The 1-day route

You don't need much money to see the best of Seoul. If you work or study here and want a weekend that costs almost nothing, this route is built for it — and every stop on it photographs well.

TimeLocationCostSubway Station
10:00 AMGyeongbokgung PalaceFREE (if wearing Hanbok)Gyeongbokgung (Line 3)
01:00 PMBukchon Hanok VillageFREEAnguk (Line 3)
04:00 PMGwanghwamun SquareFREEGwanghwamun (Line 5)
06:00 PMCheonggyecheon StreamFREECity Hall (Line 1, 2)

Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)

Royal guard-changing ceremony, Gyeongbokgung
Royal guard-changing ceremony, Gyeongbokgung

This is the largest and most beautiful royal palace in Seoul.

  • The Secret Hack: Palace entry is free with Hanbok, but Hanbok rental costs around 20,000~30,000 KRW. If you skip Hanbok, standard entry is just 3,000 KRW. The Hanbok must be a proper traditional set (top + bottom) to qualify for free entry.
  • Photo Spot: Stand in front of Gyeonghoeru Pavilion (경회루) for the best reflection shot over the water.
  • Tip: Closed on Tuesdays!

Bukchon Hanok Village (북촌한옥마을)

Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon Hanok Village

Just a short 15-minute walk from the palace, you will find hundreds of traditional Korean houses (Hanok).

  • Photo Spot: The "Bukchon 8 Views" (북촌 8경) offers a stunning contrast where you can see ancient roofs with the modern N Seoul Tower in the background.
  • Important Visiting Rules (2026): Bukchon is a real residential area. Under Jongno-gu regulations, tourists are only allowed to visit the main Red Zone (Bukchon-ro 11-gil) between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Sundays are designated as a "Tourist Rest Day" (Do not visit on Sundays). Please keep noise to a minimum. Violators may face fines.

Gwanghwamun Square and Cheonggyecheon (광화문광장 · 청계천)

Gwanghwamun Square at night
Gwanghwamun Square at night
Cheonggyecheon Stream
Cheonggyecheon Stream

Walk down from Bukchon to the newly renovated Gwanghwamun Square.

  • Take a photo with the massive statue of King Sejong.
  • As the sun sets, walk down to the Cheonggyecheon Stream. The stream is beautifully lit at night, making it the perfect spot to sit, dip your feet in the water (during summer), and relax after a long day of walking.

What to eat on the way

While walking, save money by eating delicious Korean street food! Try Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes) for around 3,500 KRW, or Hotteok (Sweet Pancake) for 2,000 KRW in the nearby alleys of Insadong.

Questions people ask

How much is entry to Gyeongbokgung Palace?

3,000 KRW. It is free if you wear a proper traditional hanbok set, but hanbok rental costs 20,000~30,000 KRW — more than the ticket. Rent it for the photos, not to save money.

Which day is Gyeongbokgung closed?

Tuesdays. Plan the route for any other day.

When can I visit Bukchon Hanok Village?

Between 10:00 and 17:00, and not on Sundays — Jongno-gu designates Sunday as a Tourist Rest Day. Bukchon is a real residential area, so keep noise down. Violators may face fines.

How much does this whole day cost?

Subway fare, 3,000 KRW for the palace, and 2,000~3,500 KRW per street food item. Every other stop on this route is free.

Kori Care Local DirectoryFind pharmacies, clinics and marts near any stop on this route

Sources: Jongno-gu Office Bukchon Special Management Area regulations · Cultural Heritage Administration palace admission notices. Prices and visiting hours change — check the official notice before you go. This guide is for information only.