Itinerary for 7-day Seoul Traditional Markets
Overview: This itinerary is designed to immerse you in the vibrant culture of Seoul’s traditional markets. From the bustling streets of Namdaemun Market to the modern takes on traditional Korean goods at Gwangjang Market, you’ll get a taste of everything the city has to offer.
Day 1: Arrival and Gwangjang Market
– Arrival at Incheon International Airport
– Check-in at Glad Hotel Dongdaemun, an affordable option that is conveniently located near Gwangjang Market
– Lunch at Gwangjang Market, known for its traditional Korean street food such as bindaetteok and bibimbap
– Visit Cheonggyecheon Stream, a picturesque urban waterway that runs through the city center
– Dinner at Myeongdong Kyoja, a popular spot for cold noodles and dumplings
– Transportation: Taxi from the airport to the hotel, public transportation from the hotel to Gwangjang Market and Cheonggyecheon Stream, taxi from Cheonggyecheon Stream to Myeongdong Kyoja
– Price estimate: Taxi from airport to hotel = 60,000 KRW ($50 USD), public transportation = 3,000 KRW ($3 USD), taxi to restaurant = 10,000 KRW ($8 USD), meals = 20,000 KRW ($17 USD)
Day 2: Namdaemun Market and Namsan Tower
– Breakfast at the hotel
– Visit Namdaemun Market, one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in Korea
– Lunch at a local restaurant in the market, specializing in grilled meats and seafood
– Take a cable car up to Namsan Tower for stunning views of the city
– Dinner at Tosokchon Samgyetang, a popular restaurant for the traditional Korean dish of chicken ginseng soup
– Transportation: Public transportation from the hotel to Namdaemun Market, cable car to Namsan Tower, taxi to restaurant
– Price estimate: Public transportation = 2,000 KRW ($2 USD), cable car = 10,000 KRW ($8 USD), taxi to restaurant = 10,000 KRW ($8 USD), meals = 35,000 KRW ($29 USD)
Day 3: Dongdaemun Market and Changdeokgung Palace
– Breakfast at the hotel
– Visit Dongdaemun Market, known for its fashion and textiles
– Lunch at a local restaurant in the market, specializing in kimchi stew and rice dishes
– Afternoon visit to Changdeokgung Palace, one of the five grand palaces built by the Joseon dynasty
– Dinner at Hanilkwan, one of the oldest and most renowned Korean barbecue restaurants in the city
– Transportation: Public transportation from the hotel to Dongdaemun Market and Changdeokgung Palace, taxi to the restaurant
– Price estimate: Public transportation = 2,000 KRW ($2 USD), taxi to restaurant = 10,000 KRW ($8 USD), meals = 50,000 KRW ($42 USD)
Day 4: Insadong and Bukchon Hanok Village
– Breakfast at the hotel
– Visit Insadong, known for its traditional Korean arts and crafts
– Lunch at Sanchon, a vegetarian restaurant that serves Korean temple cuisine
– Afternoon visit to Bukchon Hanok Village, a preserved traditional Korean neighborhood
– Dinner at Gogung, a well-known restaurant for traditional Korean royal court cuisine
– Transportation: Public transportation from the hotel to Insadong and Bukchon Hanok Village, taxi to the restaurant
– Price estimate: Public transportation = 2,000 KRW ($2 USD), taxi to restaurant = 10,000 KRW ($8 USD), meals = 60,000 KRW ($50 USD)
Day 5: Traditional Tea Ceremony and Lotte Mart
– Breakfast at the hotel
– Traditional tea ceremony experience at Tea Therapy in Myeong-dong
– Lunch at a local restaurant in Myeong-dong, known for its fried chicken and beer
– Afternoon visit to Lotte Mart, a popular department store that sells food, clothing, and household items
– Dinner at Jalgalbi, a restaurant that serves marinated beef short ribs
– Transportation: Public transportation from the hotel to Myeong-dong, taxi to the restaurant
– Price estimate: Public transportation = 3,000 KRW ($3 USD), taxi to restaurant = 10,000 KRW ($8 USD), meals = 45,000 KRW ($37 USD)
Day 6: Traditional Korean Village and Kimchi Museum
– Breakfast at the hotel
– Visit Namsangol Hanok Village, an open-air museum that showcases traditional Korean houses and architecture
– Lunch at a local restaurant, specializing in seafood stew and grilled fish dishes
– Visit the Kimchi Museum, which celebrates the iconic fermented dish that is a staple of Korean cuisine
– Dinner at To Sok Jip, a popular spot for traditional Korean dishes such as beef tartare and pork belly
– Transportation: Public transportation from the hotel to Namsangol Hanok Village and the Kimchi Museum
– Price estimate: Public transportation = 2,000 KRW ($2 USD), meals = 50,000 KRW ($42 USD)
Day 7: Hangang River and farewell dinner
– Breakfast at the hotel
– Visit Hangang River, a popular destination for outdoor activities such as biking and picnicking
– Lunch at a local restaurant in the area
– Free time in the afternoon for shopping or relaxation
– Farewell dinner at Jungsik, a Michelin-starred restaurant that offers innovative takes on traditional Korean cuisine
– Transportation: Public transportation to the Hangang River area, taxi to the restaurant
– Price estimate: Public transportation = 2,000 KRW ($2 USD), taxi to restaurant = 20,000 KRW ($17 USD), meals = 150,000 KRW ($125 USD)
FAQs
1. What should I wear to the traditional markets?
It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and light, breathable clothing as the markets can get crowded and hot. Avoid overly revealing or offensive clothing.
2. How do I navigate public transportation in Seoul?
Seoul has an extensive subway and bus system that is easy to use with English signage and announcements. You can also use navigation apps such as Google Maps or KakaoMaps to help plan your route.
3. Are credit cards widely accepted?
Credit cards are widely accepted at most restaurants and shops in Seoul, but it is still recommended to carry some cash with you as smaller businesses may not accept them.
4. What is the tipping culture like in Korea?
Tipping is not a common practice in Korea, except in certain situations such as in high-end restaurants or for exceptional service. It is not necessary to tip at traditional markets or casual dining establishments.
