5 Days in Seoul: K-Pop, Palaces & Street Food Delights

Seoul is a city where ancient palaces brush shoulders with skyscrapers, where K-pop idols light up giant screens, and where sizzling street food tempts you at every corner. It’s a place that knows how to blend the old and the new in the most thrilling way possible.

I recently spent five unforgettable days in Seoul, chasing K-pop vibes, wandering royal courtyards, and eating my way through night markets. If you’re planning your own adventure, this itinerary will help you experience the very best the city has to offer.

Day 1: Dive Into the Heart of K-Pop in Gangnam

Start your Seoul journey in Gangnam, the glitzy district made famous by the viral song. Beyond the high-end boutiques, this neighborhood is a K-pop lover’s dream. Head to SMTOWN@coexartium for an immersive fan experience, where you can browse idol merchandise, pose with life-sized cutouts, and even visit virtual recording booths.

Don’t miss K-Star Road, a stretch filled with bear statues representing different K-pop groups. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a trainee or idol around Apgujeong Rodeo Street, a popular celebrity hangout. For dinner, treat yourself to Korean BBQ—Samwon Garden in Gangnam is a local favorite.

Day 2: Royal Palaces and Hanbok Moments

Step into Seoul’s regal past by visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest and most iconic of the city’s five grand palaces. Arrive early to catch the changing of the guard ceremony, then rent a hanbok from nearby shops for free palace entry and stunning photo ops.

In the afternoon, wander through Bukchon Hanok Village, where traditional Korean houses sit tucked into hilly alleys. It’s quiet, charming, and gives you a sense of what life was like centuries ago. Stop for tea at Cha-teul, a serene spot with views of tiled rooftops and Seoul’s mountains in the distance.

Day 3: Street Food, Markets & Night Views

Begin your day at Gwangjang Market, one of the oldest food markets in Seoul. The smells of hotteok, mayak gimbap, and bindaetteok will lure you in—trust me, you’ll want to sample everything. Grab a stool at a vendor’s stall and dig into your feast with locals.

As night falls, head up to Namsan Seoul Tower for sweeping views of the city skyline. Take the cable car or hike up through Namsan Park if you’re up for a light adventure. Couples often leave love locks here—it’s cheesy, yes, but charming. Snap photos as the city lights flicker on below you.

Day 4: Cafés, Shopping & a Taste of K-Drama

Spend your fourth day exploring Hongdae, the youthful and artsy neighborhood near Hongik University. It’s packed with quirky cafés (hello, animal cafés!), K-pop dance buskers, and vintage shops with real gems if you’re into street style. Try a fluffy pancake stack at Café Mula, one of my go-to brunch spots.

In the afternoon, head to Ikseon-dong, a hidden hanok village transformed into a hipster haven. Its narrow lanes are lined with boutique stores and flower-filled dessert cafés. If you’re a K-drama fan, you might recognize a few shooting locations here—it’s like stepping right onto the set.

Day 5: Relax in a Jjimjilbang & Wander the Han River

Wrap up your Seoul adventure with a taste of local wellness culture at Dragon Hill Spa, one of the city’s best-known jjimjilbangs (Korean bathhouses). After soaking in the hot pools, relax in the heated rooms and try the famous sikhye (sweet rice drink). It’s deeply soothing after several days of walking.

Later, rent a bike or take a sunset stroll along the Han River, a favorite spot for locals to unwind. Pick up a picnic (fried chicken and beer is a classic combo) and find a quiet patch of grass to watch Seoul’s skyline fade into night. It’s the perfect, peaceful end to five days of non-stop discovery.