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Seoul: a city-and-tower day

A suggested itinerary based in Seoul. Allow 1 day.

A suggested route for your own trip, inspired by the Journal’s locations. It is not a record of Andy’s personal itinerary.

Allow1 dayBaseSeoulRoute4 planned stages

Editorially reviewed 16 September 2026 · confirm live access before travelling.

Seoul Tower — photograph from Andy’s Journal

Your suggested route

The times below are suggested allowances, not live opening hours or transport schedules. Adjust the order for your arrival time, bookings and conditions.

  1. Morning · Gyeongbokgung

    Make Gyeongbokgung the main morning visit, allowing two to three hours for the grounds and historical context. Check opening days and any guided-tour availability first. A changing-of-the-guard event is optional and should follow the current schedule rather than dictate the whole day.

  2. Lunch · Insadong area

    Travel or walk towards Insadong for a Korean lunch and a tea break. Browse a few craft or stationery shops if open. Allow 90 minutes or more, keeping the meal a real pause between the palace and the hill.

  3. Afternoon · Namsan

    Use a currently available public-transport or cable-car approach to Namsan, checking the remaining walking involved. Allow two hours for the park and viewpoints. The paid tower observatory is a separate choice; assess visibility before purchasing solely for distant views.

  4. Evening · Myeongdong or a quieter dinner

    Return towards Myeongdong for dinner and a short browse, or choose a quieter restaurant near your accommodation. Avoid adding Gangnam or another distant district after this full day. Leave time for the onward station or airport journey if departing.

Where to pause for food

Choose a seated Korean lunch around Insadong and a lighter or shared dinner according to appetite. Tea is a pleasant afternoon stop. Street-food stalls can supplement the evening, but confirm prices and ingredients rather than relying on an old viral menu.

Getting around

Use subway connections for the central areas and the currently permitted Namsan approach. Check which routes reach the hill and how much walking remains. Seoul’s distances are substantial; one-day visitors benefit from this central cluster rather than a citywide checklist.

For a shorter day or different weather

If Gyeongbokgung is closed, choose another open palace or a museum and keep the rest of the day flexible. In poor visibility, replace the hill with an indoor cultural visit. A slower version uses the palace, Insadong and dinner only.

Before you go

Check official palace hours, tours and closures, along with Namsan transport operation. If renting hanbok, allow fitting and return time in addition to the palace visit. Respect local photography and residential guidance in any nearby hanok streets.

Visitor information and further planning

Use these destination, attraction and operator resources to check current access and arrangements before booking.

Places from the Journal

Explore the original Instagram posts from this destination.

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