(You think it’ll be quick. It won’t be.)

1) Start the morning near the palace but not at the palace. Grab coffee and a bakery item at one of the many cafés around the area. There are plenty. Pick the one that feels right (or most convenient).

2) Head into Gyeongbokgung Palace and take your time walking through the grounds. It’s big, it’s beautiful, and it deserves more than a quick loop.

***If you want to rent a hanbok, this is the time. You get free palace entry, great photo moments, and honestly…why not?!?!

3) When you’re done, wander into Bukchon Hanok Village. Walk slowly, explore the alleys, and enjoy the traditional Korean architecture in the city.

***Within one of the alleys, there is an amazing sock shop. I buy a lot of socks here. A lot.

4) If time allows, definitely check out the Modern Art Museum, Craft Art Museum, or History Museum. Just know that by the afternoon, cute cafés and shops become a very real threat to museum plans. We’ve spent entire days in these museums alone, so coming back on multiple days is not overkill...it’s realistic.

(Earn your dinner.)

1) Head toward Namsan Tower. We like to hike up, but the cable car or bus are equally valid choices. This is a judgment-free zone. Choose your own adventure!

2) Coming from Myeongdong? Detour through Namsangol Hanok Village. It’s a calm, beautiful contrast to the city, and if you’re lucky, you’ll stumble into a festival or cultural event.

3) At the top of N Seoul Park, decide how committed you’re feeling. You can pay to go all the way up the tower, or do what we often do, head partway up for free and settle in for lunch with a view. Both count.

4) Instead of beelining, wander the quieter paths toward the southern slope. It makes the transition into the neighborhood feel earned, not abrupt. There are so many different paths.

5) Walk back down into Haebangchon. Historically home to many residents after the war, it’s now full of laid-back bars and excellent restaurants, perfect for the dinner you’ve just earned.

6) If you’re not quite ready for bed, short stroll through Myeongdong at night is an easy add before calling it a day.

(One long walk. Many versions of downtown Seoul.)

Disclaimer: this day works because it’s essentially one long stretch through downtown Seoul. You can start anywhere along it and walk as much or as little as you want.

1) Start around Ikseondong for a late morning or early lunch. Small hanok cafés, relaxed energy, and lots of good food options packed into a few walkable blocks. This is an easy place to ease into the day.

***It is very possible that you will be distracted by the shops here...like Blue Elephant....or the giant arcade.

2) Wander over to Insadong. Fun fact, on the way, you’ll pass Nakwon Sanga, a multi-floor building filled with musical instrument shops. Rumor is that there is a secret jazz bar in the basement of this building. Also, I personally need to go here soon to replace the strings on my viola, but I digress.

3) Once in Insadong, browse the shops (and possibly acquire an unreasonable number of hair accessories...as this is a known risk), stop into a tea house if the mood strikes, and enjoy how traditional and just-touristy-enough it feels during the day. Btw, Mike's favorite place here is a kinetic art gallery!

4) In the afternoon, head toward Dongdaemun Design Plaza. Walk the grounds, explore the underground shopping areas, and feel the sharp shift from traditional to ultra-modern. There are tons of wholesale shops here both above and under ground. We’ve come here for everything from 10 identical buttons for a sweater... to a replacement toilet faucet part ...to other unexpected items that made perfect sense at the time.

5) As evening approaches, walk west along Euljiro. This is a long stretch and a great one for wandering. If you find Hip-Jiro (aka what locals call the hip, retro part of Euljiro), Neon signs come on (like in the photo above), alleys open up, and small bars and shops start to feel alive. Detours are encouraged.

If you’re here longer or feel like exploring beyond the days above, there’s no shortage of great areas. Honestly, we could keep adding to this list forever, and it still wouldn’t feel complete. Seoul is like that.

Seochon: Right next to the main palaces but with a completely different feel. More local, great restaurants, small shops, and one of our favorite areas to wander without a plan. Find Suseongdonggyegok Valley!

Other palaces: If you loved Gyeongbokgung, places like Changdeokgung (especially the Secret Garden) or Deoksugung are well worth visiting on another day.

Cheonggyecheon: An easy, calming walk that cuts straight through downtown. It’s one of those places you don’t need to plan around. You just end up on it, walk for a bit, reset, and pop back into the city when you’re ready. Especially nice between bigger sightseeing blocks.

Museums: Seoul has an incredible number of free and well-curated museums. It’s very easy to spend an entire day hopping between just a few, and coming back on multiple days is not overkill.

Statue of King Sejong: Right in the middle of Gwanghwamun Square, and very hard to miss. Even if you don’t stop long, it’s worth pausing to take it in. It anchors the area between the palaces and downtown and gives helpful historical context to everything around you. This is also right by the history museum.

Seongsu-dong: Often described as Seoul’s “Brooklyn.” Former warehouses turned into cafés, shops, and restaurants. You do have to look for the alleys.

Hannam-dong and Itaewon: Great for food, shopping, and a slightly more international energy. Easy to pair with an evening out.

Hangang River : Walking paths, open space, bike rides, and sitting by the water with snacks (that you can buy there as well). Simple, very Seoul, and always a good idea.

Gangnam: South of the Han river! Different vibes from Gangbuk (which is where most of the historical landmarks are). Very modern, polished, and westernized (which is why we wouldn't prioritize this area if visiting for a short period of time). While there, COEX Mall and the COEX Aquarium are easy, fun stops, especially if you want something indoors.

As with everything else, this list could easily be longer. If you want recommendations based on your kids’ ages, energy levels, or whether you’re aiming for “big day” or “easy day,” just let us know. We’re happy to help!

Korean Folk Village (Minsokchon): A favorite for kids and adults. Traditional houses, cultural demonstrations, performances, and lots of space to walk around. Educational without feeling like school.

Everland: Outside the city, but worth it if you’re up for a full day. Huge theme park with rides for all ages (including the world's tallest wooden rollercoaster that Mike definitely did not get scared riding), and a safari built into the park with animals you don’t expect to see. We’ve pet capybaras here. Still thinking about it.

Lotte World: Much easier to get to and mostly indoors, which is great if the weather isn’t ideal. A solid choice if you want theme park energy without committing to a long commute.

P.S. COEX Aquarium as mentioned in "Other Days We Also Love" is also another great option!