One-Day Itinerary in the Heart of Seoul: Jongno
Where tradition and modern life come together
If you want to experience both traditional and modern Korea in one day, Jongno is the perfect place to start. Here's a full-day itinerary that covers royal palaces, cultural streets, hanok villages, and delicious local food — all easily accessible by walking and public transportation.
📍 Full Itinerary Overview
Gyeongbokgung Palace → (10-min walk) → Gwanghwamun Square → (10-min walk) → Insadong → (10-min walk) → Bukchon Hanok Village → (15-min walk) → Ikseon-dong → (10-min walk) → Cheonggyecheon Stream → (10-min walk) → Jongno 3-ga restaurants
🏯 1. Gyeongbokgung Palace
- 📍 How to get there:
- Subway Line 3 → Exit 5 at Gyeongbokgung Station → 3-min walk
- Or Subway Line 5 → Exit 2 at Gwanghwamun Station → 10-min walk
- 🕒 Hours: 09:00–18:00 (last entry 17:00), closed on Tuesdays
- 🎭 Guard Changing Ceremony: On the hour from 10:00–15:00 (except Tuesday)
- 👘 Free entrance if you wear a hanbok!
Start your journey at one of Seoul’s most stunning royal palaces. With majestic architecture and vast courtyards, Gyeongbokgung offers a powerful glimpse into the Joseon Dynasty.
🏞️ 2. Gwanghwamun Square
- 🚶 Walk: 10 mins from Gyeongbokgung’s main gate
This wide square is home to iconic statues of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-sin. It’s a symbolic and photogenic location, especially with the palace in the background.
🛍️ 3. Insadong
- 🚶 Walk: 10 mins via Jogyesa Temple side street
A must-visit cultural street famous for traditional crafts, hanji (Korean paper), pottery, and tea houses. It's perfect for picking up unique Korean souvenirs.
🏘️ 4. Bukchon Hanok Village
- 🚶 Walk: 10 mins from Insadong through Anguk Station (Exit 2)
This peaceful village features hundreds of preserved hanok (traditional Korean houses) that reflect the beauty of old Seoul. Great spot for photos and cultural exploration.
☕ 5. Ikseon-dong Hanok Alley
- 🚶 Walk: 15 mins from Bukchon via Anguk Station toward Jongno 3-ga
A charming area filled with retro-style hanok cafes, dessert shops, and boutiques. Young travelers especially love the mix of tradition and trend here.
🌊 6. Cheonggyecheon Stream
- 🚶 Walk: 10 mins from Ikseon-dong toward Jonggak Station
An urban stream with walking paths, mini waterfalls, and mood lighting after sunset. A relaxing break from the city buzz.
🍲 7. Dinner at Jongno 3-ga
- 🚶 Walk: 10 mins from Cheonggyecheon
End your day with a delicious local meal. Recommended food: - Gwangjang Market's mayak gimbap, bindaetteok (mung bean pancake), yukhoe (Korean beef tartare)
- Classic Korean BBQ and naengmyeon (cold noodles) at hidden gems
- Traditional tea houses in Insadong
🗺️ Travel Summary
| Gyeongbokgung → Gwanghwamun | Walk | ~10 mins |
| Gwanghwamun → Insadong | Walk | ~10 mins |
| Insadong → Bukchon | Walk | ~10 mins |
| Bukchon → Ikseon-dong | Walk | ~15 mins |
| Ikseon-dong → Cheonggyecheon | Walk | ~10 mins |
| Cheonggyecheon → Jongno 3-ga | Walk | ~10 mins |
✅ Total walking time: Less than 1 hour! All spots are close together in central Seoul, making this itinerary efficient and enjoyable.
💡 Final Tips
- Highly recommended for first-time travelers wanting to see both traditional and trendy Seoul in one day.
- Experience hanbok, traditional food, and atmospheric alleyways all in one go.
- Most signs and menus have English, so solo travel is no problem!