Travel Plan for 10-Day Seoul Shopping Districts
Purpose: For the traveler to experience Korea’s popular shopping districts and to shop for fashionable items, souvenirs, and K-beauty products.
Day 1: Arrival & Dongdaemun District
– Arrival at Incheon International Airport
– Check-in at Lotte Hotel Seoul
– Explore Dongdaemun District by foot (10-minute walk from the hotel)
– Visit Doota Mall, Migliore Mall, and Hello apM Mall
– Dinner at a Korean BBQ Restaurant (approx. $20/person)
Day 2: Myeong-dong District & Namsan Tower
– Breakfast at Lotte Mart Supermarket (adjacent to the hotel building)
– Visit Myeong-dong shopping district by subway (10 minutes, $2 round trip)
– Buy Korean cosmetic products at famous shops such as Innisfree, Etude House, and Nature Republic
– Lunch at a Korean Fried Chicken Restaurant (approx. $10/person)
– Take a cable car to Namsan Tower (approx. $7 round trip)
– See the beautiful view of Seoul from Namsan Tower
– Dinner at a Korean traditional restaurant in Insa-dong (approx. $25/person)
Day 3: Gangnam District & Garosu-gil Road
– Breakfast at Issac Toast in Lotte Mart Supermarket (approx. $3/person)
– Visit Gangnam District by subway (20 minutes, $3 round trip)
– Visit COEX Mall, Starfield COEX, and Hyundai Department Store
– Lunch at a Korean seafood restaurant (approx. $15/person)
– Visit the trendy Garosu-gil Road
– Dinner at a Korean fried rice restaurant in Gangnam (approx. $10/person)
Day 4: Lotte World Tower & Jamsil District
– Breakfast at Paris Baguette Cafe (located inside the hotel building)
– Visit Lotte World Tower by subway (15 minutes, $2 round trip)
– Go to the observation decks on the 117th and 123rd floor of the Lotte World Tower (approx. $25/person)
– Visit Seokchon Lake & Jamsil Hangang Park
– Lunch at a Korean traditional restaurant in Jamsil (approx. $15/person)
– Visit Jamsil Baseball Stadium (cannot visit on game days)
– Dinner at a Korean BBQ restaurant in Jamsil (approx. $20/person)
Day 5: Hongdae District & Trick Eye Museum
– Breakfast at Cafe Mamas (10-minute walk from the hotel)
– Visit Hongdae District by subway (30 minutes, $4 round trip)
– Visit Trick Eye Museum and enjoy optical illusion art
– Lunch at a Korean hot pot restaurant in Hongdae (approx. $12/person)
– Shopping at Hongdae Fashion Street
– Dinner at a Korean fusion restaurant in Hongdae (approx. $15/person)
Day 6: Gangbuk District & Gyeongbokgung Palace
– Breakfast at Paul Bassett Cafe in Lotte Mart Supermarket
– Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace by subway (30 minutes, $4 round trip)
– Watch the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony at the Palace (starts at 10:00 am)
– Visit Bukchon Hanok Village
– Lunch at a Korean traditional restaurant in Insadong (approx. $20/person)
– Visit National Museum of Korea
– Dinner at a Korean pork belly restaurant (approx. $15/person)
Day 7: Yeouido District & Han River Cruise
– Breakfast at Lotte Mart Supermarket
– Visit Yeouido District by subway (15 minutes, $2 round trip)
– Visit the IFC Mall and enjoy a luxury shopping experience
– Lunch at a Korean noodle restaurant in Yeouido (approx. $10/person)
– Take a Han River Cruise (approx. $15/person)
– Dinner at a Korean steakhouse in Yeouido (approx. $30/person)
Day 8: Itaewon District & Seoul Tower Plaza
– Breakfast at a local bakery in Dongdaemun District
– Visit Itaewon District by subway (20 minutes, $3 round trip)
– Visit Seoul Tower Plaza (approx. $15/person)
– Lunch at a halal restaurant in Itaewon (approx. $12/person)
– Shopping at vintage stores and branded outlets in Itaewon
– Dinner at a Korean buffet restaurant in Itaewon (approx. $20/person)
Day 9: Samcheong-dong District & Hanok Villages
– Breakfast at a Korean street food cart in Samcheong-dong District
– Visit the Bukchon Hanok Village
– Visit the Samcheong-dong Cafes and Galleries
– Lunch at a Korean fusion restaurant in Samcheong-dong (approx. $15/person)
– Visit Insadong and shop for local handicrafts and traditional food
– Dinner at a Korean seafood restaurant in Insadong (approx. $20/person)
Day 10: Departure Day
– Breakfast at Lotte Mart Supermarket
– Departure from Incheon International Airport
FAQs:
1. What is the best mode of transportation for travelers while in Seoul?
The best way to get around Seoul is by the subway as it is fast, efficient and affordable. Taxis are also easily available, but they can be quite expensive during peak hours.
2. How much does the travel expenses cost per day on this itinerary?
On average, a traveler can expect to spend around $60-80 per day (excluding hotel fee and airfare) for transportation, food, and activities, depending on their preferences and consumption habits.
3. Can travelers use credit cards or should they carry cash while shopping?
Most stores and restaurants in Seoul accept credit cards, but it is always advisable to carry some cash for small vendors and stores that do not accept cards.
Hotel Recommendations:
1. Lotte Hotel Seoul (located in Dongdaemun District)
2. InterContinental Seoul COEX (located in Gangnam District)
3. The Westin Chosun Seoul (located near Myeong-dong District)
Note: Hotel recommendations are based on location and amenities; travelers can choose other hotels that match their preferences and budget.
