How To Make The Most Of 1 Day In Seoul: A Crazy 24 Hour Guide

1 day in Seoul! Are you having a long layover in Seoul, South Korea? Why not extend your layover to a full day? Let me show you how to make the most of one day in Seoul! I’ve visited Seoul over fifteen times since 2020, and it’s quickly become one of my favourite destinations.

From traditional spots like Bukchon Village and Gyeongbokgung Palace to shopping in Myeongdong and clubbing until dawn in Hongdae or Itaewon, we’ve got it all covered. Let’s enjoy Seoul to the fullest in one day!

We’re not playing around! We’re taking these 24 hours in Seoul seriously! So, put on your walking shoes and grab a few iced Americanos (Koreans love iced Americanos, even during winter!) to stay awake and energised during this trip!

Do not forget to check out the perfect 5-Day Itinerary to Seoul or my Ultimate Solo Female Travel Guide to Seoul!

Can you see Seoul in One Day?

Seeing Seoul in one day is ambitious, but it is possible if you’re ready to go full throttle, as on this itinerary! In just 24 hours, you will see almost everything in Seoul.

You can do the highlights at a relaxed pace in 24 hours. I would start your morning at Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village, which are iconic for Seoul.

Have lunch in Insadong and explore the area, and after, shop your way through the bustling streets of Myeongdong. And as evening falls, enjoy the neon-lit nightlife in Hongdae or Itaewon.

What is the best time to visit Seoul?

Spring is a favourite time to visit Seoul, particularly during cherry blossom season, when the city’s palaces and parks burst into dreamy pink blooms. The mild temperatures make it ideal for exploring comfortably. Just be prepared for bigger crowds in April, as it’s a peak travel season.

September is hands-down my favourite time of year. The air turns crisp, the skies are clear, and the weather will still be warm. In November, Seoul transforms into a canvas of fiery red, amber, and gold. Fall is ideal for sightseeing and hiking.

How to get around in Seoul?

Getting around in Seoul by subway is a breeze, especially if you’re watching your budget. The country’s public transport is efficient, affordable, and super easy to use—just grab a T-money card and download a Naver Maps to make life even easier.

That said, I’ll admit—sometimes I ditched public transport altogether and took a cab. If it meant skipping a 40-minute subway ride for a breezy 20-minute taxi with air-con, I was all in.

Where to stay in Seoul for 24 hours

L7 Myeongdong by Lotte

L7 Myeongdong by Lotte is a solid pick if you want to be in the heart of the action. Just a short stroll from Myeongdong Station, this hotel puts you right in the middle of the district’s buzzing shopping streets, food stalls, and beauty stores.

The spacious rooms and larger bathrooms are perfect after a full day of sightseeing. Plus, there’s a rooftop bar with incredible skyline views while enjoying a drink.

1-day in Seoul itinerary

7:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Bukchon Hanok Village

Bukchon Hanok Village is a must-see whenever you’re in Seoul. This charming neighbourhood is packed with traditional Korean houses called hanoks, giving you a real taste of Korea’s rich history. I love wandering through the narrow alleys and checking out the architecture.

The views are amazing, with the modern Seoul skyline in the background. Bukchon Hanok Village is a residential area, so be quiet and respectful. Getting there early is the best way to avoid the crowds!

The main street with the best view for photos is Bukchon Yukgyeong. You can look for it on Google Maps! If you’re up for coffee, check out E-Chae Cafe. I love this little cafe with a little garden, and it opens at 8 a.m.

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Gyeongbokgung Palace

Explore Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of the Five Grand Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty and the biggest attraction in Seoul! You can visit Seoul and not see the palace, so adding this to our one-day itinerary is a must!

If you come in traditional Korean clothing, such as a hanbok, you can enter the palace free. But the entrance fee won’t break the bank, setting you back a small $2. There are several places near the palace and Insadong where you can rent a hanbok if you want to.

You could easily walk around the palace for a few hours, and getting there so early in the morning would allow you to see it without the massive crowds. Don’t miss the changing of the guard ceremony at 10:00 a.m.!

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Insadong and Ikseon-dong

From Gyeongbokgung Palace, we’ll walk to Insadong and Ikseon-dong, a neighbourhood known for its traditional tea houses, art galleries, antique shops, boutiques and restaurants. You can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in one of the many cute cafes.

Stroll through the streets and stop at Namusae Tea House for a cup of tea! The main shopping street in Insadong is Insadong Culture Street.

Insadong is also great for a good lunch after a long morning! How about authentic Korean bossam? Bossam is boiled, marinated, and sliced pork eaten with cabbage leaves and lots of banchan (side dishes). My favourite place in Insadong is Maneul Bossam.

Are you more in the mood for mandu (Korean dumplings)? Check out Bukchon Son Mandu, which has tasty boiled and fried dumplings at a super affordable price! It can get busy during lunch break, but the wait shouldn’t be that long!

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: N Seoul Tower

From Insadong, we’re taking the cable car up to N Seoul Tower and enjoying a panoramic view of Seoul! The views are very Instagrammable and iconic, making it a must-do stop for your one-day adventure in Seoul!

You could take the cable car up and walk the way down, but since we’re short on time, I suggest taking the cable car! The observation tower has a great view of Seoul and shows the direction to various other destinations.

A ticket to Namsan Tower is around $15 per person. You’ll pay separately when using the cable cars.

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Myeongdong

From N Seoul Tower, we’re heading to Myeongdong, a fantastic shopping district famous for its skincare and cosmetics shops. Here, you must stock up on K-Beauty products in one of the many skincare stores.

Myeongdong has a lot of streets, but the main one is called “Myeongdong Shopping Street.” The area is packed with stores and restaurants, and gets pretty busy in the evening!

When hunting for skincare deals, it’s worth shopping around a bit. But don’t let the sales ladies trick you into buying more than you want! They often offer a ‘duty-free’ discount for spending a certain amount.

Olive Young is a famous skincare store in South Korea, and you’ll find a huge one in Myeong-dong!

Starting in the late afternoon, Myeong-dong is the place for street food. Street food stalls pop up, offering the perfect chance to taste Korean treats. I recommend trying “hotteok” (Korean sweet pancakes) or “tteokbokki” (spicy rice cakes)!

You could spend your evening in Myeongdong, fill up on street food for dinner, and maybe skip Hongdae. From here, head to the Starfield Library and then enjoy a walk along the Han River!

Myeongdong is a must on this one-day layover in Seoul!

5:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Dinner in Hongdae

Head over to Hongdae, a neighbourhood buzzing with student energy, bars, and clubs! You’ll notice the average age is quite young, but that doesn’t spoil the fun!

Grab dinner at a Korean BBQ restaurant, where you can grill your meat at the table, or go for some authentic Korean Fried Chicken—both are fantastic! Local favourites for Korean Fried Chicken are BBQ or Nene Chicken.

After dinner, take a stroll through the lively streets of Hongdae. Check out the street performers and buskers; you might even catch a glimpse of future K-pop stars showing off their skills.

If you like dancing, Hongdae has plenty of clubs that are open until the early morning!

And don’t forget to capture some memories with a photo booth session! These unmanned booths are scattered around Seoul, filled with fun props, and let you take home some awesome photos. It’s a must-do when you’re in the city!

7:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Starfield Library

The Starfield Library, located in Starfield Coex Mall, is an iconic sight in Seoul! It’s on the other side of the city in Gangnam, but it’s worth the trip to make the most of your one-day itinerary in Seoul.

You’ve probably seen those Instagram photos of the impressive library wall behind an escalator. It’s not exactly a traditional library—more like a mall with a library-inspired section. Still, it’s pretty cool to see, even if it doesn’t quite give off those Belle and the Beast vibes!

If you’re up to making the trip to the other side of Seoul and you’re a content creator, it’s a cool spot! If you’re into a slow evening, I’d say skip and head over to the Han River!

9:00 PM – 11:00 PM: Han River Night Stroll

Our final stop in this whirlwind 1-day in Seoul itinerary! It’s time to wind down before getting some sleep. Take a peaceful late-night stroll along the Han River. The night views of the city skyline are stunning, making it a perfect way to relax after a busy day. You’ll need a moment to let all these Seoul memories sink in.

Grab a beer from a convenience store and unwind near the Banpo Bridge. In the summer, there’s a light show near the bridge that’s worth catching. The area around the Han River gets lively with people having picnics or just enjoying a drink to relax!

This one-day itinerary for Seoul is completely packed and insane!😅 As I said, we’re making the most of it! Be sure to check each location on Google Maps and account for travel time between sights.

Feel free to remove the sights that don’t interest you or spend more time in a location you love. Adjust this itinerary to your liking. I’ve included the best sights and activities in Seoul!

If it gets too hectic, consider swapping the Starfield Library and the Han River for each other.

Did you make this 24-hour Seoul itinerary work? Let me know in the comments below! I’d love to hear about your experience! Don’t forget to check out my Must Know Tips For First-Time Travel To Seoul! It will save you from a few mistakes I made when travelling to Korea!