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If you’re planning one week in Seoul and trying to balance incredible food, cultural experiences, and a little self-care, you’re speaking my language.
Seoul is one of my favorite cities for exactly that reason. You can spend the morning exploring a royal palace, the afternoon eating your way through a food market, and the evening unwinding at a Korean spa or skincare clinic.
When I designed this one week Seoul itinerary, I focused on three things I always prioritize when I travel: great food, meaningful cultural experiences, and time to recharge. Each day includes a mix of foodie finds, cultural highlights, and self-care moments so you can experience the best of Seoul without feeling rushed.
If you want a trip that includes palaces, markets, cooking classes, K-beauty treatments, and hidden neighborhoods, this 7-day Seoul itinerary will help you plan an unforgettable week in the city.
If this is your first trip to the city, you may also want to read my Seoul for First Timers: Your Ultimate Guide before planning your itinerary.
1 Week in Seoul Itinerary Overview
Here’s a quick look at how to spend one week in Seoul balancing food, culture, and self-care experiences.
Day 1: Insadong, Bukchon Hanok Village, and a Korean spa
Day 2: Gyeongbokgung Palace and Gwangjang Market
Day 3: Jogyesa Temple, Korean cooking class, and a luxury spa treatment
Day 4: Gangnam, COEX Mall, and a Seoul food tour
Day 5: N Seoul Tower and Mangwon Market
Day 6: Day trip to the DMZ from Seoul
Day 7: Kimchi making class and Myeongdong shopping
Day 1: Insadong, Bukchon Hanok Village and Korean Spa
Start your one week in Seoul itinerary by exploring one of the city’s most charming historic neighborhoods.
Foodie Find
Head to Insadong where you can explore traditional tea houses, street food stalls, and local craft shops. This area is famous for its historic tea culture, making it the perfect place to try ginger or ginseng tea.
Culture Fix
From Insadong, walk over to Bukchon Hanok Village, one of the most beautiful traditional neighborhoods in Seoul. The narrow alleyways are lined with centuries-old hanok houses and offer incredible views of the city.
Tip: Please be respectful while visiting. Many of these homes are still private residences.
Self-Care Moment
After a full day of exploring, unwind at a traditional jjimjilbang (Korean spa). Spend time soaking in hot baths, relaxing in saunas, or booking a massage.
Tours I Loved in Seoul
Moonlight Walking Tour
Secret Food Tours
Morning E-Bike Tour
Day 2: Gyeongbokgung Palace and Gwangjang Market
Culture Fix: Plan to spend a few hours at Gyeongbokgung Palace. This is the largest of Seoul’s royal palaces. I only spent 1.5 hours here and I regret not staying longer.
Walking around feels like are stepping back in time or walking onto set of your favorite K-Drama.
Tips for Visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace:
- If you wear a hanbok, the traditional Korean attire, you get free entry to the Palace.
- Rent a Hanbok- Click Here
- Time your visit around the changing of the guard ceremony which takes place everyday (except Tuesday) at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM(the Palace is closed on Tuesday).
- Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours exploring the Palace grounds, incredible architecture, and cultural exhibitions, museums all within the palace complex.
Foodie Find: Seoul Food Markets: Pick one and you can spend hours feasting away.
I am going with Gwangjang Market where you can sample everything from savory kimchi pancakes to fresh seafood and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes).
Mangwon Market is my personal favorite but it can be intimidating for people.
Don’t forget to try some Korean street food staples like gyeranppang (egg bread) and hotteok (sweet pancake filled with brown sugar and cinnamon), and hand cut noodles!
Be careful when eating Hotteok- the filling is HOT!
The Markets are very overwhelming for the first time. My first visit I opted for a tour to make sure I picked out the right stands!
If the food markets feel overwhelming at first (they definitely did for me), a guided food tour is the easiest way to discover the best vendors without guessing.
👉 See the Gwangjang Market food tour I recommend
Self-Care Moment: One of the more peaceful areas of Seoul is to walk along the Cheonggyecheon Stream. Not only is it beautiful architecture but its relaxing to be outside in the center of the city for a zen moment or two.
Day 3: Korean Temple Visit, Cooking Class and Spa
Culture Fix:
Start the day at Jogyesa Temple, one of the most important Buddhist temples in Seoul and a peaceful break from the busy city.
If you are spending more time in Gangnam, Bongeunsa Temple is another beautiful option located across from COEX Mall.
Foodie Find: Cooking classes are my favorite way to experience a new country or city. You learn from someone who lives there what they cook on a daily basis.
So lets experience a cooking class in Seoul. I love ones that include a visit to the local market- not only can you see the produce you are going to use, but you also get to try some street food (if you are lucky).
I also usually ask for restaurant recommendations or make note of which stalls to go back to in the local markets and then have a unique souvenir to take home as I can make the recipes for friends and family for years to come.
If you want one of the most memorable experiences in Seoul, this Korean cooking class includes a visit to the local market before you cook. It’s one of the best ways to understand Korean food culture.
👉 Reserve your spot in the cooking class here
Self-Care Moment: Seoul is known for its skin care and spas, so treat yourself to some K-Beauty treatments at a spa in Sulwhasoo Spa in Gangnam. Tip- Book minimally a month in advance
Day 4: Gangnam, COEX Mall and Food Tours
Culture Fix: I am a recent convert to K- Pop so I didn’t fully appreciate this on my last trip but now I fully appreciate the fandom around Seoul. Visit K-Star Road in Gangnam.
There are life sized cut outs of idols all over and pop up stores all over the city devoted to your favorite groups and idols. While you are still in the area, head to the Coex Mall, home to the largest indoor aquarium in Asia.
Take a short trip to take a few pictures at the iconic COEX Starfield Library. You don’t need a ton of time here and then you can also check outt the famous Gangnam Style statue as well.
Foodie Find: Food tours are incredible. If you can find unique ones in a city that offer different experiences why not try more than one, you will meet different people and try different cuisines.
Here are a few options for Food Tours in Seoul
Eat your way through the alleys of Seoul 🍜
🍢 Secret Food tours
Small Group Tour with 10 tastings and Korean BBQ 🥟
This is not a food tour- but if you want to continue the night- Pub Craw 🍺
Self-Care Moment: Ever wondered if you are wearing the right colors for your skin tone? Check out the color analysis that are available in Seoul. They deep dive into what works and doesn’t work for you.
These have become so popular. Every time I come back I see more and more color analysis places pop up. Its a lot of fun to experience and I always like to see if I get the same result each time.
Day 5: N Seoul Tower and Mangwon Market
Culture Fix: Head to N Seoul Tower for amazing panoramic views of the city. Take some pictures of the panoramic view, check out the locks of love and if you are feeling romantic maybe add your own.
Foodie Find: Mangwon Market offers a more authentic market experience compared to some of the other spots in the city. You can certainly tackle it on your own.
I always like opting in for the tour for the first go around and then I know where to go the next time on my own.
Hint- always look for locals. If you see lines of tourists that usually means its social media famous and not actually good!
Mangwon Market Food Tour- Click Here
Self- Care Moment: Give your hair a new look. Head to famous har salon in Gangnam and get a star cut and styling
Day 6: DMZ Day Trip from Seoul
Day Trip to DMZ
Spend the day visiting the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone), one of the most unique historical sites in the world.
A tour will typically include:
- The Third Infiltration Tunnel
- Dora Observatory
- The DMZ Exhibition Hall
If history isn’t your thing, Nami Island is a popular alternative day trip known for its tree-lined paths and K-drama filming locations.
The DMZ tour is one of the most powerful experiences you can have in Korea. Visiting the Third Tunnel and Dora Observatory gives you a deeper understanding of the Korean War and the division between North and South Korea.
👉 Check availability for the DMZ tour here
Day 7: Kimchi Making Class and Myeongdong Shopping
Foodie Find and Culture Fix: Get your hands dirty with a kimchi-making class! Learn the secrets to this iconic Korean condiment and take home your homemade creation.
If you are traveling overseas please check your countries regulations for bringing this onboard or back into our country. It may not be allowed.
Self-Care Moment: It’s time to go shopping. Let’s head to Myeongdong known for trendy fashion, beauty stores, and everything in between. The main Olive Young store is located here. It is huge and always crowded.
There are tons around the city (worth checking out but its a much more enjoyable shopping experience at a smaller location).
If you have any energy left after a day of shopping, stick around for the night market where you can sample street food. The Myeongdong night market is full of vendors so bring your appetite.
When to Visit Seoul: Seasons and Experiences
You can honestly come anytime of the year but it depends on what you are looking for:
Spring (March-May):Cherry blossoms and festivals. What more could you want!
Obviously so does everyone else so its probably the busiest time to come to Seoul so expect larger crowds and higher prices.
Summer (June-August): Rain! (I mean monsoon season) – Always carry an umbrella and dress in layers.
It will be hot and humid but its a fun time to visit the city and visit as long as you can stay the heat.
Autumn (September-November): Fall Foliage and comfortable temperatures are a great time for those who want to visit Seoul for outdoor activities like hiking. This has traditionally been a shoulder season for tourists!
Winter (December-February): Seoul gets cold in the winter. Temperatures drop and there is a chance for snow. Ice skating and festivals make this a fun time to visit.
Getting Around Seoul: Transportation Tips
Navigating Seoul is relatively easy, thanks to its efficient public transportation system and modern infrastructure.
Here’s how to get around:
Seoul Metro:
Seoul’s subway system is efficient and affordable. Purchase a T-money card for access to trains and buses.
Solo Female Travel Tip: Seoul’s metro is safe, even late at night.
Taxis:
Taxis are SOMETIMES available and relatively inexpensive, especially for short trips.
I have the address on my phone in Korean and then have it speak to the driver in Korean and there is no issue.
Wrapping up your week in Seoul, you’ll have balanced foodie finds with moments of self-care and cultural gems that make this city so unforgettable.
From savoring street food at local markets to unwinding at serene spas and immersing yourself in the rich traditions of ancient palaces, this itinerary has given you a taste of everything Seoul has to offer.
And hey, if a week feels too long or too short, no worries—you can easily tweak this plan to match your vibe, whether you’re here for a quick getaway or a deep dive into all things Seoul.
Whatever you decide, let the flavors, the zen moments, and the memories inspire your next solo journey. Happy travels!
