Exploring the Magic of Seoul: A 5-Day Itinerary

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Nohelani Alquiza
Curated By

Nohelani Alquiza

  • City Travel

  • Food & Wine

  • International Travel

  • Solo Travel

  • Sustainable Travel

  • Seoul

  • Local Culture

Advisor - Exploring the Magic of Seoul: A 5-Day Itinerary
Curator’s statement

Seoul is one of the most international destinations and truly a must-visit. After learning that I am part Korean, I took the opportunity to travel there and experience the culture and community more deeply. The city’s energy—from its food and fashion to its music and art—reflects creativity and resilience. For me, Seoul represents a place where the past and future meet in a uniquely inspiring way.

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Day 1: City arrival

N Seoul Tower, from the public transit stop

Starting early, head to Namsam Tower for one of the best panoramic views of Seoul.The tower is also famous for its “love locks,” where visitors leave locks as symbols of relationships and memories. Then make your way to Gangnam Starfield Coex Mall. It is one of the largest underground shopping malls in Seoul and offers much more than just shopping. One of its most famous attractions is the stunning Starfield Library, a beautiful open library with towering bookshelves that has become a popular photo spot. Along the way between these two locations, you’ll find cafes, convenient stops, and more!

Day 2: Culture & shopping

Gyeongbokgung Palace

If you’re a first timer to Seoul or not, this is a fun activity when traveling in Seoul. Visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of the most important historical landmarks in Seoul. Here you can rent a hanbok. There are many booths near the palace (It’s free entry to the palace if you wear a hanbok!) Then head over to Myeongdong shopping street, The street is filled with fashion stores, Korean skincare shops, and trendy brands, and right around 5 p.m. turns into a night market, full of street food from Seoul!

Day 3: Cafes & scenery

What your cafe experience could look like! This is an aquarium cafe!

Seongsu-dong is a neighborhood known for its many unique cafés, local small businesses, and creative atmosphere. One of my favorite things to do in Korea is cafe-hopping, and Seongsu is the perfect place for it. Each café has its own theme, design, and specialty drinks, making every stop feel like a new experience. Exploring the area allows you to enjoy great coffee while discovering the artistic and trendy side of Seoul.

Day 4: Lotte Tower

View from the observatory deck

Lotte World Tower and Lotte World Mall are must-visit spots in Seoul. The tower is one of the tallest buildings in the world and features an observation deck with incredible panoramic views of the entire city. The mall below offers a wide variety of shops, restaurants, entertainment, and cultural attractions to explore. Visiting this area lets you experience the luxury, architecture, and vibrant lifestyle that make Seoul such a dynamic global city. Tip: Buying your observation deck ticket online is usually cheaper than purchasing it at the front desk.

Need to know

  • Be sure to set up your E-Sim card for your devices with your phone carrier.

  • Download these apps to help you around: Naver Papago - AI Translator, NAVER Map and Navigation, My Currency Converter & Rates.

Nohelani Alquiza

Travel Advisor

Nohelani Alquiza

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For more travel inspiration and insider recommendations, check out our Seoul page.