5-Day Seoul Itinerary: The Perfect First Trip

Seoul packs an incredible amount into a compact destination — k-pop capital blending ancient palaces with cutting-edge technology. Five days gives you enough time to hit the highlights, discover a few secret spots, and still leave room for spontaneous detours.

Here is a tried-and-tested 5-day itinerary that balances must-sees with off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions

Morning/Afternoon: Arrive and settle into your accommodation in Myeongdong — K-beauty shops and street food stalls. Take it easy — grab a coffee, orient yourself, and shake off the jet lag.

Late Afternoon: Head to Gyeongbokgung Palace for your first taste of what makes Seoul special. The late-afternoon light is ideal for photos and the crowds start to thin.

Evening: Dinner in the Myeongdong — K-beauty shops and street food stalls area. Try Korean BBQ — tabletop grilled beef and pork with banchan sides — it is the quintessential local dish and the perfect way to kick off your trip.

Day 2: The Iconic Highlights

Morning: Start early at N Seoul Tower. Arriving before 9 AM means fewer tourists and better photo opportunities.

Afternoon: After lunch, make your way to Changdeokgung Secret Garden. Budget about 2–3 hours here to fully appreciate the experience.

Evening: Explore the Gangnam — upscale shopping and K-pop entertainment neighborhood on foot. Street food stalls serve excellent Tteokbokki — spicy stir-fried rice cakes from street vendors at a fraction of restaurant prices.

Day 3: Deep Dive into Culture

Morning: Visit Bukchon Hanok Village — one of Seoul's most culturally significant sites. Hire a local guide for about $12 to get the stories behind the sights.

Afternoon: Wander through the Itaewon — international restaurants and diverse nightlife district. This is where locals shop, eat, and socialize, so the vibe is refreshingly authentic.

Evening: Treat yourself to a mid-range dinner featuring Japchae — sweet potato glass noodles with vegetables. Expect to spend around $30 per person.

Day 4: Off the Beaten Path

Morning: Today is about discovery. Head to Ikseon-dong — renovated hanok alley with trendy cafes and boutiques — a spot most tourists overlook entirely.

Afternoon: Check out Naksan Park — city wall hilltop with panoramic skyline at sunset. The Insadong — traditional art galleries and teahouses area is great for a leisurely walk and a late lunch.

Evening: Experience Seoul's nightlife scene — Hongdae — live music clubs and dance bars near the university.

Day 5: Final Gems & Departure

Morning: Use your last morning to visit Seongsu-dong — converted warehouse district dubbed Seoul's Brooklyn or revisit a favorite spot from earlier in the trip.

Late Morning: Pick up souvenirs at Myeongdong — K-beauty brands and skincare flagship stores — support local artisans and avoid airport markup.

Afternoon: Head to the airport with memories (and a full camera roll) to last a lifetime.

Pro Tips

• Transport: Seoul Metro is extensive, clean, and runs until midnight
• Budget: A comfortable mid-range daily budget is about $120 per day including meals, transport, and activities.
• Packing: Pack layers for dramatic temperature swings between seasons You will average 12,000–15,000 steps per day on this itinerary.
• Etiquette: Use two hands when giving or receiving items from elders
• Safety: Seoul is very safe with low crime rates even at night

Budget Breakdown (Per Person)

Category	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Daily Total	$40	$120	$350
5-Day Total	$200	$600	$1750

Final Thoughts

Five days in Seoul is enough to fall in love with the place — and to start planning your return trip. This itinerary is a starting point; feel free to swap days around based on weather, energy levels, and serendipitous discoveries.

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