Itinerary for a 5-Day Trip to Seoul
Welcome to Seoul! This itinerary is designed to give you a glimpse of the city’s top attractions and must-see sites, as well as some local favorites.
Day 1: Explore Historical Sites in Central Seoul
– Breakfast: Start your day with a traditional Korean breakfast at Gwangjang Market. This market is famous for its variety of street food, such as bindaetteok (mung bean pancake) and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes).
– Activities:Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, which was built in 1395 and is one of Seoul’s grandest historical palaces. Then, head to Cheonggyecheon Stream for a leisurely walk along the water. End your day with a visit to Namsan Tower for a breathtaking view of the city.
– Transportation: Take the subway to Gwanghwamun Station for Gyeongbokgung Palace, then walk to Cheonggyecheon Stream. Take a taxi or cable car to Namsan Tower.
– Approximate travel time: 1 hour for each attraction.
– Approximate cost: KRW 10,000 ($9) for breakfast, KRW 3,000 ($2.50) for palace admission, KRW 10,000 ($9) for Namsan Tower admission and transportation.
– Hotel recommendation: Stay at the Lotte Hotel Seoul, which is located in Myeong-dong and has easy access to the subway.
Day 2: Visit the Trendy Neighborhoods of Seoul
– Breakfast: For a healthy breakfast, try Avo Toast at Paul Bassett in Gangnam.
– Activities: Stroll around the trendy Gangnam district, visit COEX Mall, and take a Korean beauty class at Innisfree or Etude House. In the afternoon, visit Garosu-gil, which is known for its chic cafes and boutiques. End the day with a hike up Bukchon Hanok Village, a historic neighborhood with traditional Korean houses.
– Transportation: Take the subway to Gangnam Station for COEX Mall and beauty classes. Take a taxi or bus to Garosu-gil and Bukchon Hanok Village.
– Approximate travel time: 2 hours for each attraction.
– Approximate cost: KRW 20,000 ($18) for breakfast, KRW 10,000 ($9) for transportation to Garosu-gil and Bukchon Hanok Village.
– Hotel recommendation: Stay at the Grand Intercontinental Seoul Parnas, which is located in Gangnam and walking distance to COEX Mall.
Day 3: Explore Local Markets and Museums
– Breakfast: Try a cup of hand-dripped coffee and a cinnamon roll at Petite France in Yeonnam-dong.
– Activities: Visit the Korea Furniture Museum, which has a collection of traditional Korean furniture. Then, head to the popular shopping area of Hongdae for some local fashion and souvenirs. End the day with a visit to Gwangjang Market, which is the oldest traditional market in Seoul.
– Transportation: Take the subway to Gyeonggi Station for the Korea Furniture Museum. Take the subway to Hongik University Station for Hongdae. Take the subway to Jongno 5-ga Station for Gwangjang Market.
– Approximate travel time: 2 hours for each attraction.
– Approximate cost: KRW 15,000 ($13) for breakfast, KRW 10,000 ($9) for museum admission, KRW 20,000 ($18) for shopping, KRW 10,000 ($9) for food at Gwangjang Market.
– Hotel recommendation: Stay at the Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun, which is located in central Seoul and close to Gwangjang Market.
Day 4: Discover Korean Culture and Nature
– Breakfast: For a unique experience, try the vegan temple food at Sanchon Restaurant in Insadong.
– Activities: Visit the National Museum of Korea, which has a wide range of archaeological and cultural artifacts. Afterwards, head to Namsangol Hanok Village for a glimpse of traditional Korean life. End the day at Namsan Park for a hike up to Seoul Tower.
– Transportation: Take the subway to Ichon Station for the National Museum of Korea. Take the subway to Chungmuro Station for Namsangol Hanok Village. Take a taxi or cable car to Namsan Park.
– Approximate travel time: 2 hours for each attraction.
– Approximate cost: KRW 25,000 ($22) for breakfast, KRW 10,000 ($9) for museum admission, KRW 2,000 ($1.50) for Namsangol Hanok Village admission, KRW 10,000 ($9) for Namsan Tower admission and transportation.
– Hotel recommendation: Stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, which is located in the heart of Seoul and close to Namsan Park.
Day 5: Enjoy Seoul’s Food Scene and Shopping
– Breakfast: Try a bowl of cold noodles at Naengmyeon House in Myeondong.
– Activities: Visit Myeondong, which is a popular shopping district with a mix of Korean and international brands. In the afternoon, explore the trendy neighborhood of Itaewon, which is known for its international restaurants and bars. End the day at Namdaemun Market, which is a sprawling outdoor market with a wide range of food, clothing, and souvenirs.
– Transportation: All destinations are accessible by the subway or taxi.
– Approximate travel time: 2 hours for each attraction.
– Approximate cost: KRW 15,000 ($13) for breakfast, KRW 50,000 ($44) for shopping and food.
– Hotel recommendation: Stay at the JW Marriott Dongdaemun, which is located in the vibrant Dongdaemun district and close to Myeondong, Itaewon, and Namdaemun Market.
FAQs
Q: Is it safe to travel to Seoul?
A: Yes, Seoul is generally safe for travelers. However, like any city, it’s important to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
Q: Do I need to speak Korean to get around?
A: While it’s helpful to know some basic Korean phrases, most signs and menus are also displayed in English. Public transportation is also easy to navigate with English signage and announcements.
Q: What should I wear in Seoul?
A: Seoul has a four-season climate, so it’s important to check the weather before packing. In general, Koreans tend to dress fashionably, but modestly.
Q: What currency is used in Seoul?
A: The currency in Seoul is the Korean won (KRW). Most vendors accept credit cards, and there are plenty of ATMs available.
Q: Can I use public transportation to get around Seoul?
A: Yes, Seoul has a clean and efficient subway system, as well as buses and taxis. T-money cards can be used for all public transportation, and are available for purchase at subway stations.
