Seoul in 3 Days: Culture Itinerary

Start at Gyeongbokgung, the main Joseon palace; arrive by 10:00 for the changing-of-the-guard ceremony. Entry is about ₩3,000, or free if you wear a hanbok (rental nearby from ~₩15,000 for two hours).

Walk to Bukchon Hanok Village for traditional houses and rooftop views, then Insadong for lunch and tea shops. End at the lit-up Cheonggyecheon stream.

Morning at Jogyesa Buddhist temple, then Gwangjang Market for bindaetteok and street food (lunch ₩7,000–12,000).

Afternoon: Namsan and N Seoul Tower (cable car + entry ~₩21,000) for the city panorama. Descend to Myeongdong for shopping and evening street food.

Contrast the finale with Hongdae — buskers and cafés — then the futuristic Dongdaemun Design Plaza. With time to spare, visit the Seongsu art district, Seoul's answer to Brooklyn.

Before flying out, Itaewon is an easy stop for global cuisine.

Stay: hostel ₩12,000–25,000/night, guesthouse ₩40,000–70,000, 3-star ₩90,000–150,000.

Food: markets and street food ₩7,000–12,000 a meal, cafés ₩12,000–20,000, BBQ ₩25,000–40,000 per person.

Transit: metro ₩1,400–1,600 per ride; T-money saves on transfers.

Total for 3 days: budget ₩200,000–280,000, comfortable ₩450,000–650,000 (excluding flights).

From Incheon Airport, the AREX express reaches Seoul Station in ~43 min (~₩9,500); the all-stop train is cheaper. Buy a T-money card at any convenience store — it works on metro, buses and taxis.

Every stop here is metro-accessible; walking legs are short, though Bukchon has some inclines.

Best in April–May (blossoms) and September–October (golden autumn, ~20°C). Summer is hot and humid with a July rainy season; winter is dry and cold but the snow-dusted palaces are striking.