Direction and Purpose: This 7-day itinerary is for those who are interested in exploring Seoul’s modern architecture. This itinerary will take you to some of the famous and lesser-known modern architectural landmarks of Seoul.
Day 1: Arrival in Seoul
Transportation: From the airport, the best way to reach your hotel is by taking a taxi and it will take around 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach the hotel.
Hotel recommendation: Aloft Seoul Gangnam
Day 2: Coex Aquarium, Starfield Library & Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
Transportation: Take Bus No. 4000 from the hotel to Coex Mall. From there, it’s a short walk to Coex aquarium. Take a taxi to Starfield Library, and from there, a taxi or subway to DDP.
Activities & approximate cost: Visit Coex aquarium (₩28,000/person), explore Starfield Library (free), head to DDP for a tour (₩5,000/person).
Food options: Coex Mall’s food court, Bongchu Jjimdak
Hotel recommendation: Aloft Seoul Gangnam
Day 3: Namdaemun Market, Namsan Tower & Seoullo 7017
Transportation: Take the subway to Hoehyeon station to explore Namdaemun Market. From there, head to Namsan Tower by cable car (₩10,000/person) or taxi. Next, walk to Seoullo 7017.
Activities & approximate cost: Explore Namdaemun Market (free), visit Namsan Tower (₩10,000/person), walk along Seoullo 7017 (free).
Food options: Kalguksu alley, Namsan N Tokebi, The Westin Chosun Seoul’s Aria restaurant
Hotel recommendation: The Westin Chosun Seoul
Day 4: The National Museum of Korea, Zaha Hadid’s Dongdaemun Design Plaza
Transportation: Take the subway or bus to The National Museum of Korea. From there, take a taxi or subway to Dongdaemun Design Plaza.
Activities & approximate cost: Explore the exhibits at The National Museum of Korea (free), admire the architecture of Dongdaemun Design Plaza (free).
Food options: The National Museum of Korea’s cafeteria, Gogung Myeongdong
Hotel recommendation: The Westin Chosun Seoul
Day 5: Leeum Samsung Museum of Art, Apgujeong Rodeo Street
Transportation: Take the subway to Hangangjin station for Leeum Samsung Museum of Art. From there, take a taxi to Apgujeong Rodeo Street.
Activities & approximate cost: Explore the exhibits at Leeum Samsung Museum of Art (₩10,000/person), go shopping and dining at Apgujeong Rodeo Street.
Food options: Européenne, Da Dong Gae Gawon
Hotel recommendation: InterContinental Seoul COEX
Day 6: Seonyudo Park, D Museum, Haneul Park
Transportation: Take the subway to Seonyudo station for Seonyudo Park. From there, take a taxi to D Museum, and then to Haneul Park.
Activities & approximate cost: Take a stroll in Seonyudo Park (free), explore D Museum (₩8,000/person), enjoy the sunset from Haneul Park (free).
Food options: Seockbeanjeong, Mapo Sundae, Youngeun Jib
Hotel recommendation: InterContinental Seoul COEX
Day 7: Departure from Seoul
Transportation: Take a taxi from the hotel to the airport.
Activities: None.
Food options: None.
FAQs:
Q: What is the approximate budget for this itinerary?
A: The approximate budget for one person for this itinerary would be around ₩500,000 – ₩700,000, excluding flight and accommodation.
Q: What should I pack for this trip?
A: Seoul has four distinct seasons; thus, pack according to the season you’ll be visiting. Wear comfortable clothes, especially shoes, as there will be a lot of walking. Always carry a map or a navigation app with you.
Q: What is the best time to visit Seoul for exploring modern architecture?
A: The best time to visit Seoul for exploring modern architecture is between April and June and between September and November.
Q: Is English commonly spoken in Seoul?
A: Yes, English is widely spoken in Seoul. However, locals are more comfortable speaking Korean, so it would be helpful to learn some basic Korean phrases.
