Direction and Purpose:
This 7-day itinerary is designed to showcase Seoul’s traditional markets and allow travelers to experience the local culture, food, and traditions. It provides a mix of popular and lesser-known markets, as well as opportunities to explore other aspects of the city.
Day 1: Arrival and Dongdaemun Market
Transportation: Take the AREX train from Incheon International Airport to Seoul Station (approx. 50 mins, 9,000 KRW), then transfer to subway line 1 and get off at Dongdaemun Station
Hotel recommendation: Fraser Place Namdaemun or Dynasty Hotel
Activities:
– Check into hotel
– Lunch at Myeongdong Kyoja (famous for their kalguksu noodle soup, approx. 10,000 KRW)
– Explore Dongdaemun Market, including the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DPP) and the nearby fabric market
– Dinner at Jagalchi Jip (known for their seafood, approx. 20,000 KRW)
Approximate expenditure: 39,000 KRW
Day 2: Gwangjang Market and Bukchon Hanok Village
Transportation: Take subway line 1 from City Hall Station to Jongno 5-ga Station
Activities:
– Breakfast at Gwangjang Market (try the bindaetteok or mung bean pancake, approx. 5,000 KRW)
– Shop for vintage clothing, silks, and handmade goods at Gwangjang Market
– Visit Bukchon Hanok Village, where you can see traditional Korean homes and alleys (free admission)
– Lunch at Tosokchon Samgyetang (famous for their ginseng chicken soup, approx. 20,000 KRW)
– If time permits, visit the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) or take a leisurely stroll along Cheonggyecheon Stream
– Dinner at Sanchon (vegetarian temple cuisine, approx. 25,000 KRW)
Approximate expenditure: 50,000 KRW
Day 3: Noryangjin Fish Market and Myeong-dong Shopping
Transportation: Take subway line 5 to Noryangjin Station
Activities:
– Breakfast at Noryangjin Fish Market (try the fresh sashimi, approx. 20,000 KRW)
– Watch the auction and pick out seafood to be cooked on the spot
– Visit the nearby 63 Building for views of the city and exhibits (approx. 25,000 KRW)
– Lunch at Isaactoast Myeongdong (famous for their sweet and savory toast, approx. 5,000 KRW)
– Explore Myeong-dong shopping district and try some street food (approx. 15,000 KRW)
– Dinner at Jinsadaekan (Korean traditional cuisine, approx. 25,000 KRW)
Approximate expenditure: 90,000 KRW
Day 4: Namdaemun Market and Namsan Tower
Transportation: Take subway line 4 to Hoehyeon Station
Activities:
– Breakfast at Namdaemun Market (try the dumplings or mandu, approx. 5,000 KRW)
– Shop for souvenirs and traditional Korean goods at Namdaemun Market
– Visit Deoksugung Palace and the changing of the royal guard ceremony (approx. 1,000 KRW)
– Lunch at Tosokchon Samgyetang (again, approx. 20,000 KRW)
– Take a cable car up to Namsan Tower for panoramic views of the city and a love-lock wall (approx. 12,000 KRW)
– Dinner at Samwon Garden (famous for their Korean barbecue, approx. 25,000 KRW)
Approximate expenditure: 83,000 KRW
Day 5: Insadong Market and Gyeongbokgung Palace
Transportation: Take subway line 3 to Anguk Station
Activities:
– Breakfast at Ssambap and Tea (serves rice and veggies wrapped in leaves, approx. 12,000 KRW)
– Shop for traditional Korean crafts and souvenirs at Insadong Market
– Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace and the National Folk Museum of Korea (approx. 3,000 KRW)
– Lunch at Hanilkwan (famous for their beef tartare, approx. 30,000 KRW)
– Afternoon tea or coffee at Cafe Onion (designed by an architect, approx. 10,000 KRW)
– Dinner at Manjok Ohyang Jokbal (known for their pork trotters, approx. 25,000 KRW)
Approximate expenditure: 80,000 KRW
Day 6: Tongin Market and Itaewon
Transportation: Take subway line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station
Activities:
– Breakfast at Tongin Market (try the dosirak or traditional lunchbox, approx. 5,000 KRW)
– Walk around Ihwa Mural Village and see the colorful murals and art installations (free admission)
– Lunch at Yang Good Korean Chicken & Beer (approx. 20,000 KRW)
– Take a visit to Leeum Samsung Museum of Art, which showcases contemporary and traditional art (approx. 10,000 KRW)
– Check out some of the shops, boutiques, and restaurants in Itaewon, a trendy expat area
– Dinner at Masa (modern Korean cuisine, approx. 40,000 KRW)
Approximate expenditure: 75,000 KRW
Day 7: Hongdae Market and Departure
Transportation: Take subway line 2 to Hongik University Station
Activities:
– Breakfast at Jaha Sonmandu (serves dumplings and soup, approx. 6,000 KRW)
– Visit Hongdae Market and check out the street performers, food vendors, and shops
– Go to Trick Eye Museum, which has 3D artworks that look like optical illusions (approx. 18,000 KRW)
– Lunch at O’sulloc Tea House (serves green tea desserts and beverages, approx. 15,000 KRW)
– Departure from Incheon International Airport (take airport limousine bus from Hongik University Station, approx. 14,000 KRW)
Approximate expenditure: 53,000 KRW
FAQs:
1. Can I get around easily using public transportation?
Yes, Seoul has a very extensive subway and bus system that is easy to use and affordable. Taxis are also readily available.
2. What’s the best way to pay for things in Seoul?
Most places in Seoul accept credit cards and cash, but it’s always helpful to carry some Korean won for small transactions and street vendors.
3. Are there any other must-visit places in Seoul?
There are plenty of other great places to visit in Seoul, including Lotte World theme park, Namsangol Hanok Village, and the War Memorial of Korea. It all depends on your interests and how much time you have.
4. Do I need to know any Korean to get around Seoul?
While knowing some basic Korean phrases can be helpful, most people in Seoul speak some English and many signs and menus are in both Korean and English.
