One Day in Seoul: A Snapshot of Korea’s Vibrant Capital

Seoul is a city bustling with life, rich history, and incredible food. If you're short on time, spending a single day in Korea's capital can be perfectly tailored to taste a bit of everything—culture, cuisine, and iconic cityscapes.

After a wild night out until 5 a.m. the previous night in Itaewon (let's not talk about those McDonald's fries at dawn), we planned an afternoon of adventure. With just a handful of hours, this is how to make the most of one day in Seoul.

Seoul Trip Logistics: How to Plan Your Seoul Trip and 1-Day Seoul Itinerary

When is the best time to visit Seoul?

Choosing when to visit Seoul depends on what you’re after. Spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) are the best times, offering pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Cherry blossoms (like the ones in Japan) in spring and autumn foliage in fall make these seasons particularly stunning. Summers are hot and humid, but they’re great for experiencing outdoor festivals. Winter (December to February) brings cold weather but also magical snow-covered landscapes and seasonal attractions like the Seoul Lantern Festival and Christmas markets.

We visited in Spring when all the flowers were in full-bloom and it was glorious!

How do you get to Seoul?

• By air: Seoul is served by two major airports:
  • Incheon International Airport (ICN): This is South Korea’s primary international gateway and is located about an hour west of central Seoul. From the airport, you can take the AREX train, airport limousine buses, or a taxi to the city center. Pre-book a transfer for added convenience.
    • Gimpo International Airport (GMP): Located closer to the city, this airport handles domestic and some international flights.
• By train: Seoul is connected to cities across South Korea via the high-speed KTX train, which you can book through 12go. The KTX connects Seoul with Busan, Gwangju, and other key destinations. Regular trains and express options are available for different budgets.
• By bus: Intercity buses are an affordable and comfortable way to reach Seoul from other parts of the country. Buses arrive at the Express Bus Terminal, with routes connecting major cities and smaller towns.
• By ferry: If you’re coming from nearby countries like China or Japan, ferries arrive at Incheon Port, which is connected to Seoul by bus or train.

How do you get around Seoul?

First, get a transportation card: To simplify travel, get a Tmoney or Cashbee card, usable on subways, buses, and taxis. These cards save you from buying individual tickets and offer small discounts.

Now choose subway, bus, or taxi:

• Subway: Seoul’s subway system is one of the most extensive and efficient in the world. It’s the easiest way to explore major attractions like Gyeongbokgung Palace, Myeongdong, and Dongdaemun. Signage is available in English, and the subway is both affordable and punctual.
• Bus: Seoul’s buses cover areas not serviced by the subway. They’re a good option for reaching neighborhoods like Ihwa Mural Village or Seochon. Buses are color-coded based on their routes (blue for long distances, green for local, red for express). Use your transportation card to pay for rides.
• Taxi: Taxis are readily available and relatively affordable compared to many other global cities. You can hail one on the street, at designated taxi stands, or use apps like Kakao Taxi. Most drivers speak basic English, but having your destination written in Korean can be helpful.

Take note that Google Maps does not work very well in South Korea for directions or for finding venues. A better alternative is Kakao Maps.

How long should I stay in Seoul?

The ideal trip length depends on your interests. While this Seoul itinerary covers just one day, that’s the minimum time needed to see highlights like Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and N Seoul Tower. However, you could easily spend a week or more exploring Seoul’s neighborhoods, cafés, museums, and nightlife. We always advocate for slow travel, even though this clearly is not an example of that.

Where should I stay in Seoul?

• Myeongdong: This central neighborhood is ideal for first-time visitors. It’s close to shopping, street food, and attractions like Namsan Seoul Tower. Accommodation options range from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels.

And some hotel recommendations in Myeongdong:

• Lotte Hotel Seoul: A luxury option with spacious rooms, an indoor pool, and multiple dining options, located near Myeongdong shopping street and City Hall.
• L7 Myeongdong: A mid-range option offering comfortable rooms and great access to subway lines and street markets.
• Sejong Hotel: A budget-friendly option with a convenient location, making it perfect for travelers prioritizing accessibility.

Other areas to stay in Seoul:

• Hongdae: Popular with young travelers and creatives, Hongdae is Seoul’s trendiest district, offering vibrant nightlife, unique cafes, and street performances. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for a lively and artsy vibe.
• Gangnam: Known for its upscale shopping, dining, and business hubs, Gangnam offers luxury hotels and trendy boutiques. Perfect for those seeking a modern and chic Seoul experience.

One Day in Seoul: Our Itinerary

Starting the Day at Gyeongbokgung Palace

The late start didn’t faze us as we made our way to Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul's most iconic landmark (convenience store coffees in hand). Built in 1395, this grand palace once housed the rulers of the Joseon Dynasty. Think of it as a time capsule, brimming with stories that shaped Korea. Even though we missed the changing of the guard ceremony (it wraps up around 4 p.m.), walking through its gates felt like stepping straight into history.

A fun surprise? Many visitors dress up in Hanbok, traditional Korean clothing, adding a fairy-tale vibe to the visit. Now a fun fact: entry to the Gyeongbokgung Palace is actually free if you wear a Hanbok. We couldn't help but feel a little unprepared in our casual outfits—but seeing the blend of history and modern life was worth it. And at the backside of the grounds, things get quieter, almost eerily so, giving you panoramic views of secluded courtyards and ancient halls.

Don’t leave without taking a moment to appreciate the Hangul writing system, invented during the reign of King Sejong in the very era of this palace. It’s incredible to think the foundation of modern Korean writing was born here.

Beautiful but also tragic-Queen Min, also known as Empress Myeongseong's, assassination place.

Lunch: A Hearty Korean Bibimbap

We made our way out of the Eastern gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace and towards the direction of Bukchon Hanok Village, when a little, inconspicuous restaurant roughly translated to Honey Table caught our eyes.

Lunch was a glorious bowl of bibimbap—a mix of warm rice, seasoned vegetables, and egg, this time served with mussels and other seafood. It’s hearty, flavorful, and nourishing—a definite win after skipping breakfast (note to future self: don’t do that again).

Bibimbap is one of Korea's most famous dishes for a reason! It’s simple yet packed with fresh ingredients, a fitting metaphor for Seoul itself.

Bukchon Hanok Village: Stepping Back in Time

With full bellies, we headed to Bukchon Hanok Village next. This traditional Korean neighborhood is everything you'd hope for—narrow lanes, wooden houses, and views of the modern city peeking through.

Its picturesque streets feel like a window into the past. If you love art, you’ll find galleries and cafés tucked into unassuming corners, blending modern creativity with Seoul’s historical soul.

This place can get a little crowded, so maybe going during the shoulder periods (morning and late afternoon) is ideal.

Why You Might Skip Insadong

After dinner, we explored Insadong, a neighborhood known for its shopping streets and artsy vibe. Shops ranged from quirky trinkets to souvenirs that felt a bit touristy, but honestly? It didn’t quite hit the mark. The streets weren’t unique enough to hold our attention for long, and we agreed it might be better to spend time elsewhere.

Navigating those lengthy crosswalks didn’t help either. Seoul loves its crosswalk timers, but waiting minutes to cross felt like an eternity. Perhaps Insadong shines earlier in the day when energy's higher—it’s hard to say.

Views from Namsan Seoul Tower

Next stop: the Namsan Seoul Tower! Sitting on a hill, this tower gives panoramic views of Seoul’s urban sprawl, lush greenery, and neon lights. We opted for the cable car ride up because, well, climbing in "recovery mode" didn’t sound appealing. However, if you are up for a hike, definitely give it a go!

The ticket price wasn’t cheap, and the crowds at the top could’ve used a bit of thinning, but the views were jaw-dropping. While we skipped the observation deck itself, strolling around the base let us soak in the scale of Seoul. From endless urban lights punctuating the skyline to quieter greenery on the hilltop, this stop offers unmatched city perspective.

Dinner: Korean Barbecue

No trip to Seoul is complete without a Korean Barbecue and after descending from the Namsan Seoul Tower that was our utmost aim. We found another gem called Myeongdong restaurant Korean bbq nearby the park and with every bite of kimchi and sizzling meat paired with some Korean beer, we were in heaven. Nothing beats grilling tender meat while trading travel stories.

If Fabio burning some of it wasn’t entertaining enough, the smoky, spicy flavors were enough to end the daylight hours perfectly.

A Little Nightcap in Itaewon, Homo Hill

If you are into LGBTQ+ nightlife (or all other kinds of nightlife to be fair), let's end the night with a wander up to Homo Hill in Seoul's Itaewon district.

This area is known for its smorgasbord of gay bars, so with every bit of energy we could muster, we started with a cocktail at Bottoms Up and were soon lured in by some local friends we met to the nightclub just up the hill, Eagle Seoul.

Seoul is known for its late nights, so just don't be surprised if a night that seemed like it would conclude quite early spirals into a sunrise walk back to your hotel.

Why Seoul Deserves More Than a Day

We didn’t make it to every stop due to time constraints. Skipping the vibrant Hongdae nightlife made sense—we were wiped out.

Seoul’s depth makes it impossible to cover everything in one day. From serene temples to lively shopping streets and trendy nightlife hubs, there’s a magnetic contrast everywhere. If you get a chance (and more than a day), Hongdae, Dongdaemun Street Food Market, and a stroll along the scenic Han River should join your itinerary.

That's not to even mention the visit to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on the border with North Korea, which needs half a day on its own:

Final Thoughts on One Day in Seoul

Seoul is a patchwork of stories—ancient dynasties, modern ingenuity, and everything in between. If you only have one day, prioritize landmarks like Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village for a taste of its historical charm. Mix it up with a meal you’ll dream about later (bibimbap is never a bad idea) and end it with a city-wide view from Namsan Tower.

Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, or nightlife lover, Seoul has something for you. And if you’re on the fence about visiting, let me be clear—you should go. Because one day wasn’t enough, but it was unforgettable.

Let's go to the Miami of Korea, Busan, next!