Seoul in South Korea is an incredible city and has so much to offer any visitor. One of the greatest benefits of this stunning capital is the closeness of some of the main attractions. This works really well for travelers who have a limited amount of time and can only spend one day in Seoul.
When people come to visit Korea, I always recommend they check out beautiful royal palaces, the historic Bukchon Hanok Village, the markets of Myeongdong, and the incredible night views from the N Seoul Tower. Fortunately, you can do all of these things, even if you only have 1 day in Seoul.
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One Day in Seoul: Itinerary for Seoul, South Korea –What to see in 1 Day in Seoul
This Seoul travel guide to spending 1 day in Seoul will introduce you to some of Seoul’s highlights, as well as offering you some awesome experiences that you’ll only find in South Korea. Read on the best itinerary for Seoul for spending a day in Seoul.
Having lived in Korea for more than 4 years, I’ve found some wonderful, unique spots in Seoul that I want to recommend to you. I’ll include these in this Seoul guide to spending 1 day in Seoul, so you can explore these great places in Seoul in 1 day.
First stop for Seoul one day tour
For me, the most unmissable place you should visit when you travel to South Korea and are on a Seoul day tour has to be Gyeongbokgung Palace. This is the biggest and best of Seoul’s royal palaces and offers an exceptional glimpse into Korea’s royal past. Built in 1395, this spacious palace shows how Korea’s elite rulers lived, with gorgeous cherry blossom trees, tranquil lakes, and towering palaces painted in vivid colors. You won’t find anything like it in any other country.
The best way to experience this royal palace is to dress up like a true Korean noble by renting Korean hanbok. Hanbok is traditional Korean clothes available for men or women, and include a long, flowing dress for ladies and a loose shirt and trousers for me. Far from being simple clothes, however, these garments are bedecked with glittering sequins, bright colors, and countless accessories. Truly look the part during your Seoul in one day trip by renting some Korean hanbok from the rental stores outside Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Sample an authentic Korean lunch
Enter Gyeongbokgung Palace via the Gwanghwamun Gate (south entrance) and make sure to snap a picture with the royal guards (pictured) before you enter. Exit near the National Folk Museum of Korea (east entrance), from here, you’ll find some delectable restaurants that offer a truly Korean culinary experience. Sample the wide range of side dishes that come with even the simplest meal in Korea, and try sitting at the low tables as Koreans have for generations. I’d recommend Hwangsaengga or Mukshidonna for some authentic Korean tastes. You’ll also find a range of good cafes nearby, including the recently opened Blue Bottle Coffee, serving some of America’s finest coffee.
Explore the traditional delights of Bukchon Hanok Village
As I mentioned, you can see so much with only 1 day in Seoul as there are so many incredible sights so close to each other. Next on the list of must-see spots is the traditional Bukchon Hanok Village. This is a beautifully preserved neighborhood in the heart of Seoul that offers a glimpse into life during Korea’s Joseon dynasty, which ran until the end of the 19th Century.
If you’re still wearing Korean hanbok, then I’d definitely recommend you keep it on (or go and rent some now from the nearby stores), as this is one of the most instagrammable places in Seoul. Snap some postcard-like pictures in the historic lanes of Bukchon Hanok Village dressed as a Korean noble, with views of Seoul in the background.
There are plenty of places to visit in Bukchon Hanok Village, including quirky art galleries, old-style Korean tea houses, modern art stores, and galleries, and traditional handicraft workshops where you can enjoy making gold-leaf imprinted crafts and try your hand at traditional Korean writing.
Spend the afternoon of your 1 day in Seoul wandering through the cozy streets of Bukchon Hanok Village and be sure to poke your head into as many of the houses open to the public as you can.
Traditional Korean Tea Ceremony in Bukchon Hanok Village
For a truly unforgettable experience, I’d recommend booking a traditional Korean tea ceremony experience. Let yourself be guided through the world of Korean teas by a recognized tea expert, who will explain all about Korea’s rich tea heritage and show you how to perform the ancient tea ceremony. Enjoy a range of healthy teas that will stimulate you whilst cleansing your body.
The hustle and bustle of Myeongdong’s Markets
A world away in time, yet just a short taxi ride south of Bukchon Hanok Village, the markets of Myeongdong will show you a completely different side of Seoul. The markets of Myeongdong are not just simply a few shops selling souvenirs or branded goods, they’re a melting pot of travelers, locals, diners, party-goers, shoppers, bargain hunters, and those who want to just soak in the electric atmosphere of the place.
Most people visit Myeongdong for two reasons – the incredible street food stalls that appear from early afternoon until late at night, and the shopping. Head to the Myeongdong Night Market Street to sample some traditional and modern Korean delights, such as tteokbokki (spicy rice cake soup), lobster tails, hotteok (sweet Korean pancake), and lots more. You could spend a whole day in Seoul sampling all the sweet and savory snacks that Myeongdong has to offer.
Besides the irresistible foods, Myeongdong is great for Korea’s famous cosmetics, souvenirs, trendy fashion, and a whole range of well-made designer fakes on the street stalls. Treat yourself to some goods at bargain prices and unique gifts for friends back home.
The high point of your 1 day in Seoul
Look south from Myeongdong Station and you won’t be able to miss the N Seoul Tower standing proud over central Seoul. If you time it right, you should be able to ride the Namsan Cable Car to the peak before the sun sets so you can get incredible views of Seoul as it’s bathed in the gentle dusk sunlight.
Head to the observatory inside the N Seoul Tower and watch Seoul transform from golden glows to bright lights as the sun descends behind the nearby mountains. From inside the N Seoul Tower observatory, you’ll find gorgeous 360-degree views of the whole city and beyond. Get your camera out and capture the stunning vistas and cityscapes below in all directions.
Afterward, head back outside to see some of the other attractions of the N Seoul Tower, including the romantic love locks where you and your partner can leave a memento of your shared moment here in Seoul.
If you’re feeling hungry, visit one of the delicious restaurants nearby, which have wonderful views over the city. Check out n-Grill for some exquisite French cuisine, or Hancook if you want to sample some of Korea’s delectable dishes. There are restaurants to suit most tastes in the N Seoul Tower area.
Cap off your 1 day in Seoul in Itaewon
Hail a taxi and head down the opposite side of Namsan Mountain to visit the foreigner district of Seoul that never sleeps – Itaewon. If you didn’t eat at the N Seoul Tower, then you might want to consider sampling some of Seoul’s finest international cuisine at the many fine restaurants in the area around Itaewon Station.
This is my favorite place to visit when I’m missing the comforts of home and I want to get some awesome Napoli pizza, American BBQ, Mexican food, or a decent Indian curry. Not only that, there are loads of great bars serving the widest range of international beers, spirits, and wines that you’ll find in Seoul. There’s even a British pub or two!
For those who want to spend the night partying amongst locals and foreigners living in Seoul, Itaewon is the place for you. With cool nightclubs like Venue and Soap Seoul, as well as funky jazz clubs and cozy bars, there’s something for everyone here in Itaewon. I’d recommend strolling the streets for a while, taking in the atmosphere until you see somewhere that looks right for you.
Put your feet up and choose your tipple. Sit back and enjoy all the memories you’ve created from an incredible 1 day in Seoul. And don’t worry about getting home. Taxis are plentiful and relatively cheap in Seoul. You can party hard and head home safely and quickly.
Best Time To Visit Seoul
Korea has four distinct seasons, and the best ones are definitely spring and autumn. The weather is warm and nature is starting to blossom beautifully or begin its stunning descent into winter. I’d recommend visiting in early April to see the incredible Korean cherry blossoms or late October for the start of the autumn leaves. You’ll certainly get lots of chances to see both if you follow the route of this 1 day in Seoul itinerary.
Seoul Tourism – Plan your one day in Seoul
Things to know about Seoul
- The best time to visit Seoul, Korea is between March to May and from September to November
- Seoul is known for its beautiful temples, palaces, rich culture, traditional porcelain, textile, and jewelry
- One can plan a trip to Seoul and explore it in 1 to 4 days time
- Most South Koreans can speak in English
- Korea’s favorite food is Kimchi
How To Get To Seoul
Are you thinking of a holiday in Seol and planning your Seoul itinerary? You can then book a flight through TripAdvisor or Agoda or CheapAir or Cleartrip or Makemytrip or Priceline.
Where to stay in Seoul
For this 1 day in Seoul itinerary, I’d recommend staying in either the Myeongdong area or the Insadong area. These areas have an abundance of hotels for any budget. I’d personally recommend the Lotte Hotel Seoul or the L7 Myeongdong by Lotte. You’ll be close to the major sights mentioned previously, lots of awesome street food, and they’re convenient for getting to Incheon Airport.
You can book your hotel in Seoul right here through TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or Agoda or Makemytrip or Priceline and get awesome deals and savings.
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Tours/Activities available in Seoul – Things To Do In Seoul
Seoul’s points of interest and attractions are many and if you are wondering what to see in Seoul or what to do in Seoul, then look no further. Seoul attractions pass are available for the most recommended Seoul tours. You can now book tours in Seoul as well as activities in Seoul.
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We hope you found our Seoul itinerary post – One Day in Seoul, South Korea useful, and you are already making a plan for a vacation in Seoul. Have you been to Seoul? Which is your favorite place in Seoul? Please share your thoughts in the comments section.
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This is honestly the most intriguing post about spending a day in Seoul. If I get there I will definitely follow it. I would definitely want to go in spring and dress in traditional clothing.
We recently did one day in Seoul ourselves! We had a plan very much like this laid out, but then things changed drastically as this was right at the start of the outbreak (and it was our layover on our way home). We still got out to see a few of the sites that you’ve mentioned, although we were extra cautious and only stayed outdoors. It was eerie, actually… we visited gyeongbokgung and were literally the only people there!
When I saw your title, my first reaction was “How can you possible do only one day in Seoul !”, but it seems u covered almost all the main attractions ! I used to do this when I was travelling younger, i.e. touch and go, checking the box; but nowadays I like to spend afew more days in the same place, to take my time to understand the culture, and most importantly savour the local food ! I love that quail egg in brioche street food ! I had so much when I was there ! I think it would be sad if you didn’t get to try the many other good food in Seoul ! =)
Seoul looks stunning and peaceful. I think my first stop with this action packed on day itinerary would be Myeongdong’s Markets. I love the of authentic street food. I’m a vegetarian so I’d have to look out for that. Such a great list of things to do.
I hadn’t heard of Myeongdong before though, so I’ll definitely add it to my list are there any particularly unusual delicacies in South Korea that we should try?