Seoul itineraries

Palace, Market, Namsan

For anyone with a single day in Seoul. Start with the morning guard change at Gyeongbokgung, wander hanok lanes and Insadong, follow Cheonggyecheon stream to Gwangjang Market, then ride up Namsan after dark for the whole city at your feet.

Two Days from Myeongdong

Drop your bags in Myeongdong. Day one is Deoksugung, Namdaemun Market, a sunset cruise on the Han and beer in Euljiro's nogari alley; day two runs from Changdeokgung's Secret Garden to Seongsu's warehouse cafes. Old Seoul one day, new Seoul the next.

Three Days from Hongdae

Base yourself in Hongdae, one AREX ride from the airport. Yeonnam-dong and Mangwon Market on day one, Yongsan's museums, Hannam-dong and the Banpo fountain on day two, Samcheong-dong galleries, Jongmyo and a city-wall sunset on day three. Seoul for people who have already seen the palaces once.

Festivals & seasons

• 2 — Lunar New Year, Chuseok and the Deep Cold
• 3 — Seoul Marathon
• 4 — Yeouido Spring Flower Festival
• 4 — Royal Culture Festival, Spring
• 5 — Yeon Deung Hoe Lantern Parade
• 6 — Han River Outdoor Pools Open
• 7 — Monsoon and Midsummer Heat
• 9 — Seoul International Fireworks Festival
• 9 — Changdeokgung Moonlight Tour
• 10 — Royal Culture Festival, Autumn
• 11 — Autumn Leaves, the Best Weeks to Come
• 12 — Seoul Winter Festa: Gwanghwamun Market and Lantern Festival

Souvenirs

• Sheet masks and sunscreen, K-beauty
• A carved name seal, hanji paper and brushes
• Seasoned seaweed and red ginseng
• Pensive Bodhisattva miniature
• Vintage clothes and everyday hanbok
• Pop-up exclusives and K-pop merchandise
• Taegeukdang monaka and rice crackers
• Stationery and character goods