury brands or stop by the art gallery.
1:30 PM – Lunch at Seoul Sky Lounge or one of the tower's premium dining options.
3:00 PM – Head to the Seoul Sky Observatory (117th–123rd floors) for 360-degree panoramic views.
5:00 PM – Stroll along Seokchon Lake or visit the outdoor areas of Lotte World Magic Island (optional theme park ticket).
7:00 PM – Dinner at the Lotte Department Store’s food court or dine-in restaurant.
8:30 PM – Cap off the day with night views from the tower or a walk by the illuminated lake.
Day 7: Temple Trails & Traditional Eats
Neighborhoods: Jongno, Gangnam, Seongbuk-dong
Vibe: Spiritual, peaceful, cultural
9:00 AM – Start at Jogyesa Temple in Jongno, the center of Korean Zen Buddhism. Explore its colorful lanterns and serene grounds.
10:30 AM – Visit Gilsangsa Temple in Seongbuk-dong for a more intimate temple experience with forest surroundings.
12:00 PM – Lunch at a nearby temple food restaurant such as Baru (vegetarian, Buddhist cuisine).
2:00 PM – Head south to Bongeunsa Temple in Gangnam. Admire the massive Buddha statue and stroll through its peaceful courtyards.
4:00 PM – Visit a traditional tea house near the temple, like Cha Masineun Tteul.
6:00 PM – Dinner at a hanjeongsik (Korean set meal) restaurant for a full traditional food experience.
8:00 PM – End the day with a meditative walk or lantern viewing if visiting during a temple festival season.
Bonus: Hiking Escapes Within Seoul
If you’re looking to stretch your legs and enjoy some fresh mountain air, Seoul is one of the best cities in the world for urban hiking. Surrounded by mountains and dotted with scenic trails, there’s no shortage of paths to explore.
Some of the most popular hiking spots include:
Bukhansan National Park: Perfect for a full-day hike with panoramic views of the city.
Inwangsan: A shorter trail offering views of Seoul’s skyline and a chance to walk along fortress walls.
Namsan Park: An easy climb with tree-lined paths leading up to Seoul Tower.
Achasan and Eungbongsan: Great for sunrise or sunset hikes near eastern Seoul.
Whether you want a peaceful morning walk or a challenging climb, Seoul’s hiking culture is deeply integrated into everyday life. Don’t forget to pack water, wear proper footwear, and stop at local convenience stores to grab triangle kimbap or sports drinks before heading out.
Pro Travel Tips
Use a T-money card for subways and buses.
Palace Guard Ceremonies at Gyeongbokgung: 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM daily.
Free museum entry: Last Wednesday of each month (Culture Day).
Ideal travel seasons: April–May and September–November.
Daily costs: ₩10,000–20,000 per meal, ₩1,500–2,000 per subway ride.
Explore More About Seoul
From centuries-old palaces and peaceful temples to futuristic towers and buzzing nightlife, Seoul offers a travel experience as rich and varied as the city itself. Whether you’re staying for just a few days or planning a longer adventure, this 7-day guide is designed to help you discover the soul of Seoul.
Ready to keep planning? Check out our other Seoul and Korea guides:
Need help booking a stay? Feel free to reach out to Enkostay for a personalized list of accommodations tailored to your specific needs. Just push the house icon on our search page to get connected.
