I get this DM at least twice a week: "3 days in Seoul, what do I do?" Here's what I actually send people. No Instagram bucket lists, no Netflix restaurants. Just what won't waste your time.
Day 1 — Old city + the palace routine. Take the subway to Anguk Station, exit 1. Walk to Gyeongbokgung. Rent a hanbok if you want free palace entry (it's cheesy and everyone does it — worth doing once, then never again). Walk east into Bukchon; don't stress about specific 'photo spots,' just get lost on the small lanes. End the afternoon at Insadong for tea. Skip dinner in Insadong — walk to Jongno 3-ga instead and eat pork belly at any grill place that's packed.
Day 2 — Younger side. Hongdae in the afternoon (weekdays are actually better — weekend Hongdae is a mosh pit). Wander into Yeonnam-dong for cafes. In the evening, take a taxi to Yeouido riverside park with a convenience-store beer and chicken from BBQ or KyoChon. This is peak Seoul. Do it.
Day 3 — Neighborhood day. Pick one: Seongsu (industrial-chic cafes, boutiques), Ikseon-dong (hanok alleys converted into little shops), or Itaewon/Hannam (international food, K-pop label buildings). Don't try to do all three, you'll hate yourself.
Things I'd skip: N Seoul Tower unless you're going with someone romantic. The DMZ tour (nice history but eats a whole day). Lotte World.
Things worth adding a 4th day for: Jjimjilbang, Han River bike ride, a proper Korean BBQ dinner where you don't rush.
Anything I missed?
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