Travel Plan: 5-Day Seoul Attractions
Day 1:
Morning:
– 9am: Check-in to your hotel. I recommend staying at the Lotte Hotel Seoul. It’s a 5-star hotel located in Jung-gu District and it’s close to several tourist destinations.
– 10am: Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace. Mode of transportation: Taxi. It will take approximately 20 minutes with an estimated cost of $10 for the fare.
– Lunch at Insadong Gyeranjjim. It’s only a 10-minute walk from Gyeongbokgung Palace, so it’s convenient. The dish to try is their Jeon (pancake) with green onion or seafood. The estimated cost for lunch is $10.
Afternoon:
– 1pm: Walk to Bukchon Hanok Village. It’s only a 15-minute walk from Insadong Gyeranjjim. It would take you about an hour to walk through the village, so it’s best to use this time to immerse yourself in the culture and take photos.
– Visit Namsan Tower. Mode of transportation: Bus. Take Bus 2 from Anguk Station and get off at Namsan Seoul Tower Bus Stop. It will take around 30 minutes with an estimated cost of $1.50. Take the cable car up to the tower for a scenic view of the city. The estimated cost is $9 for the round trip.
– Dinner at Myeongdong Kyoja. It’s only a 10-minute walk from the cable car station. Try their Kalguksu (noodle soup) or Bibimguksu (spicy cold noodles). The estimated cost for dinner is $10.
FAQs:
– What is Bukchon Hanok Village?
Bukchon Hanok Village is a traditional Korean village located in the heart of Seoul. It boasts of over 900 traditional Korean houses, called Hanok.
– How much does it cost to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace?
The admission fee is $3 for adults and free for children under 6 years old.
– Is it possible to visit both Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village in one day?
Yes, it’s possible since it only takes about 15 minutes to walk from Insadong Gyeranjjim to Bukchon Hanok Village.
Day 2:
Morning:
– 9am: Visit the Jogyesa Temple. Mode of transportation: Subway. Take Line 3 to Anguk Station and exit at Exit 2. It will take approximately 10 minutes with an estimated cost of $1.
– Visit the Namsangol Hanok Village. It’s only a 15-minute walk from the temple. The estimated time to walk through the village is an hour.
– Lunch at Tongin Market. It’s only a 20-minute walk from the village. Get a Dosirak (lunch box) and fill it up with Korean food from different vendors inside the market. The estimated cost for lunch is $7.
Afternoon:
– 1pm: Visit the Trick Eye Museum. Mode of transportation: Subway. Take Line 2 to Hongik University Station and exit at Exit 9. It will take approximately 30 minutes with an estimated cost of $1. The admission fee is $15.
– Visit the Hongdae district. It’s only a 10-minute walk from the museum. Explore the streets, cafes, and shops in the area.
– Dinner at Gwangjang Market. It’s only a 10-minute subway ride from the district. Get a taste of Korean street food like Jokbal (pigs’ feet) or Mayak Gimbap (bite-sized seaweed rice rolls). The estimated cost for dinner is $10.
FAQs:
– How much does it cost to visit the Trick Eye Museum?
The admission fee is $15 for adults and $10 for children.
– How long does it take to walk through Namsangol Hanok Village?
It takes about an hour to walk through the village.
Day 3:
Morning:
– 9am: Visit the War Memorial of Korea. Mode of transportation: Subway. Take Line 4 to Samgakji Station and exit at Exit 12. It will take approximately 20 minutes with an estimated cost of $1. The admission fee is free.
– Lunch at Tosokchon. It’s only a 15-minute walk from the memorial. Try their famous Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup). The estimated cost for lunch is $15.
Afternoon:
– 1pm: Visit the Namsan Cable Car. It’s only a 10-minute walk from the restaurant. Take the cable car up to Namsan Tower for a panoramic view of the city.
– Visit the Namdaemun Market. It’s only a 15-minute walk from the tower. It’s a great place to buy souvenirs or try street food.
– Dinner at Hanilkwan. It’s only a 10-minute taxi ride from the market. Try their Galbi (marinated beef short ribs). The estimated cost for dinner is $20.
FAQs:
– How much does it cost to ride the Namsan Cable Car?
It costs $9 for the round trip.
– How long does it take to walk through Namdaemun Market?
It takes about an hour to explore the market.
Day 4:
Morning:
– 9am: Visit the Changdeokgung Palace. Mode of transportation: Subway. Take Line 3 to Anguk Station and exit at Exit 3. It will take approximately 10 minutes with an estimated cost of $1. The admission fee is $3.
– Lunch at Palsaek Samgyupsal. It’s only a 10-minute taxi ride from the palace. Try their 8-flavored pork belly. The estimated cost for lunch is $20.
Afternoon:
– 1pm: Visit the Seoul Forest. Mode of transportation: Subway. Take Line Bundang to Seoul Forest Station and exit at Exit 3 or 4. It will take approximately 30 minutes with an estimated cost of $2. The admission fee is free.
– Visit the Garosu-gil Street. It’s only a 10-minute walk from the forest. It’s a great place to shop for clothes, accessories, and souvenirs.
– Dinner at The Beast. It’s only a 10-minute taxi ride from the street. Try their amazing burgers. The estimated cost for dinner is $20.
FAQs:
– How much does it cost to visit Changdeokgung Palace?
The admission fee is $3 for adults and free for children under 6 years old.
– Is there an entrance fee for the Seoul Forest?
No, admission is free.
Day 5:
Morning:
– 9am: Visit the National Museum of Korea. Mode of transportation: Subway. Take Line 4 to Ichon Station and exit at Exit 2. It will take approximately 30 minutes with an estimated cost of $1. The admission fee is free.
– Lunch at Gwanghwamun Jip. It’s only a 10-minute taxi ride from the museum. Try their Bulgogi (marinated grilled beef). The estimated cost for lunch is $15.
Afternoon:
– 1pm: Visit the Gwangjang Market. It’s only a 10-minute walk from Gwanghwamun Jip. It’s a great place to buy souvenirs or try street food.
– Visit the Dongdaemun Design Plaza. It’s only a 15-minute subway ride from the market. It’s a futuristically designed building and offers lots of shopping and cultural experiences.
– Dinner at Tosokchon. It’s only a 15-minute subway ride from the plaza. Try their famous Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup). The estimated cost for dinner is $15.
FAQs:
– How much does it cost to visit the National Museum of Korea?
Admission is free.
– How much does it cost to ride a taxi in Seoul?
The base fare is $3.50 and it costs $0.24 for every 144 meters thereafter.
I hope that you enjoy your time in Seoul!