As a person who was born and raised in Seoul, I had the opportunity to visit a lot of places where foreigners might find interesting. I’ve seen many people, especially from America, spend only a few days in Korea while planning to visit other neighboring countries such as Japan and China on the same trip. These are the places I would recommend if you only had two days to spend in the city.

Day 1: Explore Traditional and Historic Seoul

Gyeongbokgung Palace

• Start your day with a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of the Five Grand Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty. You can also catch the changing of the guard ceremony at the main gate.
• Tip: Don’t miss the National Folk Museum located on the palace grounds.

Bukchon Hanok Village

• After visiting the palace, take a walk through Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional Korean village with preserved hanok houses. It’s great for photos and offers a glimpse into Korea’s past.

Insadong

• Walk over to Insadong, known for its traditional shops, tea houses, and street food. It’s a perfect place to pick up souvenirs and experience Korea’s cultural side.

Dinner at a Korean BBQ

• End your day with Korean BBQ. You can visit places like Mapo or Itaewon for a great BBQ experience.

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Day 2: Modern Seoul and Shopping

N Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower)

• Begin your second day with a visit to N Seoul Tower on Namsan Mountain for stunning panoramic views of the city. You can hike or take the cable car up to the tower.

Myeongdong Shopping District

• Afterward, head to Myeongdong for some shopping. It’s one of Seoul’s busiest shopping streets, offering both international brands and Korean beauty stores. Don’t forget to try some street food like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and hotteok (sweet pancakes).

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

• Visit Dongdaemun Design Plaza, a futuristic building designed by Zaha Hadid. It’s a hub for exhibitions, fashion shows, and events. The surrounding area also has a bustling night market where you can enjoy late-night shopping.

Cheonggyecheon Stream

• Take a relaxing walk along Cheonggyecheon Stream, which runs through downtown Seoul. It’s a beautifully restored stream with scenic bridges and greenery, ideal for a peaceful stroll.

Dinner in Gangnam

• End your trip with dinner in Gangnam, Seoul’s trendy and upscale district. You can enjoy a variety of dining options, from luxurious restaurants to casual eateries. This is where the song “Gangnam Style” from Psy is about.