Travel Plan: 10-Day Seoul Korean Culture Itinerary
Direction and Purpose:
This itinerary aims to introduce you to the rich culture and history of Seoul, South Korea. You’ll visit ancient palaces and temples, explore traditional markets and neighborhoods, experience the city’s modern architecture and nightlife, and taste the local cuisine. We’ll use public transportation such as the subway and buses to get around, and include some recommendations for comfortable and affordable lodgings.
Day 1: Welcome to Seoul
Arrival at Incheon International Airport (ICN), pick-up by a taxi or a private car to bring you to your hotel. Rest for a bit and then visit Myeong-dong, one of the city’s well-known shopping districts. Here, you’ll find traditional Korean foods such as bibimbap, bulgogi, and tteokbokki. Afterward, kick off the night by going to the viewpoint of Namsan Tower to see the city’s night view.
Accommodation: Hotel Manu (Average Price: $70 per night)
Mode of Transportation: Private Taxi
Approximate Travel Time: 1.5 hours
Approximate Price: Private Taxi ($50-70)
Day 2: Historic Sites
Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, the primary palace during the Joseon era, which houses several notable museums and cultural extras. Next, head on to Insa-dong, a quaint neighborhood filled with tea houses, art galleries, and traditional crafts. You can eat lunch there before visiting the Jogyesa Temple, which is considered the main temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism.
Accommodation: Hotel Manu
Mode of Transportation: Subway
Approximate Travel Time: 30 minutes
Approximate Price: Subway Card ($2-3)
Day 3: Neighborhood and Museum Day
Experience a unique and exciting atmosphere in Bukchon Hanok Village (Traditional Korean Village) and learn more about Korean traditional lifestyles at the Bukchon Ceramic Museum. You will also visit the National Museum of Korea or the Korean War Memorial Museum to see the history of the country.
Accommodation: Hotel Manu
Mode of Transportation: Subway and Bus
Approximate Travel Time: 40 minutes
Approximate Price: Subway Card and Bus ($4-5)
Day 4: Day trip to DMZ
Visit the Demilitarized Zone, a buffer between North and South Korea, which is considered one of the world’s most fortified borders. You’ll get to see the Third Infiltration Tunnel, the Dora Observatory, and other historic military armaments.
Accommodation: Hotel Manu
Mode of Transportation: Bus and Subway
Approximate Travel Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Approximate Price: DMZ Tour ($50-70)
Day 5: Modern Architecture
Explore the city’s modern architecture at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, which is an urban development landmark created by architect Zaha Hadid. A good place to eat lunch in Dongdaemun is Yoogane or Migabon for Korean Fried Chicken. At night, enjoy a night stroll along the Cheonggyecheon Stream and dine at one of the city’s most high-end restaurants Garak Market.
Accommodation: The Shilla Seoul (Average Price: $200 per night)
Mode of Transportation: Subway
Approximate Travel Time: 30 minutes
Approximate Price: Subway Card ($2-3)
Day 6: Cultural Market
Make your way to the flea market at Dongmyo or the temple market at Bongeunsa. Feast on Korean street food, and go shopping for souvenirs, clothes, and jewelry. Afterward, try the Korean sauna experience at JimJilBang to rejuvenate and refresh yourself.
Accommodation: The Shilla Seoul
Mode of Transportation: Subway
Approximate Travel Time: 45 minutes
Approximate Price: Subway Card ($2-3)
Day 7: Shopping day
Shop your way through the Underground Shopping Mall, where you’ll find a wide variety of items from cosmetics, clothes, and food all the way to designer brands.
Accommodation: The Shilla Seoul
Mode of Transportation: Subway and Bus
Approximate Travel Time: 30 minutes
Approximate Price: Subway Card and Bus ($4-5)
Day 8: Food tour
Experience a Korean food tour, where you’ll have the opportunity to try popular Korean dishes like Samgyeopsal, Korean BBQ, and stew. You’ll enjoy your lunch and dinner in different locations to maximize food discovery.
Accommodation: The Shilla Seoul
Mode of Transportation: Subway and Bus
Approximate Travel Time: 1 hour
Approximate Price: Subway Card and Bus ($5-6)
Day 9: Palace and Garden
Visiting the grand Changdeokgung Palace and Garden, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will take you back in time. Then, get a glimpse of Korea’s royal history at the nearby Gyeonghuigung Palace.
Accommodation: The Shilla Seoul
Mode of Transportation: Subway and Bus
Approximate Travel Time: 45 minutes
Approximate Price: Subway Card and Bus ($4-5)
Day 10: Departure
Travel back to the airport and prepare for your departure. You can go shopping in Myeong-dong, where you can buy souvenirs to bring home with you.
Accommodation: N/A
Mode of Transportation: Private Taxi and Airport Express
Approximate Travel Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Approximate Price: Private Taxi ($50-70) and Airport Express ($4)
FAQs:
Q: What is the mode of transportation that can take us around Seoul?
A: Seoul has an extensive subway system, as well as buses and taxis.
Q: Are taxis affordable in Seoul?
A: Taxis are not that expensive, but we recommend taking the subway or the bus for a more budget-friendly option.
Q: Do the Koreans speak English?
A: English is not widely spoken in Korea. Even at tourist attractions, it’s better to bring a guide or use Google Translate.
Q: Can you recommend any local restaurants?
A: We recommend Yeongyang Center for Korean BBQ, Mukshidonna Tteokbokki for rice cakes, and Gwangjang Market for street food.
Q: What should I wear in Korea in the fall?
A: In Korea, fall weather ranges from cool to cold, so we recommend wearing layers, a comfortable sweatshirt and jacket, and comfortable shoes.
Q: What’s a must-buy souvenir in Korea?
A: Korean products such as K-beauty, K-fashion, and K-pop merchandises are famous in Korea, and worth your purchase. Besides, you should try Korean snacks, tea or coffee for your gift, too.
