Check out this ultimate Seoul Itinerary 5 Days Winter to plan an unforgettable trip.
I’m a Korean who grew up in Seoul for 16 years, and I’m so excited to share everything I love so dearly about my hometown (I visit my family every year!).

From incredible historical sites that tell the story of millennia of rich culture, shopping incredible Korean brands at hip boutiques, to chatting away for hours at cool cafes, Seoul has so much to offer. For real!
In this article, I’ll guide you through a day by day itinerary to make creating your ultimate Seoul itinerary as quick and painless as possible.

We’ll hit the best places to go as first-time visitors, including the main attractions in Seoul.
But I’ll also show you how you can experience Seoul like a local, by visiting cool coffee shops, unique shopping districts and going to authentic Korean restaurants in hip neighborhoods.

With that, let’s dive into the ultimate Seoul itinerary 5 days winter!
How to get around Seoul

Take the Subway (and Bus)
South Korea has an incredible public transportation system. It should be very easy to get around Seoul via subway, which is the main mode of transport that I’d recommend.
The bus is pretty good too, but while the routes are plenty, they are a little more fickle and less reliable than the subway timetables, so you might not want to risk waiting in the cold.

Buy a T-Money Card to Pay For Public Transport & Taxis

To save time taking public transport, I’d highly recommend that you go to a convenience store and purchase / load up a T-Money card.
You can tap the T-Money card to pay for not only public transportation, but also taxis as well as purchases at convenience stores.
It’s like a debit card, but you can only load up to 500,000 KRW (380 USD).
Download Naver Maps
Make sure to download the Naver Maps app on your phone, since Google Maps doesn’t work properly in South Korea (the walking routes won’t work).
Taxis | Is there Uber in Seoul?

Yes, there are taxis as well as Uber in Seoul.
However, since taxis can be very hard to catch (even when using an app), I would not recommend it, especially not during the morning and evening rush hours, or around meal times.
In addition, the traffic in Seoul – like many major cities – can result in significant delays.
Most Koreans use KakaoTaxi as their main taxi app. If you wish to sign up, though, you’ll need a Korean phone number and SIM card.
Seoul Itinerary 5 Days Winter
Day 1 | Gyeongbukgung Palace & Seochon: Sightseeing & Trendy Eateries

For your first day, we’ll go hit the top historical sightseeing spots in Seoul, starting with Gyeongbukgung Palace.
The amazing thing is, there’s trendy neighborhoods surrounding the palace, so afterward we’ll go to some tasty eateries to fuel up.
Morning
Gyeongbukgung Palace (경북궁): Royal Palace of the Joseon Dynasty
Gyeongbukgung Palace was built in 1395 as the royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty.
The palace was destroyed during the Japanese invasion in 1592, but was restored by King Gojong 270 years later in 1867.
Unfortunately, the palace was destroyed again by the Japanese during the 35 years of Korean colonial ruling, which lasted from 1910 until the end of World War 2 in 1945.
In the 1990s, the palace was once again restored and continues to be a beautiful historical landmark worth visiting.
I’d highly recommend renting a hanbok, or traditional Korean dress. (Don’t worry, there’s warm winter options, too!)
Check out the Changing of the Guard Ceremony at 10am, which happens at the main gate of the palace, Gwanghuamun Gate. (The ceremony also happens at 2pm daily).
Then walk over to Heungnyemun Gate, which formed the royal living quarters.
- Costs: 3,000 KRW (2.30 USD)
- Hours: Winter (Nov-Feb), 9am-5pm daily
- Time: 1-2 hours
- Getting there: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea (Subway: Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit 5)
National Palace Museum of Korea (국립고궁박물관): Free Museum about the Joseon Dynasty
After walking around Gyeongbukgung Palace, head to the National Palace Museum of Korea to learn more about the Joseon Dynasty.
Appreciate the portraits of the Joseon kings, imagine being transported in the palanquin for female royals, and experience the every day of the royals in the period rooms.
- Costs: Free
- Hours: 10am-9pm on Wed, Sat; 10am-6pm all other days
- Time: 1-2 hours
- Getting there: 12 Hyoja-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea (Subway: Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit 5)
Afternoon
Gwanghwamun Square Market (광화문광장 마켓): Winter Market with Food Trucks

Head to Gwanghwamun, the main gate of Gyeongbukgung, and pick and choose from the 30 or so food booths and trucks at this winter market.
Maybe you’ll warm up with a vin chaud or energize with authentic Korean fried chicken.
- When: TBD for 2025; Dec 15-31 & Jan 1-21 last year
Bukchon Hanok Village (북촌 한옥마을): Rows of Beautiful Korean Traditional Houses

From Gwanghwamun, it’s a 20 min walk or 5 min taxi ride east to Bukchon Hanok Village, where you can admire the beauty of 1,500 hanoks, or traditional Korean houses from the Joseon Dynasty.
Most of the hanoks in Bukchon Hanok Village today were constructed in the 1920s. I love the beautiful pitched tile roofs of hanoks, as well as the rustic wooden beams that hold them up.
There’s also a courtyard flanked in the center of most hanoks.

These Bukchon hanoks actually incorporate some elements of Western architecture. For example, these hanoks have glass windows, instead of coverings made from hanji, or Korean paper.
Pro Tip: You can get the best photos of the hanoks if you Naver Maps the address, 31-1 Gahoe Dong Alley.
- Getting there: 31-1 Gahoe-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea (Subway: Anguk Station, Exit 2)
Evening
Seochon (서촌): Hip Neighborhood & Hot Spot for Dates
Bukchon has tons of good food, cute cafes and places to shop.

But I’d criss-cross back west, past Gyeongbukgung, to end the night in Seochon. Seochon is the hottest neighborhood in Korea right now – it’s where young couples go on dates.
There’s also tons of restaurants and cafes that are inspired by traditional hanoks. I’d totally recommend heading to the hanok cafe Onground Gallery and enjoying a glass of wine.

Day 2 | Changdeokgung Palace & Gwangjang Market: More Sightseeing & Korean Food
Morning
Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁): Beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site

Kick off your second day with a visit to Changdeokgung Palace, which was built in 1405 as the secondary palace to the main Gyeongbokgung Palace.
It was named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is architecturally significant because it exemplifies the Korean tradition of building structures in harmony with nature, as you’ll witness from the beauty of the Secret Garden.

While Changdeokgung Palace was destroyed during the Japanese invasion in 1592, it was rebuilt in 1610 and actively used by successive kings for more than 250 years, before it was reconstructed to serve as a courtroom.
- Costs: 3,000 KRW
- Hours: Winter (Nov-Jan): 9am-5:30pm daily
- Time: 1-2 hours
- Getting there: 99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea (Subway: Anguk Station, Exit 3)
Afternoon
Gwangjang Market (광장시장): Korea’s OG Market

From Changdeokgung, it’s a short bus ride to Gwangjang Market, one of the oldest markets in Korea with roots in the Joseon Dynasty.
Walk through this bustling market and help yourself to the Korean food stalls, which sell all kinds of snacks and dishes from kimbap (rice rolls), kkwabegi (old-school twisted donuts) to Korean-style steak tartare.

To quell your bursting tummy, walk around the market and pop into the mom-and-pop shops selling fancy hanbok and casual shoes and clothing.
- Getting there: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea (Jongno 5-ga Station, Exit 7)
Evening
Seoul Lantern Festival (서울빛초롱축제): Lantern Sculptures on Water

Head on over to Cheonggyecheon Stream, where larger-than-life lantern sculptures of dragons, princesses and tigers float above water.
The Seoul Lantern Festival has been hosted by Seoul Tourism Organization for over 15 years now and brings in about 2 million visitors every winter.

- Dates: Dec 15-Jan 21 last year
- Hours: 6-10pm
Day 3 | Seongsu-dong, Brooklyn of Seoul: Shop & Eat Like a Local
It’s time to experience Seoul like a local. We’ll spend the first half of Day 3 in Seongsu-dong, the Brooklyn of Seoul.
Then, we’ll shop for gifts at Myeongdong Night Market and then sing our hearts out at a noraebang (or retreat at a Korean bathhouse).
Morning
Daelim Chaggo (대림창고): Hip Coffee Shop in Seongsu-dong
Wake up with a great cup of coffee and art in this red-brick warehouse-turned cafe.
You can check what exhibitions are currently live on Daelim Warehouse’s Instagram.
Grandpa Factory is another great option, if you wanna check out their (functioning) treehouse in their courtyard.
- Hours: 11am-10pm daily
- Getting there: 78 Seongsui-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea (Subway: Seongsu Station, Exit 3)
Afternoon
Nanpo (난포): Simple & Tasty Modern Korean Food

It’s time to fill up the belly with (relatively) healthy and clean Korean flavors at Nanpo.
They offer solid portions of uniquely plated fusion Korean food in a vibey setting. Watch the chefs roll glistening Doenjang Paste Rice Rolls (강된장쌈밥: 12,000 KRW, 9 USD) as nostalgic 80’s Korean music hums in the background.

- Getting there: South Korea, Seoul, Seongdong-gu, Seongsu-dong 1(il)-ga, Seoulsup 4-gil, 18-8, Geumgang Nanpo (Subway: Seoul Forest Station, Exit 5)
This article has more ideas on where to eat and snack in Seongsu-dong.
Shop in Seongsu-dong: Trendy Brands to Stationary and Gifts
There’s so many cute shops and major flagship stores in Seongsu-dong. Here’s where I’d recommend going depending on your interests!
- Funky Flagship Store: Ader Error (아더 성수 스페이스)

- K-Beauty Lovers: Amore Seongsu (아모레 성수)
- Fancy & Luxe: Dior Seongsu (디올성수)
- Stationary Feigns: Point of View Seoul

- Cutesy Gift Shop Lovers: Paper Doll Mate Atelier (페이퍼돌메이트 아틀리에 서울숲점)
Evening
Myeongdong Night Market: Go Shopping & Snacking

Alright! Chances are, you’re staying in Myeongdong, the Times Square of Seoul.
Myeongdong is especially exciting at night. The storefront signs are blinking, the food stalls are sighing with steam from piping hot skewers, syrup-coated strawberries beckon you, and keychains of all shapes and colors tempt your wallet.
Myeongdong is the perfect place to grab gifts for your friends and family back home. There’s tons of cosmetics shops that are open late and offer discounted gift packages if you buy in bulk, including items like face masks and fruit-shaped lip balms.
Option 1 – Su Noraebang Hongdae Main Store (수노래연습장 홍대 본점): Sing Your Heart Out
Now, if you’ve still got energy, head to a noraebang (Korean karaoke) and sing to your heart’s desire.
I grew up going to Su Noraebang, and I find their facilities and service the best.
- Getting there: 364-24 Seogyo-dong Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea (Subway: Hongdae Station, Exit 9)
Here are more ideas for non-touristy things to do in Seoul!
Option 2 – Sparex (스파렉스 동묘): Retreat at a Jjimjilbang Korean Bathhouse
After a long few days walking around in the cold, you deserve to de-ice at a Korean bathhouse, called jimjilbangs.
These public baths are often open 24 hours, and you’ll spot couples and families chilling together in unisex heated saunas and napping on heated ondol floors.
The locker rooms are separated by gender and usually include access to hot tubs and cold plunges.
- Getting there: 19 Jibong-ro, Changsin-dong, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea (Subway: Dongmyo Station, Exit 6)
Day 4 | Hannam & N Seoul Tower: Modern Korean Art & Culture

After seeing the most impressive historical sites and experiencing Korean shopping culture, it’s time to dive into the rich modern cultural scene in Seoul.
Hannam is an affluent residential neighborhoods with fancy townhouses (most Seoulites live in city apartments). Here, you’ll find art museums and galleries, as well as one-of-a-kind restaurants and bars.
Right near / around Hannam is Hangangjin, which has become the trendiest place to go shopping among young Korean locals.
Morning
Hannam Atelier (한남작업실): Korean Artist’s Workshop + Cafe
I love artist Huh Myoungwook’s Hannam workshop and cafe, a hidden gem that was formerly a townhouse.
Huh’s work is everywhere, including the beautiful lacquered, retro cups that your coffee and drinks come in.
His iconic Astro Boy figurines are super cute and can be found throughout the coffee shop.
Here are more ideas for the best coffee shops in Hannam!
- Getting there: 7 Itaewon-ro 55na-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea (Subway: Hangangjin Station, Exit 1)
Leeum Museum in Hannam (리움미술관): Traditional & Modern Art

Leeum Museum is one of the leading art museums in Korea and was founded by the Samsung family (as you may recognize from their Android phones and electronics!).
At Leeum, you can appreciate both traditional and modern Korean art (and international art!) in a modern, sleek setting.
Leeum’s collection includes 20 national treasures, including a gold crown from the 5-6th centuries. But it also owns modern works of art, like a bright blue Snow White dwarf sculpture by Paul McCarthy and a digital media piece with 3P graphics by Korean artist, Yeom Ji Hye.
- Costs: Permanent collection is free to view. Special exhibitions cost 12,000-18,000 KRW (9-13.50 USD). You can reserve tickets online.
- Getting there: 60-16 Itaewon-ro 55-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea (Subway: Hangangjin Station, Exit 1)
Afternoon
Nari’s House (나리의 집): Power Up with Pork Belly
This legendary Korean BBQ spot was the first place to directly cook frozen pork belly (15,000 KRW, 11.50 USD). This method of preparing nengssam makes the meat chewier and retain less of the gaminess of pork.
Nari’s House is old-school through and through – think portable propane gas burners on the tables, topped with reflective aluminium foil.
As famous as Nari’s is for pork belly, they’re also well-known for their flavorful and tasty cheonggukjang, or fermented soybean paste stew (7,000 KRW, 5.30 USD).
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to grill the shin kimchi, or extra-fermented sour kimchi! It’s super tasty and tangy with the pork.
- Getting there: 245 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea (Subway: Hangangjin Station, Exit 1)
For more restaurant ideas in Hannam, check out this article!
Shop in Hangangjin (한강진): Fancy Flagship Stores
Hangangjin, which is right next to / part of Hannam, is full of hip boutiques and the flagship stores of both Korean and international brands.
Here are a few of my favorites!

Evening
Manao (마나오): Authentic Thai Food on the Michelin Guide

Tired of Korean food yet?!
I’m Korean, but I can attest… sometimes you crave something different.
The cool thing is, the closer you get to a destination, the more authentic the cuisine of that place becomes.

At Manao, you can enjoy incredibly dynamic and flavorful Thai food made from quality ingredients in a moody, date-worthy setting. Manao has been recognized in the Michelin Guide Seoul 2025.
Warm up with a Tom Yum Goong, with shrimp, scallop and cuttlefish (36,000 KRW, 27 USD).
Manao also offers set menus. The Explorer includes signature dishes like the Nua Yang, which is prepared with Korean sirloin that’s been aged for 28 days (175,000 KRW, 130 USD for two people).
- Getting there: 2F, 21 18-gil, Hannam-daero, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea (Subway: Hannam Station, Exit 1)
This article has more ideas on where to eat in Hannam.
N Seoul Tower: Observation Deck Photos & Lockets

Take the cable car to Namsan Seoul Tower and enjoy 360 degree views of Seoul from the observation deck, which stands at 507m (1,663ft) of elevation.
Namsan Tower opened in 1969 as a TV and radio transmission tower. Still today, almost 50% of the connected population in Korea watches broadcasts emitted by the tower.
- Observation Deck: Open 10am-10:30pm on Weekdays and 10am-11pm on Weekends and Public Holidays.
- Cable Car: The cable car runs from 10am to 11pm, and round trips cost 15,000 KRW (11.30 USD) for adults and 9,000 KRW (6.80 USD) for children (ticket costs here). You can catch the cable car from Myeongdong Station, Exit 3 (83 Sopa-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul).
- Bus: You can also get to N Seoul Tower by bus, which can be an economical option. I would Naver Maps to N Seoul Tower and see the best route there.
Day 5 | Day Trip from Seoul: DMZ, Nature, Amusement Parks

Reserve your last day for a day trip in or near Seoul.
I would highly recommend booking a tour and visiting the Demilitarized Zone between the border of North and South Korea, which is the most heavily militarized border in the world.

What you might not know is that the DMZ is actually only around an 1.5 hour drive from Seoul!
Below are some options I’d recommend for your last day in Seoul.
- Best Historical Experience: Demilitarized Zone (1.5 hour drive from Seoul)
- Best for Explorers: Nami Island (1.5 hour drive from Seoul)
- Best Winter Hiking Trails: Bukhansan National Park (in Seoul)
- Best with Kids: Lotte World Amusement Park (in Seoul), Everland Amusement Park (1 hour drive from Seoul)
Seoul Itinerary 5 Days Winter (Conclusion)

In this Ultimate Seoul Itinerary 5 Days Winter Guide, we went over the best things to do so that you can have a memorable trip full of historical sightseeing and authentic Korean experiences.
I’m confident that this itinerary provides the best ways to experience this wonderful city, whether it’s your first time visiting Korea or you want to go deeper into getting to know Seoul.
- Day 1 | Gyeongbukgung Palace & Seochon: Sightseeing & Trendy Eateries
- Day 2 | Changdeokgung Palace & Gwangjang Market: More Sightseeing & Korean Food
- Day 3 | Seongsu-dong, Brooklyn of Seoul: Shop & Eat Like a Local
- Day 4 | Hannam & N Seoul Tower: Modern Korean Art & Culture
- Day 5 | Day Trip from Seoul: DMZ, Nature, Amusement Parks
Thanks for checking out my Ultimate Seoul Itinerary 5 Days Winter Guide!
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