Feedback on 5-day Seoul itinerary

Hi there, I’m planning my trip for May. Here’s my itinerary for 4.5 days in Seoul: May 5: afternoon at Mangwon Market, Mangridan-gil, Han River May 6: Gyeongbokgung, Tongin Market & Seochon, Bukchon, Insadong, Jogyesa Temple, and Ikseon-dong May 7: Namdaemun Market, Deoksugung Palace, stroll along Cheonggyecheon, Seoullo 7017, Hongdae May 8:Changdeokgung + Changgyeonggung, Gwangjang Market, Jongmyo Shrine, Jongno Boulevard for the big parade May 9:Morning in Gangnam, Bongeunsa, Namsangol Hanok Village, N Seoul Tower Plaza

What do you think of this itinerary? Is there anything I should add, remove, or swap out? I tried to keep travel time to a minimum, but I might be missing something. I’d love to hear all your thoughts—thanks! Philippe

Hi there,

It’s pretty packed! Maybe you’re trying to see too much. For example, if you really want to explore Seochon’s narrow alleys and hanoks, you’ll need at least 2 hours.

Anyway, just saying it might feel a bit rushed, and you might not get to enjoy it fully.

Thanks for the reply! You're right, it does seem like a lot. I was wondering if Seochon and Bukchon might be a bit redundant?

PHILIPPE

Bukchon is a completely renovated district. Of course, the whole area is beautiful with the view of Namsan, but these are hanoks straight out of a decorating magazine (most have floors, which doesn’t exist in traditional architecture), and the big problem is that in May, it’s going to be swarmed with groups and influencers with their tripods. Instead, head toward Samcheong-dong (it’s down the hill toward Gyeongbokgung Palace) to find fewer people. In Seochon, the hanoks are more authentic. You’ll need to wander deeper into the alleys to find them. On Naver Map, zoom in on Pil-dong—there’s an old writer’s hanok open to the public.

Another place to see them: follow the west wall of Changdeokgung Palace, go up the street (you *have* to go up it) where the ticket booths for the palace are, and at the very end, there’s a small neighborhood with hanoks, including one belonging to a painter and the Royal Korean Culinary Academy.

In these central districts, I highly recommend exploring the hidden alleys—don’t stick to the main streets.

Question: Are you only visiting Seoul in Korea? Because there are hanok villages in Andong, at the foot of Jirisan, Gyeongju, and Gwangju (for more off-the-beaten-path spots). Otherwise, you’ve got the social media favorites: Gyeongju and Jeonju.

actually, after Seoul, I'm heading to Tongyeong, Busan, Gyeongju, and Inwol, so yeah, I’ll also see some hanok in Gyeongju. I haven’t planned Andong. There are so many possible stops that you have to make choices—and it’s tough before knowing which ones will be the right ones!

Thanks for this reply—it gives me something to think about. I’ll look into it more closely. I’ve got time ahead of me... If I understand correctly, Bukchon is better in the morning. Since I’d like to see the guard changing ceremony before that, I’ll see if I can fit it in another day or just skip it.

Good evening Philippe,

It’s a packed schedule indeed, but why not start early with a good pair of shoes and skip the 2-hour lunch break? The upside at this time of year is that it gets dark around 7:30–8:00 PM, so that gives you a decent time window.

Here’s what comes to mind right away:

May 6: Bukchon has become *very* touristy with huge crowds. In fact, it’s only accessible Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Personally, I find Insadong much nicer in the late afternoon/evening. One year, I stayed at the Ibis Ambassador Insadong, and I loved strolling around there at night.

May 7: Cheonggyecheon is nearly 11 kilometers long 😅. I especially like the stretch between Cheonggye Plaza and Gwangjang Market (which you’ve planned for the next day). Seoullo 7017 is even better at night.

Oh right, if you're heading to Gyeongju, you can cut back on the hanok-focused visits in Seoul to explore other sides of the city.

Hi there,

After reading your messages, I’m thinking I might skip Bukchon and focus on Seochon in Seoul instead. That’ll let me do everything at a relaxed pace, and maybe even visit a museum—I didn’t have one on my itinerary—or just spend a little more time exploring. I realize the schedule is ambitious, but like with any trip, nothing’s set in stone, and you really make choices once you’re there. Thanks so much for the info—it’s super helpful!

Philippe

Yeah, I think I’ll do that after reading your suggestions... thanks!

Philippe

Hi Philippe,

Having a rough plan or framework by neighborhood while keeping some free time as a buffer lets you improvise based on opportunities, fatigue, weather, etc. I’ve noticed myself every time that it’s better to be less ambitious and sometimes add an unplanned visit rather than stick rigidly to your plan and tick off boxes. Plus, you can never be sure how long you’ll spend on a visit. Sometimes you might be disappointed and not stay long, but other times it’s the opposite.

that's very wise