Travel Plan: 7-Day Seoul Attractions
Purpose: This itinerary is designed to showcase the best sights, sounds and feels of Seoul in just seven days. We have included some of the most recommended and unique places to visit to leave you with the best Korean experience.
Day 1: Arrival
Hotel: Aloft Seoul Myeongdong
After transferring to your hotel from the airport, spend the day at leisure to get accustomed to your new surroundings. Aloft Seoul Myeongdong, located just a few minutes from Myeongdong Market, gives you easy access to shopping, restaurants, cinemas and more.
Day 2: Seodaemun Prison History Museum, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village
Cost: 25,000 KRW per person (approx. USD 22)
Transportation: Subway
Start the day with a visit to Seodaemun Prison History Museum. Here, you will get to learn more about the Japanese colonial period in Korea and the Korean Independence Movement. Afterwards, take a short subway ride to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, where you will experience the grandeur of traditional Korean architecture. From Gyeongbokgung, take a walk through Bukchon Hanok Village, a neighborhood showcasing the traditional Hanok Korean houses.
Lunch: Tongin Market
Cost: 10,000 KRW per person (approx. USD 9)
For lunch, head to Tongin Market, just five minutes away from Bukchon Hanok Village. Get a coupon booklet which you can use to purchase food from the various vendors – this way, you can try a variety of Korean street food!
Day 3: Namsan Tower, Myeongdong, Itaewon
Cost: 20,000 KRW per person (approx. USD 18)
Transportation: Bus
Start the day by taking a bus to Namsan Tower. The view of the city from the top of the tower is spectacular. Afterwards, descend from the tower and take a short walk to the bustling streets of Myeongdong shopping district, where you can buy Korean beauty products and souvenirs. Spend the evening at Itaewon, a multicultural district famous for its restaurants and nightlife.
Dinner: Maple Tree House (Itaewon)
Cost: 50,000 KRW per person (approx. USD 45)
Enjoy Korean BBQ at Maple Tree House, Itaewon’s most famous BBQ restaurant.
Day 4: Jogyesa Temple, Insadong, Gwangjang Market
Cost: 30,000 KRW per person (approx. USD 27)
Transportation: Subway
Visit Jogyesa Temple, a prime example of Korean Buddhist architecture. From there, walk to Insadong, a neighborhood full of handicraft and souvenir shops. Enjoy a traditional Korean tea at a tea house before heading to Gwangjang Market, where you can taste some of the best street food in Seoul.
Lunch: Gwangjang Market
Cost: 10,000 KRW per person (approx. USD 9)
Try the famous bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) at Gwangjang Market, a Korean delicacy!
Day 5: DMZ Tour
Cost: 135,000 KRW per person (approx. USD 122)
Transportation: Tour bus
Book a DMZ Tour, a trip to the demilitarized zone where you can see the tension between North and South Korea. The tour is government controlled and is the only way to visit the border. The tour is a full day trip, and usually, includes a stop at Imjingak Park, Freedom Bridge and the Third Tunnel.
Lunch: DMZ Tour
Cost: 10,000 KRW per person (approx. USD 9)
Lunch is usually provided as part of the DMZ Tour.
Day 6: Lotte World, Dongdaemun Market
Cost: 70,000 KRW per person (approx. USD 63)
Transportation: Subway
Spend the day at Lotte World-Amusement Park, one of the largest indoor theme parks in the world. After that, head to Dongdaemun Market for some late night shopping.
Dinner: Dongdaemun Market
Cost: 10,000 KRW per person (approx. USD 9)
Try the famous kalguksu (Korean noodle soup) at Dongdaemun Market.
Day 7: Departure
Hotel: Aloft Seoul Myeongdong
Check out of Aloft Seoul Myeongdong before making your trip back to the airport.
FAQs
Q: Do I need to bring a lot of cash with me to Seoul?
A: Not necessarily. Korea is highly advanced in technology and infrastructure, so almost all retail stores accept credit cards. However, cash is still king in some local markets and street vendors. It’s always good to have some in your wallet.
Q: What is the best mode of transportation in Seoul?
A: Subway lines are well connected and easy to navigate in Seoul. Taxis are also highly recommended as they are relatively inexpensive, clean and efficient.
Q: What time do I need to arrive at the airport for an international flight?
A: It’s highly recommended to arrive at the airport three hours before departure time for international flights.
Q: Can I request a non-smoking hotel room?
A: Most hotels in Seoul offer non-smoking rooms. Inquire with your hotel during the booking process so they can accommodate your request.
Q: What is the tipping policy for restaurants in Seoul?
A: Tipping is not customary in Seoul. Most restaurants will not accept tips, even from foreign visitors.
