As we descended upon the sprawling city of Seoul South Korea, we could feel the palpable energy emanating from the metropolis. A spectacle of skyscrapers seemed to spread throughout the concrete jungle for as far as the eye could see. As we elatedly descended upon Seoul Incheon Airport, we were fully prepared for three fantastic days in this futuristic, fun, and forward thinking city.

While three days is barely enough time to scratch the surface of this spectacular city, we’ve narrowed down our favorite spots for a quick trip to Seoul. Make sure to pack your energy and your appetite for a few days of utter indulgence in this incredible South Korean city.

Fast Facts on Seoul South Korea

  • Population: 25 Million
  • Currency: South Korean Won
  • Language: Korean
  • Best Time to Go: Spring, when you can watch the cherry blossoms bloom
  • Where to Fly Into: Seoul Incheon Airport
  • Transportation: Subway, International Taxi, Uber
  • Key Phrases: “Gomabseubnida” = Thank you // “Geonbae” = Cheers // “Budi” = Please

Itinerary for 72 Hours in Seoul South Korea

Day 1: History & FOOD!

Check into the Four Seasons Seoul. Other luxurious options include the Banyan Tree Seoul, The Shilla, and The Lotte.

GyeongBokgung Palace: Walk over to the Gyeongbokgung Palace, the royal palace from the Joseon Dynasty that dates back to the fourteenth century. This is the most iconic palace has English speaking tours at 11:00, 13:00, and 15:30. Note: the palace is closed on Tuesdays.

Changdeokgung Palace: Take an uber over to Changdeokgung Palace and Huwon where you can walk around the well-preserved palace from the Joseon Dynasty. This palace was restored in 1611.

four-seasons-seoul

Ikseon-dong 121: After touring the palaces, it’s time to walk over to Ikseon-dong 121 for a delectable lunch of bibimbap (mixed rice).

Tteuran teahouse: After lunch, walk over to Tteuran, a traditional Korean teahouse in a darling Ikseon-dong alley.

Take a breather! You’ve done A LOT!

Kkanbu: Fried chicken seems to be a main food group in Seoul. Adopted because of their love of American popular culture, Koreans take their fried chicken seriously. Head to Kkanbu for delicious fried chicken and a beer – it’s super simple and extremely delicious.

Gyeongbokgung-Palace

Charles H.: Head down to Charles H., a prohibition-era speakeasy in the basement of the Four Seasons Hotel in Seoul. The bartenders are artists and create magnificent craft cocktails to enjoy.

Day 2: Spa & FOOD & Karaoke

Spa: The spa is a way of life in Seoul and there is no better place to sweat out last nights soju or get a famous Korean facial than the sprawling spa at the Four Seasons Seoul. Note: the spas are separated by gender and

WooWol dinner: This 12-course beef omakase concept was hands down, the best culinary experience we had in Seoul (and we had a LOT of culinary experiences!) This fine dining restaurant is a twist on traditional Korean BBQ. You’ll still enjoy the amazing BBQ beef that Korea is known for, but you won’t have to cook it yourself. Chef Joseph Kim cooks the 12-course meal tableside and creates an entire experience rather than just a meal.

Soo karaoke: After you’ve had your fill at WooWol, it’s time to head to a Noraebang or Korean style karaoke room. The best spots for karaoke are in districts such as Hongdae or Sinchon.

Day 3: FOOD!

Cheong Jin Ok: Feast on a hot bowl of Haejangguk, or hangover soup, at Cheong Jin Ok. This is not your typical hangover food. This hangover soup is created with Ox Blood and Beef Intestine.

Gwangjang Market: After you’ve walked off your hangover soup, head over to the Gwangjang Market for a Korean street-food paradise. This market has over 20,000 employees and 5,000 shops filled with delicious Korean foods. This low cost market is a complete feast for the senses.

gwangjang-market

Dinner at the Four Seasons: There are a multitude of delectable dining options at the Four Seasons Seoul. We dined Akira Back, a creative dining experience that includes both Japanese and Korean fare. For a fancy fine dining experience, there is also the Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant, Yu Yuan.

Southside Parlor: If you love a great craft cocktail, head to Southside Parlor, an unpretentious but deliciously divine. Southside Parlor has a rooftop bar and it even has two vintage arcades!

The Cat Café in Myeong-dong: Visit the bustling shopping district of Myeong-dong for a buzzed, neon-lit night walk through Myeong-dong. While you’re walking around, visit the Cat Café. Is it touristy? 100%! Is it worth it? 1000%!!! What is a cat café you may ask? Well, it’s a café with cats roaming around to play with and feed. The experience is very quirky – just like the rest of Seoul!

Pojangmacha: After you’ve had your cat fill, mosy on over to one of the Pojangmacha Alleys, or “covered wagon” alleys. These outdoor food stalls are an easy, low-cost way to enjoy a drink and some delicious fried pork or fish.

cat-cafe-seoulseoul-south-korea

What’s your favorite place to eat in Seoul South Korea? Comment below!