5 Days in Seoul: A Complete Itinerary

Five days covers Seoul's major palaces, its best-known neighborhoods, and a full-day DMZ tour without rushing between them.

Day 1: Gyeongbokgung and Bukchon

Time your morning around Gyeongbokgung Palace's Changing of the Guard ceremony at Gwanghwamun Gate, then spend the afternoon wandering Bukchon Hanok Village's alleys and neighboring Insadong's tea houses.

Day 2: Myeongdong and N Seoul Tower

Spend the day in Myeongdong for shopping and street food, then head up to N Seoul Tower by cable car in the evening for skyline views after dark.

Day 3: DMZ day tour

Join a full-day, pre-booked DMZ tour with a registered operator — bring the passport used at booking, and expect the full day to be spent on the tour itself.

Day 4: Gwangjang Market and Dongdaemun

Spend the morning at Gwangjang Market for bindaetteok and kalguksu, then continue to Dongdaemun or Gangnam for a contrasting, more modern side of the city.

Day 5: Flexible day

Use a final day for the Han River parks at a slower pace, or a second pass through any neighborhood that stood out earlier.

Getting around

The subway, using a T-money card, reaches nearly every stop on this itinerary; central neighborhoods are also easily walkable once you've arrived.

What to pack

Layers for the shoulder-season temperature swing, and your passport for the DMZ tour specifically — see our [[link:/blog/seoul-travel-guide|Seoul travel guide]] for the fuller packing breakdown and more on choosing where to stay.