48 Hours in Seoul: The Perfect First-Timer Weekend

2026년 06월 04일
Seoul
1 min read
Traditional hanok houses lining an alley in Bukchon Hanok Village, Seoul

Seoul moves fast, but your first weekend doesn’t have to feel rushed. This 48-hour route balances the big-ticket landmarks with the quiet alleys that make the city unforgettable — all walkable or one short subway ride apart.

Day 1 — Palaces & Old Seoul

Start at Gyeongbokgung Palace for the 10am changing-of-the-guard ceremony. Rent a hanbok nearby and your palace entry is free. From there, wander north into Bukchon Hanok Village, a maze of 600-year-old tiled roofs where people still live — keep your voice down and stick to the marked lanes.

Spend the afternoon in Insadong for tea houses and traditional crafts, then watch the sunset from the steps of Ihwa Mural Village.

Day 2 — Modern Seoul

Begin in Hongdae for brunch and street performances, cross the river to the Starfield Library in Gangnam, and end the night with skyline views from Namsan Tower.

Quick tips

  • Buy a T-money card at any convenience store — it works on every bus and subway.
  • Most signs are bilingual, and Naver Map beats Google Maps for directions in Korea.
  • Carry a little cash; small eateries are often card-shy.
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