During our time in summer school, we put together a short itinerary (because we are lazy people who get tired easily) to do some sightseeing and eat highly-recommended food in Seoul on the weekends. This itinerary is really meant to be as relaxing and enjoyable as possible, so we didn’t cram too many places and things into the day. It also stops after dinner (heh), so this is great for anyone who likes to call it a day early.
If you are also looking for a way to while your weekends away during summer school, or planning your next getaway to Seoul, do check out our 1 day itinerary!
(10:00 – 11:30) Gyeongbokgung Palace
Kick start your day with a trip to Gyeongbokgung Palace. You can rent hanboks at shops nearby and walk around the historical landmark to take photos (cos it’s free admission for those in hanboks!), learn a bit more about Korea’s history, as well as watch the guard-changing ceremony. That’s quite a fair bit of stuff to do, so 1.5 to 2 hours is definitely not too long to spend here.
Address: 161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 종로구 사직로 161 (세종로)
(11:30 – 12:30) Lunch at Tosokchon Samgyetang
This samgyetang is really famous, and I highly recommend that you try this if a) you’re a big fan of samgyetang, b) you want to eat authentic samgyetang, c) okay you get my point. Do try and reach before the lunch crowd kicks in though – it can get very crowded.
From Gyeongbokgung Palace main entrance, walk 1 block along Sajik-ro street to your right then turn right to Jahamun-ro street and walk some few meters then turn left to Jahamun-ro 5-gil street.
Address: 5, Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 종로구 자하문로5길 5 (체부동)
(12:30 – 13:00) Travel to Bukchon Hanok Village
This actually took us a bit more time and effort than we had expected, but it is a great way to burn off all that samgyetang from lunch. We got a little lost here, but feel free to ask directions from any helpful passerby!
(13:00 – 15:30) Bukchon Hanok Village
Don’t fret if you didn’t get the chance to don hanboks in Gyeongbukgong, because here’s another chance! There are many interesting shops hidden around, so enjoy a leisurely stroll around this residential area (yes, there are residents still staying here!) in a peaceful afternoon while having some delicious soft serve.
Address: 37, Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 종로구 계동길 37 (계동)
(15:30 – 16:00) Travel to Insadong
This is relatively easier to find – simply retrace your steps back to Anguk Station and you will find Insadong nearby.
(16:00 – 17:00) Insadong
If you like art, Insadong is for you. This neighbourhood is full of galleries and traditional restaurants, teahouses, and cafes – you get the gist. Do take note that this is quite a tourist hot spot, but it gets even more crowded on weekends because the locals come here as well to enjoy their weekends.
(17:00 – 17:30) Bukchon Son Mandu
Another highly-recommended food place, you’d be excited to see all the types of mandu they have available here. The queue can get super long during meal hours too, so come early (yes, even before 6PM) if you want to get a seat.
THEVYPEFFECT 
It is indeed a relaxing one day itinerary in Seoul but thanks for the write-up. I had been wanting to travel to Seoul and I am more interested in Korean food.
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