Day 1 — Palaces & Traditional Culture
Morning: Gyeongbokgung Palace (9:00–11:30)
Arrive at opening (9am). Explore the main throne hall (Geunjeongjeon), the beautiful Hyangwonjeong Pavilion, and the National Folk Museum within the grounds. ₩3,000.
Tip: Rent hanbok (traditional Korean dress) from shops on the street behind the palace for free entry.
Changing of the guard: Reenacted at Heungnyemun Gate at 10am and 2pm.
Late Morning: Bukchon Hanok Village (11:30–13:00)
Walk from Gyeongbokgung. Traditional wooden hanok houses on a hillside. Best photography looking down from Gahoe-ro street.
Afternoon: Insadong (13:00–16:00)
Traditional crafts market, tea houses, street food. Have lunch at a traditional Korean restaurant. Browse traditional paper (hanji) and ceramics.
Evening: Korean BBQ Dinner (18:00–21:00)
Take the subway to Mapo neighborhood — samgyeopsal (pork belly) restaurants line the streets. Order pork belly, leaf wraps, and order soju.
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Day 2 — DMZ Tour
Full Day: DMZ (8:30–17:30)
The Demilitarized Zone — the world’s most fortified border between North and South Korea. Book a guided tour (₩50,000–70,000) that includes:
- Joint Security Area (JSA) at Panmunjom
- Bridge of No Return
- 3rd Infiltration Tunnel (dug by North Korea)
- Dora Observatory (view into North Korea)
- Dorasan Train Station (southernmost station in South Korea)
Book in advance: Tours require pre-registration with US or Korean military. Klook and Viator handle all paperwork.
Evening: N Seoul Tower or Hongdae
N Seoul Tower for city views after the DMZ intensity. Or Hongdae neighborhood for street performances and energetic atmosphere.
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Day 3 — Markets & Modern Seoul
Morning: Gwangjang Market (9:00–11:00)
Seoul’s oldest traditional market. Mayak gimbap (addictive tiny rice rolls), bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), yukhoe (beef tartare). Eat before 11am when it gets crowded.
Afternoon: Bukhansan Hike or Myeongdong (choose)
Hiking option: Bukhansan National Park. Doobongsan trail for dramatic ridge views. 4–5 hours. Take subway to Dobongsan station.
Shopping option: Myeongdong for K-beauty brands, street food (egg bread, twisted potatoes, corn dogs), Lotte department store.
Evening: Han River at Sunset (17:00–19:00)
Rent a bicycle along the Han River. Evening picnic culture — convenience store food on the riverside. Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain show (April–October, 20-minute shows hourly).
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DMZ tours from Seoul are the most unique Korea experience — book well in advance as they require pre-registration. Klook handles all paperwork.