1-Day Tour Itinerary in Seoul’s Jongno District

Jongno District

Explore the heart of Seoul with this carefully planned 1-day itinerary in Jongno District, where you’ll experience a perfect blend of history, culture, food, and modern charm. This tour starts at 08:00 and offers a full day of discovery, including Seoul’s iconic palaces, traditional villages, bustling markets, and a delightful evening meal with drinks.

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09:00 – Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)

Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty, opens at 09:00, making it a perfect first stop. This grand palace is a showcase of traditional Korean architecture, featuring landmarks such as the Geunjeongjeon Throne Hall and the scenic Gyeonghoeru Pavilion. The Changing of the Guard ceremony, held at 10:00, is a must-see for tourists.

• Admission: 3,000 KRW for adults, 1,500 KRW for children
• Tip: Visitors dressed in traditional hanbok can enter the palace for free.

10:30 – Bukchon Hanok Village (북촌한옥마을)

Just a short walk from Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon Hanok Village is a preserved area filled with traditional Korean houses known as hanok. This scenic neighborhood offers a glimpse into Korea’s past and provides excellent photo opportunities with the backdrop of Seoul's traditional architecture.

• Admission: Free
• Tip: Some hanok offer tea ceremonies or cultural experiences for an additional fee.

12:00 – Lunch at Insadong (인사동)

Head to Insadong for lunch, a district famous for its blend of modern art galleries and traditional Korean shops. The area is also home to many restaurants serving authentic Korean food such as bibimbap, bulgogi, and jeon (Korean pancakes).

• Recommended Restaurants:
  • Sanchon: A traditional Korean temple food restaurant known for its vegan dishes.
  • Gogung: Famous for its bibimbap.
• Cost: Around 10,000–20,000 KRW per meal

After lunch, take some time to explore the narrow streets of Insadong and browse the numerous galleries and craft shops. It's the perfect place to pick up unique souvenirs like traditional Korean ceramics and hanji paper.

14:00 – Changdeokgung Palace and Secret Garden (창덕궁과 후원)

Next, visit Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its harmonious integration with nature, the highlight here is the Secret Garden (Huwon), a serene space filled with ponds, pavilions, and centuries-old trees.

• Admission: 3,000 KRW for palace entry, 5,000 KRW for the guided Secret Garden tour
• Tip: The Secret Garden tour requires a reservation, so be sure to book in advance.

16:00 – Gwangjang Market (광장시장) Snack Break

For a mid-afternoon snack, head to the bustling Gwangjang Market. This traditional market is a food lover's paradise, offering Korean street food like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), mayak gimbap (mini seaweed rice rolls), and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes).

• Cost: Snacks range from 3,000 to 6,000 KRW per item
• Tip: Try bindaetteok with a side of makgeolli (Korean rice wine) for a classic combination.

17:30 – Stroll Along Cheonggyecheon Stream (청계천)

After the lively market, unwind with a peaceful walk along the Cheonggyecheon Stream. This urban stream runs through the heart of the city, offering a scenic route lined with greenery, public art installations, and fountains. The stream is especially beautiful in the early evening when the lights come on.

• Admission: Free
• Tip: Walk toward the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) for some modern architecture and nighttime illumination.

19:00 – Traditional Korean Dinner in Samcheongdong (삼청동)

For dinner, visit one of Samcheongdong’s many traditional hanjeongsik restaurants. Hanjeongsik is a traditional Korean set meal that includes a variety of small dishes (banchan) along with rice, soup, and a main dish.

• Recommended Restaurants:
  • Baekyangjae: A traditional Korean restaurant in a hanok, offering elegant multi-course meals.
  • Samcheonggak: A higher-end venue with beautiful views, perfect for experiencing royal Korean cuisine.
• Cost: Approximately 30,000–50,000 KRW per person

21:00 – Drinks at a Traditional Makgeolli Bar in Jongno 3-ga

End your day with some traditional Korean drinks. Head to Jongno 3-ga for an authentic Korean pub experience. Makgeolli, a slightly sweet fermented rice wine, is best enjoyed with jeon (savory pancakes) or bossam (boiled pork slices).

• Recommended Bars:
  • Jongno Makgeolli: Known for its extensive selection of makgeolli and cozy, local vibe.
  • Seochon Makgeolli: Located near Gyeongbokgung, offering traditional snacks with drinks.
• Cost: A bottle of makgeolli typically costs around 10,000 KRW, and anju (drinking snacks) range from 10,000 to 20,000 KRW.