Suggested Itinerary for Exploring Seoul in 24 Hours

Renting a bike along the Han River, visiting Namsan Tower, and relaxing at a spa... are activities you should do if you only have a day in Seoul.

Suggested Itinerary for Exploring Seoul in 24 Hours

Morning

Rent a bike to explore Seoul

You can rent a bike to explore Seoul. Along the way, make sure to stop by convenient stores like FamilyMart, MiniStop, or Buy the Way to grab some snacks or kimbap to enjoy a light meal at the park near the Han River.

Explore Cultural and Historical Landmarks

Head to Gyeongbokgung Station on line 3 to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace or Changdeokgung Palace, two famous palaces from the Joseon era. Nearby, don't miss the National Folk Museum of Korea and Bukchon Hanok Village.

Walk back to Anguk Station and continue your journey to explore Insa-dong and Samcheong-dong. These streets are filled with traditional architecture, unique art galleries, charming cafes, and souvenir shops.

Afterwards, you can enjoy lunch at Barugongyang, a vegetarian restaurant with delectable dishes. Alternatively, energize yourself for lunch with fresh octopus at eateries near Noryangjin Fish Market, close to Noryangjin Station (line 1 and 9).

Afternoon

Visit Namsan Tower

From Myeongdong Station, head to Namsan to visit Namsan Tower, also known as N Seoul Tower. This is one of the most visited attractions in Seoul with approximately 8.4 million visitors annually and is famous for the thousands of love locks attached by couples. At Namsan Tower, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Seoul from above, admire the love lock fence, and explore the Teddy Bear Museum located at the base.

The Teddy Bear Museum, opened in 2008, showcases the history of Seoul past, present, and future through the main characters being teddy bears.

Relax at Dragon Hill Spa Sauna

One of the unique cultural experiences to try when traveling to Korea is visiting communal bathhouses, also known as Jjimjilbang. This traditional Spa experience is very popular in Korea. At Dragon Hill Spa, visitors can soak in various temperature pools, experience sauna rooms of different heat levels, and exfoliate their skin. Especially during warmer weather, Dragon Hill Spa opens its outdoor pool on the ground floor.

Explore Hongdae

In Hongdae, you can visit pet cafes near Hongik University to enjoy hot coffee while playing with adorable cats or dogs. Alternatively, you can explore the Trick Eye Museum and get creative with fun and amusing photos.

Evening

Enjoying Culinary Delights in Hongdae

You can indulge in dinner with grilled dishes like samgyeopsal or galbi at eateries near Hongik Station. Especially on weekends, this area is bustling with lively street art performances by students and foreign tourists.

After energizing for dinner, for those who enjoy live music, head to Club B Bang and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere. Alternatively, if you fancy karaoke, you can choose Prince Edward. This venue offers a diverse song list including Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, and even some Spanish songs.

Stroll Through Itaewon District

Considered the foreigner-friendly district in Seoul, Itaewon is a favorite destination for international tourists in Korea. In the evening, this area is illuminated with lights from fashion boutiques and lively music from bars where famous DJs perform.

Shopping

If you're looking to buy clothes, you can head to Dongdaemun or Great East Gate. For household items, you can visit Namdaemun or Great South Gate. Additionally, you can shop at Myeongdong, known as the 'women's paradise' with fashion stores, cosmetic shops, spas, and plastic surgery centers.

After shopping, treat your taste buds to delicious dishes like samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) or tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes).

If you're using public transportation to explore, make sure to check the operating hours to return to your hotel or guesthouse on time. Otherwise, you can stay overnight at a jjimjilbang, most of which are open 24 hours. Dragon Hill Spa and Happy Day Jjimjilbang are two ideal options for overnight stays.

Some Useful Tips When Visiting Seoul

– The ideal time to visit Seoul is during the autumn season.

– It's advisable to learn some basic Korean phrases before traveling to Seoul.

– Write down the address of your hotel or the places you want to visit in Korean as many Koreans may not speak English, making it difficult for assistance if needed.

– It's respectful to bow when greeting or bidding farewell to someone.

– Use both hands when giving or receiving money.

– Avoid causing disturbance when using public transportation.

– South Korea doesn't have a tipping culture, so keep this in mind when traveling here.

As per TravelTimes.vn

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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour