Purpose: This itinerary is for a travel plan of 7 days in Seoul with a focus on exploring the modern architecture of the city.
Day 1: Arrival and Introduction to the City’s Architectural Marvels
– Check-in at the Grand Hyatt Seoul (approx. $180/night)
– Explore the iconic Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), an aluminum-clad spaceship fashioned under the creative direction of architect Zaha Hadid (free entry)
– Visit the nearby Seoul City Wall Museum, which features an exhibition hall displaying the history and significance of the impressive stone wall encircling the city (approx. $5 entry fee)
– Enjoy traditional Korean cuisine at Bukchon Hanok Village’s Hanok Sujebi restaurant, a cozy place offering exquisite dishes with stunning views of Bukchon Hanok Village (approx. $20/person)
Day 2: The Legacy of the Late I.M. Pei
– Take a scenic walk around the beautiful complex of the National Museum of Korea, which was designed by I.M. Pei, the celebrated Chinese American architect (approx. $5 entry fee)
– Travel to the second project of Pei in Seoul, the four mega-towers known as Tower Palace designed with his son Li Chung Pei (approx. 1hr by subway, $1.50 one-way)
– Have a delicious lunch at Café 74, which is located inside the Seoul branch of the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art and offers stunning views of the city (approx. $30/person)
– Stroll down Banpo Hangang Park, a public park in the heart of Seoul with one of the most famous bridges in the city, designed by Vierendeel truss bridge architect Naju Park, which incorporates impressive light shows at night (free entry)
Day 3: Landmarks of Zaha Hadid
– Take a morning visit to the Lois & Richard Rosenthal Center for Contemporary Art in downtown Cincinnati (approx. $8 entry fee), which was designed by the legendary Zaha Hadid herself
– Visit Lotte World Tower, the fifth tallest building in the world, which holds a luxury hotel, a shopping center, and impressive observatory floors with stunning views of the surrounding cityscape (approx. $30/person)
– Explore Leeum Samsung Museum of Art, a museum with a collection of contemporary and traditional art that has been designed by different iconic architects – Mario Botta, Jean Nouvel, and by renowned conceptual artist Rem Koolhaas of OMA (approx. $10 entry fee)
Day 4: The High-Tech Side of Seoul
– Visit Songdo Central Park, a futuristic park designed with the aid of technologies such as air-cleaning pavements, solar-powered streetlights, and automated rainwater collection (approx. 2hr by bus, $5 one-way)
– Explore Samsung’s Seocho-dong R&DC campus, designed with six curved wooden canopies that look like gigantic wave form roofs (approx. $15 entry fee)
– Savor the flavor of Korean barbecue at Myeongdong Kyoja, specializing in noodles and dumplings, with a chic and modern atmosphere (approx. $20/person)
Day 5: The Visionaries Behind Seoul’s Architecture
– Take a trip to the newly built Dongdaemun Culture Plaza, which was designed by Zaha Hadid’s successor, Korean architect Kim Jong-Sung (free entry)
– Travel to Seoul Floating Islands, an artificial island that features buildings on top of the floating ground and a central park with exceptional views of Hangang River (approx. 30min by bus, $3 one-way)
– Visit the iconic Galleria Luxury Hall West in Apgujeong, renowned for its unique design and designer boutiques, which was designed by Richard Meier & Partners (free entry)
Day 6: The Artistic Side of Seoul’s Architecture
– Explore the cutting-edge and dramatic glass facades of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, which have been designed by French architect Dominique Perrault (approx. $5 entry fee)
– Visit the Seoul Arts Center, which houses five gallery spaces for audiences to enjoy a diverse range of artistic and cultural events (approx. $10 entry fee)
– Satisfy your sweet tooth at the popular Girin Yeolye Cosmetics Korean dessert café, where you can enjoy the sweet flavors of Korean rice cakes, and one of the most Instagrammable spots in the city (approx. $10/person)
Day 7: Last Day of Adventure in Seoul
– Visit the iconic Namsan Tower, a tall broadcast tower that features three outdoor observation decks and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding cityscape (approx. $10/person)
– Explore the Mies van der Rohe-inspired architecture at Hannam The Hill, the latest contemporary design building that stands as a refreshing showcase of innovation in Seoul (free entry)
– Have your last taste of Korean food at Handam Gol, which offers classic Korean dishes with a modern twist, served in a cozy atmosphere with traditional décor (approx. $15/person)
– Transfer to Incheon International Airport for departure (approx. 1hr by bus or taxi, $15/$70 respectively)
FAQs:
Q: What kind of clothes should I pack for Seoul in November?
A: November is chilly in Seoul, so pack some thick sweaters and jackets! It won’t hurt to bring some gloves, a hat, a scarf, and warm socks if you’re sensitive to the cold.
Q: Is it common to tip in Seoul?
A: No, tipping is not a common practice in Korea, so you don’t need to worry about it. However, high-end restaurants and hotels may include a service charge, so check those bills carefully.
Q: Do I need to speak Korean to navigate through Seoul?
A: You don’t need to speak Korean to get around Seoul since most signs and transportation announcements are also displayed in English. However, learning some basic Korean phrases will help you interact with the locals and make your trip more enjoyable.
Q: What is the best way to get around Seoul?
A: Seoul has an efficient public transportation system comprising subways, buses, and taxis, which is affordable and easy to navigate. We recommend using T-Money or Cashbee cards to pay fares since they offer discounted rates and can be used across different transportation modes. Taxis are also a popular option, but they can be more expensive during rush hours, and cash payment is preferred.
