48 Hours in Seoul
Dek: From palaces to barbecue smoke, Seoul balances centuries-old rituals with neon energy.
Byline: By AllTown Escapades
Opening Scene
Stepping out of the AREX train into Seoul Station, the air hits me like a double shot of espresso—humid, heady with roasted sesame oil, grilled meat, and subway brakes screeching. The skyline is a stack of glass and mountains, with cranes forever adding more. What anchors me is the contrast: a grandmother in hanbok shuffling past a group of students snapping selfies, neon signs bouncing off the tiled riverbanks of Cheonggyecheon, and, always, the steady rhythm of the city that doesn’t pause. Seoul feels like it thrives on momentum, but if I pace it right, two days will reveal both its temples and its K-pop pulse.
Why Go Now
September hovers in the Goldilocks zone: 22–26°C (72–79°F), lighter humidity, and fewer typhoon risks than August. It’s also harvest season—markets brim with fresh pears and chestnuts—and hotel prices dip slightly between summer vacationers and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving).
48-Hour Playbook
Day 1 — Morning
- Start at Gyeongbokgung Palace; catch the changing of the guard (10 a.m.).
- Wander Bukchon Hanok Village’s narrow alleys; traditional homes mixed with artisan studios.
Afternoon
- Grab bibimbap near Insadong, then browse calligraphy shops.
- Coffee stop at a themed café (animal cafés abound, but book-friendly Ddong Café is calmer).
Evening
- Street food crawl in Myeongdong: tteokbokki, hotteok pancakes, skewered squid.
- Finish with a rooftop drink overlooking neon-lit streets.
Day 2 — Morning
- Early hike up Namsan for views; cable car descent optional if knees protest.
- Brunch of kalguksu (knife-cut noodle soup) at Namdaemun Market.
Afternoon
- Subway to Hongdae for indie shops, street performers, and quirky galleries.
- Under-the-radar: KT&G Sangsangmadang, a design hub with a photogenic spiral staircase.
Evening
- Feast on Korean BBQ in Mapo district; grill your own samgyeopsal (pork belly).
- Cap it with a late-night stroll along the Han River—bike rentals available until midnight.
Where to Stay
- Budget: Zzzip Guesthouse (Hongdae, dorms ₩30,000–35,000 / $22–26).
- Mid-range: L7 Myeongdong by Lotte (central, doubles ₩150,000–180,000 / $110–135).
- Splurge: Signiel Seoul (Lotte World Tower, sky-high luxury, ₩600,000+ / $450+).
Eat & Drink (5)
- Gwangjang Market — hand-cut noodles and bindaetteok pancakes.
- Tosokchon — samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup), historic setting.
- Mapo Jeong Daepo — barbecue with buzzing local vibe.
- Cafe Onion Anguk — industrial-chic space, pastries piled high.
- Sulbing — patbingsu (shaved ice) dessert, massive portions.
Neighborhoods to Walk
- Insadong • traditional crafts • antique shops
- Hongdae • student energy • street murals + indie stores
- Itaewon • global mix • Noksapyeong Station stairs view
Getting In & Around
Incheon Airport connects via AREX (₩4,750 / $3.50, 50 min). T-money card works on subways/buses. Subways are efficient, bilingual signs. Accessibility: many stations have elevators, but some exits are stairs-only—use Naver Maps to check. Taxis affordable for short hops but slower in traffic.
Culture, Safety & Etiquette
- Bow slightly when greeting; hand items with two hands.
- Tipping isn’t standard; rounding up in cafés is optional.
- Dress neatly in temples and palaces.
- Watch late-night crowds in Itaewon; petty theft rare but possible.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (Apr–May) for cherry blossoms; Fall (Sept–Oct) for crisp air + foliage. Summer (June–Aug) hot/humid, winter (-5°C / 23°F) frigid but festive. Rain-day alternate: COEX Mall + Starfield Library indoors.
Costs
Comfort focus (chosen): ₩150,000–200,000 ($110–150) daily.
Splurge: ₩500,000+ ($375+) daily.
Quick Facts
Language • Korean
Currency • South Korean won (₩)
Plugs • Type C/F, 220V
SIM • Buy KT or SKT at airport kiosks
Phrases • “Annyeonghaseyo” (hello), “Gamsahamnida” (thank you)
SEO
Meta title (≤60): Seoul in 48 Hours: Palaces, BBQ & Neon Nights
Meta description (≤150): A two-day Seoul guide with BBQ feasts, palaces, and Han River walks.
Hashtags (5): #AllTownEscapades #Seoul #CityGuide #TravelSmart #48Hours
Images (512×512)
1) Hero Postcard
Caption: Sunset over Seoul skyline with Namsan Tower.
Alt text: Seoul skyline at sunset
2) Local Life/Mood
Caption: Pork belly sizzling on tabletop grill in Mapo.
Alt text: Korean BBQ on grill
