Direction: This itinerary is for a 5-day Seoul Nightlife adventure.
Day 1:
Morning: Check-in at Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun Hotels & Residences, located in the heart of Dongdaemun district. Take a stroll around Dongdaemun Design Plaza to see the unique architecture before heading to the nearby Gwangjang Market for an authentic Korean breakfast.
Transportation: Hotel is located right beside Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station (Subway lines 2,4,5)
Approx. Travel Time: 30-40 mins
Approx. Price: Breakfast ($5-10)
Afternoon: Take a subway to Namsan Tower, an iconic landmark with breathtaking views. Visit the Teddy Bear Museum and the observatory. Head to Myeong-dong for some shopping and cafes. End the day by bar hopping in Itaewon.
Transportation: Subway from Dongdaemun station to Myeong-dong station
Approx. Travel Time: 30-40 mins
Approx. Price: Namsan Tower entrance fee ($12), Itaewon bar hopping ($30)
Day 2:
Morning: Take a day trip to Suwon Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the Hwaseong Haenggung Palace. Stop by a traditional Korean village and have a bulgogi lunch.
Transportation: Subway from Dongdaemun station to Suwon station, take a taxi to Suwon Fortress
Approx. Travel Time: 1.5 hours
Approx. Price: Entrance fee for Suwon Fortress and Hwaseong Haenggung Palace ($10), bulgogi lunch ($10)
Afternoon: Visit Gangnam district and see the famous Gangnam Style Horse Statue. Go to Yeongdong Market and sample some street food. Visit the COEX Mall for more shopping and then head to the Han River Park for a view of the city and some cycling.
Transportation: Subway from Suwon station to Gangnam station
Approx. Travel Time: 40 mins
Approx. Price: Yeongdong Market street food ($10), COEX Mall shopping (variable), Han River Park bike rental ($5 per hour)
Day 3:
Morning: Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty, and learn about its history. See the changing of the guard ceremony and then have lunch at a traditional tea house.
Transportation: Subway from Dongdaemun station to Gyeongbokgung station
Approx. Travel Time: 30 mins
Approx. Price: Entrance fee for Gyeongbokgung Palace ($4), lunch at tea house ($15)
Afternoon: Visit Bukchon Hanok Village and see the traditional Korean houses and architecture. Stop by Insadong for more shopping and souvenir hunting. End the day by going to a few rooftop bars for some breathtaking views of Seoul.
Transportation: Walk from Gyeongbokgung Palace to Bukchon Hanok Village
Approx. Travel Time: 10 mins
Approx. Price: Insadong shopping (variable), drinks at rooftop bars ($20)
Day 4:
Morning: Take a day trip to the DMZ to see the demilitarized zone and the third tunnel. Learn about the history of the Korean War and the current political climate.
Transportation: Take a tour bus from your hotel or book a tour guide
Approx. Travel Time: 2 hours
Approx. Price: DMZ tour fee ($50), lunch included
Afternoon: Return to Seoul and visit the Cheonggyecheon Stream for a relaxing walk. Go to Hongdae and visit the Hongdae Mural Street and the Hello Kitty Cafe.
Transportation: Subway from DMZ to Cheonggyecheon Stream and then to Hongdae
Approx. Travel Time: 1 hour
Approx. Price: Cheonggyecheon Stream (free), Hello Kitty Cafe ($15)
Day 5:
Morning: Visit the Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market to see a wide variety of seafood and try some fresh sashimi.
Transportation: Subway from Dongdaemun station to Noryangjin station
Approx. Travel Time: 30 mins
Approx. Price: Noryangjin Market food (variable)
Afternoon: Relax at Spa Lei, a luxurious spa where you can enjoy various therapeutic massages and treatments.
Transportation: Subway from Noryangjin station to Dongdaemun station
Approx. Travel Time: 30 mins
Approx. Price: Spa Lei treatments (variable)
FAQ
Q: Can I book a DMZ tour in advance?
A: Yes, it is highly recommended to book a DMZ tour in advance as there are restrictions on the number of visitors.
Q: Is public transportation convenient in Seoul?
A: Yes, public transportation including subway and buses cover most of the city and are very efficient.
Q: What is the best way to exchange money in Seoul?
A: There are many exchange booths in the main tourist areas or you can also exchange money at the airport. It is recommended to bring a mix of cash and cards for convenience.
