I had been dreaming about visiting Seoul for a very long time. It was my bucket list destination, especially in spring for cherry blossoms, when it’s my birthday. So when my trip to South Korea finally happened and I had full 4 days in Seoul, I used the time to the limit to enjoy the city.

I’ve put together all my best tips on how to spend 4 days in Seoul on your first visit. However, be warned: Seoul is not one of those cities that you can easily get bored of. Once you visit it once, the chance that want to keep coming back is high.

How to spend 4 days in Seoul on your first visit

Practical tips for 4 days in Seoul

For transportation: download Naver Map or Kakao Map or you’ll be lost. Naver tells you which metro exit to take, which is incredibly useful. Google maps don’t really work in South Korea.
Get a metro card (T-money) and load at least 5,000 Won for easy travel. Remember that to top up in small shops, you will need cash as cards are only accepted to purchase the physical card. You can use it for all public transportation, including taxis.
Stay connected with an a local SIM or pocket Wi-Fi – Renting a pocket Wi-Fi device or getting a Korean SIM card is a life saver. The best option though, might be getting an eSIM without buying extra card.
For communication: KorailTalk is a great way to get your train tickets before getting to the station. Kakao Talk is an alternative to Whatsapp (you need Korean phone number for this).
Book your train tickets in advance as the seats sell out fast, even though there are quite a few connections. I used Klook to book it all.
Google Translate will save your life, so have it handy.
Make sure you have travel insurance before your trip. Medical care is South Korea is of a high standard, and emergency services are widely accessible. However, it’s not free and medical costs for foreigners can be expensive. I usually use World Nomads and so far, never had any problems with them.
Discover Seoul Pass is for non-Korean passport holders only, so the tourists can enjoy lots of perks by purchasing this card. For example, you get free entry to over 70 top attractions in Seoul with this pass, along with access to 100+ discount coupons for shopping, shows, and unique experiences. You can even enjoy complimentary rides on the Airport Railroad Express (AREX), Seoul Bike (Ttareungi), airport buses (K-Limousine), and city tour buses.

How to get to Seoul from the airport

There are several ways to travel from Incheon International Airport (ICN) to Seoul, depending on your budget, time, and comfort preference. Here are the best options:

AREX (Airport Railroad Express) – fastest & efficient

Time: 43 minutes (Express) / 55 minutes (All-stop)
Cost: ₩9,500 ($7) for Express / ₩4,150 ($3) for all-stop train
Route:
- Express Train: Non-stop from ICN to Seoul Station
- All-stop Train: Stops at multiple stations, including Hongdae
Where to take it: AREX station is in Terminal 1 & 2 (well-signposted)

Tip: Book online in advance for a small discount on Express tickets!

Airport limousine bus

Time: 60–80 minutes (depends on traffic)
Cost: ₩10,000–₩17,000 ($7–$13), depending on the route
Where to take it: Bus ticket counters are near the airport exits
Routes:
- 6015 – Myeongdong & Seoul Station
- 6002 – Dongdaemun & Jongno
- 6009 – Gangnam & COEX

Tip: Some buses stop at major hotels, so check if your hotel is along the route. You can also book it in advance.

Seoul public bus – cheapest but slowest

Time: 80+ minutes (longer with traffic)
Cost: ₩2,500–₩3,500 ($2–$3)
Where to take it: Bus stops outside Terminals 1 & 2

Taxis and private transport

Time: 50–70 minutes
Cost: ₩70,000+ ($50+), varies by provider
Booking: Online via services like Klook,GetYourGuide, or hotels

Tip: Private transfers are great if you’re arriving late at night or traveling in a group.

If you are travelling in spring, these are the best places where you can see cherry blossoms in Seoul:

Seoul forest
Yeouido Hangang park
Children’s Grand park
Seokchon lake park
Greylab cafe

If you don’t want a hassle of finding all of these places, join a cherry blossom tour– they will surely take you to the most amazing places to spot the trees in bloom.

How to spend 4 days in Seoul: a perfect itinerary

Even though 4 days in Seoul seems a reasonable time for a city, there are so many places to see and attractions to do, that I think it’s too short.

Spending 4 days in Seoul is the perfect way to experience the city’s incredible blend of ancient history, modern innovation, and vibrant culture- just to get the taste, really. As South Korea’s dynamic capital, Seoul offers everything from centuries-old palaces and temples to trendy shopping streets, world-class cuisine, and a buzzing nightlife. I feel like I only scratched the surface in four days.

Day 1: royal palaces and hanoks

Gyeongbokgung Palace
Bukchon Hanok Village
Deoksugung Palace
Seonjeongneung Royal Tombs

Gyeongbokgung Palace

In the morning visit Gyeongbokgung Palace (it’s closed on Tuesdays): Begin your visit with a trip to the grandest of Seoul’s Five Grand Palaces. Be sure to catch the changing of the guard ceremony that happens twice daily: 10 am and 2 pm, and if you’re lucky, the palace gardens will be covered in cherry blossoms.

One of the coolest things to do is to wear a hanbok– a traditional South Korean attire. I have written a full guide to renting a hanbok in Seoul, so check it out to learn more about the experience. You can prebook it (recommended and there are many cheap options) or rent it from one of the shops near the palace (but you might need to wait). When you wear the hanbok, you’ll get free entry to the palace.

There are so many different options of hanboks for men and women and you could also chose accessories and a hairstyle you’d like to be done. If I ever go back to Korea, this is one of the things I’d do again.

You can rent hanbok per hour or for the full day. I’d suggest at least 3 hours for the palace visit as it takes some time to enter from the shops…and you’ll want to take many photos. You won’t be able to walk as fast in hanbok, so give yourself plenty time.

This palace tour (and around) is quite popular with great reviews and gives you an option of renting a hanbok as well.

Bukchon Hanok Village

Just a short, 15-minute walk from Gyeongbokgung Palace, you get to Bukchon Hanok Village. It doesn’t take much time to explore the entire village, maybe only 20-30 minutes.

It’s a walk through history, no wonder that this place is so popular. Bukchon has wooden houses dating back to the Joseon Dynasty. It is a very popular place among tourists, so the place very likely gets crowded by noon. If you are able, go there very early in the morning before the palace to avoid the crowds or after the palace still wearing the hanbok (but then you need to have more than 3 hours of the rental).

Top tip: don’t stick just to the main street. Go up and around, you’ll be amazed. Joining a guided tour is also a good idea if you want to learn history and interesting facts and they will take you to all hidden corners.

Seonjeongneung Royal Tombs

The Seonjeongneung Royal Tombs is a serene place where history and nature intertwine. This UNESCO-listed site is the final resting place of King Seongjong, Queen Jeonghyeon, and King Jungjong from the Joseon Dynasty.

As you stroll through the peaceful, tree-lined pathways, you’ll find beautifully preserved Confucian-style burial mounds, stone statues of military officials, and guardian animals watching over the tombs. The contrast between the ancient tombs and Seoul’s modern skyline is unique.

This park is located right behind the L7 Hotel. Exit left, take the first left, and walk straight to the end.
Open on Saturdays and Sundays from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Some days require a small entrance fee.

Day 2

Changdeokgung Palace
King Sejong Statue
Cheonggye Plaza
Cheonggyecheon Stream
Berlin Square
Hongdae

Changdeokgung Palace

Start your second day in Seoul by exploring Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful palaces in the city. Unlike the grand Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung is known for its seamless harmony with nature, particularly in the Secret Garden (Huwon), a stunning retreat once reserved for the royal family.

As you wander through its pavilions, courtyards, and serene pathways, you’ll get a glimpse into the elegance of Joseon-era architecture. Be sure to book a guided tour if you want to access the Secret Garden—it’s a highlight you won’t want to miss!

UNESCO World Heritage Site
Open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Plan to spend around 3 hours here—it’s breathtaking, especially in autumn when the trees are stunning.

King Sejong statue

From the palace, head to Gwanghwamun Square, where you’ll find the King Sejong Statue, a tribute to one of Korea’s most revered rulers. King Sejong is best known for creating the Hangul alphabet, which revolutionized Korean literacy. Beneath the statue, there’s a small exhibition space detailing his contributions to science, technology, and governance. This is a great spot to learn about Korean history and snap an iconic Seoul photo with Gyeongbokgung Palace in the background (I kind of managed).

Cheonggye Plaza

A short walk from Gwanghwamun Square takes you to Cheonggye Plaza, the starting point of the famous Cheonggyecheon Stream. This modern public space is known for its sleek design and fountains, and it’s as a popular gathering spot. The plaza often hosts seasonal exhibitions and cultural events, making it a lively place to take a break before continuing your walk along the stream.

Cheonggyecheon Stream

Walking along the Cheonggyecheon Stream is one of the most peaceful urban experiences in Seoul. This 11-kilometer-long waterway was once covered by roads but was beautifully restored into a scenic pedestrian area. Lined with small waterfalls, stepping stones, and greenery, it’s the perfect escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. You can stroll along the stream all the way to Dongdaemun, passing various bridges and artistic installations along the way. If you visit in the evening, the illuminated lanterns and soft lighting create a magical atmosphere.

I am not sure if that’s always the case, but when I was there, parts of the stream had an outdoor library and some seating available. I wish I had more than 4 days to really enjoy it all.

Berlin Square

Make a visit to Berlin Square, a unique spot that symbolizes the friendship between Seoul and Berlin. Located near the Cheonggyecheon Stream, this small but meaningful square features pieces from the Berlin Wall, a traffic light from Berlin, and an original street sign from Potsdamer Platz. It’s a fascinating place to reflect on history and the themes of division and reunification—especially relevant given Korea’s own history.

Hongdae

End your day in Hongdae, Seoul’s youthful and energetic hub, famous for its vibrant nightlife, indie music , and street performances. Located near Hongik University, the area is packed with trendy cafés, fashion boutiques, and some of the best street food in the city. By day, you can explore quirky art spaces and themed cafés, while at night, the streets come alive with buskers, clubgoers, and food stalls serving local favorites like tteokbokki and Korean fried chicken.

Day 3: Gangnam

Day 3 is going to be really busy. As I already said, 4 days in Seoul is not enough to fully visit the city. So prepare yourself for lots of walking, but luckily, the metro is amazing, so use it today.

Gangnam
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
Han river
Starfield COEX Mall & Iconic Library
Lotte tower
Seokchon Lake Park
Spa or beauty treatment

Gangnam

The trip to Seoul wouldn’t be complete without visiting the famous Gangnam neighborhood. It’s a place full of trendy cafes and expensive shops as well as some of the best beauty clinics.

Take advantage of the amazing beauty and skincare services in South Korea. I attended a hair spa treatment in this clinic and it was such a relaxing and amazing experience. You can also try make up colour analysis or many other treatments. Note that it’s almost impossible to book your treatments over a phone or email, you will need to use one of the apps available.

Koreans have apps for everything, but many are not really suitable for tourists. My favourite option is booking through Klook.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza. DDP

Then head to Dongdaemun Design Plaza. DDP is a very important urban development and home to one of the largest shopping centres in Korea, which an attraction in itself.

Starfield COEX mall & Iconic Library

You have probably seen the library on Instagram as it seems it is one of the most iconic places for creators. There were so many people taking photos and videos when I visited. The library is pretty and worth a stop, just be prepared for the crowds.

20-minute walk from Gangnam L7 Hotel. Exit left.
Full of shops, restaurants, and the famous Instagram-worthy library stairs.

Han River

Finish the day by a relaxing walk along Han river. There are many parks at the river, but Jamwon might be the one for the evening. Conveniently situated between Youngdong Bridge and Banpo Bridge, this park is an ideal spot to visit due to its easy access from popular areas of the city, including Gangnam. You can even pack up a picnic, rent a tent and a blanket or chair and enjoy your time in Seoul.

One of beautiful restaurants in Seoul:

Day 4: DMZ

Visit Demilitarized Military Zone (DMZ)

Take a half-day tour to the DMZ, the border between North and South Korea. It’s a fascinating look into the history and present state of the Korean Peninsula. You need to book in advance as it is a very popular tour to do and you cannot enter the zone by yourself as it is still a military area.

Technically, you could drive there, leave your car at the parking and try to join specially organised groups for buses. There are strict rules when it comes to how many people can be on a bus and you won’t be allowed to enter without a passport.

Myeongdong

In the evening, go to Myeongdong, Seoul’s premier shopping district, known for its mix of international brands and Korean skincare shops. It is also a great place to grab traditional street food- but we warned- the place gets extremely busy. It’s not a big deal, just be prepared for it.

You must try Bungeoppang (fish-shaped waffle filled with sweet red bean paste), a typical snack, although there are so many to choose from that better be prepared to eat too much.

Just a few steps from the busy street, you get to Seoul cathedral.

Nanta show

While you are already in Myeongdong, go to see Nanta show in the evening. South Korea is knows for some unique, and at times quirky things, and Nanta is one of them. It is a cooking show, but nothing you have ever seen. It’s loud and messy. I don’t remember when was the last time and laughed so much. It is really so much fun.

Where to eat in Seoul: a few great restaurants

Lunch at Hwangsaengga Kalguksu

After all the walking you probably would like to stop for lunch. Near the village, we found an amazing place, famous for the best dumpling soup ever! Hwangsaengga Kalguksu restaurant is in Michelin guide, but the prices are reasonable. Try to get there by 1:30 pm to enjoy your meal, charge your phone, and relax before the next stop.

Address: 78 Bukchon-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu.
Open from 11:00 am to 9:30 pm.

Dinner at Cheongwaok Euljiro 3 Ga Branch

Traditional Korean sausage and soup.
This place is super local, full of Koreans.
Expect kimchi, pork belly, blood sausage, and very spicy soups.
Portions are huge!

Korean BBQ – Grill 1492 Seolleung Branch

A visit to Seoul would not be completed without trying the traditional Korean BBQ. It’s such a thing there! You can try an amazing barbecue in low-key places as well as pricey high end restaurants. Regardless the place you choose, it’s going to be amazing. However, try Grill 1492 Seolleung Branch, it’s really good.

Closes every Sunday.
On Saturdays, it’s only open from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
If you arrive after 9:00 pm, they’re already cleaning up.

Cool coffee places to visit during your 4 days in Seoul

Koreans seem to love coffee, especially iced americano. Like seriously, everywhere you look they carry an iced americano take away. Koreans also love funny and cute places, so no wonder that there are so many themed coffee places in Seoul that are a touristic attraction on their own.

You really need so much time to visit them all- I only managed a few during my 4 days in Seoul. Here are my top picks:

Rain Report. As the name suggests, it’s a rain-themed coffee place. Everything from screens, colours to the real rain outside is part of the decor. You even get an umbrella. It’s a cool place for some fun, but coffee, in my opinion, was just overdone.

943 King’s Cross. It’s a Harry Potter themed cafe- perfect for all fans.
Kenya Kiambu cafe. It is located in Itaewon and seems pretty normal. However, you’ll get amazing views from there of Namsan Tower.
Thanks Nature Cafe. It’s a cafe with some cutest lambs.

Some of the most unique or bizarre activities in experiences to try in South Korea

Hanbok experience
Beauty of cherry blossoms spring tour
Nanta show
Seoul: Michel and Bizarre food tour
DMZ tour with exclusive North Korean defector meet up
Moonlight walking tour with local historian
Ghost walking tour in Seoul through hidden alleys
Traditional soju class

Please note that this post included affiliate links, when you decide to purchase anything through these links I get a small commission at NO extra cost to you, it helps me to keep running this blog! I only promote products and services I use or would use myself. All images are the property of Postcards from the World and cannot be used without permission.

Use my favourite travel resources to plan your dream trips

Booking.com for searching best prices on accommodation.
Travel Payouts is my favourite platform for monetizing the blog.
Discover Cars is a great website as they search both local and international car hire services, so you can choose the best deal for yourself. Make sure though, that the company has a good reputation and reviews.
Get Your Guide is my place to go for searching and booking tours and excursions, especially when I travel solo.
World Nomads and EKTA travel insurance. I like them because they have quite extensive coverage of different activities.
Trivago where you can search and save on hotels.
Klook for all sorts of bookings- offers discounts.
Go City is a perfect site for booking bucket list experiences and attractions all in one to avoid paying for multiple tickets. Easy and saves money. You can even save 50%.
Trip Advisor– amazing for good quality recommendations.
Skyscanner is a perfect website for searching flight routes and comparing prices.

See also:

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4 days in Seoul for first timers: all you need to know to plan a perfect trip

How to spend 4 days in Seoul on your first visit

Practical tips for 4 days in Seoul

How to get to Seoul from the airport