Seoul is an exciting city where the past and future come together. From historic palaces to tall, modern buildings, there’s so much to see and do. But if you only have 48 hours, how do you fit it all in? Don’t worry! This 2-day itinerary will help you make the most of your time in Seoul.
You’ll visit famous spots like Gyeongbokgung Palace and trendy neighborhoods like Itaewon. In this blog, we’ll show you how to enjoy both the must-see attractions and the hidden gems of the city. Ready for an adventure? Let’s jump in!
Things to know before visiting Seoul
Carry some cash
Most places in Seoul take credit cards, but it’s a good idea to have cash for street food (which you have to try!) and for getting around on public transit. You don’t need a lot—around $75-100 USD per person should be enough for two days.
Late nights and slow mornings
Seoul is a city that stays up late and wakes up a little later, too. If you're jet lagged, you might find yourself awake at 5:30 am, but many places won’t open until 10 or 11 am—even cafes! On the other hand, shops, restaurants, and markets stay open until at least 10 or 11 pm, and some stay open much later.
Getting around the city
Seoul is spread out, so getting from one place to another can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour. To make the most of your 2-day trip, try using the Seoul Hop-On Hop-Off Bus. It’s a great way to visit attractions without wasting time on public transit. Plus, you can hop on and off at different stops to explore at your own pace!
Day One
You’ve only got 48 hours, so it’s best to start early. Grab a quick breakfast on the go or save your appetite for a leisurely brunch. Head to the Itaewon area to kick off your morning—just search for "best brunch in Seoul," and you’ll see that this trendy neighborhood is the place to be!
Leeum Samsung Museum of Art
Leeum Samsung Museum of Art | Photo Credit: Flickr
This area is also home to the Leeum Samsung Museum of Art (Hangangjin Station, Subway Line 6, Exit 1). If you’re into ancient Korean artifacts, modern art, or stunning architecture, this museum is a must-visit.
You'll find everything from 12th-century pottery to works by Rothko and Warhol, all housed in a breathtaking building designed by renowned architects Rem Koolhaas, Mario Botta, and Jean Nouvel.
Explore Itaewon antique furniture street
Itaewon Antique Furniture Street
Now’s the perfect time to explore Itaewon’s charming streets and discover its hidden gems. The neighborhood has a cool, hipster vibe, with lots of trendy food and drink spots. Don’t miss Antique Furniture Street; it’s full of quirky shops where you can find some pretty unusual treasures!
As you head downhill, you’ll get closer to the Han River. For great views of the city, consider crossing a bridge on foot—though it’s a bit of a walk. If you're pressed for time, grab a taxi to Gangnam, the upscale district known from a famous pop song. Once there, relax at Garosugil, or "tree-lined street," with plenty of cute cafes for a coffee and cake break.
For a unique view of the Han River, why not take a relaxing cruise? Check out the Eland Han River Cruise for an unforgettable experience with stunning views of Seoul from the water.
Try Injeolmi Toast in Garosugil
Injeolmi Toast in Garosugil
After enjoying an iced coffee and a sweet treat (I had Injeolmi Toast, a delicious rice cake sandwich toast) in Garosugil, head west towards the university areas. Ewha Womans University has a beautiful campus with peaceful, landscaped grounds that are definitely worth visiting.
For food, make your way to the Hongik University area and try chimaek—fried chicken and beer, made famous by the Korean drama My Love from the Star. It might sound simple, but trust me, it’s delicious! Finish the evening by exploring Hongdae, a trendy neighborhood full of hip spots. Wander through the cool streets and enjoy a drink at one of the laid-back bars.
After exploring Hongdae and enjoying some tasty chimaek, why not discover your personal style? Check out the color analysis experience in Hongdae and find out which colors best suit you!
Day Two
Visit Gyeongbokgung & Changdeokgung Palaces and their grounds
Tourists viewing Gyeongbokgung Palace | Photo Credit: yeojin yun on Unsplash
Start your day early as we explore ancient Seoul. The city is home to five main Joseon-dynasty palaces (from the 14th-19th centuries). It's hard to see them all in one day, so I recommend visiting just two. Changdeokgung and Gyeongbokgung are the most popular and impressive, and they’re easy to get to for this itinerary.
Take the subway to Anguk Station (Exit 3) and head to Changdeokgung Palace. You can join a guided tour or explore on your own. Don’t miss the peaceful Secret Garden, which can only be accessed via a tour.
After exploring the palaces, why not immerse yourself even more in Korean culture? Try on a traditional hanbok and get a Korean hairstyle with the hanbok experience at HanokHanbok.
Walk around the peaceful Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon Hanok Village
From Changdeokgung, head east to Bukchon Hanok Village. A hanok is a traditional Korean house, and some of them are open to the public. Make sure to take a look inside to see the unique courtyard-style living. Bukchon Hanok is a charming village with narrow backstreets, where you can easily lose track of time exploring its beauty.
Join a Bukchon Hanok Village day tour where you can visit one of the many cafes and art galleries, plus a visit to the iconic Gwangjang Market. After going through the village, you’ll find yourself near Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul’s largest and most famous palace. Check out also the nearby National Folk Museum to learn more about Seoul’s rich history.
Unwind by the Cheonggyecheon Stream
Cheonggyecheon Stream | Photo Credit: yeoul Shin on Unsplash
Walking south from Gyeongbokgung past the huge museums and galleries (worth a visit on your next trip), you’ll eventually come to Cheonggyecheon Stream, an 11 km-long urban renewal project that winds its way through downtown Seoul and is a favorite spot for young couples to walk or weary tourists to cool their heels.
Walk along up to the bridge of Ujeongguk-ro, then head north until you’re drawn in by the soft chants coming from Jogyesa Temple. The temple grounds are beautifully decorated too, well worth a photo stop. Cross the road and walk through to Insadong-gil: the main tourist trail.
Visiting on a Sunday is perfect because the roads are closed to traffic, leaving you to browse the souvenirs and taste the array of street food to your heart’s content. Potato swirls, Turkish ice cream, kkultaraehoney and nut candy, hotteok fried sweet rice dough balls, and even IV drip bags of vodka mixers are all on the menu here.
Taste Korean BBQ at Hwanggeumjeong
Grilling Korean BBQ meat on a charcoal grill | Photo Credit: Subagus Indra on Unsplash
After a few snacks, we were excited to try traditional Korean BBQ. Hwanggeumjeong is perfect: floor seating, a cozy local vibe, friendly staff to help, and delicious food. It’s just a short walk from Anguk Station Exit 2. Wrap your grilled meat in a lettuce leaf with tasty condiments and enjoy a new level of BBQ goodness!
Enjoy stunning views of Seoul from N Seoul Tower
N Seoul Tower | Photo Credit: Joshua Delica on Unsplash
Finish your busy weekend with a visit to N Seoul Tower for stunning views of the city. It's a popular spot for couples, with thousands of "love locks" at the base. They’ve even made huge love lock trees! For the best experience, visit at sunset to watch the skyline change. You can walk there, take yellow bus 2 from Exit 4 of Chungmuro Station, or ride the cable car for a fun experience.
FAQs about 2 days in Seoul
Are 2 days enough for Seoul?
Two days in Seoul can definitely give you a good taste of the city, but it will be a bit rushed. With a well-planned 2-day itinerary in Seoul, you can visit the must-see spots like Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and N Seoul Tower.
If you're following a Seoul travel guide, you’ll have to prioritize based on your interests to make the most of your time, but it's definitely possible to have an unforgettable 2 days in Seoul.
What to do in Seoul, Korea, in 2 days?
In two days, you can enjoy a mix of history, culture, and fun in Seoul. Start with a day trip in Seoul to explore Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village. Then, get into the lively neighborhoods like Itaewon and Hongdae for food, shopping, and street art.
For the evening, head to N Seoul Tower for sweeping views of the city and wrap up your Seoul itinerary with some delicious Korean BBQ at a local spot like Hwanggeumjeong.
Is 2000 USD a lot in Korea?
Yes, 2000 USD can get you quite far in Korea! You’ll be able to cover accommodation, food, transportation, and sightseeing with plenty of room to spare. If you’re following a Seoul itinerary or planning a spontaneous day trip in Seoul, you’ll find that dining out and attractions are affordable.
What should you not miss in Seoul?
There are some things you absolutely shouldn’t miss during your 2-day itinerary in Seoul. Make sure to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and N Seoul Tower for amazing views.
If you have extra time, check out the popular neighborhoods like Myeongdong and Hongdae for shopping and nightlife. Of course, don’t forget to try Korean BBQ, which is a must on any 2 days in Seoul.
Start your 2-day Seoul adventure!
No matter if you have two full days or just a little time, Seoul will always impress you. With the right 2-day itinerary in Seoul, you can enjoy the city's rich history, lively culture, and amazing food. From the majestic Gyeongbokgung Palace to the vibrant streets of Itaewon, Seoul has something exciting for everyone!
By the end of your Seoul travel guide journey, you’ll have unforgettable memories and will definitely want to return. So, pack your bags and get ready for a fun and exciting day trip in Seoul!
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