AI illustration of two travelers in hanbok outside a Korean palace · AI illustration. Actual places, dishes and facilities may look different.
This is an IMO itinerary suggestion, not a booked tour. Adjust it after checking access, opening and weather.
Before you go: city and budget
Separate flights, accommodation, food, transport and a reserve in your budget. Save your lodging address and leave time to drop your bags. Check age and consent requirements before booking alone.
Day 1: around Gyeongbokgung
Start at Gyeongbokgung and leave space for a nearby meal and rest. Check palace closures and entry conditions; swap days if it is closed.
Gyeongbokgung · 경복궁
161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul · 서울 종로구 사직로 161
Day 2: HiKR and the Cheonggyecheon area
Explore K-culture content at HiKR Ground. Check which experiences are operating. If it rains heavily, skip the stream walk and choose indoor plans.
HiKR Ground · 하이커 그라운드
40 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul · 서울 중구 청계천로 40
Day 3: a slower day at COEX
Use Starfield Library as an anchor for a meal and browsing COEX. Keep travel simple and leave time to pack. Separating purchases from window-shopping helps you stick to your budget.
Starfield Library · 별마당도서관
513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul · 서울 강남구 영동대로 513
Practical answers for planning and getting around Korea.
How should I plan three days in Seoul for a first visit?
For three sightseeing days, give each day one main area and one flexible extra. Build around your accommodation and priorities rather than crossing Seoul repeatedly. Check opening days, entry arrangements and the journey home before you finalize the order.
How can I plan five days in Seoul without making the trip too rushed?
Use the extra days to slow down, not simply add more stops. Separate essential sights from optional ideas, allow meal and rest time, and leave a flexible half-day. Count arrival and departure days by the hours you actually have available.
How can I group the places I want to visit into days with less travel between stops?
Put your saved places on a map, then group nearby stops into the same day. Check actual walking entrances and public-transport connections, not straight-line distance alone. Anchor timed reservations first and keep optional stops easy to remove.
How can I plan a Seoul itinerary that still works on a rainy day?
Give each outdoor day an indoor alternative in the same general area. Check the forecast shortly before travel, confirm opening and admission conditions, and keep transfers short. Change the plan for severe-weather warnings instead of assuming every outdoor activity remains safe.
