Best Travel Guide for Culture, Food & Night Walk
Before You Visit – Practical Tips
The total walking distance for this 1-day route is approximately 2 to 3 km (1.2 to 1.8 miles), making it an easy and enjoyable walking course for first-time visitors to Seoul.
Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended, as most attractions are connected by pedestrian-friendly streets and traditional alleyways.
As this 1-day walking route in Jongno is designed as a budget-friendly travel plan, visitors may consider having a simple breakfast such as a Korean-style chicken burger and an Americano for around 10,000 KRW before starting their journey.
Bringing a bottle of water and wearing light, comfortable clothing will also help you enjoy the route more comfortably throughout the day.
This Jongno 1-day walking route starts at Gyeongbokgung Palace and includes local food stops in Seochon, Tongin Market, and Bukchon Hanok Village.
AM – WEST Route (Gyeongbokgung Line)
As most cafes and fast food restaurants in Jongno open from around 10:00 AM, visitors who prefer a simple breakfast may consider having a Korean-style chicken burger set and an Americano for approximately 10,000 KRW before starting their walking route.
in the morning, Start your journey at Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty and one of Seoul’s most iconic historical landmarks.
Explore Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul – Best Time to Visit, Hanbok Experience & Night Opening
After exploring the palace grounds, take a short walk to Seochon, a traditional neighborhood known for its charming hanok-style streets, local cafes, and authentic Korean restaurants.
Must-Visit Seochon Hanok Village Travel Guide Near Gyeongbokgung – Hidden Local Area in Jongno Seoul
Next, visit Tongin Market, where you can enjoy a unique Korean food experience by creating your own lunch box using coin tokens at the Dosirak Cafe.
Tongin Traditional Market Coin Lunchbox in Jongno Seoul – Korean Dosirak Near Gyeongbokgung
For lunch, head to Sejong Village Food Street, located nearby, where a variety of traditional Korean restaurants offer local dining experiences.
PM – EAST Route (Bukchon Line)
In the afternoon, explore Bukchon Hanok Village, a historic residential area featuring traditional Korean hanok houses and scenic alleyways.
Continue to Ikseon-dong Hanok Village, a vibrant neighborhood filled with hanok-style cafes and dessert shops.
Then, enjoy Korean street food at Gwangjang Market, one of the oldest traditional markets in Seoul known for its local delicacies.
End your day with a relaxing evening walk along Seosulla-gil, a beautifully lit pathway beside the stone wall of Jongmyo Shrine.
Suggested Route Summary
AM (WEST)
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Seochon
Tongin Market
Lunch @ Sejong Village Food Street
PM (EAST)
Bukchon Hanok Village
Ikseon-dong Hanok Village
Gwangjang Market
Seosulla-gil Night Walk
Route Overview – Time & Cost Guide
This 1-day walking route in Jongno can be completed within approximately 6 to 8 hours, depending on your travel pace and how much time you spend at each destination.
Most attractions along this route are free to enter, making it a budget-friendly travel option in central Seoul.
However, Gyeongbokgung Palace requires an admission fee of approximately 3,000 KRW for adults.
Visitors are recommended to prepare around 30,000 KRW in cash, as some traditional markets and street food vendors may not accept credit cards.
Travel Tips for a Comfortable Walk
- Bring one bottle of water for hydration
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
- Choose light and casual clothing
- Public restrooms are available in nearby subway stations and cafes
- Consider booking a hotel near the Jongno area for convenient access
Best Time to Visit
This route includes many scenic photo spots where visitors can capture memorable travel photos.
Traveling during spring or autumn is highly recommended, as the weather is generally pleasant and suitable for walking.
These seasons provide comfortable temperatures and beautiful surroundings for photography.
Additional Tip
You may wish to try local street food at traditional markets along the route.
Preparing cash in advance will make it easier to purchase snacks from small vendors.
More Places to Eat in Jongno
• Visit a Traditional Korean Hanjeongsik Restaurant in Jongno for a Full Course Korean Dining Experience
Must-Try Korean Traditional Set Meal Near Gyeongbokgung – Local Full Course Restaurant in Jongno
• Visit a Local Korean Bulgogi Restaurant in Jongno for an Authentic Beef Meal Near Gyeongbokgung
Best Korean BBQ Lunch Near Gyeongbokgung Palace – 30-Year Local Bulgogi Restaurant in Jongno
• Visit a Hidden Ginseng Chicken Soup Restaurant in Seochon for a Healthy Korean Comfort Meal
Best Restaurants Near Gyeongbokgung – Healthy Korean Chicken Soup with Ginseng in Seochon Jongno