48 Hours in Seoul, South Korea: A Bookable Guide to Vibrant Mix of Tradition and Trend
Seoul has a lot to offer, from shopping and dining in Myeongdong to walking through imperial history at Gyeongbokgung Palace to exploring Korean culture at Bukchon Hanok Village to admiring Changdeokgung Palace and its Secret Garden to getting artsy in Insadong and finally, getting bird's eye views from Namsan Seoul Tower. Even with only two days, you can taste the best of Korea’s capital.
This guide lays out an easy, bookable 48-hour itinerary — including direct links to tours, tickets, and hotels — so you can plan your trip without stress.
Day 1 – Classic Seoul
Morning: Start at Gyeongbokgung Palace the largest of Seoul’s five palaces. Pre-book a guided tour guided tour to learn its history and watch the changing of the guard.
Lunch: Try bibimbap or bulgogi at a traditional restaurant in Insadong.
Afternoon: Explore Bukchon Hanok Village and stroll through Insadong’s art galleries and tea houses. Book a Hanbok rental experience for photos in traditional dress.
Evening: Head to Myeongdong for street food (tteokbokki, hotteok) and shopping. Stay in a central hotel or stylish guesthouse nearby.
Day 2 – Modern Seoul + Views
Morning: Visit N Seoul Tower on Namsan Mountain for panoramic city views. Buy skip-the-line tickets in advance.
Lunch: Enjoy Korean fried chicken or a café brunch in Hongdae.
Afternoon: Take a K-Pop walking tour in Gangnam or join a cooking class to make kimchi and other staples.
Evening: Explore Dongdaemun Design Plaza or go on a night food tour to discover Seoul after dark.
Where to Stay in Seoul
Find boutique hotels, guesthouses, or modern high-rise stays in Myeongdong, Hongdae, or Gangnam.
6 Reasons Why Seoul should be on Your 2026 bucket list
Culinary experiences. Eating my way through the Myeongdong night markets single-handedly carried my South Korean experience. I don't blame you if you love Kimchi, Bimbibap and barbecue.
Every shopaholic's dream. Korean skincare has proven to be undefeated, so there's lots to explore, sample, and purchase in the top city for skin care. Spend an afternoon exploring the local shops in Insadong or spend the morning taking advantage of duty-free at Shinsegae Duty-Free Myeongdong. I enjoyed the range of cosmetic products through the various shopping areas - snail eye cream could be as cheap as $6, so there's something for everyone.
Tailored Sight-seeing. Believe me when I tell you there's something for every traveler in Seoul. If you want to see the Namsan Tower, have a bird's eye view of Seoul, taste street food in Myeongdong, or walk through imperial history at the Gyeonbokgung Palace, there's something for everyone.
Next-level nightlife. Seoul has some of the world's top-tier nightlife. If you love the bar ambiance and the party lifestyle, add the towns of Itaewon, Hongdae, and Gangnam to your Seoul itinerary. You will have the time of your life.
It's an exquisite nature scene. During my trek to Namsan Tower Seoul, I strolled with the locals through Namsan Park and Namsan BaekBeom Square. That was one of my most peaceful experiences in Seoul.
It is K Drama, K-Pop, and Korean anime heaven. Seoul is the perfect place to shop your favorite Korean comics or see your favorite K-Pop artist in concert. Before booking a flight, look up the experiences you'd like to be a part of and tailor your travel dates to that. If your favorite K-pop artist happens to be on tour, add that to your Seoul itinerary.
Eat and sightsee through Seoul with my 48-hour itinerary.
Start booking your flight throughBooking.com I recommend making Seoul the first leg of your trip because shorter trips packed with endless activities can burn you out. You can relax on the next leg of the Southeast Asia trip.
Shopped and dined in Myeongdong. Shopping and dining in Myeongdong was hands down my fondest experience in Seoul. I walked from booth to booth, tasting different Korean street foods and spending the least money. I tried the fried mini crabs, Yangnyeom Tongdak, fried chicken, Hweori Gamja - Tornado Potato, and Bungeoppang - Fish-shaped Bread.
Walk through imperial history at Gyeongbokgung Palace. Located in the heart of Seoul, Gyeongbokbung Palace was once the residence of a royal family, specifically the Joseon dynasty, during the 14th century. It embodies Korean history and tradition; hence, I rented a Hanbok and took photos at the palace. If you do nothing else during your layover in Seoul, visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Explore Korean culture at Bukchon Hanok Village. Bukchon Hanok Village is located in the Jongno District in Seoul. The neighborhood features traditional Korean houses known as hanoks. It gives you a glimpse into the country's rich cultural heritage. Traveling is all about getting a taste of a destination's authenticity.
Admire Changdeokgung Palace and Secret Garden. Changdeokgung Palace is one of the only palaces with a secret garden. The forested mountain landscape at the palace's rear is a beautiful attraction constructed for his family during the reign of King Taejong. Changdeokgung Palace is home to many significant cultural treasures.
Get artsy in Insadong. I enjoyed walking through Insadong because of the countless Korean eateries and teahouses. Within walking distance from the Gyeongbokung Palace, Insadong is revered for its unique antiques and artwork in Seoul. Buy a souvenir, eat some traditional Korean dishes, and get lost in the artsy alleys.
Get bird's eye views from Namsan Seoul Tower. The city view of Seoul at the top of Namsan Mountain is beautiful. Namsan Tower is also considered a national landscape in Seoul, so add it to your list. A bus takes you to the top of the mountain, but it is also hike-worthy. It's a two-and-a-half-long trail, estimated to be an hour-long hike, depending on your pace. Due to the location of the Namsan Seoul Tower, it is considered the highest point in Seoul, hence the iconic city views.
There you have it — 48 hours in Seoul. Save for your 2026 travels! Feel free to share your recommendations.
Happy Traveling! Xx