โ† Triplan

๐Ÿ‘‘ Two Palaces, One Day

Seoul ยท One day ยท 4 stops ยท 10% local ยท ~2.9 km walked (~3,900 steps) ยท relaxed pace

Gyeongbokgung's guard change, Changdeokgung's Secret Garden and the hanok lanes between them โ€” the Joseon capital in a single unhurried loop.

โ›ฐ Terrain: some climbs. Palace courtyards are flat gravel; Bukchon's lanes are steep and stepped.

๐Ÿ›ก Safety: relaxed. Nothing beyond normal city sense.

1
Day 1
~2.9 km ยท ~3,900 steps
Open route โ†—

Check the day before you go: Gyeongbokgung closes Tuesdays and Changdeokgung closes Mondays, so this itinerary only works Wednesday to Sunday. Gyeongbokgung for the 10h guard change โ€” rent hanbok nearby and entry is free. Walk east through Bukchon late morning, before the lanes fill. Changdeokgung after lunch, and book the Secret Garden slot online in advance because it is a timed guided tour with a hard cap, not a stroll-in. Insa-dong for tea afterwards.

Jongno & Bukchon

~8h

Joseon Seoul โ€” throne halls, tiled roofs, tea

  • Gyeongbokgung

    The grand Joseon palace โ€” changing of the guard at 10h and 14h.

  • Bukchon Hanok Village

    Tiled-roof lanes between the palaces โ€” go early, people live here.

  • Changdeokgung & Secret Garden

    The UNESCO palace โ€” book the Secret Garden tour, it's the point.

  • Insa-dong

    Tea houses, calligraphy brushes and craft galleries on the old antique street.