Direction and Purpose:
This itinerary is for a 10-day trip to Seoul, South Korea, focusing on modern architecture. The aim is to explore the city’s contemporary buildings, including museums, galleries, and landmarks.
Day 1:
– Arrival at Incheon International Airport
– Transfer to hotel via AREX express train (approx. 45 minutes, 9000 KRW)
– Check-in at hotel in Gangnam district
– Lunch at Mad for Garlic, a Korean-Italian fusion restaurant (approx. 15,000 KRW)
– Visit the Samsung Museum of Art (approx. 20,000 KRW admission fee)
– Dinner at The Riverside Terrace, with stunning views of the Han River and Yeouido business district (approx. 25,000 KRW)
Day 2:
– Breakfast at the hotel
– Visit the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, a futuristic aluminum building designed by late architect Zaha Hadid (approx. 5000 KRW admission fee)
– Lunch at Lotte World Tower’s Food Court, located in South Korea’s tallest building (approx. 10,000 KRW)
– Tour the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, which features over 12,000 works of art (free admission to permanent collection)
– Dinner at Balwoo Gongyang, a temple cuisine restaurant serving vegan-friendly Korean dishes (approx. 30,000 KRW)
Day 3:
– Breakfast at hotel
– Take a taxi to Seoul Station and transfer to the Airport Railroad Express (AREX) bound for Cheongju International Airport Station (approx. 50 minutes, 12,000 KRW)
– Visit the Cheongju Art Studio, a visual arts and design complex housed in a renovated brick factory (free admission)
– Lunch at the studio’s cafe, Café Graffity (approx. 10,000 KRW)
– Return to Seoul via AREX train
– Dinner at Gwangjang Market, one of Korea’s oldest and largest markets, known for its street food and local cuisine (approx. 20,000 KRW)
Day 4:
– Breakfast at hotel
– Visit the Seoul Museum of Art (free admission to permanent collection)
– Lunch at Street Churros, a Korean chain offering stuffed and glazed churros (approx. 7000 KRW)
– Tour the National Museum of Korea, which houses artifacts from Korean history and culture, including the bronze Bell of King Seongdeok (free admission to permanent collection)
– Dinner at Suji’s, a contemporary Korean restaurant in the stylish Apgujeong neighborhood (approx. 40,000 KRW)
Day 5:
– Breakfast at hotel
– Visit the Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, which showcases traditional and contemporary Korean art and design (approx. 20,000 KRW admission fee)
– Lunch at The Comm, a minimalist cafe and brunch spot (approx. 15,000 KRW)
– Explore the Starfield COEX Mall, which features over 300 shops and restaurants (free admission)
– Dinner at the mall’s BBQ restaurant, Kyochon (approx. 30,000 KRW)
Day 6:
– Breakfast at hotel
– Visit the Museum of Photography, showcasing both contemporary and historic photography collections (approx. 7000 KRW admission fee)
– Lunch at O’sulloc Tea House, known for its green tea desserts and beverages (approx. 15,000 KRW)
– Tour the D Museum, a contemporary art and design museum located at the Hannam-dong branch of Dolce & Gabbana (approx. 10,000 KRW admission fee)
– Dinner at Muhanjip, a Korean restaurant featuring traditional table grilling (approx. 30,000 KRW)
Day 7:
– Breakfast at hotel
– Take a taxi to Seoul Olympic Park and visit the World Peace Gate, a landmark designed by architect Kim Chung-up and sculptor Park Jong-hwan (free admission)
– Lunch at Seongsu-dong, a newly emerging neighborhood known for its trendy cafes and shops (approx. 15,000 KRW)
– Visit Common Ground, a container shopping mall featuring various streetwear brands and indie designers (free admission)
– Dinner at Hoya, a Korean barbecue restaurant in the hip Hongdae area (approx. 35,000 KRW)
Day 8:
– Breakfast at hotel
– Visit the Galleria Department Store in Apgujeong, which features an art gallery and garden rooftop (free admission)
– Lunch at BeansBins Coffee, a South Korean-based coffee chain serving sandwiches and desserts (approx. 10,000 KRW)
– Tour the SeMA – Buk Seoul Museum of Art, exhibiting contemporary and experimental artworks (free admission to permanent collection)
– Dinner at Porco Rosso, an Italian-inspired pizzeria with a retro vibe (approx. 25,000 KRW)
Day 9:
– Breakfast at hotel
– Take a taxi to the Imagination Factory, an arts and culture center featuring various exhibitions and workshops (approx. 10,000 KRW admission fee)
– Lunch at Sarangchae, a Korean restaurant specializing in grilled pork belly (approx. 20,000 KRW)
– Visit the Museum Kimchikan, showcasing the history and culture of kimchi and traditional Korean food (approx. 5000 KRW admission fee)
– Dinner at Danji, a Michelin Bib Gourmand-rated Korean restaurant serving seasonal dishes (approx. 50,000 KRW)
Day 10:
– Breakfast at hotel
– Check-out from hotel and take a taxi to Incheon International Airport (approx. 60 minutes, 70,000 KRW)
– Departure
FAQs:
1. What is the best time to visit Seoul?
The best time to visit Seoul is from March to May and from September to November, when the weather is mild and perfect for outdoor activities.
2. How do I get around Seoul?
Seoul has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, subways, and trains. Taxis are also widely available.
3. Do I need to speak Korean to travel in Seoul?
While English signs and menus are common in Seoul, learning some basic Korean phrases will be helpful for navigating around the city.
4. What is the currency of South Korea?
The currency of South Korea is the Korean won (KRW).
5. Can I use credit cards in Seoul?
Yes, credit cards are generally accepted in Seoul, but it’s always helpful to carry cash for smaller purchases and street food.
