Owl Over The World

27 Things to Do in Seoul in 7 Days as a First-Time Visitor

Bilyana

Make the most out of your 7 days in Seoul with my comprehensive guide to things to do as a first-time visitor.

From iconic Seoul attractions to hidden gems, I cover the best things to do, what and where to eat, and tips for planning your trip.

Seoul Know Before You Go

 

Since this blog will focus on things to do in Seoul in 7 days for first-time visitors, I want to encourage you to check out my other blogs about traveling to Seoul. In my Seoul travel tips blog, I answer common questions like when is the best time to visit Seoul, how to get around, and how the Korean tax refund system works. And in my other blog, helpful travel apps for visiting South Korea, I list the essential apps every tourist should download before embarking on their Seoul adventure. I believe these three blog posts together cover all the information you need to make the most out of your 7-day trip to Seoul.

 

Quick 7 Days in Seoul FAQ

 

How many days is enough for Seoul?

While Seoul’s highlights can be explored in 3–5 days, spending 7 days in Seoul allows you to experience the city at a more relaxed pace. 7 days are ideal for visiting Seoul for the first time, giving you time to visit landmarks, indulge in Korean food, shop, and take day trips to nearby attractions.

How to spend 7 days in Seoul?

To make the most of your first time in Seoul, a weeklong itinerary allows you to explore historical landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and hidden gems. It also allows you to try as much of the local food as possible and even explore nearby attractions and places of interest.

Continue reading to see my detailed list of things to do in Seoul, with activities and attractions spread across seven unforgettable days. I would also list a suggested itinerary of day-to-day activities and attractions to visit.

How much money do I need to take for 7 days in Seoul?

Spending seven days in Seoul can vary greatly depending on your travel style and preferences. You could stay in hostels or luxury hotels, eat street food, or indulge in dining experiences. There are also plenty of things to do in Seoul for free and some attractions that cost quite a lot. Here’s a rough breakdown of Seoul travel costs:

With all this being said, I think a budget of between 500-1,000 EUR (depending on your travel style and preferences) would be enough for a 7-day trip to Seoul (excluding flights, of course).

 

Things to Do in 7 Days in Seoul for First-Time Visitors

 

1. Enjoy the City Views from Seoul N Tower

Enjoying the view from Namsan Mountain is hands down one of the best things to do in Seoul. The Seoul N Tower, also called Namsan Tower (because of its location atop Namsan Mountain), is a 236-meter-tall tower and offers a mix of romance, entertainment, and breathtaking scenery.

It is a great place to watch the sunset and before it, you can also enjoy a leisurely walk through the surrounding park. The tower also features an observation deck providing a 360-degree view of Seoul. There are a few restaurants and cafes available from which you can grab a drink or a bite while enjoying the view.

Lovers can also bring a locker. The tower’s fence and walls are covered in padlocks left by couples as a symbol of their everlasting love.

💰 21, 00 KRW (14 EUR) – for the tower’s observation deck; the grounds surrounding the tower are free to visit

⌚ From 10 am to 10:30 pm on weekdays and until 11 pm on weekends

 

2. Visit the National Museum of Korea

Established in 1945, the National Museum of Korea is the largest museum in the country and one of Seoul’s top attractions. The museum houses a vast collection of over 220,000 artifacts that tell the story of Korea’s rich history, culture, and art. From prehistoric relics to contemporary art, this museum offers a comprehensive journey through Korea’s past.

Don’t miss the Ten-Story Pagoda of Gyeongcheonsa, an intricately carved stone pagoda that dates back to the Goryeo Dynasty.

💰 Free

⌚ From 10 am to 6 pm every day except for Saturdays and Wednesdays when it is open until 9 pm

 

3. Gyeongbokgung Palace

The Gyeongbokgung Palace, also known as the “Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven,” is one of Seoul’s most iconic landmarks. Built in 1395 during the Joseon Dynasty, it is the largest and most beautiful of Seoul’s Five Grand Palaces. The fusion of history, culture, and beautiful architecture makes it a must-visit spot for anyone visiting Seoul for the first time.

You can also watch the changing of the guard ceremony (a colorful traditional ritual) and even rent a hanbok (traditional Korean attire) to explore the palace grounds for free.

💰 3, 000 KRW (2 EUR)

⌚ Operating hours:

 

4. Visit the Beautiful Eunpyeong Hanok Village

From all the historical, cultural, modern, entertainment, etc. things to do in Seoul, visiting and exploring Eunpyeong Hanok Village has to be my favorite. Located near the foothills of Bukhansan National Park on the outskirts of Seoul, Eunpyeong Hanok Village, was established in December 2014 by the City of Seoul as a historical, cultural, and tourist site. It is made up of over 150 hanoks, cafes and restaurants, galleries and museums, a temple, and more.

My favorite thing about Eunpyeong Hanok Village is its closeness to nature. From here, you can even visit Bukhansan National Park, which is something I didn’t know about when I was there, unfortunately. If you don’t want to miss out on it as well, I found this trail online that you could use as guidance for hiking from Eunpyeong Hanok Village to Bukhansan National Park.

 

5. Create Your Own Unique Scent

One of the most unique things to do in Seoul is create your own unique scent. I randomly learned about this experience on TikTok (of course) and instantly thought that it was something I would love to do. I suggested it to my partner, he also loved the idea, and we signed up. It turned out to be a highlight of our trip.

Overall, it is a pretty cool and fun experience in which craft a one-of-a-kind scent that reflects your personality and style. You start by sampling the selection of smells available to find the ones you want to use in your perfume. Then, you start mixing them together to find the best formula for the best results. In the end, the instructor dilutes it and returns the ready-to-use perfume to you. You also get to name your fragrance and have it printed on the label.

Six months after this experience when I am writing this article, both my partner and I are still using our unique scents.

The experience of creating your scent is made possible by Greedy Scent (we booked through their Instagram profile). They currently have two locations in Seoul, one in Yeonnam and one in Bukchon.

💰 50, 000 KRW per person (34 EUR)

⌚ The experience lasts for about an hour, and hour and a half

 

6. Visit Bukchon Hanok Village

Bukchon Hanok Village is known as one of the best places in Seoul to experience traditional Korean architecture. Although I don’t completely agree with that, I still think it is worth the visit. With its authentic hanok houses, this village serves as a living museum. The architecture and tranquility of the narrow alleyways provide a glimpse into traditional Korean life.

It is a charming area to explore but it could get crowded. Still, wandering through its narrow streets, you can always find a peaceful spot as most tourists mainly stay on the ”main” street of the village. Also, please note that this is a residential area; be respectful towards the people living there and their homes.

In this area, you can also rent a hanbok (Korean traditional attire).

 

7. Explore Ikseondong Hanok Street

Exploring Ikseondong Hanok Street is one of the best things anyone should do when visiting Seoul. This area of narrow alleys is lined with hanoks (traditional Korean houses) converted into trendy cafés, boutique shops, and restaurants. It is very touristy but super nice and super cute. It is also very popular among locals, especially the cool cafes and restaurants in the area.

One particular place that I would recommend in Ikseondong is Seoul’s Cheese Industry dessert and coffee shop. As a huge cheese lover, naturally, I couldn’t miss such a place. Here, you can find a great variety of cheese-based desserts and drinks, including maple burrata and berry nuts brie pasties, gouda cheesecake, and cream cheese foam coffee.

Another place that we found cool and fun was the Ikseon Shooting Club.

 

8. Indulge in Korean Food

Trying as much local food as possible should be anyone’s top priority when visiting Seoul. From Korean BBQ to spicy stews, Seoul’s food scene is unmatched.

Here are some suggestions of local dishes to try on your 7-day trip to Seoul.

Overall, a typical Korean meal consists of a bowl of rice, a bowl of soup or stew, and some side dishes as accompaniments. And due to the extensive use of natural and seasonal food products, Korean cuisine is considered one of the healthiest in the world.

Here are also some restaurant recommendations for you:

 

9. See the Hongjecheon Ingong Waterfall

During your 7-day visit to Seoul, don’t miss out on checking out the Hongjecheon Ingong Waterfall. It is an artificial waterfall established in 2011 and is 25 meters high and 60 meters wide. It blends seamlessly with the surrounding nature so many people can’t believe it has been man-made.

The waterfall is part of Hongjecheon Park, which you could also explore when visiting.

 

10. Try Seoul’s Snacks

Seoul’s convenience stores are a treasure trove of unique snacks, perfect for a quick bite or a full-on tasting adventure. The list of those snacks is endless, but I’ll share some that I found interesting and can recommend you try during your 7-day Seoul itinerary:

 

11. Visit the Tongin Market (or any other Seoul market)

Visiting the local markets of the destinations I visit is one of my favorite things about traveling. Markets are always vibrant, full of life, and packed with local culture. They’re the perfect place to sample authentic street food, shop for unique souvenirs, and interact with locals, giving you a real sense of the destination. And in Seoul, it is not any different. There are plenty of markets around Seoul that you could visit,  I, personally, enjoyed the Tongin market, which is more unknown and less touristy.

Originally established in 1941 during the Japanese occupation, Tongin Market offers an authentic taste of Korean culture and food. This market is all about food with over 70 vendors from which you can buy and try traditional Korean street food snacks like tteokbokki, mandu, and more.

It is located near Gyeongbokgung Palace, which makes it convenient to visit before or after you explore the palace.

Here are some other markets in Seoul, you could also check out while exploring the city:

⌚ From 7 am to 9 pm (varies by store)

 

12. Do a Color Analysis

Color analysis is a popular beauty trend in Seoul that helps you determine the colors that best suit your skin tone, hair color, and overall appearance. I saw so many videos of people doing it on TikTok before going that I got curios and decided to give I a try, too. I always thought I knew very well which colors suit me best, but I was quite surprised with some of the results.

During a color analysis session, the consultant will drape you with fabrics in various colors and tones, observing how each affects your complexion. The goal is to identify whether you fall into categories like warm autumn, cool summer, or others, which can guide your choices in clothing, accessories, and makeup.

For those looking to go a step further, many studios offer additional style consultations. These might include analyzing the types of clothing that best suit your body shape, suggesting hairstyles that complement your face shape, or even advising on your personal style profile to help you look your best.

Color analysis studios are widespread in Seoul and since the experience has become kind of a touristy thing, many studios now have English-speaking consultants. I personally went with youcolor_d, and I can wholeheartedly recommend their services. The consultant, Diana, was professional, and friendly, and provided detailed explanations throughout the process.

Please note that color analysis sessions are extremely popular, so booking your appointment well ahead of time is essential. Many studios are booked weeks in advance, and last-minute slots can be hard to find.

💰 Price varies depending on the studio and the consultant, I, for example, paid 85, 000 KRW (57 EUR)

⌚ The color analysis typically lasts about 1 hour

 

13. Visit the Starfield Library in COEX Mall

Located in the heart of the COEX Mall, the Starfield Library is a two stories, open-space library featuring over 50, 000 books and magazines. The floor-to-ceiling bookshelves are particularly loved by photographs and the library has turned into one of the most Instagrammable spots in all of Seoul.

You can pick up any book or magazine from the shelves and read in one of the comfortable seating areas.

⌚ Every day from 10:30 am to 10 pm

 

14. Relax in Seoul’s Lovely Parks

Seoul’s parks and green areas are so cute and well-maintained. The parks throughout the city are thoughtfully designed to cater to different interests, from leisurely strolls and picnics to fitness and cultural exploration. Meaning, that you will find big, green meadows that are ideal for picnics, winding pathways for walking or jogging, fitness equipment to use for free, and art installations or historical landmarks that reflect Korea’s culture and heritage. Parks like Naksan Park, for example, incorporate sections of the historic fortress wall, blending leisure with a touch of Seoul’s rich past.

In one of the parks, we even came across a shared garden—a concept that I find absolutely amazing. Based on the information I found later, there are 27 community park gardens in Seoul, and the maintenance is done collaboratively between the state and the community members. How nice, a?

 

15. Explore and Shop in Myeongdong

Myeongdong is one of Seoul’s liveliest districts and perhaps the best-known one. It is popular for its bustling streets lined with shops and food stalls, making it the ultimate destination for fashion, cosmetics, and street food enthusiasts.

Around Myeongdong, you would find Korean fashion brand stores, international brand stores like Adidas, Fila, etc., Korean cosmetic brand stores, like Laneige, Missha, Tony Moly, Medi Heal, and many more, Olive Young branches, and numerous supermarkets selling all types of Korean snacks. There is a huge HBAF store in Myeongdong, too, where you can try all the varieties of Korea’s favorite coated almonds.

Don’t miss the Myeongdong Cathedral, the birthplace of the Roman Catholic Church community in Korea.

 

16. Dance with the Gangnam Style Statue

I’m sure everyone remembers one of the world’s most popular songs that reached over 5 billion views on YouTube—Gangnam Style by Psy. The song is basically about life in Seoul’s Gangnam district (in Psy’s view) and how the ladies from it are noble during the day but go crazy at night time.

The song became so viral that it is considered a major catalyst in the “Korean wave”, or “hallyu”, a term describing the recent proliferation of Korean culture internationally.

So, three years after the release of the iconic song, a statue was placed in the Gangnam district in honor of it. The statue is shaped like the famous “horse-riding dance” move, with two interlocking hands frozen mid-dance. It is a great starting point for exploring the district and, of course, everyone can strike a pose and take a photo with it. There are also speakers playing the song, so you can dance along while you’re there.

The Gangnam Statue, one of the coolest things to see in Seoul in 7 days, lives in front of the COEX Mall where the Starfield library mentioned above is located.

 

17. Check Out and Shop at the Hyundai Department Store

The Hyundai Department Store is one of South Korea’s premier luxury shopping destinations. Even if you’re not planning to splurge on luxury items, the Hyundai Department Store is worth visiting for its window into Korea’s luxury lifestyle and its food halls. It also has a very beautiful interior with an indoor waterfall that is also cool to see.

Of course, the food court in the basement was my favorite spot. Here, you can enjoy a variety of cafes and restaurants at affordable prices.

If you decide to also do a color analysis and choose to go to the same place I went to, then the Hyundai Department Store will be pretty much on your way.

 

18. Check Out Bongeunsa Temple

While exploring Gangnam after visiting the Starfield library and the statue, we randomly stumbled upon the beautiful Bongeunsa Temple—a place that I believe everyone should spare the time to see during their 7 days in Seoul. Originally built in 794, this Buddhist temple is steeped in history and remains a significant spiritual center.

Don’t miss checking out the towering, 23-meter Maitreya Buddha Statue that overlooks the temple grounds.

💰 Free

⌚ Every day from 5 am to 10 pm

 

19. Spend a Day at Lotte World and Visit Lotte World Tower

Lotte World is a massive entertainment complex that includes an indoor theme park, an outdoor amusement park, a shopping mall, and even an artificial lake. It’s one of the most popular family-friendly attractions in Seoul.

The indoor-themed park is the largest of its kind in the entire world and features thrilling rides, VP experiences, karting, and much, much more. The outdoor amusement park also has a lot to offer like the swing tree or bungee drop.

Additionally, there is also an ice skating park and an aquarium as part of the complex, and a million other things really.

The highlight, however, is the Lotte World Tower (Korea’s tallest skyscraper and 6th in the world) which offers an observation deck to enjoy a panoramic view of all of Seoul.

💰 Differs depending on the attractions you want to see, etc. (buy tickets online in advance to save time and money)

⌚ Also differs depending on where you want to go and what you want to see, so check online

 

20. Watch the Light Show at Banpodaegyo Bridge

Recognized as the world’s longest bridge fountain by Guinness, the Moonlight Rainbow Fountain Show at Banpodaegyo Bridge is a unique fusion of art, technology, and nature. The water streams dance to various tunes, from classical music to K-pop, while multicolored lights create a magical display. For the best view, get a spot at the surrounding parks, the Hangang River observation deck, or at the moon-shaped Moonlight Square.

A fascinating fact about the show is that 60 tons of water are sprayed into the Han River every minute that the Rainbow Fountain is operating. 60 tons!!

The show runs for 20 minutes, 4-5 times daily from April to October.

💰 Free

⌚ 7:30 pm; 8 pm; 8:30 pm; 9 pm and 12 pm (daytime show)

 

21. Go Café Hopping Around the City

Seoul is a haven for café enthusiasts, offering everything from trendy minimalist coffee shops to whimsical themed cafes. You can visit an all-pink cafe, animals (cats, dogs, raccoons) cafes, K-pop cafes, flower cafes, and many more. The list is long…

Here are the cafes I enjoyed the most in Seoul and can recommend:

 

22. See Pushkin’s Statue

You won’t find the statue of Pushin listed on other things to do in Seoul blogs and perhaps for a reason. It is not a traditional attraction and I guess a lot of travelers have passed through it without noticing it. However, if you enjoy literature and have read and are a fan of any of Pushkin’s masterpieces, you might want to stop by and check it out.

The statue was built as a symbol of bilateral exchange and you can see it right in front of the Lotte Hotel (near Myeongdong shopping street).

 

23. Explore Hongdae

No list of things to do in Seoul would be complete without Hongdae, the area surrounding Hongik University. Hongdae is one of Seoul’s trendiest neighborhoods known for its youthful energy and artistic vibe. Here, you can see street performances (we witnessed a K-pop performance), and street art, and explore the shops, restaurants, quirky cafes, and nightlife.

There are also many street vendors selling their crafts and an illusion museum (Coconut Box).

 

24. Enjoy Yeonnam, Seoul’s Hippiest Neighborhood

Once a quiet residential area, Yeonnam has transformed into Seoul’s hippest neighborhood. Or that’s what they say… I wouldn’t say I find it to be hippie, just trendy.

In Yeonnam, you can find art galleries and studios, local shops selling vintage clothing, handmade goods, and art pieces, and many cafes and restaurants. Here, I found this small bakery that makes pastel de natas, my favorite Portuguese dessert. Yeonnam is also where one of the Greedy Scent studios is located.

 

25. Get Your 1-Minute Caricature

Here is an idea for a unique souvenir to take home from Seoul—a 1-minute caricature, which you can get from talented street artists found in popular areas like Myeongdong and Hongdae.

There are multiple booths throughout these (and others) areas, which you can naturally discover while exploring, but you could also find them on the maps. Search on Naver for an Acorn caricature or Dotori caricature, and you should be able to see the ones that are closest to you.

💰 The price varies depending on how many people will be painted. It is about 9, 000 KRW (6 EUR) for one person and 18, 000 KRW (12 EUR) for two people.

 

26. Shop at Goto Underground Mall

Located beneath the Express Bus Terminal, Goto Mall (short for “Gangnam Terminal Underground Shopping Center”) is Seoul’s largest underground shopping mall, stretching over 800 meters. It’s a paradise for bargain hunters and those looking for Korean fashion and accessories. Prices for clothes, shoes, and accessories here are very affordable. I bought more things here that I would like to agree (skirts, shirts, t-shirts, pants, underwear, bracelets…).

Popular Korean beauty products are also available at a fraction of the cost compared to major retail stores although you probably wouldn’t find high-end cosmetic brands like Sulwhasoo, for example.

Make sure to bring cash though as some vendors don’t accept cards and those that do would charge you extra.

There is a food court as well.

 

27. Wander Aimlessly and Soak It All In

And last but not least, one of the best things to do in Seoul in 7 days is to just wander aimlessly around the city. Every neighborhood, every street, and every corner is full of unexpected surprises, from quirky street art to small hidden cafes and quiet parks.

Wandering aimlessly allows you to experience Seoul in an unfiltered, personal way. You’ll likely discover hidden gems that aren’t on any tourist map and create your own unique memories of the city.

 

An Example 7-Day Seoul (Day by Day) Itinerary of Things to do

 

This 7-day itinerary organizes the top attractions and activities by location to maximize your time while minimizing travel. It won’t, however, include the color analysis or the scent experience, as those depend on availability. I recommend you plan them ahead of time and see where they best fit in this itinerary.

This is an example of how you can plan to spend your 7 days in Seoul. Our itinerary didn’t look like that though. Here is what our 7-day itinerary in Seoul looked like:

In between these attractions and activities, we visited parks, cafes, and restaurants, shopped, and worked. And while we still managed to do it all (except Lotte), I think the first suggested itinerary makes more sense. Of course, you could do your own based on where you are staying and what you want to see and do in Seoul.

 

And that’s all folks! I hope that this article has given you a good overview of the best things to do in Seoul in 7 days as a first-time visitor. If you have any additional questions or comments, please let me know in the comment section below, and don’t hesitate to contact me.

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Thank you for reading,

Bilyana

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