1. Palace and plaza
Start around Gyeongbokgung or Gwanghwamun. This gives you the clearest historic axis before the alleys become dense.
Foreigner-friendly Jongno guide
Jongno for foreigners: an easy first-time Seoul walking route
Jongno is the best district for understanding old Seoul without taking many transfers. You can connect a royal palace, a public plaza, a craft museum, hanok alleys, Insadong, Ikseon-dong, and Seosulla-gil in one practical route.
Best subway anchors
- Gwanghwamun
- Good for Gyeongbokgung, Gwanghwamun Square, history museums, and a simple first stop.
- Anguk
- Best for Bukchon, Seoul Museum of Craft Art, Samcheong-dong, and the palace district.
- Jongno 3-ga
- Useful for Ikseon-dong, Seosulla-gil, Jongmyo Shrine, and evening food walks.
First-time route
2. Craft and hanok
Move toward Songhyeon, Seoul Museum of Craft Art, and Bukchon. Keep voices low in residential hanok lanes.
3. Food streets
Finish around Ikseon-dong or Seosulla-gil. Save your dinner stops and open map directions before entering small alleys.
Local etiquette that matters
- Bukchon and Seochon include real homes, so avoid filming into gates or windows.
- Palace and museum schedules can change, so check official links before building your day around one stop.
- Small food streets are easier without large luggage, especially in Ikseon-dong and Seosulla-gil.