The only Seoul 7-day itinerary you need: All the best things to see in Myeong-dong, Jongno, Anguk, Itaewon, and Hongdae

We’ve got everything you need for an adventure-packed 7-day itinerary to Seoul.

When wanderlust has its grip on your heart once again, look at a new city to check off your bucket list. Next stop: Seoul. This bustling spot attracts many a traveller every year with its temples, palaces, and aesthetically pleasing corners at every turn. Oh, and we can’t forget about the cafes. The coffee in Seoul is truly sublime. Already planning to pack your bags? We’ve done the leg work for you and narrowed down all the best spots in Seoul to fit in a 7-day itinerary. (Psst: check out our guide for Seoul newbies before you fly off for all the best tips.)

A 7-day itinerary to Seoul

1. Day 1 – Myeong-dong: (Window) shop your heart out

Hot tip: we highly recommend booking your accommodation in the Myeong-dong area of Seoul. It’s centrally located and sits close to other exciting neighbourhoods that are worthy of a day visit. We’re starting off strong in Myeong-dong which is a known fashion and shopping district.

Before hopping over to your hotel of choice, pop by any of the gorgeous cafes in the area for a pick-me-up. Luft Coffee has a minimalist interior and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with light. Or head towards Coffee Libre where the owners really take their drinks seriously. Coffee beans here come from all over the world and are freshly ground for each cup. We recommend taking it to go so that you can spend time admiring the Myeong-dong Cathedral which is just a stone’s throw away.

At night, you have to visit Myeong-dong Walking Street. It’s the epicentre of the retail and fashion world, with hundreds of shops to choose from. It’s an absolute dream for anybody looking to score a new signature outfit or skincare product. As you walk along the stretch of road, it’ll take you to the Olive Young flagship store, which is a beauty lover’s haven. For those who prefer saving the shopping adventures for the later half of the trip, take the time to scope out all the brands you want to visit. To fuel you through your window shopping adventures, the Myeong-dong night market will fill you up with street food like beef cubes and grilled squid.

2. Day 2 & 3 – Jongno: Heritage sites and traditional food

Start your day with a bang at Gwangjang Market. The first permanent market in Korea is a popular destination boasting over 2,000 stalls selling all kinds of fresh ingredients. It’s the oldest and largest traditional market, where you’ll find a slew of ajummas selling street food from little stalls. Tuck into dishes like japchae, tteokbokki, and mandu for a boost of energy.

Once you’ve had your fill (and spent time hunting down the Netflix Lady of Gwangjang Market), take a walk to digest those hearty carbs. Jongmyo Shrine is a Unesco World Heritage site that’s just a short walk away. The royal ancestral shrine was a place of worship for kings throughout the Joseon dynasty. It’s a peaceful space that’s ideal for quiet walks and relaxed exploring. Oh, and Soha Salt Pond isn’t too far away so you can get your caffeine fix right after.

If this is your first time in Seoul, you must include Gyeongbokgung Palace in your 7-day itinerary. It’s the largest out of the five palaces in Seoul and was the powerhouse of the Joseon dynasty. Tours are available in many languages; plus they’re free and easy for you to join at specific times. Just remember that the palace is closed on Tuesdays.

Oh, and if you’re up for it, dress in traditional garb to get free entry into the attraction! We recommend spending your morning here because it’s a huge palace and deserves hours of exploring. Later on, fill up on samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) for dinner at Tosokchon .

3. Day 4 & 5 – Anguk: Cafe hops and a 14th century village

Cafe hoppers, we hope you’re ready because the next few days will be coffee-heavy. No matter where you go, you’ll find a multitude of places selling pastries and drinks in Seoul. But for this itinerary, we’ll be taking a look at the spots around Anguk.

We know that Cafe Onion is bound to be on any cafe lover’s list of must-tries, so let’s start with it. Unlike its sister locations, the Anguk outlet deviates from Cafe Onion’s typical industrial chic aesthetic. It instead opts for a traditional hanok (Korean house) appearance with tiled roofs and wooden interiors. We recommend getting here as early as you can ‘cause this place gets packed really fast. Other highlights in this neighbourhood include Summer Gold, Cafe Knotted, and Dotori Garden. But feel free to explore – part of the fun is discovering new places yourself!

Don’t worry, we know you’ll want to walk off all those pastries that you just indulged in. The Bukchon Hanok Village is a stretch of old houses that retain the charm of old-school Korean architecture. People are actually living in these spaces so be sure not to make too much noise as you wander and admire. Art lovers take to the Seoul Museum of Craft Art which houses more than 20,000 artifacts, programs, and materials. If you’re in the market for a new perfume, check out the Tamburins flagship store, you can’t miss it.

4. Day 6 – Itaewon: Dance your heart out

Known for its cultural diversity and nightlife, Itaewon is worth spending a day exploring.. During the day, you’ll find a multitude of museums and diverse dining options available. A must-see for first-timers is the N Seoul Tower, one of the most recognisable landmarks in Seoul. You’ll admire the whole city skyline from this spot. Scared of heights? We don’t judge. You can always venture around to check out the Seoul City Wall or hike the Namsan Pine Trail.

We hope you’ve picked out a cute outfit ‘cause we’re going partying next! There are a number of bars and clubs in Itaewon that are located close to each other, so you can hit up multiple spots in a night. All That Jazz provides live music that sets the whole vibe for the night. Thursday Party is another casual spot that’s great for a pre-drink or to just relax. And if you want to party till the wee hours of the morning, hit up Concrete Bar. Another foreigner-friendly favourite? Cakeshop.

5. Day 7 – Hongdae: A thrifting haven for shopaholics

Let yourself sleep in after a long night of dancing. But if you need a boost of energy, there are plenty of cafes that you can head to once you arrive in Hongdae. Perception is a cafe located on the edge of Hongdae that boasts a gorgeous interior and a selection of coffee. Not too far away is Anthracite. This Korean-grown coffee roaster is a popular pick between both locals and foreigners so you can’t go wrong with a cuppa here.

Once you step into Hongdae Street, you’ll find a myriad of ways to spend your time in the neighbourhood. The busiest area in Hongdae, it’s known for street performers and pop-up stalls. The colourful pavement and buildings make for a great photo opp, so snap all the pics you want for the ‘gram. Hongdae is also a hotspot for anyone who loves thrifting – you’ll be able to hop from store to store as you hunt for vintage gems.

For your last night to conclude this 7-day itinerary to Seoul, you gotta have some fried chicken and beer for dinner. There are a number of fried chicken joints dotted around this area, so just take your pick! The popular franchise BHC Chicken has a shop in the neighbourhood if you haven’t tried it in Singapore. Kyochon Chicken is also a great option with English-speaking staff and freshly fried chicken. If deep-fried meat feels too indulgent for you, opt for oven-baked chicken at Noonaholdak instead. It’s the same delicious experience with a little less oil.

That’s your 7-day itinerary to Seoul sorted! We know you’ll be sad to leave (because we definitely were), but this dreamy country will be ready for your next visit.