Itinerary Direction and Purpose: This itinerary is designed for a 7-day trip to Seoul that covers the city’s major attractions, cultural landmarks, and culinary scene. The aim is to provide a detailed day-to-day plan with information on public transportation, food, activities, lodging, and approximate costs.
Day 1: Exploring the Historic City Center
Heading: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Insadong Antique Market
– Breakfast at a local cafe near Gyeongbokgung Palace
– Morning visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace via the subway/train (approx. 30-40 minutes, 1,500-2,000 KRW)
– Lunch at a traditional Korean restaurant in Bukchon Hanok Village
– Afternoon walk around Bukchon Hanok Village, a historical residential area featuring traditional Korean houses (Hanjok)
– Visit to the Insadong Antique Market to shop for souvenirs or traditional Korean crafts
– Dinner at a local restaurant near Insadong
– Accommodation recommendation: Stay in a traditional Hanjok guest house in Bukchon Hanok Village
Day 2: Hiking and Nature
Heading: Namsan Mountain and Seoul Tower, Namsangol Hanok Village, Seoul Botanic Park
– Breakfast at a restaurant near Namsan Mountain
– Hike up Namsan Mountain to reach Seoul Tower for a spectacular view of the city (approx. 1-2 hours, free)
– Lunch at a cozy Korean restaurant near Namsan Mountain
– Post-lunch visit to Namsangol Hanok Village to learn about traditional Korean homes
– Afternoon stroll through the new Seoul Botanic Park – a huge greenhouse with rare plants from all over the world (approx. 1-2 hours, free)
– Dinner at a Korean BBQ restaurant in Itaewon
– Accommodation recommendation: Stay near Itaewon for a lively evening atmosphere
Day 3: Modern Culture and Shopping
Heading: COEX Mall, Gangnam District, Lotte World Adventure
– Breakfast at a cafe near COEX Mall
– Morning shopping at COEX Mall – one of Seoul’s largest and most modern shopping malls (approx. 1-2 hours, free)
– Head to the Gangnam District for some sightseeing, shopping and lunch at a trendy cafe
– Post-lunch visit to the amazing Lotte World Adventure Park – a giant indoor amusement park (approx. 3-4 hours, ticket price 35,000 KRW)
– Dinner at a Korean fusion restaurant near Gangnam District
– Accommodation recommendation: Stay near Gangnam District for an exciting and luxurious experience
Day 4: Traditional Korean Food and Markets
Heading: Korean Street Food Tour, Namdaemun Market, Myeongdong Shopping Street
– Breakfast at a Korean restaurant near Namdaemun Market
– Join a guided Korean Street Food Tour to sample some of Seoul’s best street food (approx. 2-3 hours, 30,000 KRW)
– Head to Namdaemun Market for some shopping and exploration of the local marketplace
– Afternoon visit to Myeongdong Shopping Street – one of Seoul’s most popular shopping areas (approx. 2-3 hours, free)
– Dinner at a Korean BBQ restaurant in Hongdae
– Accommodation recommendation: Stay in Hongdae – a vibrant and youthful neighborhood with a lot of live music and entertainment
Day 5: Korean History and Culture
Heading: Changdeokgung Palace, Jongmyo Shrine, Seodaemun Prison History Museum
– Breakfast at a cafe near Changdeokgung Palace
– Morning visit to Changdeokgung Palace – an important historical site in Korea (approx. 2 hours, ticket price 3,000 KRW)
– Lunch at a traditional Korean restaurant near Jongmyo Shrine
– Post-lunch visit to the sacred Jongmyo Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site dedicated to the deceased royals of the Joseon Dynasty (approx. 2 hours, free)
– Afternoon visit to the Seodaemun Prison History Museum to learn about the history of Korean independence (approx. 2 hours, ticket price 3,000 KRW)
– Dinner at a local restaurant near Sinchon
– Accommodation recommendation: Stay near Sinchon – a student-oriented neighborhood with many restaurants and bars
Day 6: Cultural Districts
Heading: National Museum of Korea, Dongdaemun Design Plaza, Namsan Hanok Village
– Breakfast at a cafe near the National Museum of Korea
– Morning visit to the National Museum of Korea – the largest museum in Korea with a collection of over 220,000 artifacts and artworks (approx. 2-3 hours, free)
– Lunch at a trendy restaurant in Dongdaemun Design Plaza – an iconic urban space designed by Zaha Hadid
– Post-lunch shopping at the nearby Dongdaemun Market – an enormous wholesale and retail shopping district
– Afternoon visit to the charming Namsan Hanok Village for a traditional Korean tea experience (approx. 1-2 hours, free)
– Dinner at a Korean seafood restaurant near Gangnam Station
– Accommodation recommendation: Stay near Gangnam Station for a bustling nightlife
Day 7: Theme Park and Farewell
Heading: Lotte World Adventure Park, Goodbye to Seoul
– Breakfast at a Korean restaurant near Lotte World Adventure Park
– Spend the morning revisiting Lotte World Adventure Park or trying out new attractions
– Lunch at a local cafe in Jamsil
– Afternoon backtracking to any places of interest.
– Dinner at a Korean restaurant of your choice
– Accommodation recommendation: Stay in your desired location for your final night in Seoul
FAQs:
– What is the best time of year to visit Seoul?
The best time to visit Seoul is during the spring (April-June) and fall (September-November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summer can be hot and humid, and winter can be icy and cold.
– What is the best way to get around Seoul?
The best way to get around Seoul is via the extensive subway system, which is affordable, fast and reliable. Taxis are also available, but they can be more expensive.
– How much money should I budget for a week in Seoul?
You should budget about $100-$150 per day in Seoul, depending on your level of experience, food, and accommodation preferences. This budget does not include airfare or tours.
