Seoul 3 Day Itinerary: Budget-Friendly Guide to Palaces, Cafes, Night Markets & Gangnam

 If you’re planning a 2–3 day trip to South Korea and wondering how to make the most of Seoul on a reasonable budget, this itinerary is for you. It focuses on traditional palaces, hanok villages, cozy cafes, night markets, and trendy Gangnam spots, all connected with easy public transportation.

Why Seoul Is Perfect for a 2–3 Day City Break

Seoul is one of those cities where tradition and modern life sit side by side: royal palaces next to glass towers, hanok alleys right behind busy shopping streets, and calm temples just a few minutes away from neon-lit night markets.

For a short trip, you can focus on:

• History & culture: Gyeongbokgung Palace, hanbok rental, Jogyesa Temple

• Old vs new neighborhoods: Ikseon-dong Hanok Village, Insadong, Myeong-dong

• Modern city vibes: Gangnam, COEX, Starfield Library, Garosu-gil

• Markets & food: street food in Myeong-dong, Namdaemun Market

A rough daily budget (per person, mid-range, excluding flights):

• Public transportation: 5,000–8,000 KRW

• Food (3 meals + snacks): 30,000–40,000 KRW

• Cafes & desserts: 10,000–15,000 KRW

• Entrance fees: usually low, often 0–3,000 KRW

If you choose a small hotel or guesthouse near a subway station (around 30–50 USD per night), it becomes a very manageable city for budget-conscious travelers.

Getting from Incheon Airport to the City

When you land at Incheon, you have a few options: taxi, bus, airport express train, or subway.

For a budget-friendly trip, the airport railway + subway is a great choice:

• Cost: around 5,000 KRW

• Time: about 1 hour to central Seoul

• Pros: cheap, reliable, clear English signage, easy transfers

If you’re staying more than a day, consider getting a transportation pass (like a day or multi-day card) that gives you unlimited rides on subways and buses. A 2-day pass around 8,000 KRW can save you money if you plan to move around a lot.

Where to Stay in Seoul (Practical Tip)

The single most important factor for accommodation in Seoul is:

Stay within a 5-minute walk of a subway station.

Even a small, simple room becomes very convenient if you can get from the subway to your bed in just a few minutes. A typical budget-friendly place might offer:

• A clean bed and private bathroom

• 24-hour key-code entrance

• Sometimes a small kitchen or common area

• Price range: roughly 30–50 USD per night

You’ll be out exploring most of the day anyway, so convenience beats size.

Day 1 – Palaces, Hanok Alleys, and Night Markets

Morning: Gyeongbokgung Palace with Hanbok

Start your trip with Gyeongbokgung, the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty.

• Hanbok rental:

  • About 20,000 KRW for 2 hours per person

  • Many shops near the palace offer traditional and modern styles

• Entrance:

  • Standard ticket is low, but wearing hanbok often grants free entry (check latest rules before you go)

Walking through the vast courtyards, colorful gates, and tiled roofs while wearing hanbok feels like stepping into a different era. Even on a rainy day, the reflections on the stone floors and ponds look beautiful in photos.

If you arrive around 10:00 a.m., you may catch the changing of the guards ceremony (though it can be canceled in bad weather).

Midday: Ikseon-dong Hanok Village

From Gyeongbokgung, head toward Ikseon-dong, a compact hanok village that has been transformed into a trendy neighborhood.

What you’ll find:

• Traditional houses converted into cafes, restaurants, and small boutiques

• Narrow alleys lined with hanging signs and plants

• A mix of classic Korean food and modern fusion dishes

This is a great place to try Korean BBQ at a local restaurant. Many places let you grill the meat yourself right at the table. Expect generous side dishes, sizzling hot plates, and a very hands-on dining experience.

If you’re vegetarian or vegan, it can be harder in a BBQ place, so it’s worth searching specifically for vegetarian-friendly spots in this area.

Afternoon: Insadong – Tea Houses and Crafts

From Ikseon-dong, you can walk to Insadong, one of Seoul’s best known cultural streets.

Highlights:

• Traditional tea houses serving omija tea, jujube tea, and other Korean herbal drinks

• Shops selling calligraphy, ceramics, hanji paper, paintings, and souvenirs

• Small galleries and craft studios

Insadong is also home to Ssamziegil, a multi-level complex with a spiral walkway. You can wander up past handmade jewelry stalls, perfume studios, and art shops until you reach the rooftop overlooking the street.

Take a break in a tea house with:

• Omija (five-flavor berry) tea – sweet, sour, and very refreshing

• Rice cakes that are crispy outside and chewy inside, often served with honey

It’s a gentle, cozy contrast to the busier parts of the city.

Evening: Myeong-dong Street Food and Shopping

As the sun goes down, Myeong-dong comes alive.

Here you’ll find:

• Street food stalls selling:

  • Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes)

  • Hotteok (sweet stuffed pancakes)

  • Deep-fried snacks, fish cakes, skewers

  • Garlic bread, twisted donuts, and more

• Big cosmetic stores like Olive Young

• Fashion shops and flagship brand stores

Prices for street food usually range:

• Snacks: 3,000–6,000 KRW

• One small bowl or dish: around 6,000–10,000 KRW

If you’re into skincare, Myeong-dong is a paradise. It can feel overwhelming at first because there are so many products and so many people. Having a short shopping list (sunscreen, cleansing oil, sheet masks, etc.) really helps.

There’s also a large Nike flagship store, where you can browse special items and even customized products. For foreign visitors, duty-free benefits can make higher-priced items more attractive.

Day 2 – Gangnam, COEX, Cafes, and Markets

Morning: Gangnam Style and Starfield Library

Head to the Gangnam area to see a different side of Seoul.

Start with:

• The Gangnam Style statue – a fun photo spot inspired by the famous song and dance

• COEX Mall – a huge underground shopping complex with seasonal flower and art displays

Inside COEX, you’ll find the famous Starfield Library:

• Open, multi-floor library with towering bookshelves

• A favorite place for both tourists and locals to take photos, read, or work

• Free to enter and wander around

Even if you’re not shopping, the architecture and atmosphere make it worth the visit.

Midday: K-Star Road, Apgujeong Rodeo & Garosu-gil

From COEX, walk or take a short bus ride to K-Star Road.

• Along this road you’ll see large, colorful bear statues representing various K-pop groups.

• It’s basically a mini outdoor K-pop museum and a casual walking route for fans.

Nearby, Apgujeong Rodeo Street and Garosu-gil offer:

• Stylish cafes and dessert shops

• Beauty clinics and spas

• Designer and concept stores

Garosu-gil (literally “tree-lined street”) is particularly pleasant for a slow walk. One notable spot is Café Kitsuné, a chic cafe + boutique space where you can:

• Enjoy carefully made coffee (like a cold brew with thick cream)

• Browse branded clothing and accessories

• Relax in a courtyard with bamboo and greenery

This area has a distinctly modern, international feel, but still with a uniquely Korean twist.

Late Afternoon & Evening: Seoullo 7017 and Namdaemun Market

Toward evening, make your way to Seoullo 7017, an elevated pedestrian park built on a former highway overpass.

• Lined with plants, trees, and small resting areas

• Provides a great view of trains, buses, and the city streets below

• Often compared to the High Line in New York City

Walking along Seoullo 7017 feels like floating above the city, away from the roar of traffic but still very much in the center of things.

From the end of the walkway, it’s just a short stroll to Namdaemun Market, one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in Korea.

Here you’ll find:

• Stalls selling clothes, bags, hats, kitchenware, and camera gear

• Small restaurants and food stalls with local dishes and snacks

• A dense, lively atmosphere with locals and visitors mixed together

If Myeong-dong feels like a flashy, tourist-oriented shopping street, Namdaemun feels more like the “working” side of the city, where people buy daily necessities as well as souvenirs.

Day 3 – Cafes, Nature, and Comfort Food

For your last day, especially if the weather is rainy or cloudy, you can slow down and focus on cafes and scenery.

Morning: Waterfall View Cafe

Seoul is full of unique cafes, including some with waterfalls and stream views just outside the window.

This kind of cafe is perfect for:

• A slow morning with coffee or a seasonal drink

• Watching lanterns or decorations (for example, around Buddha’s Birthday)

• Listening to the sound of water and taking a break from city noise

You can often combine a cafe visit with a short hike or walk nearby, especially in neighborhoods on the edge of the city.

Lunch: Cheap Burgers or Plant-Based Restaurants

Despite being a big city, Seoul has surprisingly good cheap fast food and plant-based options.

• A burger set at a local brand can cost around 4 USD, with crispy fries and decent ingredients.

• For vegetarians and vegans, dedicated plant-based restaurants serve fresh pasta, grain bowls, or Korean-inspired dishes using vegetables, mushrooms, and herbs.

It’s very possible to mix “guilty pleasure” comfort food with healthy, plant-based meals in one day.

Afternoon: Noodles, Dumplings, and a Cathedral

If you’re still in or around Myeong-dong, consider trying one of the classic noodle and dumpling restaurants in the area.

Typical experience:

• Small, focused menu (often just 3–4 items)

• Handmade dumplings and rich broth noodles

• Price around 24,000 KRW for a big, filling meal for two

Just up the hill, Myeong-dong Cathedral offers a completely different mood from the busy streets below:

• Gothic-style architecture

• Quiet interior for a moment of reflection

• Beautiful place to sit and process your trip before you leave the city

Final Tips for Your Seoul Itinerary

To sum up, here are some practical tips to help you design your own Seoul travel itinerary:

1. Stay near a subway station – This matters more than having a large room.

2. Use the subway and bus system – It’s cheap, clean, and well sign-posted in English.

3. Combine traditional and modern areas –

   • Day 1: Gyeongbokgung, hanbok, Ikseon-dong, Insadong, Myeong-dong

   • Day 2: Gangnam, COEX, Garosu-gil, Seoullo 7017, Namdaemun Market

   • Day 3: Cafes, short walks, comfort food, and a calm spot like a cathedral or stream

4. Try both street food and sit-down meals – Street stalls, BBQ, noodle shops, dessert cafes, and vegan restaurants all show a different side of Seoul.

5. Be flexible with the weather – On sunny days, walk more and enjoy outdoor spots; on rainy days, lean into malls, libraries, cafes, and temples.

Follow this structure, adjust it to your preferences, and you’ll have a balanced 2–3 day Seoul itinerary that covers history, food, shopping, and local life without breaking your budget.