Curator’s statement
Seoul is having a serious moment, with K-pop, K-dramas, and next-level skincare putting it at the center of global cool. If you’ve already fallen for Tokyo or Bangkok, Seoul offers that same electric energy with a fresh, fashion-forward twist. Tradition and trend collide, and your days are filled with café-hopping, cultural landmarks, wellness rituals, and some of the best food you’ll ever eat.
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Day 1: Wellness reset in Myeongdong
After a long flight, wellness is always how I like to start a trip. Head to Myeongdong for a 15-step scalp treatment, where you’ll fully unwind with a soothing massage, exfoliation, and some serious self-care for your scalp.
Myeongdong is also full of shops and restaurants, and it’s a great place to get your first taste (literally) of Seoul. Spend the afternoon wandering, shopping, and soaking it all in. If you’re in the mood for a more eclectic mix of stores and exhibits, take the metro a few stops to Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) to explore artist stalls, cool installations, and rotating exhibitions.
Nearby is Jongno, where you can join the locals for dinner or late-night eats outdoors in tents along the buzzing streets. It’s the perfect intro to Seoul’s food culture.
Day 2: Traditional Seoul
Rent a hanbok (traditional Korean attire) and visit Gyeongbokgung and Changgyeonggung Palaces. Wearing a hanbok not only gets you free entry, but makes for gorgeous photos around the historic grounds. Be sure to time your visit to see the changing of the guard!
In the afternoon, explore Ikseon-dong and Insadong neighborhoods. Both are packed with artist cafés, dessert shops, and unique pop-ups. This is where you’ll spot some of Seoul’s viral food moments, from Jayeondo salt bread to themed lattes and shaved ice Bingsu.
Not far from here, you’ll find Bukchon Hanok Village, a peaceful neighborhood of preserved traditional houses. It’s a great place to wander, snap photos, and enjoy a coffee (but make sure you arrive before 5 pm, after which only residents are allowed).
If you’re visiting in the summer, something locals and tourists alike love to do is to go to the Han River and enjoy some convenience store ramen while the sun sets. Find a spot to sit along the water and enjoy your food to the soundtrack of local street performers. After dark, you can catch the Banpo Bridge light show.
Day 3: Seongsu's shopping & culture
Head to Seoul’s creative hotspot, Seongsu, where you’ll find indie boutiques, concept stores, and the cutest cafes. Being a Brooklynite myself, this neighborhood really reminded me of home, but with more pop-ups and lots of free giveaways everywhere you turn!
For those who love K-pop or are into dancing, take a class at 1MILLION Studio. They have a range of classes from beginner-friendly to advanced, and it’s a fun way to sweat a little and get into the Korean music scene!
Koreans take baseball seriously, and if you’re visiting during the season, you definitely should attend a game at Jamsil Stadium. Even if you’re not the biggest sports fan, Korean baseball is a cultural experience—lively, interactive, and totally unique from typical American baseball games.
Day 4: Gangnam style
Korea is a global capital for skincare and beauty, and the treatments here are both top-notch and affordable. Whether you’re doing a facial, laser, or something more specialized, just make sure to do your research and choose a trusted clinic. After your appointment, head to Olive Young and stock up on cult-favorite products to keep that glow going.
After your treatment, spend some time in another one of Korea’s stylish neighborhoods. Gangnam has some great vintage shops and trending brands, while Hannam and Yeonnam are full of elevated boutiques, streetwear, and curated cosmetics stores.
In the evening, head to Hongdae for vibrant, youthful nightlife, or try Itaewon for a slightly older and global crowd. Whether you’re bar-hopping, grabbing dinner, or singing your heart out at coin noraebang (karaoke), the energy of the city stays going until the early hours of the morning!
Day 5: Eating through the markets
After your big night out, there’s nothing better than a morning at the jimjilbang (Korea’s traditional spa and sauna). There are great options all over the city, and for a small entrance fee, you can relax for hours in warm pools, cold plunges, heated stone rooms, and cozy nap zones. You can even add on treatments like a Korean body scrub or massage if you’re feeling indulgent.
Feeling refreshed, wander along the Cheonggyecheon Stream, which runs through the heart of the city. Make your way to either Gwangjang Market or Namdaemun Market for a few local nibbles like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), Chabssal Kkwabaegi (glutinous rice twist donuts), and more.
As evening approaches, you can ride the cable car up Namsan Tower for panoramic city views during sunset and to see the lights of Seoul illuminate your last night in the city.
Need to know
There’s so much more to Korea outside of Seoul, so if you have more time to explore, I’d recommend a couple of days in the coastal city of Busan via high-speed train or a relaxing getaway to the island of Jeju, just south of Korea’s mainland. We added on three fantastic days in Jeju, which is considered the Hawai’i of Korea, and it was the perfect balance to our days in cosmopolitan Seoul. Reach out and I’ll share more details on what to do!
Travel Advisor
Rabia Malik
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