1 Day in Seoul: A Solo Female Traveller’s Realistic 24-Hour Itinerary
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I’ve visited Seoul over 15 times since 2020, both for work as a flight attendant and on personal solo adventures. It’s one of my favourite cities in the world, and I’ve squeezed in dozens of fast-paced days exploring.
So trust me when I say: this itinerary is the real deal. Not a generic highlight reel, but the actual route I follow when I only have 24 hours in Seoul.
Whether you’re tackling Seoul on a layover, planning a tightly packed one-day visit, or just have 24 hours before flying onwards, I’ve got you covered.
From traditional spots like Bukchon Hanok Village and Gyeongbokgung Palace, to street food in Myeongdong, we’re hitting the highlights without rushing so much that you can’t enjoy them.
I know, there are a few more famous highlights, like the Starfield library, but truthfully, it doesn’t fully give off the Beauty and the Beast vibes and it’s all the way across the city.
If you’re thinking of planning a bigger trip to Seoul or South Korea, check out all my South Korea posts.
So lace up your sneakers, grab an iced Americano (yes, even in winter, Koreans are obsessed), and let’s get going.
TL;DR 1 day in seoul
- ⛑️ Do NOT travel without travel insurance: Check out Safety Wing for reliable travel insurance.
- 🏨 Stay in Myeongdong if it’s your first time. Check out L7 Myeongdong by Lotte.
- 🚆 Get a T-money card and you’re set for public transport to get around.
- ✈️ Book your ticket to Seoul with Skyscanner.
- 📞 Check out Airalo for great ESIM bundles.
- ☀️ Best time to visit Seoul: spring and autumn, skip summer.
1-day in Seoul itinerary: things to do
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
You can’t visit Seoul and not see the Gyeongbokgung 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 for 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.
You could easily walk around the palace for a few hours, and getting there 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 – 2:00 PM: Insadong and Ikseon-dong
From Gyeongbokgung Palace, walk to Insadong and Ikseon-dong. It’s one of my favourite areas in Seoul — a mix of traditional tea houses, art galleries, antique shops and really good food. Stop at Namusae Tea House for a cup of tea and just soak up the atmosphere.
For lunch, I have two recommendations depending on your mood. If you want something hearty and traditional, go to Maneul Bossam for Korean bossam — boiled pork with cabbage leaves and banchan.
If you’re in the mood for something lighter, Bukchon Son-mandu does incredible boiled and fried dumplings at a very affordable price. Both are local favourites and neither will disappoint.
Feeling more adventurous? Ikseon Yorok Restaurant (익선요록) in Ikseon-dong is a beautiful spot for a sit-down lunch with a more upscale Korean menu. The setting alone is worth it.
2:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Myeongdong
After Insadong, make your way to Myeongdong — one of my favourite spots in Seoul for an afternoon. It’s a fantastic shopping district famous for its skincare and cosmetics shops, and you could honestly spend hours here without noticing.
Stock up on K-Beauty products — Olive Young is the place to go and you’ll find a huge one right in the middle of Myeongdong. The main shopping street is Myeongdong Shopping Street, easy to find and impossible to miss.
As the afternoon turns into early evening, the street food stalls start popping up and that’s when Myeongdong really comes alive. This is your early dinner. I always go for tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), hotteok (sweet pancakes filled with brown sugar), and pork belly skewers. Just walk and eat — that’s the move.
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Han River
After getting your skincare and shopping fix done, head to the Han River. You can stroll around and see the beautiful sunset.
Or do what the locals do and sit down, grab fried chicken or ramen, and a cold beer from a convenience store and find a spot by the water. Locals do this all the time and it’s honestly one of my favourite things to do in Seoul.
There’s something really special about sitting by the Han River at night with the city lights reflecting on the water. No reservations, no rush, just Seoul at its best.
What better way to end a beautiful day in Seoul before heading to bed?
If you’d like more options on things to do, I’ve written a detailed post on things to do in Seoul for solo travellers.
Can you see Seoul in one day?
Yes, but seeing Seoul in one day is ambitious, but doable, especially if you plan smart and focus on neighbourhoods that are close together.
The good news? Many of Seoul’s must-see spots are clustered in the city centre. You can visit Myeongdong, Insadong, and Gyeongbokgung Palace all within a few hours, since they’re just a short walk or subway ride apart. From there, heading to the Han river in the evening is easy too.
The key is not trying to cross the entire city. Stick to central Seoul in the morning and afternoon, then work your way outward in the evening. That’s the approach I always take.
I’ve done this route plenty of times. When I’m in a time crunch, I love starting in Myeongdong and working my way through the city. You won’t see everything, but you’ll get a taste of Seoul’s energy, culture, shopping, and food, all in one crazy, wonderful day.
Do you have more time in Seoul? I highly recommend checking out my 5-day itinerary to Seoul, for a more relaxed pace to explore the city.
Or are you thinking about a full deep dive into South Korea? Read more about 10 days in South Korea, exploring Seoul and Busan.
Is Seoul Safe For Solo Female Travellers?
Seoul is genuinely one of the safest cities I’ve visited. The first time I noticed this was sitting in a busy pub watching people leave their personal belongings on tables while they grabbed drinks or went to the bathroom.
That would never happen in Europe. I felt completely safe walking around alone, even after dark, which honestly surprised me given how different Seoul felt compared to what I was used to.
That said, safe doesn’t mean careless. Basic travel sense still applies. Be aware of your surroundings, and trust your instincts like you would anywhere else. But if you take sensible precautions, Seoul is genuinely one of the best cities for solo female travel.
That said, I have a whole dedicated post on solo female travel safety in Seoul if you want the full picture before your trip.
What is the best time to visit Seoul?
Whatever you do, do not visit in summer. Summer is humid, hot, and sticky. I’ve made the mistake of visiting in July, and it was horrible.
For a fast-paced 24 hours in Seoul, spring and autumn are your best bet. Temperatures are mild and comfortable, which makes a big difference when you’re covering a lot of ground on foot.
How to Get From Incheon Airport to Seoul fast?
The fastest and easiest way to reach central Seoul is the AREX Express Train. This is what I always take. It’s clean, smooth, and takes less than an hour from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station (close to Myeongdong) with the non-stop option.
You’ll find ticket machines at the airport, and trains run frequently throughout the day. I always choose the express version, not the all-stop one—especially when time matters. You can also buy a ticket with Arex online through Klook for ease.
Can I Explore Seoul During a Layover?
Yes, you can explore Seoul during a layover, especially if you have around 24 hours. This itinerary would be perfect. If you’re arriving in the morning and flying out the next day—or staying overnight—this itinerary is a great way to make the most of your time.
Check out my in-dept post on what to do if you have a layover in Seoul and if it’s worth it.
How to get around in Seoul efficiently?
The Seoul subway system is extensive, colour-coded, and has signage in both Korean and English. It’s the best option if you want to cover lots of ground quickly and affordably.
One thing that surprised me the first time: the subway announcements are in English too, which makes it much less intimidating than you’d expect.
I recommend downloading Naver Maps or Kakao Maps before your trip. Google Maps won’t work properly for directions or public transport planning in Seoul.
To make your transport experience seamless, get a T-money card. It’s a rechargeable tap card that you can use across subways, buses, and even some taxis.
You can pick one up at convenience stores like GS25 or 7-Eleven, or at most subway stations. Top up your card with cash and tap in and out as you ride. Even for just one day in Seoul, I recommend using one.
Uber has been available in Seoul. I often take a taxi if it shaves off minutes of subway transfers. It has A/C, no transfers, no crowds, and it’s worth the extra won when you’re only in the city for 24 hours.
Where to stay in Seoul for 24 hours
If you’re only spending one day in Seoul, location is everything. You want to be close to major attractions, shopping streets, and great food, ideally with easy access to the subway.
After more than fifteen visits, I’ve stayed in several different neighbourhoods and Myeongdong is consistently my top pick for a short stay. For a deeper look at all your options, check out my full guide on where to stay in Seoul or these amazing boutique hotels in Seoul for solo female travellers.
Sarah’s favourite: 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, which I love.
FAQ’s about 1 day in Seoul
Can you leave Incheon Airport during a layover?
It depends on how long you’re layover is and if you have the necessary documents. If yes, I would give it a go! Ideally, you’ll want at least 12-24 hours to make the trip into the city worth it.
Is 1 day enough in Seoul?
One day isn’t enough to see everything, but it’s plenty to experience some of the city’s most iconic spots. If you plan well and use public transport efficiently, you can visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Myeongdong, and still have time for dinner in Hongdae or Itaewon.
How much money for one day in Seoul?
Seoul can be very affordable! I would say around $150 per night for a simple hotel in Myeongdong and maybe another $100 for sights, subway and simple eats.
Do I need cash in Seoul?
Yes, I would have some cash. But you don’t have to, you can pay with a credit card in all stores and on Uber. However, you need cash to top up your T-Money card and for street food in Myeong-dong.
Where should I stay in Seoul if I only have one night?
For short stays, I recommend Myeongdong. It’s central, walkable, and gives you easy access to most stops on this itinerary. L7 Myeongdong is a reliable, well-located option.
Plan your trip
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Use my travel planning roadmap with all my digital resources to book every detail of your trip!
How to Make the Most of One Day in Seoul
To make the most of one day in Seoul, focus on walkable neighbourhoods, use the subway or Uber to save time, and prioritise experiences that feel like you.
You don’t need to see every corner of the city to feel its energy. From hanbok at Gyeongbokgung to street food in Myeongdong and sunset by the Han River, this 24-hour plan gives you the best of culture, food, and city life in one full day.
You’ll leave wanting more; that’s a good thing. Seoul always gives you a reason to come back. Check out all my other posts on solo female travel in South Korea.
If you’re planning to stay longer or want to dive deeper into Seoul, here’s what to read next:
- The Perfect 5-Day Itinerary To Seoul: See, Eat, and Explore It All
- The Ultimate Solo Female Travel Guide To Seoul For Beginners
- The Best 8 Boutique Hotels in Seoul For Women Travellers
Don’t forget to check for cool events happening in Seoul on the Visit Seoul Tourism Board.
