Palaces, street food and 24-hour energy: Seoul's old and new in three days.
Seoul moves fast and switches effortlessly between 600-year-old palaces and glass-tower nightlife. Three days, split between the historic north, the modern center, and the markets and neighborhoods in between, give you the city's full range, with a near-flawless subway making it all easy.
The grandest royal palace, time it for the changing-of-the-guard ceremony.
Lanes of traditional hanok houses between the palaces.
Tea houses, galleries and craft shops on a pedestrian street.
A classic night market for bindaetteok, mayak gimbap and tteokbokki.
Skincare, street food and shopping in Seoul's busiest district.
Cable car up Namsan for the city's classic panoramic view.
The university district's youthful energy, buskers, cafes and nightlife.
Wind down with a riverside evening, fried chicken and beer.
Zaha Hadid's flowing landmark, lit up at night.
A hillside neighborhood covered in art, with city views.
A half- or full-day tour to the tense border with North Korea, book ahead.
Finish in the glossy south side for shopping and dining.
Yes, three days cover the palaces, modern districts and markets comfortably, with room for a half-day DMZ trip or a hike on day three.
Myeongdong and Hongdae are central and lively; Insadong/Jongno is best for palaces and tradition; Gangnam for upscale shopping.
If you're interested in modern history, yes, it's a fascinating, sobering half-day. Book ahead, as spots and passport checks are required.