We had a fantastic time in Seoul, instantly falling in love with its vibrant atmosphere and its narrow, hilly streets – which actually reminded us quite a bit of our home in Cork, Ireland.
During our three-days in Seoul, we discovered a perfect blend of history and modernity, exploring ancient palaces as well as bustling shopping districts and entertainment areas.
In this article, we’ll share our personal selection of the greatest attractions in Seoul, guaranteeing an extraordinary experience during your visit to this fascinating city.
Can you Visit Seoul in 3 Days?
Exploring Seoul in 3 days can provide a taste of the city’s highlights, but it might feel a bit rushed if you want to explore everything thoroughly.
However, through utilizing the perfect guideline like this one, you can definitely make the most of your three days in Seoul while visiting all of the greatest attractions on offer.
We will focus on visiting iconic landmarks like Gyeongbokgung Palace, N Seoul Tower, Bukchon Hanok Village, and exploring vibrant shopping districts like Insadong.
Don’t worry, there will still be time to experience the bustling street food scene to indulge in delicious Korean cuisine, and not to mention even time to fit in a tour to the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) at the North Korean border.
While three days in Seoul won’t allow you to delve deep into every aspect of the city, it’s certainly enough to get a sense of its culture, history, and modern life.
Now, let’s check out our top picks for Seoul things to do that this vibrant city has to offer.
Plan your itinerary to ensure that your flight schedules allow for at least three full days in Seoul, giving you ample time to explore the city’s attractions, culture, and cuisine without feeling rushed.
1. N Seoul Tower
The first of our Seoul things to so has to be a visit to the N Seoul Tower, also known just as Seoul Tower. The Tower is located on Namsan Mountain and offers the most breath-taking views of the city.
No matter when you visit, Seoul Tower offers a unique and breathtaking experience. By day, you can take in the city’s sprawling landscape, while at night, you can marvel at the glittering lights that illuminate the city.
And the best part? The tower’s panoramic views can be enjoyed from any angle, thanks to its 360-degree vista.
What’s more, you can easily reach the tower by walking for just 20-30 minutes, and admission is completely free.
However, for additional fees, the tower offers various attractions, including observation decks, restaurants, and even a cable car, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy while taking in the magnificent views.
1.1 Namsan Cable Car
If you’re not a fan of uphill walking, don’t worry – there’s an alternative option available.
You can take the Namsan cable car, which provides a convenient and comfortable way to reach the Seoul Tower, allowing you to enjoy the views without the hassle of walking up hills.
Opening Hours: 10.00-11.00pm.
Fees: The adult fee costs 15000KRW/10 USD for a roundtrip and 11500KRW/8 USD for a child.
1.2 Seoul Tower Observation Deck
You can enter the tower itself to experience the observation deck.
Opening Hours: 10.00-11.00pm.
Fees: The adult fee costs 21000KRW/15 USD and the child fee costs 16000KRW/12 USD.
1.3 Namsan Beacon Mound Lighting Ceremony
The Namsan Beacon Mound Lighting Ceremony is a re-enactment of Bongsu, a communication system that was used to notify the central government of urgent military matters (e.g. the approach of enemy forces, etc.) from the borders during ancient times.
Bongsu was used to send messages across the peninsula by using smoke during the daytime and torchlights at night.
Although the lighting ceremony itself is great to see, the patrolling ceremony and ceremony of the guards that occurs before and after the lighting ceremony are very interesting to see as well.
Operating Hours: Daily from 11.00-12.00.
Fee: Free to experience.
2. Insadong Street
Are you looking for a place to pick up some souvenirs of your visit to South Korea? Look no further, Insadong street has you covered.
Insadong Street is a must in your things to do in Seoul itinerary thanks to its unique mix of old and new.
Here, you can dive into Korean culture with a stroll through art galleries, gift shops, and traditional tea houses.
The lively street also offers quaint shops, street performers and plenty of delicious street food to try.
Whether you’re into shopping for handmade crafts, sampling local treats, or just soaking up the atmosphere, Insadong Street offers an opportunity to truly immerse yourself in Korea’s rich culture.
Opening Hours: 10.00-10.30pm.
Fee: Free to visit – needless to say, if you want to purchase something you will have to pay for that!
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3. Yeollin Songhyeon Square
This is a lesser known of the greatest attractions in Seoul but one we fell in love with.
Visit Yeollin Songhyeon Square to explore one of the most beautiful parks in Seoul where colourful wild flowers contrast beautifully against the impressive city backdrop.
If you’re lucky, like we were, you might stumble upon an exhibition that serves to enhance the park’s charm even further.
To fully appreciate its stunning beauty, you simply have to see it for yourself, just remember to check if it’s blooming season to avoid any disappointment.
This serene gem is located just beside Insadong Street so it is the perfect opportunity to stroll through and brace yourself for all that shopping.
Opening Hours: 24hours.
Fee: Free to visit
4. Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace is a one of the most popular things to do in Seoul and a must-visit during your three days in Seoul, providing a captivating glimpse into Korea’s rich history and cultural heritage.
It stands as the largest of the Five Grand Palaces constructed during the Joseon Dynasty, boasting stunning architecture, royal buildings and extensive grounds.
Visitors can observe the Changing of the Guard ceremony, explore the majestic throne hall, and wander through picturesque gardens.
Additionally, the palace is home to the National Palace Museum of Korea, where visitors can view priceless artifacts.
Whether you’re passionate about history, culture, or simply seeking a peaceful bubble in the heart of Seoul, Gyeongbokgung Palace has something to offer everyone with a perfect blend of tradition and beauty.
Make use of the educational and FREE guided tours on offer by checking out the timings of the tours in your preferred language.
Opening Hours: 9.00-6.00pm but CLOSED ON TUESDAYS.
Fee: Adult 3000KRW/2 USD. Free entry for under 18.
5. War Memorial of Korea
Our most cherished of all the greatest attractions in Seoul was visiting the War Memorial of Korea, which turned out to be a perfect rainy day activity during our second day in the city.
We were pleasantly surprised by how deeply moved we were by the museum’s exhibits, immersing ourselves in South Korea’s history for nearly five hours.
From artifacts dating back to Neolithic times to detailed displays covering significant events like the Japanese invasion and the Korean War (1950-1953), the museum offers a comprehensive journey through Korea’s past.
With videos available in various languages, including English and Chinese, visitors can fully engage with the exhibits.
Exploring the museum grounds further, we discovered an array of Korean and US war memorabilia displays, including actual airplanes and ships from the Korean War era, adding depth to our visit
It was a powerful experience that left us captivated and even emotional.
We highly recommend visiting “The Tear Drop” section of the Museum which was probably the most powerful piece of art we’ve ever seen.
Opening Hours: 9:30-6pm daily but CLOSED ON MONDAYS.
Fee: Free to visit
6. Markets
The famous market recommendation is Gwangjang Market but we much preferred the less touristy Namdamun Market.
Namdamun Market
Namdaemun Market is the oldest and largest traditional market in the country and offers a vibrant and bustling atmosphere.
The market is famous for its wide range of goods, including clothing, accessories, electronics, and traditional Korean products.
In our opinion, Namdamun market felt more authentic, it had a wonderful energetic buzz, and of course, the more affordable genuine prices are always favourable to us!
Opening hours: Daily from 9.00-5.30pm but CLOSED ON SUNDAYS.
Fee: Free to visit.
Gwangjang Market
Gwangjang Market was the first permanent market in Korea and continues to thrive as a popular tourist destination today.
Personally, we found Gwangjang Market to be too hot, over crowded, and over-priced compared to more authentic, local markets not focused towards tourists.
It also did not help that we do not eat seafood and if you are not an octopus fan you may be left hungry!
Along with eating octopus, why not check out other random things we learned about South Korea.
Opening Hours: Daily from 9.00-10.30pm.
Fee: Free to visit.
If time allows or you have more than three days in Seoul, why not try them both out for yourself and see which one is for you.
7. Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon Hanok Village is another one of the greatest attractions in Seoul. The neighborhood of Bukchon is special due to the numerous traditional Korean homes, or Hanoks, that are located there.
The neighborhood was originally home to high-ranking government officials and nobility so you would be right in assuming that these Hanok estates are pretty nice.
Although increasingly popular among tourists, Seoul’s Bukchon Hanok Village retains its residential charm.
Seeing these traditional houses against the distant urban skyline is truly spectacular and absolutely worth experiencing for yourself.
Bukchon is a neighborhood that sits to the east of Gyeongbokgung Palace, and is also very close to Insadong district which is perfect for your “Seoul in 3 Days” itinerary.
Opening Hours: 24 hours.
Fee: Free to visit.
Remember that this “Tourist Attraction” is still a residential area so make sure to act respectfully at all times and keep the noise down.
8. DMZ Tour
Embarking on a DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) tour offers a unique opportunity to witness first hand one of the most historically significant and politically sensitive areas in the world.
Of all the things to do in Seoul, this has to be the most unique.
By venturing to the border between North and South Korea, you’ll gain insight into the divided Korean peninsula and the complex dynamics that have shaped its history.
A DMZ tour allows you to visit key sites such as the Third Tunnel of Aggression, dug by North Korea as a potential invasion route into the South, and the Dora Observatory, providing panoramic views into North Korea where you will get to witness the North Korea which is currently the tallest flay in the world.
Beyond the historical significance, a DMZ tour offers a profound opportunity for reflection and understanding of the ongoing tensions on the Korean peninsula. It’s a chance to witness the realities of a divided nation and gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of Korean history and politics.
Overall, a DMZ tour promises to be a thought-provoking and enlightening experience, offering a glimpse into a world that few outsiders have the opportunity to see.
How does that sound for one of the greatest attractions in Seoul?!
Full Day Tour: 7-9 hours
Tour Fee: From 68000KRW/ 50USD per person.
We highly recommend a visit to the War Memorial of Korea BEFORE your DMZ tour
Enjoy the Greatest Attractions in Seoul!
We loved our time in Seoul and genuinely hope that you do too.
To sum up, Seoul is a city that seamlessly blends the old with the new, offering something for everyone, even within a tight timeframe.
Whether you’re exploring ancient palaces, diving into bustling neighborhoods, or indulging in delicious food, we are certain that Seoul will leave a lasting impression on you.
The best part, if time is of the essence this is all achievable within just three days in Seoul.
Have you visited this city, are there any other things to do in Seoul that we missed?
We would love to hear your thoughts. Please feel free to leave us a message below or contact us through our socials.
Slán go fóil
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