If you’re going to Seoul but short in time, you’ve come to the right place! Let me help you out on your vacation planning dear! Here is how you could maximize 3 days in the city without missing out on the must-see destinations & must-do activities!
DAY ONE- I arrived on a one fine Friday afternoon and started my gallivanting around the country’s capital straight away! Here’s how my day went!
NAMSAN TOWER
I jumpstarted my trip by visiting the Namsan Tower. N Tower is like the Big Ben, the Statue of Liberty and the Sydney Opera House of Korea. It’s that iconic, you gotta visit! The observatory offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the city and if you’re travelling with the love of your life, make sure to hang a love lock on the roof terrace!
HAN RIVER CRUISE
After seeing the city from above, I wanted to see the city from another perspective: this time from the water! While I enjoyed the sightseeing, live music and savory meals during the cruise, I cannot help but notice the cherry blossoms display around the embarkation area! Too pretty, perfect for the gram!
INSADONG
Last stop for the day was the busy alleys of Insadong! I came here to chow down on local Korean foods and good thing I came with an empty stomach, the street foods and traditional Korean dishes were the bomb!!! The colourful streets were full of artisan shops, traditional restaurants, teahouses, galleries and souvenir shops! I even found a shop that sells chocolate poo, oh dear it tasted so good!
DAY TWO- I woke up on the 2nd day still stomach full of all the food I ate from yesterday, but that’s okay! Another day, another adventure! Ready?
MYEONGDONG
Welcome to the home of K-pop, K-drama, Korean cosmetics and Korean food: the buzzing district of MYEONGDONG! Calling all the foodies and shopaholics out there, this place is your haven! I did not stop eating & I cannot believe how much makeup and clothes I shopped in a small period of time. There is something about this place that hypnotizes you to keep spending! You’ve been warned!
HONGDAE
There’s a lot of cool things to do in Hongdae making it one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in Seoul. While youngsters and young adults come here for the quirky restaurants, the nightlife and edgy fashion boutiques, I came here to see the Hello Kitty café! It’s like a pink toy set that came to life and I got to sip a kitty in a cup! Love it!
COOKIN’ NANTA SHOW
Book a seat to watch the longest running show in Korean history: the Cookin’ Nanta! Non-stop fun and laughter from start to finish! The performers were hilarious, you don’t need to understand Korean to enjoy the night! A very energetic and comedic production, you would want to come back for more!
DONGDAEMUN
Another shopping mecca of Seoul is Dongdaemun! This is where you can shop till you drop until late! Some malls and retailers are open until 5am! Rule of thumb when buying Korean goods: Bargain! Negotiate prices politely and reasonably though! Okay? I’m sure you’ll be so hungry after shopping and sightseeing, don’t worry yummy street foods and restaurants are abundant!
DAY THREE- Last day of my trip and I made sure I get to stroll the streets of Gangnam, wear a traditional Hanbok, visit Gyeongbokgung palace and eat the best Korean barbecue in town!
GANGNAM
Gangnam was in my bucket list from the moment “Gangnam Style” by PSY became the most popular song in the world. Imagine three billion views and counting on Youtube, sensational! For the party people out there, this is where all the best clubs are! And for the K-pop addicts, this is where your K-pop dreams will come true-ish! K-pop merchandise everywhere from the street shops to the underground shopping centers! Enjoy!
HANBOK EXPERIENCE
One cultural experience in Seoul that must be on top of your itinerary is wearing a traditional Korean clothing called the “Hanbok”. A lot of small shops can be found around Gyeongbokgung Palace & Bukchon village renting out not only Hanboks but also bags and hair accessories to complete your look! For a moment you will feel like a celebrity as locals and tourists alike will want to take photos with you! And by the way if you’re wearing a Hanbok, entrance to Gyeongbokgung Palace is free!
GYEONGBOKGUNG PALACE
3 days is too short to see all the museums and historical sites, but at least go out your way to visit the largest palace in Korea, the Gyeongbokgung palace! The palace looks so imposing you would want to stroll in every single corner! After visiting the grand pavilion and the historic halls, don’t forget to watch the changing of the Royal Guards! The guards are not camera shy, take a selfie with them after the ceremony!
BUKCHON HANOK VILLAGE
After visiting the grand palace, visit an ancient Korean village! Walk around to enjoy the views and soak in the atmosphere of old traditional lifestyle! And while you’re around the area, I highly recommend dropping by at Binari for the best Korean barbecue experience! Hospitality is top-notch! Great selection of premium meats and Korean aunties will cook for you like you are in their own homes! Love it love it love it!
My 3 days in Seoul was packed with nothing but awesomeness! Kimchi, K-pop, Korean cosmetics, Korean food, cool neighbourhoods, Korean dramas plus so much more! While it could be overwhelming during your visit, just enjoy the ride guys! You will love every minute of it!
Book your tickets and start planning! I hope this travel guide has helped you in one way or two!
Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram, okies?
Love from Korea,
The Travel Belle <3
55 comments
Love this post! Would love to visit Seoul in the future too!! Thanks for the travel tips!! 💕💕💕
Glad you enjoyed this post barbie! Message me anytime you need more tips, happy to help out my fellow travel lovers! 😍
Omg I love this so much! I was just in Seoul last year and loved it! All your photos brings back memories. My favorite was all the street food in Myeongdong. It was so much energy!
Tell me about it oh my goshhhhh! i really want some Kimchi Fried Rice right now!!!
Wow…..Seoul is dope. You are divine, Jessa!
3 days was so short though! i have to go backkkkk!
Annyeong, Ysang! I love this one! It’s like I partly experienced Seoul as I plunged in tonyour blog. 😍. Gomawoyo!
awwwwwww. thanks Cher Rhea!!! your comment means a lot to me!!! The best English Teacher everrrrr!!!!
oh my gosh what an amazing time! i have several friends that LOVe Seoul and its on my bucket list to get out there and visit! love all the pictures!
I am def going back for the Foooooood!
Holii !!!
I would very much like to travel to Korea. I really like what that country offers.
Good day!!
Let me know if I could help planning your trip in the future! Just message me anytime!
Looks like you had a blast.The places looks great the food looks yum.Will plan to visit Seoul
Yey! I’m so excited for yaaaa!
Love your pictures, definitely makes me want to visit.
awww. glad you enjoyed my mini virtual tour!
Oh wow this sounds amazing! My family lived in Korea before I was born!
Please go and visit babe! So much has changed through the years!
Love this!! Your photos are so beautiful!! Glad you enjoyed the trip!
Thank youuuu!
How was the cruise?! We planned to do it too but not much time we had.
It was very relaxing! One of the Best things i’ve done in Seoul!
Omg, such pretty pictures. I bet, you had lots of fun. I want to visit Korea soon. And you look super cute in that traditional dress.
Thank you! The Hanbok experience is really a must do in Seoul!
all those treat look yummy and your outfits are super cute !
Thank you! Got them all from Apartment 8 clothing!
Your pictures are absolutely beautiful and that meal is really tempting. Thanks for sharing.
Everything in Seoul just tastes so goooood! I can not stress this enough! HAHAHA
Seoul is lovely, isn’t it? My son and I love the country so much that we visit every six months. 🙂
WOW! You must really love Seoul so so much hun!
Cherry blossoms are high on my bucket list, but I think it’s in bloom for a very short while making it tough to time a visit properly…you look lovely wearing the hanbok.
– Nandita
I have always wanted to see Cherry Blossoms too! One day One day! Ahihihi
The itinerary looks really cool, but I know there’s lot of planning and hardwork behind it.
I must say, You did a great job.
I tried! Hehehe! Thanks for the feedback Samar!
The palace looks amaaaaazing! I don’t necessarily know that much abo9ut Korea but this is a great start! Thankk you for sharing!
There is so much to love about Korea! I really want to go back soonest!
It seems that you had fabulous time in South Korea. Such a dreamy place for me. Lol! I think I need to put Korean on my next travel lists.
You should babe! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!
i ve heard about seoul a nice place please whwn i am ready i think i have to contact you
Yeah message me anytime bro!
It looks like you had a fun weekend in Seoul and discovered a lot of amazing foodie spots. I love food and when I travel, I try to find as much authentic dishes as possible. You have surely achieved this.
Certainly!!! I travel pretty much to eat! HAHAHA
This is so awesome. I really enjoyed your blog this week this is something everyone can enjoy!
Thanks for the support Mickal!
Looks like you had so much fun! It really looks like a great place to visit!
It is for sure Melissa!
life is beautiful, you just gave me reason to want to visit. enjoy your youth
Please go and visit Ogbugbu! Safe travels!
One of the countries that I want to visit soon with my family. Love K-Beauty and Drama and will love more of Korea. Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos!
i’m sure your family will have a blast babe!
The photos of the place and the food, everything looks so amazing! Look like you had a fun time!
Yes we all did! Thanks Tushar!
I want to visit Korea so badly. It would be such a beautiful place and these pictures really showcase that. Also, the food looks so amazing!!!
It is really one of the best countries to visit for food and sightseeing!
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