A Perfect Day in Seoul: Palaces, Hidden Streets & Delicious Food
Seoul is a city where ancient traditions meet modern life, and there’s no better way to experience this than by exploring its palaces, hidden neighborhoods, and food scene all in one day. If you’re looking for a mix of history, culture, and delicious Korean food, with a little Travelglaze, this itinerary is for you.
This article is also featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or create a self-guided walking tour to visit the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in Seoul.
Travelglaze Experience:
I didn’t plan it this way, but I accidentally ended up with a hotel right next to Ikseon-dong—and what a lucky mistake that was!
After a long flight from Amsterdam to Seoul, I arrived late in the evening, completely exhausted. I thought I’d just crash at the hotel, but then I stepped outside and saw Ikseon-dong’s glowing lanterns, colorful hanok buildings, and buzzing little alleyways. There was no way I could resist.
That night, I had the best introduction to Korean BBQ imaginable—perfectly grilled meat, endless side dishes, and that addictive smoky flavor. Then came the surprises: a cheese shop where everything (yes, everything) was made of cheese, and a croissant bakery with a line so long I knew it had to be something special.
Jet lagged but completely hooked, I knew right away—this wasn’t just going to be a great trip, it was going to be a Travelglaze experience. The kind where unexpected finds, hidden streets, and late-night discoveries turn into the best memories.
Start Your Day at Changdeokgung Palace
Skip the crowds at Gyeongbokgung and start your morning at Changdeokgung Palace instead. This UNESCO-listed palace is famous for its Secret Garden, a tranquil escape filled with ponds, pagodas, and centuries-old trees. Unlike other palaces, Changdeokgung was designed to blend into the surrounding landscape, making it feel like a hidden royal retreat rather than just a grand monument.
💡 Travelglaze Tip: Arrive early and book a Secret Garden tour—it’s the highlight of the palace, but spots fill up fast!
📍 Closest Metro: Anguk Station (Line 3, Exit 3)
Breakfast Stop: A Taste of Tradition
Before diving into history, fuel up with a traditional Korean breakfast at Pyeongyang Myeonok, just a short walk from the palace. This spot is famous for naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles)—refreshing, slightly tangy, and perfect for starting your day. If you prefer something warm, try mandu-guk (dumpling soup), a comforting classic.
📍 Where: Pyeongyang Myeonok (Anguk Station, 10-minute walk)
Stroll Through Ikseon-dong: A Hanok Village with a Twist
From Changdeokgung, take a 10-minute walk to Ikseon-dong, one of Seoul’s most charming and overlooked neighborhoods. Unlike Bukchon Hanok Village, which can feel a bit like a museum, Ikseon-dong is a living hanok village where traditional Korean houses have been transformed into trendy cafés, boutique shops, and hidden restaurants.
💡 Fun Fact: In the 1920s, Ikseon-dong was home to artists, scholars, and craftsmen. Today, it’s where locals go to escape the fast-paced city life.
Lunch in Insadong: Street Food & Royal Cuisine
Just a short walk from Ikseon-dong, Insadong is the place to experience traditional Korean food with a modern twist.
What to Eat:
✅ Jeon (Korean Pancakes) – Try crispy kimchi or seafood pancakes from one of the local food stalls.
✅ Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes) – A must-try Korean street food, perfect for spice lovers.
✅ Hanjeongsik (Korean Royal Cuisine) – If you’re feeling fancy, visit Jirisan Restaurant for a full traditional Korean meal with multiple side dishes.
💡 Travelglaze Tip: For a unique café experience, visit Tteuran Tea House in Ikseon-dong. Hidden inside a beautifully preserved hanok, this cozy spot serves traditional Korean teas like jujube, omija, and yuzu tea, along with homemade rice cakes. A peaceful escape from the city’s buzz! 🍵✨
A Zen Break at Jogyesa Temple
After lunch, take a short walk to Jogyesa Temple, the heart of Korean Buddhism in Seoul. It’s colorful, peaceful, and filled with giant ancient trees. If you visit in spring or autumn, you’ll see the temple covered in thousands of vibrant lanterns, making it one of the most photogenic spots in the city.
💡 Fun Fact: The temple’s huge wooden Buddha statue is one of the largest in Korea!
📍 Where: Near Anguk Station (Line 3)
Walk Along Cheonggyecheon Stream
From Jogyesa, head to Cheonggyecheon, a serene, 11-km stream running through downtown Seoul. Once a polluted waterway, it was restored into a beautiful public space with walking paths, stepping stones, and small waterfalls.
💡 Travelglaze Tip: Visit around sunset when the city lights reflect on the water, creating a magical atmosphere.
End the Day in Myeongdong: Shopping & Night Market Food
Finish your day in Myeongdong, Seoul’s famous shopping and street food district. Here, neon signs light up the streets, K-pop plays from every shop, and the smell of sizzling Korean snacks fills the air.
What to Eat in Myeongdong:
✅ Myeongdong Kyoja – Famous for handmade kalguksu (knife-cut noodles) and pork dumplings.
✅ Korean Fried Chicken – Try Cheogajip for crispy, juicy chicken with spicy sauce.
✅ Street Food – Don’t miss hotteok (sweet pancakes), tornado potatoes, and grilled lobster with cheese.
💡 Travelglaze Tip: Myeongdong is also home to some of the best skincare shops in Seoul. If you’ve ever wanted to try K-beauty products, this is the place to stock up!
📍 Closest Metro: Myeongdong Station (Line 4)
Final Thoughts: The Best Way to Experience Seoul
This itinerary blends history, food, and hidden gems, giving you a full taste of Seoul beyond the typical tourist stops.
Which part of this itinerary excites you the most? Let me know in the comments!
