Seoul searching: a five-day adventure through the capital’s diverse neighbourhoods

Seoul is a metropolis, where each neighbourhood feels like a world of its own. Thanks to the city’s expansive metro network, navigating the city is also effortless. With this guide, you’ll uncover a new side of the capital every day, immersing yourself in its unique atmosphere and must-see spots. For the smoothest travel experience, download the NAVER app, which provides detailed transport options and routes from point A to point B.

Day 1 — From mountain views to urban cool

To kickstart your first day in Seoul, head for a scenic hike in Yongmasan. Located in the northeastern part of Seoul, this is an ideal spot for a tranquil atmosphere amidst the bustling city. Along the trail, you'll find Yongma Waterfall Park’s picturesque waterfall, and breathtaking views of the city’s skyline, including the iconic Han River and Lotte World Tower, which you’ll discover later on.

After the hike, hop on metro lines 7 and 2 from Yongmasan Station to Seongsu Station to explore the trendy neighbourhood of Seongsu. Often called the "Brooklyn of Seoul," this area is famous for its blend of industrial charm and artistic innovation. You could easily spend hours exploring its quirky boutiques, cafés and art exhibitions, but some must-see spots include Happier Mart for colourful stationary shopping, and D Museum for immersive modern art exhibitions.

If you need to unwind after your Seongsu adventures, Seoul Forest — a peaceful urban oasis — is just around the corner. Grab a bite from Lowide Bakery, and head to explore the lush gardens, spot deer in the Eco Forest or sit down for a picnic by the lake to relax before the next day's adventures.

Day 2 — Towering views & sauna’s serenity

To start another day with beautiful views, head to Jamsil Station to experience Lotte World Tower. Standing at 555 metres, it’s the tallest building in South Korea. The views from the observation deck give you a stunning 360-degree panorama of the city and beyond. The experience is heightened by a glass-floored section, where you can stand right above the vibrant city.  

After soaking in the views, take a relaxing walk around Seokchon Lake, located right next to the tower. The serene lake and its surrounding paths are particularly beautiful in spring, when filled with cherry blossoms. If you’re craving some fun, treat yourself to a few hours of rides at Lotte World, a fun amusement park by the lake. From there, you can even hop on one of the little swan boats, to take in the scenic surroundings and the tower from a different perspective.

Next up on the agenda, hop on Line 2 at Jamsil Station and head to Samseong Station — this 10-minute metro ride will take you to one of Seoul's most famous areas, Gangnam. If you’re in for some shopping, check out COEX Mall, one of the largest underground shopping centres in Asia, and don’t miss the iconic Starfield Library, an open-space library filled with towering bookshelves. Before leaving the area, be sure to snap a photo with the Gangnam Style Statue, a reminder of the global hit song that put Gangnam on the map in 2012.  

After a day of intense exploring, it’s time to treat yourself to an evening of true relaxation in a traditional Korean jjimjilbang — a place that typically offers a variety of saunas, hot baths, and relaxation areas for a full wellness experience. A great option is Spa Lei, a women-only jjimjilbang located in Gangnam. Known for its serene atmosphere, Spa Lei provides the perfect space to recharge. For the full experience, you can even stay overnight — for just 19,000 won (around 13 euros), you can enjoy a full 12 hours of comforting calm.

Day 3 — Letters & lanes in Haebangchong

You might have heard of the vibrant neighbourhood Itaewon, but just next door lies Haebangchong, a lesser-known yet equally intriguing area worth a visit. Nestled against the slopes of Namsan Mountain, Haebangchong is a charming district filled with narrow, winding streets, each leading to a new discovery. To get here effortlessly, arrive at Noksapyeong station on Line 6.

In Haebangchong’s alleyways, you’ll find Nuldam Space, a unique café where you can write a letter to your future self — they even offer international shipping, all for just a few euros. With its stunning city view, it's the perfect spot to reflect and get creative. If you're exploring with a friend, you can write letters to each other and have them mailed to each other a year later, creating a shared memory that continues to give.

As you continue wandering through Haebangchong, make sure to stop by Shinheung Market, a quaint market located in the highest part of the neighbourhood, brimming with a variety of bars, cafés and handcrafted goods. Many little bars give you a taste of Seoul's artistic side while staying off the beaten path.  

After a day of wandering in the narrow streets, head to Namsan Seoul Tower for another mesmerising night view. There’s no need to necessarily visit the actual tower — as night falls, the tower’s surroundings offer possibly the best views of Seoul, with the city lights twinkling beneath you. Whether you take the cable car or enjoy a peaceful hike, a visit to Namsan Tower will perfectly cap off your third day in Seoul.

Day 4 — Exploring Hongdae and Yeonnam, two vibes next to each other

Hongdae, known for its youthful energy, is the go-to spot for nightlife, impressive street performances, and trendy shopping. Just like Haebangchong next to Itaewon, there’s a more laid-back, charming neighbourhood right next to it — Yeonnam. Many of its cute boutiques and cafés are located around the Gyeongui Line Forest Park, a narrow park that runs through the whole area. The best station to start exploring Yeonnam or Hongdae is Hongik University Station, close to both of the neighbourhoods.

For memorable experiences in Yeonnam, go to Acorn Caricature, a place where you can get a cute caricature drawing of yourself, or even your pet! These are not your typical caricatures, but especially cute ones that’ll leave you smiling for sure. Once in Seoul, don't forget to also snap a photo in some of the city's hundreds of photobooths. Yeonnam is home to one of the coolest ones, called Don’t Lxxk Up. Here, the photos are taken from above, which offers a very cool look.

Yeonnam is also home to dozens of charming cafés, like Ver’s Garden, where you can connect with nature right in the heart of the city. In the evening, if you're in the mood for a glass of wine or a cocktail, head to Heimish Café & Pub. If you’re up for a little stroll in Hongdae, check out Vinyl on the way — a tiny bar with a big personality. Here, the music is always top-notch, and the drinks are served in adorable plastic pouches with a straw.

If you're still in the mood to go out when the night falls, another must-do in Seoul is singing your heart out at one of the hundreds of noraebangs — literally translated as 'singing rooms' — karaoke spots that are beloved by locals of all ages. In these rooms, found in every corner of the city, you get to choose from a vast catalogue of songs and sing for hours, all of this for a very low price. This is a popular activity both alone and with a group, so it’s a fun way to spend your evening even on a solo trip.  

Day 5 — A final day filled with tradition, flavour and serenity

Start your final day with a stroll along Cheonggyecheon, a tranquil urban stream that winds through the heart of the city. Originally a polluted waterway, it has been revitalised into a peaceful escape from Seoul's hustle and bustle.

From Cheonggyecheon, head over to Gwangjang Market, one of Seoul's oldest traditional markets. This market is a true sensory feast, offering everything from textiles to street food. Don’t leave without trying bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) or the famous mayak gimbap (mini rice rolls). The authentic atmosphere and flavours are an experience in themselves.

When satisfied from trying out the flavours of Gwangjang, take your exploration to Euljiro, affectionately known as “Hipjiro” by locals, a neighbourhood still relatively unknown to travellers. Euljiro is a neighbourhood where Seoul’s past and present collide in the most captivating way - this once-industrial area, famous for its printing shops and hardware stores, has transformed into a hub of creativity and urban cool. Hidden alleys now lead to trendy craft beer bars, such as Euljiro Brewing, quirky cafes, and all kinds of places in timeworn buildings shining in neon lights.

Finally, head to Jongno-gu for your final explorations in Ikseon-dong Hanok Village, a maze of traditional Korean hanok houses reimagined as boutique cafes, artisan shops, and small galleries. Grab a coffee or dessert at one of the whimsical spots and take your time exploring the narrow alleys.

To finally calm down for your last evening, head for a little moment of reflection at Jogyesa Temple, a serene Buddhist temple, a ten-minute walk from Ikseon-dong. The temple is particularly stunning at night, when its colourful lanterns illuminate the grounds. Take some time to soak in the peaceful atmosphere, marking a perfect conclusion to your Seoul adventure.  

Finnair flies to Seoul daily.