Itinerary Direction: 5-day Seoul Street Food Adventure
Day 1: Arrival and Gwangjang Market
– 12:00 PM: Check-in at your hotel. Recommended hotels: Lotte Hotel Seoul or JW Marriott Hotel Seoul.
– 2:00 PM: Take the subway (Line 2) to Euljiro 4-ga Station and visit Gwangjang Market, one of Seoul’s oldest traditional markets. Try bindaetteok (mung bean pancake), mayak kimbap (rice rolled with various fillings), and jokbal (pig’s feet).
– 4:00 PM: Stroll around Cheonggyecheon Stream, a beautiful urban park that runs through the heart of Seoul.
– 6:00 PM: Head to Myeong-dong and try the famous tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) at Mukshidonna.
Transportation: Subway – Approx. travel time: 20 mins – Approx. cost: 1,250 KRW (one-way)
Food and activity budget: Approx. 25,000 KRW
Day 2: Namdaemun Market and Bukchon Hanok Village
– 9:00 AM: Head to Namdaemun Market, another traditional market in Seoul, and have a hearty breakfast of kalguksu (noodle soup) or bunsik (Korean-style fast food).
– 11:00 AM: Take a taxi to Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional Korean village with beautifully preserved hanok (traditional Korean houses). Walk along the alleys and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
– 1:00 PM: Have a late lunch at Gwanghwamun Jip, a popular spot for Korean fried chicken.
– 3:00 PM: Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty, and watch the changing of the guard ceremony.
– 6:00 PM: Head to Insadong and try the famous hotteok (pancake with sweet filling) at a street vendor.
Transportation: Subway and taxi – Approx. travel time: 30 mins – Approx. cost: 10,000 KRW (one-way)
Food and activity budget: Approx. 35,000 KRW
Day 3: Myeong-dong and Namdaemun Market
– 9:00 AM: Stroll around Myeong-dong and try the famous street food such as grilled cheese skewers, egg bread, and twisted potatoes.
– 11:00 AM: Visit Namsan Tower and enjoy the panoramic view of the city.
– 1:00 PM: Have lunch at Jinokhwa Halmae Wonjo Dakhanmari, a restaurant famous for its braised chicken.
– 3:00 PM: Spend some time shopping at Namdaemun Market and try the famous hotteok and kalguksu.
– 6:00 PM: Head to Gangnam and try the famous galbi (grilled beef ribs) at Hanam Pig Galbi.
Transportation: Subway – Approx. travel time: 35 mins – Approx. cost: 1,250 KRW (one-way)
Food and activity budget: Approx. 40,000 KRW
Day 4: Hongdae and Dongdaemun Design Plaza
– 10:00 AM: Visit Hongdae, a trendy district in Seoul known for its indie culture, street performers, and shopping.
– 12:00 PM: Try the famous chimaek (chicken and beer) at BBQ Chicken or Nene Chicken.
– 2:00 PM: Head to Dongdaemun Design Plaza, a futuristic landmark in Seoul, and enjoy the unique architecture.
– 4:00 PM: Visit Dongdaemun Market, one of the largest wholesale and retail markets in Korea, and try the famous mandu (dumplings) and jajangmyeon (noodles with black bean sauce).
– 6:00 PM: Head to Itaewon and try the famous dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken) at Yoogane.
Transportation: Subway – Approx. travel time: 30 mins – Approx. cost: 1,250 KRW (one-way)
Food and activity budget: Approx. 35,000 KRW
Day 5: Garak Market and Departure
– 9:00 AM: Head to Garak Market, the largest agricultural and seafood market in Korea, and try the fresh seafood and bibimbap.
– 11:00 AM: Visit COEX Mall, one of the largest underground shopping malls in Asia.
– 1:00 PM: Have lunch at Gwangjang Market and try the famous mayak kimbap and bindaetteok again.
– 3:00 PM: Go souvenir shopping at Myeong-dong and Insadong.
– 6:00 PM: Depart from your hotel and head to Incheon International Airport.
Transportation: Subway and taxi – Approx. travel time: 60 mins – Approx. cost: 25,000 KRW (one-way)
Food and activity budget: Approx. 30,000 KRW
FAQs:
1. How do I get around Seoul?
Ans: The easiest way to get around Seoul is by subway or taxi. The subway system is extensive and covers most of the city. Taxis are also plentiful and relatively cheap.
2. What are some must-try street foods in Seoul?
Ans: Some must-try street foods in Seoul include tteokbokki, hotteok, mayak kimbap, bindaetteok, and grilled cheese skewers.
3. What are some recommended hotels in Seoul?
Ans: Some recommended hotels in Seoul include Lotte Hotel Seoul, JW Marriott Hotel Seoul, and Grand Hyatt Seoul.
4. What is the best time to visit Seoul?
Ans: The best time to visit Seoul is during the spring (April to June) or autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant.
5. What are some popular tourist attractions in Seoul?
Ans: Some popular tourist attractions in Seoul include Gyeongbokgung Palace, Namsan Tower, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Dongdaemun Design Plaza.