Title: 10-day Seoul Street Food Adventure
Direction/Purpose: This itinerary is designed for foodies who want to explore Seoul’s famous street food scene. From traditional Korean food to international cuisine, we will take you on a culinary journey through the city’s bustling streets.
Day 1:
– Lunch: Start your journey with a traditional Korean meal at Mukshidonna Myeong-dong. Try their famous tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and enjoy the bustling atmosphere of Myeong-dong.
– Activity: Take a walk around the Myeong-dong shopping district, home to many Korean beauty shops, fashion boutiques, and street vendors.
– Dinner: Head to Gwangjang Market, one of the oldest traditional markets in Seoul. Sample different types of Korean street food such as bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and mayak gimbap (drug gimbap).
– Transportation: Take the subway from Myeong-dong Station to Jongno 5-ga Station. Approximate travel time is 10 minutes, and the cost is 1,250 won (around $1.10 USD).
– Hotel recommendation: Stay in the Myeong-dong neighborhood for easy access to the city’s main attractions and street food scene. We recommend Stay Hotel or Lotte City Hotel Myeongdong.
Day 2:
– Breakfast: Try some Korean-style toast from Isaac Toast, a popular Korean chain that serves fresh toasty bread with a variety of fillings.
– Activity: Explore Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of the most iconic landmarks in Korea dating back to the Joseon Dynasty. Take a guided tour to learn more about the history and culture of this beautiful palace.
– Lunch: Head to Tongin Market and have some fun with dosirak (lunchbox). You can exchange coins for traditional brass tokens to purchase food from various stalls.
– Dinner: Head to Yeonnam-dong for some trendy Korean street food, such as Korean-style fried chicken and bungeoppang (fish-shaped pastry with sweet red bean paste filling).
– Transportation: Take the subway from Myeong-dong Station to Gyeongbokgung Palace Station. Approximate travel time is 20 minutes, and the cost is 1,250 won (around $1.10 USD).
– Hotel recommendation: Stay in the Jongno area for easy access to Gyeongbokgung Palace and other cultural landmarks. We recommend Seoul City Hotel or Hotel Aventree Jongno.
Day 3:
– Breakfast: Have some fresh patbingsu (shaved ice with sweet toppings) from Sulbing, a popular chain for Korean dessert.
– Activity: Visit the Namsan Tower, a famous landmark featuring stunning panoramic views of the city. Take the cable car or hike up the mountain to the tower.
– Lunch: Head to Namdaemun Market for some of Seoul’s best street food. Try some tteokgalbi (grilled beef patties) and dak-tteok (spicy rice cake skewers).
– Dinner: Head to Gangnam district for some international cuisine such as pasta from Salieri or pizza from Brewster’s Pizza.
– Transportation: Take the subway from Myeong-dong Station to Chungmuro Station, then transfer to the Namsan Cable Car. Approximate travel time is 30 minutes, and the cost is 1,250 won for the subway (around $1.10 USD) and 9,500 won (around $8 USD) for the cable car.
– Hotel recommendation: Stay in the Gangnam area for trendy nightlife and upscale shopping. We recommend Shilla Stay Yeoksam or Mercure Ambassador Gangnam.
Day 4:
– Breakfast: Try some Korean-style pancakes from Bongchu Jjimdak, a popular restaurant that specializes in jjimdak (braised chicken).
– Activity: Visit the K-Style Hub, a tourist information center that offers various cultural experiences such as Korean tea ceremony and traditional crafts.
– Lunch: Head to Insadong neighborhood for some traditional Korean rice bowls such as bibimbap and galbi-tang (beef rib soup).
– Dinner: Try some Korean-style hot pot from Jeongwon Eomuk, a popular restaurant that specializes in eomuk (fish cakes) and tteokbokki.
– Transportation: Take the subway from Myeong-dong Station to Euljiro 3-ga Station. Approximate travel time is 10 minutes, and the cost is 1,250 won (around $1.10 USD).
– Hotel recommendation: Stay in the Insadong area for easy access to cultural landmarks and traditional Korean cuisine. We recommend Center Mark Hotel or Hotel Aventree Insadong.
Day 5:
– Breakfast: Have some egg bread from Gwangjang Market, a popular Korean street food that resembles a muffin with a whole egg inside.
– Activity: Visit the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, a futuristic structure designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid. Explore the exhibitions and galleries inside the building and take some photos of the stunning exterior.
– Lunch: Head to Pojangmacha Alley in Jongno for some Korean-style pub food such as sundae (Korean blood sausage) and fried chicken.
– Dinner: Head to Hongdae neighborhood for some Korean-style grilled meat such as galbi (beef short ribs) and samgyeopsal (pork belly).
– Transportation: Take the subway from Myeong-dong Station to Dongdaemun History & Culture Park or Jongno 3-ga Station, then walk to Dongdaemun Design Plaza or Pojangmacha Alley. Approximate travel time is 20-30 minutes, and the cost is 1,250 won (around $1.10 USD).
– Hotel recommendation: Stay in the Hongdae area for trendy nightlife and live music scene. We recommend Bong Stay or Marigold Hotel.
Day 6:
– Breakfast: Try some Korean-style coffee from Cafe Mamas, a popular Korean chain that serves coffee and brunch items.
– Activity: Visit the Gwangjang Market again, this time for some traditional Korean textiles and crafts. Watch the artisans at work and pick up some souvenirs.
– Lunch: Head to Namdaemun Market again for another round of Korean street food such as kimbap (Korean-style sushi rolls) and odeng (fish cakes).
– Dinner: Head to Itaewon neighborhood for some international street food such as shawarma and falafel.
– Transportation: Take the subway from Myeong-dong Station to Jongno 5-ga or City Hall Station, then transfer to the subway line that goes to Gwangjang Market, Namdaemun Market, or Itaewon. Approximate travel time is 30-40 minutes, and the cost is 1,250 won (around $1.10 USD).
– Hotel recommendation: Stay in the Itaewon area for diverse cuisine and vibrant nightlife. We recommend Glad Live Itaewon or IP Boutique Hotel.
Day 7:
– Breakfast: Try some Korean-style doughnuts from Dunkin’ Donuts Korea, a popular Korean chain that serves unique flavors such as green tea and sweet potato.
– Activity: Visit the Seoul Museum of Art, a contemporary art museum located in the heart of Seoul. Explore the exhibitions and installations inside the museum and take some photos of the modern architecture.
– Lunch: Head to Namdaemun Market again for some kalguksu (handmade noodle soup) or jokbal (pig’s trotters).
– Dinner: Head to Jongno neighborhood for some Korean-style stew such as budae-jjigae (Korean army stew) or kimchi-jjigae (kimchi stew).
– Transportation: Take the subway from Myeong-dong Station to City Hall Station, then walk to the Seoul Museum of Art or Jongno neighborhood. Approximate travel time is 10-20 minutes, and the cost is 1,250 won (around $1.10 USD).
– Hotel recommendation: Stay in the Jongno area for traditional Korean atmosphere and cultural landmarks. We recommend Koreana Hotel or Nine Tree Premier Hotel Myeongdong II.
Day 8:
– Breakfast: Try some Korean-style croissant from Paris Baguette or Tous Les Jours, popular Korean bakery chains.
– Activity: Visit the Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional Korean village located between two palaces. Walk around the narrow alleys and take some photos of the old-fashioned architecture.
– Lunch: Head to Insa-dong neighborhood for some Korean-style noodles such as naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles) and jjajangmyeon (black bean sauce noodles).
– Dinner: Head to Mapo-gu district for some Korean-style mackerel BBQ or jangeo-gui (grilled eel).
– Transportation: Take the subway from Myeong-dong Station to Anguk Station or Jonggak Station, then transfer to the subway line that goes to Bukchon Hanok Village, Insa-dong, or Mapo-gu. Approximate travel time is 30-40 minutes, and the cost is 1,250 won (around $1.10 USD).
– Hotel recommendation: Stay in the Mapo-gu area for spectacular views of the Han River and easy access to the trendy Hongdae neighborhood. We recommend L7 Hongdae by Lotte or Courtyard by Marriott Seoul Times Square.
Day 9:
– Breakfast: Have some Korean-style donuts or croissants from Paris Baguette or Tous Les Jours again, or try some sweet potato latte from Caffe Bene, another popular Korean chain.
– Activity: Visit the Lotte World Theme Park, a massive amusement park with various attractions such as roller coasters, water rides, and parades.
– Lunch: Grab some fast food or snacks inside the theme park, such as churros, popcorn, or hot dogs.
– Dinner: Head to Myeong-dong neighborhood again for some last-minute Korean-style street food such as hotteok (sweet pancake with honey and cinnamon filling) or gwaja (traditional Korean pastry with nut and honey filling).
– Transportation: Take the subway or a taxi to Lotte World Theme Park, then take the subway or taxi back to Myeong-dong. Approximate travel time and cost depend on your location and mode of transportation.
– Hotel recommendation: Stay in the Myeong-dong area again for easy access to the airport and last-minute shopping. We recommend Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel or Tmark Grand Hotel Myeongdong.
Day 10:
– Breakfast: Enjoy some complimentary breakfast at your hotel, or grab some light snacks from convenience stores such as GS25 or CU.
– Activity: Depart from Korea and head back to your home country with full of great memories and experiences.
– Transportation: Take a taxi from your hotel to the airport, or take the airport bus or subway if they are more convenient and cost-effective.
– Hotel recommendation: N/A
FAQs:
1. Is it safe to eat street food in Seoul?
– Yes, it is generally safe to eat street food in Seoul as long as you practice basic hygiene and choose reputable vendors. Avoid eating raw or uncooked food, and make sure the food is cooked thoroughly before eating.
2. How much should I budget for food and activities in Seoul?
– It depends on your personal preferences and budget, but you can expect to spend around 30-50 USD per day for food and activities. Some attractions and restaurants may cost more, so plan accordingly.
3. How can I get around Seoul using public transportation?
– Seoul has a well-developed public transportation system consisting of subway, bus, and taxi services. You can purchase a rechargeable T-money card to use on both subway and bus, or pay with cash or credit card for taxis. Downloading subway and bus apps or maps can also be helpful for navigating the routes and schedules.
