Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Seoul?

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Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Seoul?

Not sure how much time you'll need in Seoul, South Korea? Most people spend at least 3 or as many as 7 days in Seoul during their visit. After all, the high energy city will let you soak up the big city atmosphere, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, enjoy the live music scene, and go shopping.

Seoul is the capital city of South Korea. It's a high tech city that has many skyscrapers and a modern subway system. There's also a long history with many temples and palaces to explore. The city is a foodie paradise with many street markets as well as award winning restaurants. While its not as popular a tourist destination as some other major Asian cities, it has an authenticity that makes it a unique destination.

Do you have one or two days to visit Seoul? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.


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Is one day enough time in Seoul?

One day is usually not enough time to experience the high energy city of Seoul, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. You don't want to miss the chance to soak up the big city atmosphere, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, enjoy the live music scene, and go shopping. You'll likely want more than one day, as many tourists set aside around three to seven days for their visit. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your journey.

How to spend a day in Seoul

Given that Seoul is a large and popular city, give yourself a full day to uncover the diverse neighborhoods, captivating attractions, and engaging activities scattered throughout the area. Be sure to include visits to some of the city's premier landmarks and quintessential neighborhoods, too. Despite its long history, this city is filled with modern technology and glitzy high rises.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • Full day Seoul City Tour (Private) ($200)
  • Best 2 Days Guided DMZ and Seoul City Tours from Seoul ($110)
  • Small-Group Royal Palace and Seoul City Tour w/ Lunch ($89)

The delicious food of Seoul is one of the main highlights of a trip to the region. Dining out is one of the highlights of a trip. Make sure you take the time to taste as much of it as possible during breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour or cooking class. You can easily fit one into your schedule since many are just a few hours or half a day. Food is a cultural obsession here, and you'll find everything from world class street food to award winning restaurants. The dishes are so much more diverse than Korean barbecue and kimchi. Many dishes are very spicy, with popular local foods including gamjatang (pork and potato soup) and jeon (savory pancakes).


A few tour suggestions include:

  • Korean Cooking Class with Full-Course Meal & Local Market Tour in Seoul ($81)
  • Secret Food Tours Seoul w/ Private Tour Option ($99)
  • The Award-Winning PRIVATE Food Tour of Seoul: The 10 Tastings ($137)

Seoul is a very walkable city. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. Many neighborhoods are fun to explore on foot but do take note that parts of the city are very hilly and the weather can be bitter cold during the winter months.

Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Seoul?

As a huge city, Seoul offers plenty of activities and attractions for visitors. A weekend is probably not enough. You'd feel rushed to see the main attractions of Seoul such as the great big city activities along with the terrific food. To thoroughly enjoy all that the city has to offer, you'll probably want more than just a 2 day trip. Most travelers schedule at least 3 or as many as 7 days to fully experience this city. Nevertheless, if a weekend is all you can spare, we have some suggestions for your weekend getaway to Seoul below.

Gyeongbokgung Palace at night, Seoul, South Korea Gyeongbokgung Palace at night, Seoul, South Korea

How to spend 2 days in Seoul

Having a weekend (two to three days) in Seoul will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.

Shopping in Seoul is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. This bustling city offers traditional local items as well as Korean cosmetics and trendy fashion. Although shopping malls are spread throughout the city, some of the most popular shopping areas are found around Myeong-dong and Dongdaemun.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • DMZ Guide Tour with DMZ Gondola- No Shopping ($55)
  • Korea DMZ the 3rd tunnel Guided Tour from Seoul - No Shopping ($55)
  • Korean DMZ Tour with Expert Tour Guide from Seoul - No shopping ($55)

Live music is very popular in Seoul, so make sure you spend the evening exploring some of the more popular venues. K-pop has put the city on the map for music, but you'll actually find a wide range of genres here including rock music and electronic dance music.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • K Pop Recording and Create your own Music Video in Seoul ($65)
  • Discovery of Old and Modern Seoul with Stories and Music ($93)

Public transit in Seoul is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the city quite easily. The modern and clean transportation system includes both a subway and buses.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Seoul, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.

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