Seoul Free Walking Tour: Royal Roads, Hidden Bites & Night Market Buzz
Seoul is a city of layers. Royal palaces sit quietly behind glass towers, centuries-old rituals unfold beside convenience stores, and calm, contemplative moments are never far from noise, colour and late-night energy. It’s a place where you can sip tea in a hanok for one hour, walk along a restored urban stream the next, and finish the day under neon lights, eating street food with the locals.
This Seoul Free Walking Tour is designed to let Seoul reveal itself gradually, at street level and at your own pace. You’ll move between traditional culture and everyday life, stopping for excellent food, small moments of rest, and places that locals actually use. No rushing, no tour groups — just walking, wandering, eating and absorbing one of Asia’s most dynamic cities, one step at a time.
It’s a place where you can sip tea in a hanok for one hour, walk along a restored urban stream the next, and finish the day under neon lights, eating street food with the locals.
Before you start, make sure you download the Naver app to your mobile phone. Google Maps doesn't work well in South Korea.
Quick itinerary
Changdeokgung — Morning Calm in the Secret Garden
Jayeondo Sogeumppang & Jayeondoga — Salt Bread & Seoul’s Slow Bite
Tapgol Park — Hidden History Beneath the Trees
Insadong Culture Street — Seoul’s Artisan Heartbeat
Ssamziegil — Curated Craft & Creative Curios
Gyeongbokgung Palace — Regal Grandeur & Changing Guard
Cheonggyecheon — Urban Streamside Serenity
The Foot Shop — Tender Loving Feet (and Soles)
21 Myeongdong 7-gil, Jung District, Seoul, South KoreaThe Roof Seoul — Sundowners Above the City
Myeongdong Night Market — Seoul After Dark
1. Changdeokgung — Morning Calm in the Secret Garden
Begin your day at Changdeokgung, Seoul’s most harmonious palace, where architecture and nature compose a tranquil duet—built in the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897/1910). Wander through the Secret Garden, temple pavilions reflected in still ponds, and let ancient stone paths set the rhythm of your morning. The air here feels softer — as a city exhales before Seoul truly wakes—step in the shoes of royal heritage and Korea's royal past.
Tip: Go to the North most entrance and walk down hill to the exit, instead of the main entrance and having to go up hill.
2. Jayeondo Sogeumppang & Jayeondoga — Salt Bread & Seoul’s Slow Bite
Stroll toward Jayeondo Sogeumppang to savour salt bread — crisp edges giving way to a pillowy heart. Grab a cup of coffee at Jayeondoga next door and indulge in a moment of slow indulgence. Locals treat this as a ritual. You’re welcome to, too.
3. Tapgol Park — Hidden History Beneath the Trees
A short walk brings you to Tapgol Park, modest in size but monumental in meaning. This was the cradle of the Korean independence movement; stone pagodas and inscriptions speak to resilience and quiet courage.
4. Insadong Culture Street — Seoul’s Artisan Heartbeat
Step onto Insadong Street, where every shop front feels like a story. Calligraphy brushes, hanji paper, ceramics, tea houses filled with aroma: this is where tradition meets today. Drift in and out of alleys; sometimes serendipity is the best guide. You can also grab some lunch here if you are hungry.
5. Ssamziegil — Curated Craft & Creative Curios
Within Insa-dong sits Ssamziegil — a spiralling marketplace of makers. Each level reveals handmade goods, playful designs and tiny treasures. It’s less of a shopping mall, more of a creative treasure hunt.
6. Gyeongbokgung Palace — Regal Grandeur & Changing Guard
Return toward history at Gyeongbokgung Palace — Seoul’s largest and most iconic royal residence, another of the Joseon Dynasty. Time your arrival to watch the changing of the guard — vivid colours, ceremonial rhythms and a spectacle that feels cinematic.
7. Cheonggyecheon — Urban Streamside Serenity
If you are starting to feel tired, Uber is very cheap in Seoul, so feel free to skip the walk at any time.
From royal stone to bubbling water: follow Cheonggyecheon, a restored stream threading through downtown. Locals stroll here at all hours; water, light and city blend into a cooling, reflective interlude.
8. The Foot Shop — Tender Loving Feet (and Soles)
21 Myeongdong 7-gil, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea
Walking takes its toll — and The Foot Shop knows it. Drop in for a reflexology session or a quick foot massage. It’s a local favourite, reset before you head into the evening.
9. The Roof Seoul — Sundowners Above the City
As the afternoon slides into evening, ascend to The Roof Seoul for skyline views and cocktails. City lights begin their glow, and you’ll feel the urban heartbeat shift from day to night.
10. Myeongdong Night Market — Seoul After Dark
Cap your walk at Myeongdong Night Market — neon, street stalls, sizzling snacks and beauty boutiques that never sleep. Try spicy rice cakes, grilled skewers and sweet treats while weaving through crowds, delighting in Seoul’s urban feast.
If you feel like some Korean BBQ, you can find it all around the streets.
Note that this isn’t from the market but I’m sure you can get all these food there.
