Itinerary Purpose: 5-Day Seoul Nightlife
Day 1:
Morning:
– Breakfast at Cafe Mamas (known for their homemade pastries and coffee)
– Visit Bukchon Hanok Village to experience traditional Korean architecture and culture
– Take a stroll around Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of the most iconic and largest palaces in Seoul
Afternoon:
– Lunch at Tosokchon Samgyetang (famous for their chicken ginseng soup)
– Visit Namsan Tower to see the stunning panoramic view of the city
– Explore the shopping district of Myeongdong, known for their street food and skincare products
Evening:
– Dinner at Maple Tree House, a Korean BBQ restaurant
– Head to Itaewon for a night out at bars and clubs
Transportation:
– Subway: From Cafe Mamas to Bukchon Hanok Village (approx. 25 mins), Bukchon Hanok Village to Gyeongbokgung Palace (approx. 10 mins), Gyeongbokgung Palace to Tosokchon Samgyetang (approx. 20 mins), Tosokchon Samgyetang to Namsan Tower (approx. 25 mins), Myeongdong to Maple Tree House (approx. 15 mins), Maple Tree House to Itaewon (approx. 10 mins)
– Approx. expenditure: KRW 80,000 (approx. USD 70)
Hotel recommendation: Four Points by Sheraton Seoul, Namsan
Day 2:
Morning:
– Breakfast at Isaac Toast (a popular Korean breakfast sandwich chain)
– Visit the War Memorial of Korea to learn about Korean history
– Take a walk around the Dongdaemun Design Plaza and Park
Afternoon:
– Lunch at Gwangjang Market (a traditional market with a wide variety of Korean street food)
– Visit the Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
– Explore the Insadong neighborhood to experience Korean art and crafts
Evening:
– Dinner at Jungsik Seoul (a Michelin-starred Korean fine dining restaurant)
– Head to Gangnam district for a night out at upscale bars and clubs
Transportation:
– Subway: From Isaac Toast to War Memorial of Korea (approx. 35 mins), War Memorial of Korea to Dongdaemun Design Plaza and Park (approx. 10 mins), Dongdaemun Design Plaza and Park to Gwangjang Market (approx. 20 mins), Gwangjang Market to Changdeokgung Palace (approx. 25 mins), Changdeokgung Palace to Insadong (approx. 10 mins), Insadong to Jungsik Seoul (approx. 20 mins), Jungsik Seoul to Gangnam district (approx. 20 mins)
– Approx. expenditure: KRW 200,000 (approx. USD 170)
Hotel recommendation: Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas
Day 3:
Morning:
– Breakfast at Dosan Bunsik (a local diner known for Korean-style breakfast and snacks)
– Visit the National Museum of Korea to learn about the country’s history and culture
– Take a walk around the Seoul Forest, one of the largest parks in the city
Afternoon:
– Lunch at Byeokje Galbi (a traditional Korean restaurant serving grilled short ribs)
– Visit the COEX Mall for shopping and entertainment
– Take a stroll around the Bongeunsa Temple
Evening:
– Dinner at Balwoo Gongyang (a Michelin-starred vegetarian Korean restaurant)
– Head to Hongdae district for a night out at hip bars and clubs
Transportation:
– Subway: From Dosan Bunsik to National Museum of Korea (approx. 20 mins), National Museum of Korea to Seoul Forest (approx. 25 mins), Seoul Forest to Byeokje Galbi (approx. 15 mins), Byeokje Galbi to COEX Mall (approx. 20 mins), COEX Mall to Bongeunsa Temple (approx. 10 mins), Bongeunsa Temple to Balwoo Gongyang (approx. 20 mins), Balwoo Gongyang to Hongdae district (approx. 30 mins)
– Approx. expenditure: KRW 180,000 (approx. USD 150)
Hotel recommendation: Lotte Hotel Seoul
Day 4:
Morning:
– Breakfast at Bread Blue (a bakery with a variety of bread and pastries)
– Take a walk around the Bukhansan National Park, a scenic hiking spot
– Visit the Grevin Museum, a wax museum with lifelike celebrities
Afternoon:
– Lunch at Tosokchon Samgyetang (famous for their chicken ginseng soup)
– Visit the Lottle World Tower, one of the tallest buildings in the world
– Take a walk along the Han River
Evening:
– Dinner at La Yeon (a Michelin-starred Korean fine dining restaurant)
– Head to Gangnam district for a night out at upscale bars and clubs
Transportation:
– Subway: From Bread Blue to Bukhansan National Park (approx. 45 mins), Bukhansan National Park to Grevin Museum (approx. 45 mins), Grevin Museum to Tosokchon Samgyetang (approx. 25 mins), Tosokchon Samgyetang to Lottle World Tower (approx. 20 mins), Lottle World Tower to Han River (approx. 10 mins), Han River to La Yeon (approx. 35 mins), La Yeon to Gangnam district (approx. 20 mins)
– Approx. expenditure: KRW 250,000 (approx. USD 215)
Hotel recommendation: JW Marriott Seoul
Day 5:
Morning:
– Breakfast at Paul Bassett (a specialty coffee chain)
– Take a walk around the Namsan Seoul Tower
– Visit the Trick Eye Museum for optical illusions
Afternoon:
– Lunch at Gwangjang Market (a traditional market with a wide variety of Korean street food)
– Visit the Garosu-Gil for trendy boutique shopping and cafes
– Take a stroll around the Seoullo 7017, a pedestrian walkway on a former highway
Evening:
– Dinner at Jin Jin (a famous stir-fried noodle restaurant)
– Head to Itaewon for a night out at bars and clubs
Transportation:
– Subway: From Paul Bassett to Namsan Seoul Tower (approx. 30 mins), Namsan Seoul Tower to Trick Eye Museum (approx. 10 mins), Trick Eye Museum to Gwangjang Market (approx. 15 mins), Gwangjang Market to Garosu-Gil (approx. 25 mins), Garosu-Gil to Seoullo 7017 (approx. 20 mins), Seoullo 7017 to Jin Jin (approx. 10 mins), Jin Jin to Itaewon (approx. 10 mins)
– Approx. expenditure: KRW 160,000 (approx. USD 135)
Hotel recommendation: The Westin Chosun Seoul
FAQs:
1. What is the best time to visit Seoul?
The best time to visit Seoul is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is mild and pleasant.
2. Is it easy to get around Seoul using public transportation?
Yes, Seoul has an extensive public transportation system including subways, buses, and taxis. It is easy and convenient to get around using public transportation.
3. Are there any cultural faux pas to avoid in Seoul?
It is important to remove shoes before entering someone’s home, temple, or traditional Korean restaurant. Additionally, it is polite to bow when greeting someone older or higher in rank than you.
4. Is English widely spoken in Seoul?
Although English is not widely spoken, many locals in Seoul speak basic English and are helpful. It is recommended to learn a few basic Korean phrases to ease communication.
5. Can I drink tap water in Seoul?
Yes, tap water in Seoul is safe for drinking. However, it is recommended to drink bottled or filtered water, especially for those with sensitive digestive systems.
