Seoul 4 Day Itinerary For the First Time Visitor

For the first time visitor to South Korea, much of the time will be spent getting acquainted with the city of Seoul. Our Seoul 4-day itinerary will take you on a journey to a place where the modern-day vibrancy of K-pop meets a city with a rich cultural heritage and a culinary scene that is the envy of the world.  

Why Visit Seoul Korea?

Over the past few years, it would be hard to escape the influences of the “Korean Wave.” High energy K-Pop concerts thrill audiences worldwide and K-Dramas have opened the window into life in South Korea.

Along the way, these mediums have given us a glimpse into South Korean customs and language, history and landmarks, fashion, and cuisine.

If you too have fallen under the spell of South Korea, four days in Seoul is about immersing yourself in the places that have become familiar through the K-Dramas we have watched.

It is finally time to say “Annyeonghaseyo” to Seoul and I can guarantee it is everything you ever dreamed it would be.

4 Days in Seoul South Korea Itinerary

How many days in Seoul is enough? We recommend staying for at least 4 days. This will give you enough time to discover the essence of this dynamic city. Of course, if you have more time to spare you can explore the city at a more leisurely pace.

Deciding what to do around Seoul in 4 days will depend on your interests, how much you want to pack into your holiday and budget.

We begin our Seoul travel blog with daily recommendations for a Seoul 4-day itinerary which gives a selection of the most sort after tours. We also highlight a fabulous assortment of Seoul attractions for the independent traveller.

The Best Seoul Tours

We have found that most people visiting Seoul for the first time will take at least one tour. This is especially true for the independent traveller as it is a way to cover a lot of ground, leaving plenty of time to explore on your own.

If you choose to take tours throughout your stay you are in for a real treat as there is a world of wonder sitting on Seoul’s doorstep. Get ready for an adventure that will take you across the centuries as you walk within the neighbourhoods of this thriving modern metropolis.

Seoul 4 Day Itinerary – Day 1

This Seoul 1 day tour covers the historical side of Seoul, with the tour taking you to many Joseon period tourist attractions.

Places visited include the Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palaces, the Jogyesa Temple, the traditional teahouses and shops of Insadong and the bustling Namdaemun Market.

• Visit the Royal Palace, Temples & Markets

Click here to book Small Group Royal Palace Tour

Seoul 4 Day Itinerary – Day 2

The Korean Demilitarized Zone was created under the Korean Armistice Agreement following the Korean War in 1953. This 250 km (160 mile) buffer zone separates North Korea from South Korea and is a popular day tour for anyone visiting Seoul.

We thoroughly enjoyed our DMZ Tour from Seoul, and you can read more about it here.

• Take a DMZ Tour

Click here to book a DMZ tour

Seoul 4 Day Itinerary – Day 3

One of the top things about Seoul is the cuisine and one of the best ways to discover the secrets of Korean cooking is to take a Korean cooking class.

• Take a Korean Cooking Class

Click here to book a Korean Cooking Class with Full-Course Meal

Another fun Seoul foodie activity is to sample a range of Korean delicacies on a Night Market food tour.

• Night Market Food Tour

Click here to book a Night Market Food Tour

Seoul 4 Day Itinerary – Day 4

Seoul is a shopaholics dream and one of the trendiest places to experience it is in the Myeongdong area of Seoul. Within its streets you will find a fabulous collection of shops selling an extensive range of merchandise.

This lively shopping district is also home to LOTTE Department Store which showcases a wide variety of products including name brand fashions and cosmetics.

• Go Shopping at Myeongdong

Seoul Royal Palaces

During the Joseon era, Seoul housed five royal palaces, they were the Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, Changgyeongung and Gyeonghuigung Palaces.

Due to Korea’s turbulent history of invasion, all palaces have at one time been destroyed. Two of the most important during the reign of the Joseon Dynasty were the Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Changdeokgung Palace.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

The Gyeongbokgung Palace was built in 1395 and is one of the five royal palaces that can be found in the city of Seoul. The palace was once the primary residence for the Joseon dynasty and over the centuries has had a checkered history.

Gyeongbokgung Palace was destroyed by fire during the Imjin War with the Japanese between 1592 and 1598. The palace was restored in the 19^th century only to be destroyed again in the early 20^th century during the Japanese occupation of Korea.

Thankfully in the 1990’s the palace was restored to its former glory and the splendour of the Joseon period can now be enjoyed by all.

Walking within the grounds you can easily imagine exquisitely dressed royalty, ministers and servants going about their daily rituals within the confines of this massive walled palace complex.

Also housed within the complex is the, National Folk Museum of Korea and National Palace Museum of Korea.

Changdeokgung Palace

Changdeokgung Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is also famous for its secret garden. The palace was used as a secondary palace to the main royal residence of Gyeongbokgung Palace.

After Gyeongbokgung Palace was destroyed by the Japanese in 1598, Changdeokgung Palace became the primary royal palace.

Changgyeonggung Palace

Changgyeonggung Palace is the third palace complex to be built after Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace.

Built by King Seongjong, the palace became a residence for the elderly dowager queens after Changdeokgung Palace became overcrowded with the ever-growing royal family.

The palace borders the nearby Changdeokgung Palace and features a throne hall which has remained intact since 1616. The palace grounds offer wide open spaces that house the Grand Greenhouse and wildflower gardens.

Seoul History & Culture

Amid a modern city full of glass and steel, it is refreshing to discover areas dedicated to the history and culture of Seoul and South Korea.

Bukchon Hanok Village

Bukchon Hanok Village pays tribute to the traditional architecture of Korea. These simply designed houses are called Hanok and they were once the homes of high-ranking officials during Joseon era Korea.

These finely built homes exude a quiet elegance and are a prime example of Korean craftsmanship and ingenuity.

Baek In-je’s House

Also located in the Bukchon Hanok Village is Baek In-je’s House. The museum features a well-preserved Hanok built in the traditional Korean architectural style with subtle modern elements. This building showcases rich wooden textures, natural light, and peaceful gardens.

Jongmyo Shrine

Bordered by high walls, the Jongmyo Shrine hides a complex of buildings, well shaded gardens, and ornamental ponds.

This Royal Ancestral Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which houses the spirit tablets of the deceased kings and queens of the Joseon dynasty.

The shrine is closed on Tuesdays (Wednesday if Tuesday falls on a National holiday). Entry is free to those under 19 & 65 and above.

Popular Seoul Neighbourhoods

Seoul is made up of an everchanging mix of neighbourhoods that have their own identity and style. Here are three of our favourites, each stand out as Seoul’s most fashionable neighbourhoods.

Myeongdong

Myeongdong is a lively shopping district filled with Korean and international restaurants. Of an evening the streets come alive with food stalls offering a wide variety of Korean street food.

Insadong

Insadong is a long, character filled pedestrian street renowned for its tea and coffee houses, restaurants, and shopping.

Itaewon

Itaewon is a bohemian neighbourhood, famous for its party atmosphere and vibrant nightlife. The area is filled with international restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.

Seoul Food

You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to food in Seoul. Not only do you have a wealth of international cuisines, but it is also the place to try Korean staples such as Korean barbeque, gimbap, tteokbokki and bibimbap.

Seoul street food stalls offer an endless variety of fast food and are the perfect place to sample those tasty morsels that often have a starring role in your favourite K-drama.

Seoul Markets

Seoul has a fabulous selection of markets that are scattered across the city. Three of the most popular and easy to access from the centre of Seoul are the Myeongdong Night Market, Namdaemun Market and Gwangjang Market.

Myeongdong Night Market

The bright lights of Myeongdong are the perfect backdrop to the hustle and bustle of this vibrant street food market. Here you can watch street stall vendors cook up a delicious range of sweet treats and savoury snacks.

Namdaemun Market

Namdaemun Market is a short walk from Myeongdong and the place to shop for a bargain. Here you will find a stunning range of toys, clothing, bags, accessories, and small restaurants serving a delicious array of authentic Korean cuisine.

Gwangjang Market

Gwangjang Market or Kwangjang Market as it is also known, is famous for its delectable array of Korean food. Pull up a stool and sample some of South Korea’s most iconic dishes.

See exotic ingredients at the wet market or shop for homewares and traditional Korean clothing in the rabbit warren of stores that are scattered throughout the market.

Seoul Tower, Observation Deck

N Seoul Tower or Namsan Tower as it is also known is Seoul’s most recognised landmarks. From a distance the needle like spire of the communication tower appears to pierce the skies above Namsan Mountain, making it an instant orientation point for exploring the city.

Of an evening the colourful lights of the tower stand out against the night sky. The Seoul Tower Observation Deck offers sweeping 360-degree views of Seoul.  

Click here to book Seoul Tower, Bukchon and Korean Folk Village Full day Tour

Seoul Korea Itinerary 5 Days

If you have the luxury of 5 days in Seoul or longer, here are a few added extras to our Seoul 4-day itinerary.

5-Day Korea Golden Route Tour

This fabulous 5-day Korean tour takes you to the cities of Busan, Gongju, Suncheon, Yeosu and Wonju. This tour takes in an extensive itinerary of Korea, ensuring a good overview of the Korean landscapes, customs, attractions, and lifestyle.

Click here to book 5-Day Korea Golden route tour from Seoul 

Where to Stay in Seoul

Seoul has a massive selection of accommodation which take in a range of styles and budgets. Much loved areas include Myeongdong and hotels near Seoul Station for easy connections to Incheon Airport.

Click here for Seoul hotels reviews and prices

Getting Around Seoul

Getting around Seoul is easy by foot as the city is relatively flat. The city also has a good subway system which takes you close to many of Seoul’s main tourist attractions.

*Note that entry to most subway stations is via steep flights of stairs and is not user friendly for those with mobility issues.

Transport From Incheon Airport to Seoul

There are a variety of ways to get from Incheon Airport to Seoul including private airport transfers, the AREX Incheon Airport Express Train, bus and taxi.

We decided to test drive a few of these transport options and you can read our Incheon Airport to Seoul article for more in-depth information.

Check here for pricing of private Airport transfers

Last Words on a Seoul 4 Day Itinerary for the First Time Visitor

I hope you liked reading our article on a Seoul 4 day itinerary for the first-time visitor. As I said in the beginning, most people visiting Seoul for the first time will take at least one tour. This allows you to leisurely immerse yourself in the dynamic Seoul vibe.

We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Seoul and hope you fall in love with this vibrant city as much as we have. One thing for sure, once visited, you will want to return to Seoul time and time again.

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