Date: 2025-10-11 (KST). This 3-day plan is built for first-timers: minimal backtracking, reliable timing for palaces/markets/observatories, and practical transport (T-money, subway, AREX). Save this and go step-by-step.
Day 1 — Palaces, Bukchon & Market Bites, then Namsan Night
Morning: Gyeongbokgung + Royal Guard Ceremony
Enter at opening to avoid crowds. Gyeongbokgung is closed on Tuesdays and typically runs 09:00–18:00 (summer to 18:30; last entry 1h before). The Changing of the Royal Guard happens at 10:00 & 14:00 (~20 min; weather-dependent) out front at Gwanghwamun. Standard ticket: ₩3,000; or get the Royal Palace Pass (4 palaces + Jongmyo) for ₩10,000 (valid 3 months). Hanbok wearers & seniors 65+ enter free.
Midday: Insadong → Bukchon Hanok Village
Walk 15 minutes to Insadong for lunch/teahouses, then wander Bukchon’s alleys (be quiet—this is a residential area).
Afternoon: Cheonggyecheon → Gwangjang Market
Hit Gwangjang Market for mayak gimbap, mung-bean pancakes, and beef tartare bibimbap. Typical hours list the food street operating until late evening (many stalls active through dinner; exact times vary by vendor); official listing shows Food Street ~09:00–23:00. Aim for 16:00–18:00 to dodge the lunch crush.
Evening: N Seoul Tower (Namsan)
Ride the Namsan Cable Car (round-trip adult ₩15,000; weekdays 10:00–22:30 / weekends 10:00–23:00) and time your arrival ~30 minutes before sunset. If going up the Observatory, the official fee is Adults ₩26,000 / Children ₩20,000; typical tower hours: Mon–Fri 10:30–22:30, Sat–Sun 10:00–23:00.
• T-money: reusable transit card for subway/bus/taxis & convenience stores; ₩100 discount vs cash and transfer discounts (up to 4/day; 30-min window, 21:00–07:00: 60-min).
• Subway fares (2025-06-28): adult base ₩1,550 by card (up to 10 km, then +₩100/5 km).
• AREX Express Incheon Airport ↔ Seoul Station: ~40–43 min with departures every 20–40 min; city’s official page cites ₩11,000 adult one-way.
Day 2 — Myeongdong + (DDP & Euljiro) or Jamsil with Seoul Sky
Option A: Design & Night Lights (DDP)
Shop/stroll Myeongdong, then swing by Dongdaemun Design Plaza and Euljiro’s neon alleys for cafés and photo stops.
Option B: Jamsil — Seoul Sky at Lotte World Tower
Head to Jamsil for Seoul Sky (Lotte World Tower) with sweeping panoramas. Hours: generally 10:30–22:00 (Fri/Sat/holiday eves to 23:00); last entry ~1 hour before closing. Pair with a lakeside walk at Seokchon.
Day 3 — COEX & Bongeunsa → Han River Picnic
Morning: Starfield Library (COEX)
The photogenic Starfield Library is free and open 10:30–22:00 daily.
Across the road: Bongeunsa Temple
A calm counterpoint to the mall: 05:00–22:00, free entry. Check “Temple Life” programs if you want a short cultural experience.
Late afternoon/evening: Yeouido Hangang Park
Rent a Seoul Bike (app required) or grab a riverside picnic. The city outlines easy app-based rentals and return. Expect seasonal hours; evenings on the river are local-approved.
Money-Savers & Passes
Discover Seoul Pass: 72-hour option listed at ₩90,000; includes many top attractions + 100+ coupons; card functions as T-money (top-up separately).
Quick Planner (Times & Costs)
Etiquette & Seasonal Moves
- Bukchon is residential: lower your voice; avoid blocking doors/windows.
- Summer: palace early; markets late; carry water & sun protection.
- Winter: sunset is early; stack more indoor stops (museums, cafés, malls).