Seoul itineraries

Palaces to the Market

If it's your first time in Seoul, this is the day. Morning inside Gyeongbokgung's walls, Bukchon alleys, the secret garden at Changdeokgung, and the evening at a bindaetteok griddle in Gwangjang Market.

Seongsu, the River and Namsan

Day one is east Seoul: Seongsu's warehouse cafes, a riverside sunset and the Seoul Sky night view. Day two climbs Namsan and comes down through Myeongdong and the Deoksugung stone wall. For people who want today's Seoul more than old palaces.

Seochon, Yongsan, Hongdae

The Seoul the tour buses skip: Seochon and Buam-dong under Inwangsan, Yongsan's museums and a river island, then Yeonnam-dong and Mangwon Market on the last day. Best for a second visit.

Festivals & seasons

• 3 — Seoul Marathon
• 4 — Yeouido Spring Flower Festival
• 4 — Royal Culture Festival (Spring)
• 5 — Yeon Deung Hoe Lantern Parade
• 6 — Han River Outdoor Pools Open
• 7 — Banpo Moonlight Rainbow Fountain
• 9 — Seoul International Fireworks Festival
• 9 — Changdeokgung Moonlight Tour
• 10 — Royal Culture Festival (Autumn)
• 11 — Autumn Leaves at Deoksugung and the Secret Garden
• 12 — Seoul Winter Festa: Gwanghwamun Market and Lantern Festival

Souvenirs

• Pensive Bodhisattva miniature
• Mung-bean bindaetteok to go
• Taegeukdang monaka and rice crackers
• Brushes, hanji paper and a carved name seal
• Seasoned seaweed, red ginseng and kids' clothes
• Sheet masks and sunscreen, K-beauty
• London Bagel Museum bagels