Seoul In One Day: 24 Hours In Seoul
Whether you have a short layover in Seoul or want to see Seoul quickly to get on your way to another part of Korea, there is plenty to see if just 1 day is all you’ve got. I’ve been living in Seoul since 2006 and I’ve been up, down, and all around. I’ve managed to talk a few family members and friends into getting long layovers when they fly through Asia so they can stop and see me and I can show them around and these are the Seoul one-day itineraries that I use.
There is a ton to see in Seoul, but if it’s your first time and it’s short, I highly recommend seeing a Korean palace, visiting a Korean traditional market, and visiting at traditional tea house at the very least.
While I wish people could spend as much time in Seoul as possible and created an epic travel guide to Seoul for just those travelers, there is still a lot to see even in a short time. You just need some energy and a go-get-’em attitude.
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Seoul Full Day Tour Options
Don’t want to plan your own itinerary? No problem. There are some great Seoul full day tour options so you don’t have to worry about transportation and you’ll have a guide along the way to fill you in on all of the historic details and descriptions so you can learn along the way.
All of these full day tour options are great and cover some of the major highlights. It just depends what major highlights you want to see.
- Seoul City Full Day Tour on Viator: Start from a hotel in downtown Seoul and visit Jogyesa Temple, Gyeongbokgung Palace, The Blue House, Insadong, Namdaemun Market, N Seoul Tower, and the Ginseng Shopping Center.
- Full Day Small-Group Royal Palace and Seoul City Tour on Viator: Get picked up in central Seoul and visit Jogyesa Temple, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Insadong, Changdeokgung Palace, and Namdaemun Market.
- Seoul City Sightseeing Tour on Viator: Start in central Seoul and visit Jogyesa Temple, Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Folk Museum of Korea, Gwanghwamun Gate, Insadong, Namsangol Hanok Village, and N Seoul Tower.
- Seoul City Private Full Day Tour on Viator: This private group tour includes lunch and makes stops at Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Insadong, Jogyesa Temple, and N Seoul Tower.
4 Ways To Spend 1 Day In Seoul
I’ve lived in Seoul since 2006 and have been here, there and everywhere. I created The Soul of Seoul Itinerary Pack with 15 one-day itineraries for downtown Seoul that are (almost) entirely walkable.
Below you’ll find the four 1-day itineraries for Seoul that I highly suggest if you’ve got just one day. If you’ve got more days though, check it out to help you plan your epic adventure in Seoul, Korea. The itineraries below are walkable so if you can get yourself downtown from Incheon International Airport, then you don’t have to worry about transportation again until it’s time to go back. Jump off the bus or subway and go go go!
From Kings To Presidents
Get ready for an incredible day in Seoul! Start off by dressing up in a Hanbok and exploring the charming streets. Head over to the magnificent Gyeongbokgung Palace, where you can step back in time and admire its beautiful architecture. After learning about the main Korean palace, head to the west of the palace for a tasty lunch at Tongin Market, where you can try out all sorts of delicious Korean street food.
After eating, head to the Blue House, formerly the President’s official residence. Afterward, take a break at a traditional tea house, enjoy some aromatic Korean tea, and relax. Finally, treat yourself to a mouthwatering dinner at Bukchon Samgyetang, where you’ll savor their famous ginseng chicken soup. This is the most basic itinerary I suggest to all first-timers to Seoul. Get ready to experience the best of Seoul’s culture, history, and food in just one unforgettable day!
Secret Garden and Souvenirs
Start your day at Changdeokgung Palace, renowned for the beautiful Secret Garden. After working up an appetite, head to Yongsusan for a delicious lunch. Indulge in their mouthwatering Korean cuisine, and make sure to try their signature dishes.
Next, make your way to Jogyesa Temple, a serene and beautiful place that changes the decorations in their courtyard year round. Take a walk through Insadong, a vibrant neighborhood known for its traditional arts and crafts. Explore the quaint shops and galleries, and perhaps pick up some unique souvenirs or sit in a local tea house.
As the day winds down, treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Sanchon, known for its vegetarian cuisine and traditional performances. Enjoy the flavors of Korea while being entertained by traditional music and dance. Get ready for a day full of cultural immersion, culinary delights, and unforgettable experiences in Seoul!
Designs New and Old
Let’s kick off your day in Seoul at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, this super cool futuristic spot that’s all about fashion and art. You can explore the different exhibits and soak up the creative vibes and then head north to find the Cheonggyecheon Stream. Take a casual walk west along the stream and enjoy this beautiful little oasis in the middle of the bustling city, where you can just chill and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
When you come to Gwangjang Market, take the steps up to enjoy a lively Korean traditional market and delicious Korean cuisine. Once you’ve eaten all that you can, head to the rooftop of Sewoon Sangga for views out over the area. This place is a combo of traditional markets and high-tech shops, and you can even go up to the rooftop for some jaw-dropping panoramas of the city skyline.
After that, dive into the rich history of Seoul with a visit to Jongmyo Shrine. It’s this ancient UNESCO World Heritage site that honors the ancestors of the Joseon Dynasty. Finally, wrap up this fantastic day in Ikseon-dong, a neighborhood that’s all about charm and tradition. Explore the cute little alleys, check out the hip cafes, and then settle down for dinner at a local joint serving mouthwatering Korean BBQ. There are some great places to eat in Ikseon-dong. Get ready for a feast of delicious grilled meats and all the authentic flavors of Korean cuisine. Bon appétit!
History to Modern Design
Kick things off at Deoksugung Palace, a historic gem right in the heart of the city and the most unique Korean palace if you ask me. Stroll through the palace grounds, admire the beautiful architecture, and maybe catch the changing of the guard ceremony. From there, cross the street to the Seoul Plaza, a lively public space where locals gather for events and festivals. It’s a great spot to soak up the vibrant atmosphere and people-watch but the best part is the Seoul City Hall. Most tourists pass right by this government building, but there are some amazing installations inside to see.
Refuel with a hearty lunch at Singawon, where you absolutely have to try their seolleongtang. It’s a comforting, beef bone soup that’ll warm your soul. Trust me, it’s a local favorite! Afterward, head to Seoul Ani Town, a haven for all things animation and art and some awesome murals with cool designs. This is the best way to get up to N Seoul Tower if you ask me.
You can take a cable car up or hike if you’re feeling adventurous to visit the most popular observatory in the city. Finally, end your day with a feast at the Myeongdong night food market. It’s a bustling street food haven where you can hop from stall to stall, indulging in all sorts of mouthwatering treats like hotteok, tteokbokki, and so much more. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for this foodie adventure. Enjoy!
FAQ
Can I leave the Seoul Airport during a layover?
Make sure you note that there are two airports that service Seoul, Korea. If you’re flying in on an international flight, most likely you’ll be coming into Incheon International Airport, however, Gimpo Airport is a smaller airport but another so just make sure you know where you’re flying into is all I’m saying.
But in answer to your question, yes, you can leave the airport during a layover. You’ll need to go through immigration on the way out and back in. Just make sure you really do have enough time. You’ll likely need at least an hour to get through immigration and get your bags and then it takes another hour to get into central Seoul.
How can I pay for things in Korea?
Korea is largely trying to go cashless so major credit cards generally work. I have tried and tested Wise and highly recommend it. Wise is a multi-currency travel money card that is cheap to set up and also cheap once you have it offering fee-free ATM withdrawals and you don’t have to worry about trying to visit banks or overpriced money exchange stalls.
A travel money card, also called a currency card, is a type of a card which allows you to keep multiple currencies, and use the card while travelling the world with no hidden fees to worry about. You can hold up to 50+ currencies in your travel money card, and convert them at the mid-market rate with the free Wise app. You can use the card in 170 countries around the world and you can easily convert currencies and not worry while you’re traveling.
How to get from Incheon International Airport to Seoul?
The Airport Railroad Express (AREX) has two trains that go back and forth between Incheon International Airport and Seoul. Know where you’re going though as there are two train options – an Express Train and an All Stop Train. The Express Train goes directly to Seoul Station in just 40 minutes without stopping. It’s the fastest and easiest way to get in and out of the city.
- How much does the AREX cost? The Express Train costs W9,500 for an adult and W7,500 for children. This is the most budget friendly way to get from Incheon International Airport to Seoul.
- What are the major differences between the Express Train and the All Stop Train? The All Stop Train is two times cheaper than the ticket for the Express Train. BUT, the Express Train, is only 15 minutes faster so keep that in mind.
- How to buy tickets for the AREX?
- In Person: You can buy tickets for AREX in terminal 1 and terminal 2 of the airport at the AREX Travel Center. You can buy the ticket with card or cash but you can also, and should if you’ll be using public transportation a lot while you’re here, buy a local transportation card that can be used on all public transportation and topped up throughout your trip.
- Pre Book: There are also options to pre-book so you have one less thing to worry about when you arrive.
- What time are trains from Incheon Airport to Seoul available? Trains are available from 5:20am to 11:40pm.
Do I need a SIM card?
There is WIFI all over so if you don’t have time to get a SIM card, you should probably be fine. However, if you pre-book a SIM card or get an eSIM before you go, you should be able to pick it up quickly and easily as you exit the airport and it’ll help you get around use your favorite map app so you always know where you are.
When is the best time to visit Seoul?
Spring (March to May): The weather is mild and pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor exploration. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see the cherry blossoms when they burst into bloom though planning a one day trip to see them will be really difficult as they only last a couple weeks max.
Summer (June to August): Summers in Seoul are warm and humid. The city is buzzing with energy, and you’ll find plenty of outdoor activities and events to enjoy. From picnics in the parks to night markets and street performances, there’s always something happening. Be prepared for occasional rain showers and high humidity.
Autumn (September to November): The city is transformed into a sea of vibrant colors as the leaves change into hues of red, orange, and gold. The weather is mild, making it perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking in the nearby mountains or taking leisurely walks in the parks.
Winter (December to February): If you don’t mind the cold, this season has its own charm. The city is beautifully decorated with lights and decorations, creating a festive atmosphere. It’s an excellent time to explore indoor attractions such as museums, palaces, and shopping districts.
Overall, Seoul has something unique to offer in every season. Whether you prefer the blooming flowers of spring, the vibrant festivals of summer, the picturesque landscapes of autumn, or the festive spirit of winter, there is always something to see and do in Seoul, Korea.
Is it possible to visit the DMZ and downtown Seoul in one day?
No, a visit to the DMZ really requires most of the day to get out to, to see, and get downtown to Seoul. There are halfday tours to DMZ, but if you have just a day, don’t count on going to downtown Seoul and out to the DMZ.
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