11 June 2026
4 minutes
24-Hour Traveller Guide to Seoul
Having a layover in Seoul? Find out what you can do within 24 hours in Seoul to make the most out of your short break in what is one of the most interesting cities in South Korea.
With so many attractions to explore yet little time to spare, getting around the capital city of South Korea in just 24 hours can be a little overwhelming.
With a little help from our travel guide, it is definitely possible to experience the most of your Seoul trip in only 24 hours. Ready to discover the best of Seoul?
At a glance: how to spend 24 hours in Seoul
Morning
- Start your day at ibis Ambassador Seoul Insadong, a central base close to major attractions
- Enjoy panoramic rooftop views across Seoul and spot Namsan Tower
- Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace and explore Korea’s royal history
- Walk through Bukchon Hanok Village to see traditional Korean homes and local life
Day
- Wander through Insadong, Seoul’s arts, and culture district
- Browse craft shops, galleries, antique stores, and souvenir spots
- Sample local snacks and discover hidden cafés and cultural gems
- Experience a more traditional side of Seoul between sightseeing stops
Night
- Head to Namsan Tower for sweeping city views at sunset
- Take the cable car to save time and enjoy skyline views
- Finish your day in Myeongdong for shopping, street food and Korean beauty finds
- Explore the lively atmosphere and enjoy Seoul after dark
Start your day at ibis Ambassador Seoul Insadong
Begin your day at ibis Ambassador Seoul Insadong, a perfect central spot for those who are short on time in Seoul. Major attractions such as the popular Korean palaces, Myeongdong, and Dongdaemun are within walking distance.
Experience one of the best views from the hotel’s panoramic rooftop where you can see the Namsan Tower and other popular monuments of Seoul.
Explore the history of Joseon Dynasty at Gyeongbokgung Palace
Make your way to one of the largest five palaces in South Korea – Gyeongbokgung Palace. It is arguably the most enchanting and remarkable relic.
Take time to immerse yourself in the ancient times of Korea and discover the historical culture. The palace is a must-visit in the city and is open during all seasons.
Get real with the locals at Bukchon Hanok Village
There is no better way to experience the authentic Seoul experience than to explore Bukchon Hanok Village. Located between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace, Bukchon is a must-see if you only have 24 hours to explore Seoul.
Witness a day in the life of the locals, savour local street food, and discover a great haul of locals’ arts and crafts. Make your way down the narrow lanes lined by hundreds of Hanok, also known as traditional-style houses, where the old-world charm has been well-preserved.
Be immersed in the art scene of Insadong
Go back towards your hotel and the Insadong scene to rekindle your artistic spirits in the artsy scene of Seoul, a paradise for all art lovers.
Etched along the streets are countless small craft stalls, art galleries, antique stores, traditional Korean gift shops, and many hidden gems around each corner. This is the perfect spot for picking up your Korean souvenirs to take home.
Picturesque moment at Namsan Tower
A trip to Seoul is not complete without witnessing the amazing view of the cityscape at the highest point in Seoul at Namsan Tower.
Situated at the peak of Namsan Mountain, take a moment to enjoy the spectacular views of Seoul and witness the hustle and bustle of the city from a bird's-eye view.
If you’ve only got one day to spend in Seoul, skip the hike to the mountain top and take the Namsan cable car instead. You’ll get to the top quickly, leaving more of your one-day itinerary free for food, shopping, and other major sights.
Shopping in Myeongdong
If you’re looking to fit in some shopping during your day in Seoul, Myeongdong is the place to do it. The neighbourhood is compact, busy, and built for browsing, with something on almost every street.
For skincare and beauty
Myeongdong is one of the best places in Seoul to shop for Korean beauty and skincare. You’ll find flagship stores and smaller outlets selling sheet masks, cleansers, serums, and sunscreens, often with testers and multi‑buy deals. Even if you’re not planning a big beauty haul, it’s easy to pick up travel‑friendly products or gifts.
For fashion
Fashion is another draw when shopping in Myeongdong. Expect a mix of high‑street Korean brands, trend‑driven boutiques, and affordable accessories. Clothing styles change quickly, so you’ll see what’s popular right now, from casual basics to statement pieces. Shoes, bags, and jewellery are easy add‑ons if you’re short on luggage space when visiting Seoul on a layover.
For easy exploring
If you want variety without travelling far, Myeongdong delivers. It’s less about hunting for hidden finds and more about having everything within a few walkable blocks, which makes it ideal if you’ve only got 24 hours to spend in Seoul.
Nightlife in Hongdae
The vibrant district of Hongdae transforms into a hub of entertainment at night. Centred around Hongik University, Hongdae has long been associated with youth culture, creativity, and a thriving music and arts scene. Even before midnight, the streets are busy with buskers, pop‑up performances, and crowds moving between bars, cafés, and late‑night eateries.
Hongdae isn’t just about clubs, though that’s a big part of its appeal. Whether you are a fan of house, disco or rock music, you’ll find the perfect club, bar, or rooftop retreat cranking your favourite tunes. If you’re not in the mood to dance, simply walking around Hongdae and people‑watching is entertainment in itself.
Where to eat in Seoul
Seoul’s food scene shapes the city as much as the sights. Meals are casual, social, and often built around sharing. And you’ll notice quickly that what people eat in Seoul changes depending on the time of day.
Breakfast is simple: gimbap, toasted sandwiches, or dumplings from small neighbourhood spots. Caffeine enthusiasts can drop into any one of Seoul’s vibrant coffee shops for a delicious speciality coffee and a pastry.
Lunch is when Seoul really comes alive with the aromas of noodle soups, fried cutlets, and spicy pork with rice. Street food is everywhere during the day too, especially around markets and shopping areas, making it easy to grab a quick bite while you continue your adventure.
At night, food vendors set up along busy pedestrian streets, serving snacks like grilled squid, spicy rice cakes, or sweet pancakes. If you’d prefer a sit-down meal, you can’t go past Korean barbecue – a quintessential way to wrap up your time in Seoul.
If you only have 24 hours to explore Seoul, ensure you’re well-placed to maximise your time. Accor puts you close to the food, culture, and neighbourhoods that define the city. Book your hotel stay direct on ALL.com and enjoy member‑only perks when you become a member of the free ALL Accor loyalty programme.
Frequently asked questions
You won’t see everything, but 24 hours is enough to get a solid feel for Seoul. You can visit one or two major palaces, walk through a traditional neighbourhood like Bukchon, and spend time in a modern area such as Myeongdong or Hongdae. Seoul’s public transport system is fast and easy to use, which helps you move between areas quickly. Planning your route in advance makes a big difference when time is limited.
Seoul’s subway is the fastest and most reliable way to get around the city. Trains run frequently and signs are in English, making it easy for first-time visitors. Pick up a T-money card at convenience stores or subway stations, and use the card for subways, buses, and taxis. Taxis are affordable and useful late at night or if you’re short on time, and you can easily hail a taxi via the Kakao T app. Walking also works well in central areas where attractions are close together.
Yes, many travellers can leave the airport during a layover in Seoul, depending on their passport and visa rules. Incheon International Airport is well connected to the city by express train and taxi. If your layover is eight hours or more, it’s usually worth heading into Seoul. Always allow enough time to return to the airport and clear security.
If it’s your first time in Seoul, focus on a mix of old and new. A royal palace like Gyeongbokgung gives you historical context, while areas such as Insadong or Myeongdong show everyday city life. Add a street food stop or a café visit to round out your one day in Seoul.
Seoul is considered very safe, even for solo travellers and late-night exploring. Public transport is well lit, and busy areas stay active into the evening. As with any major city, keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places and follow basic travel precautions. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, which helps if you need directions or assistance.
With limited time, street food is the easiest way to sample Korean flavours. Tteokbokki, hotteok, and gimbap are quick, filling, and easy to find. If you have time for a sit-down meal, a simple bibimbap or Korean barbecue lunch works well. Many restaurants offer pictures or English menus, so ordering is usually straightforward.
Early morning is ideal for palaces and traditional areas, as they’re quieter and less crowded. Afternoons work well for shopping streets and cafés. In the evening, neighbourhoods like Hongdae or Itaewon come alive with food, music, and nightlife. Seoul is active late into the night, which helps if your 24 hours don’t follow a typical daytime schedule.
If you want to fit a lot into one day of sightseeing in Seoul, stay in a central area like Insadong or Jongno. From here, it's easy to walk or take a quick subway ride to Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village and the galleries and tea houses of Insadong. You'll also be well placed for an evening trip to Namsan Tower and street food in Myeongdong. Being close to several subway lines saves time and keeps your day simple and flexible.
