Travel Plan for 5-day Seoul Korean Culture
Direction & Purpose: This travel plan is designed for travelers who want to experience Seoul’s rich cultural heritage, top-rated foods, markets, and must-see tourist attractions.
Day 1: Arrival and City Tour
– Morning: Arrival at Incheon International Airport. After clearing immigration and customs, take an Airport Limousine Bus to your hotel. Recommended hotels: Grand Ambassador Seoul associated with Pullman, InterContinental Seoul COEX, or Lotte City Hotel Myeongdong. Check-in and rest.
– Afternoon: Start your first day by visiting the iconic Gyeongbokgung Palace, located in the heart of Seoul. This palace served as the primary residence of Kings of the Joseon Dynasty. Take the subway, Line 3 (Orange), Gyeongbokgung Station Exit 5, walk for a few minutes to the Palace. Approximate travel time: 40 mins. Entrance fee: KRW 3,000.
– Evening: Visit Cheonggyecheon Stream for a relaxing walk and to experience the stunning light fixtures. You can either take a taxi or the subway. Take Subway Line 1 (blue), City Hall Station Exit 4, walk for a few minutes to reach the stream. Approximate travel time: 30 mins. It’s free.
Day 2: Bukchon Hanok Village & Korean Food Tasting
– Morning: Take the subway, Line 3 Gyungbokgung Station Exit 2, transfer to Bus No. 11, 1020, or 1711 at Bukchon Samcheongdong Community Service Center. Get down at Bukchon Hanok Village. Approximate travel time: 20 mins. Enjoy traditional Hanok houses, quaint little alleys, and relaxing cafes.
– Afternoon: Head to Insadong Street, the hot spot for buying souvenirs and traditional Korean gifts. Take Bombardier T2 Tram from Gyeongbokgung Station. Exit 3, Insadong Street. Approximate travel time: 20 mins. Have lunch at the famous On the Grill, serving Korean BBQ. Estimated cost: KRW 30,000
– Evening: For the first day experience of Korean nightlife, head to Hongdae. Take Subway Line 2, Hongik Univ. Station Exit 5. Approximate travel time: 25 minutes. Have dinner at Jinju Jip, serving top-rated Korean fried chicken. Estimated cost: KRW 20,000.
Day 3: Namsan Tower & Namdaemun Market
– Morning: Visit Namsan Tower – one of the iconic places in Seoul. Take the subway, Line 3, Chungmuro Station, Exit 2, and take the Namsan Sunhwan Shuttle Bus. Approximate travel time: 20 minutes. Entrance fee: KRW 10,000.
– Afternoon: Have lunch at Gwangjang Market, which is one of the oldest and biggest traditional markets. Take the subway, Line 1, Jongno 5(o)-ga Station, Exit 8. Approximate travel time: 25 minutes. Estimated cost: KRW 15,000
– Evening: After tasting Korean traditional foods, let’s go shopping at Namdaemun Market, located in the city center. Take the subway Line 4, Hoehyeon Station, Exit 5. Approximate travel time: 15 minutes. It’s free.
Day 4: Lotte World Theme Park
– Morning & Afternoon: Spend your fourth day at Lotte World Theme Park, Korea’s Disneyland. Take the subway, Line 2, Jamsil Station, Exit 4. Approximate travel time: 30 minutes. Entrance fee: KRW 57,000.
– Evening: After a long day at the theme park, relax at the famous Chicken and Beer establishments in Seoul. Try Oppadak, the famous Changcheon-dong’s fried chicken. Take the subway, Line 2, Gangnam Station, Exit 1. Approximate travel time: 30 minutes. Estimated cost: KRW 18,000.
Day 5: Myeongdong Shopping Streets and Departure
– Morning: Shopping and last-minute souvenirs shopping. Myeong-dong is one of the busiest streets for shopping and cosmetics. Take Subway, Line 4, Myeongdong Station, Exit 6. Approximate travel time: 15 mins. It’s free.
– Afternoon: Departure at Incheon International Airport. Take a taxi or Limousine Bus back to the airport. Approximate travel time: 50 minutes, Estimated cost: KRW 15,000-30,000.
FAQs
Q. Can we change the itinerary?
A. Yes, you can modify or customize the itinerary as per your preferences.
Q. Are there any group discounts available for places mentioned in the itinerary?
A. Yes, some places in Seoul offer discounts or offers for groups, do check directly with them.
Q. Is it easy to find public transportation in Seoul?
A. Yes, Seoul is well-connected through subways and bus services. You can also book taxi services for online applications like Kakao Taxi.
Q. Can we use credit cards or do we need cash for transactions in Korea?
A. Korea is a cashless-friendly country, and credit cards are widely accepted in most shops or restaurants.
In any case, it’s better to have some cash with you to avoid any inconvenience.
