Direction and Purpose: This 10-day travel plan is meant for nature-lovers who want to explore the natural beauty of Seoul’s parks and gardens. The itinerary includes the top spots for experiencing the city’s greenery, as well as some nearby attractions.
Day 1: Arrival and Check-in
– Check-in at the RYSE Hotel in Hongdae, a stylish hotel with excellent amenities.
– Explore the neighborhood’s street art, cafes, and shops.
– Dinner at Meatbox, a popular restaurant for grilled meats.
Day 2: Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village
– Breakfast at Cafe Onion, a trendy spot known for its coffee and pastries.
– Take the subway to Gyeongbokgung Palace and explore the beautiful grounds and buildings.
– Lunch at the palace’s cafeteria.
– Walk to Bukchon Hanok Village, a historic district featuring traditional Korean houses.
– Dinner at Palsaek Samgyeopsal, a favorite among locals for its eight-flavor pork belly.
Day 3: Namsan Park and N Seoul Tower
– Breakfast at Isaac Toast, a fast-food chain with delicious breakfast sandwiches.
– Take the subway to Namsan Park and hike to the top to enjoy the stunning views of the city.
– Lunch at the park’s cafeteria.
– Visit N Seoul Tower, an iconic landmark with observation decks and a revolving restaurant.
– Dinner at Myeongdong Kyoja, a famous noodle house.
Day 4: Seoul Forest and Han River
– Breakfast at Cafe Able, a cozy cafe with a garden terrace.
– Take the subway to Seoul Forest, a large park with a botanical garden and wildlife habitat.
– Lunch at one of the park’s cafes.
– Walk along the Han River and enjoy the views of the city.
– Dinner at Mies Container, a unique restaurant built from shipping containers.
Day 5: DMZ Tour
– Book a full-day tour of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) at your hotel’s front desk.
– Visit the Joint Security Area and the Third Tunnel.
– Lunch at a restaurant near the DMZ.
– Return to the hotel for dinner and relaxation.
Day 6: Seoul Grand Park and National Museum of Korea
– Breakfast at Cafe Pastel, a cute cafe with a garden terrace.
– Take the subway to Seoul Grand Park, a massive park with a zoo, botanical garden, and amusement park.
– Lunch at one of the park’s food stalls.
– Visit the nearby National Museum of Korea to learn about the country’s history and culture.
– Dinner at Yang Good, a traditional Korean restaurant.
Day 7: Taeanhaean National Park
– Book a day trip to Taeanhaean National Park at your hotel’s front desk.
– Enjoy hiking, beach-combing, and panoramic views of the coastline.
– Lunch at a local seafood restaurant.
– Return to the hotel for dinner and relaxation.
Day 8: Gapyeong County and Petite France
– Breakfast at Cafe Mamas, a charming cafe in Hongdae.
– Take the subway to Gapyeong County, a rural area with gorgeous scenery.
– Visit the Nami Island, a beautiful island with tree-lined paths.
– Lunch at a Korean restaurant in Petite France, a French-inspired village.
– Return to the hotel for dinner and relaxation.
Day 9: Olympic Park and Lotte World Tower
– Breakfast at Butterfinger Pancakes, a popular brunch spot.
– Take the subway to Olympic Park, a large park built for the 1988 Summer Olympics.
– Lunch at one of the park’s cafes.
– Visit the nearby Lotte World Tower, a skyscraper with observation decks and a shopping center.
– Dinner at Jungsik, a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Day 10: Departure
– Check-out from the RYSE Hotel and head to the airport.
– Grab breakfast at one of the airport’s cafes before departure.
FAQs:
– What is a good time of the year to visit Seoul for nature enthusiasts?
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit Seoul for nature enthusiasts. The weather is mild and perfect for outdoor activities, and the parks and gardens are in full bloom during these seasons.
– How do I get around Seoul?
Seoul has an extensive public transportation system, including subways, buses, and taxis. The subway is the most convenient and affordable way to get around the city, with fares typically ranging from 1,200 to 2,000 KRW per ride. Taxis are also readily available, with fares starting at 3,800 KRW for the first 2 kilometers and 100 KRW for each additional 156 meters.
– Can I visit the DMZ on my own?
No, visitors are not allowed to enter the DMZ without a guided tour. You can book a DMZ tour through your hotel, a travel agency, or the official DMZ website.
– What should I wear when visiting the parks and gardens?
It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and clothes, as you will be doing a lot of walking. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. In the autumn and winter, bring a jacket or coat as the weather can be chilly.
