Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Seoul?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 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 modern 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 3, 4, or 5 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.
Is 3 days enough time in Seoul?
Three days is usually not enough time to experience the modern 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 three days, 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 3 days 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:
- DMZ Tour: 3rd Tunnel, Option(Suspension Bridge, Boat) from Seoul ($55)
- Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) and Kayak Activities in Han River ($33)
- Han River Urban Nature Bike Tour in Seoul ($50)
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:
- Night Market Food Tour ($73)
- Soju Tasting at Distillery - story of 3 pigs [GroupTour] ($41)
- Secret Food Tours Seoul w/ Private Tour Option ($99)
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.
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:
- Best of Seoul Shopping Tour ($200)
- Jisan Ski Resort serving breakfast from Seoul (No shopping) ($25)
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:
- Live Korean Traditional Music Performance with Museum Tour ($45)
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.
Plenty of amazing museums and famous landmarks make Seoul a special place to visit. Spend at least one full day visiting the sights that are appealing to you. The museums and landmarks are diverse, with notable sights including N Seoul Tower, the Bukchon Hanok Traditional Village, and the National Museum of Korea.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Seoul Night Tour (Gwangjang Market, Royal Palace and Naksan Park) ($45)
- Premium Private DMZ Tour & (Suspension Bridge or N-Tower) include lunch ($198)
- Seoul City Full Day Tour-Gyeongbok Palace, Seoul Tower, Insadong ($80)
This city is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. This is definitely a work hard/play hard city, with locals working long hours during the day and then partying hard late into the night. The nightlife scene is strong both during the week and on weekends. There are bars, clubs, and lounges that are frequented by locals and tourists alike.
A few tour suggestions include:
- The Seoul Pub Crawl [official] ($21)
- Seoul Pub Crawl by Absolute ($20)
- Seoul Nightlife Tour Palace Tour Cheonggyecheon Night View ($195)
Is 4 days enough time in Seoul?
As a huge city, Seoul offers plenty of activities and attractions for visitors. So with four days, you'll probably feel rushed to see the main attractions. You really need more time to appreciate everything that the modern city has to offer. Many visitors prefer to have at least 3 or as many as 7 days to fully enjoy the city. If you have four days or less, we still have some great ideas for what to do while you're in town.
Gyeongbokgung Palace at night, Seoul, South Korea
How to spend 4 days in Seoul
Having 4 days in Seoul will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.
Perhaps the most famous place in Seoul is Gyeongbokgung Palace, so don't miss it. It might not be at the top of your list, but it's worth experiencing during your trip.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Seoul.
Is 5 days enough time in Seoul?
Five days is the perfect amount of time in Seoul, as many visitors prefer to spend at least 3 or as many as 7 days here. You'll be able to explore the major attractions and take part in the city's most popular things to do such as the big city activities, the cuisine, the live music, and the quaint shops. We have some suggestions for what to do and where to start your adventure below.
How to spend 5 days in Seoul
With 5 days in Seoul, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.
After you've explored most of Seoul, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
A few tour suggestions include:
- K-pop boyband Film Location Private Day Trip ($204)
- Gangchon Elysian Ski Day Trip from Seoul ($41)
- Day Trip to Nami Island with Rail bike and The Garden of Morning Calm ($80)
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
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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