Purpose: This 10-day itinerary is designed for those who want to immerse themselves in Korean culture and explore the bustling city of Seoul. It includes visits to historical sites, famous landmarks, museums, traditional markets, and a few off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Day 1: Arrival and Introduction to Seoul
– Arrive at Incheon International Airport and take the airport limousine bus to your hotel in Jung-gu (approx. 1 hour, KRW 15,000 per person)
– Lunch at Gwangjang Market, one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in Seoul. Try savory Korean pancakes, bindaetteok (KRW 5,000-8,000 per person)
– After lunch, go to Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the Five Grand Palaces of the Joseon Dynasty. Take a guided tour and explore the beautiful palace gardens (approx. 2 hours, KRW 3,000 per person)
– Dinner at Insadong, a trendy neighborhood full of art galleries, tea houses, and street vendors. Try the Korean traditional dish bibimbap at Seoul Samgyetang (KRW 10,000 per person)
Day 2: Modern Seoul and Shopping
– Breakfast at the hotel
– Take the subway and visit Namsan Tower, an iconic landmark of Seoul that offers panoramic views of the city. Take the elevator to the observatory deck and enjoy the view (approx. 2 hours, KRW 11,000 per person)
– Lunch at Lotte Mart, a local supermarket that has a food court on the top floor. Try Korean fried chicken and beer, a popular combination among Koreans (KRW 15,000 per person)
– Visit Myeong-dong, a bustling shopping district filled with trendy boutiques, street food stalls, and Korean beauty stores. Shop for souvenirs, clothes, and cosmetics (approx. 4 hours)
– Dinner at Gangnam, the vibrant and upscale neighborhood made famous by the viral song “Gangnam Style.” Try Korean barbecue at Maple Tree House (KRW 25,000 per person)
Day 3: Historical Sites and Hidden Gems
– Breakfast at the hotel
– Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest and most grandiose of the Five Grand Palaces. Witness the changing of the royal guards ceremony and explore the palace grounds (approx. 3 hours, KRW 3,000 per person)
– Lunch at Seochon, a charming neighborhood with traditional Korean houses and cute cafes. Try the rice cakes at Hwangsaengga Kalguksu (KRW 8,000 per person)
– Visit Bukchon Hanok Village, a well-preserved village with over 900 traditional Korean houses. Wander around the narrow alleys and admire the architecture (approx. 2 hours)
– Dinner at Nonhyeon-dong, a quieter neighborhood with great nightlife and cafes. Try the seafood hotpot at Haemul Pajeon Hongdae (KRW 20,000 per person)
Day 4: DMZ Tour
– Breakfast at the hotel
– Take a DMZ tour and visit the border between North and South Korea. Learn about the history and current situation of the Korean peninsula (approx. 8 hours, KRW 100,000 per person)
– Dinner at Hongdae, a hip and trendy neighborhood with plenty of cafes, bars, and clubs. Try Korean fried chicken at Kyochon Chicken (KRW 15,000 per person)
Day 5: Museum Day
– Breakfast at the hotel
– Visit the National Museum of Korea, the largest museum in Korea with over 220,000 artifacts. Learn about Korean history and culture. (approx. 3 hours, free admission)
– Lunch at Itaewon, a multicultural neighborhood with a great variety of international restaurants. Try Middle Eastern cuisine at Petra Palace (KRW 20,000 per person)
– Visit the War Memorial of Korea, a museum dedicated to the Korean War and the country’s military history (approx. 2 hours, free admission)
– Dinner at Han River, a beautiful spot to watch the sunset over the river. Try KFC (Korean Fried Chicken) and beer from a convenience store (KRW 10,000 per person)
Day 6: Hiking and Traditional Cinema
– Breakfast at the hotel
– Take a subway and go to Gwanaksan Mountain, a popular hiking spot with great views of the city. Hike to the summit and enjoy the scenery (approx. 3 hours)
– Lunch at Sadang, a neighborhood known for its great Korean barbecue. Try the pork belly at Jangwon (KRW 15,000 per person)
– Visit a traditional Korean cinema, a cultural experience from the 1960s. Watch a classic Korean movie with a box of popcorn and a glass of soda (approx. 2 hours, KRW 10,000 per person)
– Dinner at Yeonnam-dong, a trendy neighborhood with many hip restaurants and cafes. Try the fried chicken at Bird Pantry (KRW 20,000 per person)
Day 7: Excursion to Suwon
– Breakfast at the hotel
– Take the subway and go to Suwon, a city south of Seoul that is known for its impressive fortress. Visit Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the top-rated attractions in Korea. Take a guided tour to learn about its history and significance (approx. 5 hours, KRW 5,000 per person)
– Lunch at Suwon Market, a bustling street food market with plenty of traditional Korean snacks. Try the grilled chicken skewers and Tteokbokki (KRW 5,000 per person)
– Return to Seoul and visit Hongdae, a popular neighborhood with many street performers, art galleries, and indie shops. Enjoy the lively ambiance and trendy vibe (approx. 3 hours)
– Dinner at Dongdaemun, a neighborhood known for its bustling nightlife and great street food. Try the spicy rice cakes at Choonghwa Dakgalbi (KRW 15,000 per person)
Day 8: Korean Traditional Experience
– Breakfast at the hotel
– Participate in a traditional Korean experience such as making pottery, learning calligraphy, or trying on hanboks (Korean traditional clothes). Book a session at a cultural center or a private studio (approx. 4 hours, KRW 40,000 per person)
– Lunch at Jongno, a busy street with many street food vendors and local restaurants. Try the Gimbap and Mandu (dumplings) combo at Kakao Friends (KRW 5,000 per person)
– Visit the Korean Traditional Tea Museum, a museum dedicated to Korean tea culture. Learn about different kinds of tea and try some samples (approx. 1 hour, free admission)
– Dinner at Gangnam, a trendy district with many high-end restaurants and clubs. Try the seafood at Kisaengchung (KRW 30,000 per person)
Day 9: Departure Preparation
– Breakfast at the hotel
– Visit Garosu-gil, a trendy boulevard with many designer shops, cafes, and art galleries. Shop for last-minute souvenirs and gifts (approx. 3 hours)
– Lunch at Apgujeong, a chic neighborhood with many upscale restaurants and cafes. Try Korean fusion cuisine at Vatos Urban Tacos (KRW 20,000 per person)
– Visit a Jimjilbang, a Korean bathhouse that features saunas, hot baths, and sleeping rooms. Relax and refresh before heading back home (approx. 2-3 hours, KRW 15,000 per person)
– Dinner at Myeong-dong, a buzzing district with many street food vendors and trendy restaurants. Try the Korean-style fried chicken at Kkanbu Chicken (KRW 15,000 per person)
Day 10: Departure
– Breakfast at the hotel
– Check out and take the airport limousine bus to Incheon International Airport (approx. 1 hour, KRW 15,000 per person)
FAQs:
1. Are there any vegetarian/vegan-friendly places to eat in Seoul?
Yes, there are many vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants in Seoul, particularly in the Itaewon and Hongdae neighborhoods.
2. Is it safe to travel to the DMZ?
Yes, it is safe to travel to the DMZ with a guided tour. However, be sure to follow the tour guide’s instructions and regulations.
3. Can I use my credit card in Korea?
Yes, most places in Seoul accept credit cards, including restaurants, shops, and hotels.
4. What are the public transportation options in Seoul?
Seoul’s public transportation system is well-developed and includes buses, subways, and taxis. You can purchase a T-money card for easy and convenient access to all modes of transportation.
5. Can you recommend some affordable hotels in Seoul?
Yes, some affordable hotels in Seoul include Ibis Ambassador Myeong-dong, Hotel Skypark Kingstown Dongdaemun, and Hotel Samjung.
