Travel Plan: 5-Day Seoul Korean Pop Culture (K-pop) Trip
Introduction:
Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, is known for its dynamic culture, lively streets, and beautiful historical sites. Besides, Korean Pop Culture, or K-pop, has gained popularity around the world. This itinerary offers a five-day trip to Seoul that focuses on exploring K-pop culture, including visiting various K-pop sites, experiencing K-pop entertainment, and enjoying Korean cuisine.
Day 1: Arrival at Seoul
– Check-in at Grand Hyatt Hotel (₩270,000 / $ 240 per night)
– Lunch at Gwangjang Market: Try Korean street food (₩ 10,000 / $9)
– Visit SM Town, a large K-pop entertainment complex (metro: Samsung Station, line 2/₩ 1,350 / $1.2)
– Dinner at Myeong-dong Tto-tto Korean BBQ (₩ 20,000 / $17.8)
Day 2: Experience Korean Pop Culture
– Breakfast at the hotel
– Visit COEX mall, a hub for K-pop enthusiasts, and visit Starfield Library inside the mall (metro: Samseong Station, line 2/₩ 1,350 / $1.2).
– Lunch at Lotte World Tower, go to the highest observation deck, Seoul Sky (metro: Jamsil Station, line 2/₩ 2,300 / $2/ observation deck entrance fee: ₩ 27,000 / $24).
– Visit JYP Entertainment building (metro: Apgujeong Station, line 3/₩ 1,350 / $1.2)
– Dinner at Namsan Tower with a beautiful view of the city and photo op with K-pop idols (metro: Myeong-dong Station, line 4/₩ 1,350 / $1.2 + entrance fee: ₩ 10,000 / $8.8).
Day 3: K-pop Experience
– Breakfast at the hotel
– Visit the K-Star Road, in Gangnam area, with more than 50 K-pop stars’ murals (metro: Apgujeong Rodeo Station, line 3/₩ 1,350 / $1.2)
– Go to SMTOWN Museum, an interactive K-pop-themed museum (metro: Cheongdam Station, line 7/₩ 1,350 / $1.2 + admission fee: ₩ 18,000 / $16)
– Lunch at Kakao Friends Flagship Store at Gangnam Station (metro: Gangnam Station, line 2/₩ 1,350 / $1.2)
– Visit K-live, a K-pop hologram concert hall, where you can see 3D visuals of K-pop idols (metro: Dongdaemun Station, line 1/₩ 1,350 / $1.2 + admission fee: ₩ 40,000 / $36).
– Dinner at Gwangjang Market: Try bindaetteok, a Korean savory pancake (₩ 10,000 / $9)
Day 4: Historical Sites and Shopping
– Breakfast at the hotel
– Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty and National Folk Museum of Korea (metro: Gyeongbokgung Station, line 3/₩ 1,350 / $1.2 + entrance fee: ₩ 5,000 / $4.4)
– Lunch at Insadong Sanchon, a traditional Korean restaurant with a cultural performance (metro: Anguk Station, line 3/₩ 1,350 / $1.2 + Lunch course: ₩ 30,000 / $26.5)
– Shopping at Myeong-dong Shopping Street, a bustling shopping district (metro: Myeong-dong Station, line 4/₩ 1,350 / $1.2)
– Dinner at Hongdae, the center of youth culture (metro: Hongik Univ. Station, line 2/₩ 1,350 / $1.2)
Day 5: Departure from Seoul
– Breakfast at the hotel
– Go to Lotte Duty-Free Shop to buy Korean souvenir (metro: Seoul Station, line 1/₩ 1,350 / $1.2)
– Check-out
– Lunch at the airport before departing (approx. ₩ 20,000 / $17.8)
FAQs:
1. Can I use public transportation to get around Seoul?
Yes, Seoul has an extensive subway and bus system that is very efficient and easy to navigate.
2. How much should I budget for food and activities?
You can budget around ₩ 30,000-₩ 40,000 ($26.5-$35.5) per day for food and around ₩ 100,000-$150,000 ($88-$132) for activities, including entrance fees.
3. Should I bring cash or use credit cards in Seoul?
Both cash and credit cards are widely accepted, but some smaller restaurants or shops may only accept cash, so it’s a good idea to have some cash on hand.
4. What language do they speak in Seoul, and will I be able to communicate easily?
Korean is the main language spoken, but many locals speak English, especially in tourist areas. It’s a good idea to at least learn some basic Korean phrases to help with communication.
