7 days in Seoul (Solo travel)

Day 1: Arrival & First Look at Seoul 06:00 AM – 09:00 AM • Arrive in Seoul & check into accommodation (Myeongdong, Hongdae, or Insadong for easy access). • Quick morning stroll around Cheonggyecheon Stream. 09:00 AM – 12:00 PM • Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace (watch the Changing of the Guard at 10 AM). • Walk to Bukchon Hanok Village for traditional houses & photo spots. 12:00 PM – 03:00 PM • Explore Samcheong-dong, a quiet neighborhood with art galleries & small shops. • Visit Jogyesa Temple, a famous Buddhist temple. 03:00 PM – 06:00 PM • Walk to Insadong for traditional markets & crafts. • Explore Changdeokgung Palace & the Secret Garden (requires prior booking). 06:00 PM – 09:00 PM • Walk along Cheonggyecheon Stream at night. • Enjoy a light dinner or tea in Insadong. ⸻ Day 2: Namsan & City Views 06:00 AM – 09:00 AM • Hike up Namsan Mountain (via the Namsan Dulegil Trail). • Reach N Seoul Tower for a panoramic city view. 09:00 AM – 12:00 PM • Explore Itaewon, a multicultural district with unique shops & cafes. • Visit the Leeum Samsung Museum of Art. 12:00 PM – 03:00 PM • Walk along the Hangang River Park. • Visit Seoul Forest, a peaceful nature spot with deer enclosures. 03:00 PM – 06:00 PM • Explore Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) for futuristic architecture. • Visit Gwangjang Market (great for local street food & market vibes). 06:00 PM – 09:00 PM • Stroll around Dongdaemun Night Market. • Take a night walk along the Hangang River. ⸻ Day 3: Bukhansan National Park – Major Hike 06:00 AM – 12:00 PM • Start early for a Bukhansan National Park hike. • Recommended trail: Baegundae Peak (highest point, ~3-4 hours round trip). 12:00 PM – 03:00 PM • Visit Guknyeongsa Temple, a quiet Buddhist temple in the park. • Relax and recover at a jjimjilbang (Korean sauna/spa) like Dragon Hill Spa. 03:00 PM – 06:00 PM • Explore Ewha Womans University area (great architecture & calm vibes). • Walk around Sinchon & Hongdae, known for youth culture & street performances. 06:00 PM – 09:00 PM • Visit Yeouido Hangang Park for a night skyline view. • Take a Han River Cruise. ⸻ Day 4: DMZ & War History 06:00 AM – 03:00 PM • Take a DMZ tour (visit Imjingak Park, Dora Observatory, and the Third Infiltration Tunnel). 03:00 PM – 06:00 PM • Return to Seoul & visit the War Memorial of Korea. 06:00 PM – 09:00 PM • Explore Namdaemun Market for last-minute shopping or local souvenirs. • Walk around Myeongdong’s night scene. ⸻ Day 5: Inwangsan & Traditional Seoul 06:00 AM – 12:00 PM • Hike Inwangsan Mountain (famous for city views & Buddhist sites). • Visit Guksadang Shrine, an old shamanist temple. 12:00 PM – 03:00 PM • Explore Seochon Village, a quiet and traditional neighborhood. • Visit Seoul Museum of History or Blue House (Cheong Wa Dae). 03:00 PM – 06:00 PM • Relax at Seoul Botanic Park or Seodaemun Prison History Hall. 06:00 PM – 09:00 PM • Explore the Gangnam COEX Mall & Starfield Library. • Stroll along B