From Palaces to Museums: A 10-Day Journey Through Seoul’s History

Trip Planner3 years ago113710 min

Direction and Purpose:
This itinerary is a 10-day plan for exploring the historical landmarks of Seoul, South Korea. The purpose of this trip is to delve into the rich culture and history of this city while appreciating its architecture, museums, and attractions.

Day 1 – Arrival in Seoul
– Check into the Four Points By Sheraton Seoul Namsan Hotel, which is located near Namsan Tower and Myeongdong shopping district
– Enjoy a traditional Korean dinner at Jinjinbara Korean Restaurant
– Take a walk around the hotel and appreciate the surrounding attractions such as Namsan Tower, Namsan Park, and the National Theater of Korea

Day 2 – Gyeongbokgung Palace and Folk Museum
– Breakfast at the hotel
– Take subway line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station
– Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, which is the largest and most grandiose of the Five Grand Palaces built during Korea’s Joseon Dynasty
– Explore the National Folk Museum of Korea located within the palace compound
– Lunch at Gyeongbokgung Palace Okyangjeong Restaurant where serves traditional Korean cuisine
– Walk or take a taxi to Bukchon Hanok Village
– Explore the Korean traditional houses called Hanok and experience Korean traditional culture at Museum Kimchikan
– Dinner at the Bukchon Korean Traditional House Cafe where serves traditional tea and snacks

Day 3 – Changdeokgung Palace and Secret Garden
– Breakfast at the hotel
– Take a taxi or the subway line 3 to Anguk Station
– Visit Changdeokgung Palace, a World Heritage site, with its beautiful secret garden
– Lunch at Tosokchon Samgyetang Restaurant where serves Korean traditional chicken soup
– Take the subway line 1 to Jongno 3-ga Station and walk to the Jongmyo Shrine to learn about the Joseon Dynasty’s royal family and its history
– Dinner at Gwangjang Market where serves Korean food street

Day 4 – Seoul City Wall and Namdaemun Market
– Breakfast at the hotel
– Take a taxi or the subway line 6 to Chungmuro Station
– Hike along the Seoul City Wall Trail and appreciate the scenic view of the city
– Lunch at the Noryangjin Fish Market where serves fresh seafood
– Take the subway line 4 to Hoehyeon Station to visit Namdaemun Market, one of the oldest traditional markets in Korea
– Shopping and dinner at Dongdaemun Market where is famous for shopping and night market

Day 5 – National Museum of Korea and Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain
– Breakfast at the hotel
– Take the subway line 4 to Ichon Station
– Visit the National Museum of Korea to learn about Korea’s history, art, and culture
– Lunch at Tosokchon Gomtang Restaurant where serves the traditional beef soup
– Take the subway line 6 at Noksapyeong Station to Banpo Bridge where you can enjoy the Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain’s magical water show
– Dinner at the Bogwang Pork cutlet restaurant near the National Museum

Day 6 – Korean War Memorial and Namsan Hanok Village
– Breakfast at the hotel
– Take a taxi or the subway line 4 to Samgakji Station
– Visit the Korean War Memorial to learn about the history of the Korean War
– Lunch at Myeongdong Kyoja where serves Korean traditional noodles
– Take a taxi to the Namsan Hanok Village, where you can experience traditional Korean culture
– Dinner at the famous restaurant Jungsikdang where serves Korean traditional fusion cuisine

Day 7 – Lotte World Amusement Park
– Breakfast at the hotel
– Take the subway line 2 to Jamsil Station
– Visit Lotte World Amusement Park, which is the largest indoor amusement park in the world
– Lunch at the Lotte World Food Court where serves Korean traditional fast food
– Go to the Lotte World Aquarium and the Lotte World Tower Observatory
– Dinner at Namsan Tower where is known for restaurants with panoramic views

Day 8 – National Palace Museum of Korea and Gangnam District
– Breakfast at the hotel
– Take the subway line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station
– Visit the National Palace Museum of Korea, located inside Gyeongbokgung Palace
– Lunch at Tosokchon Samgyetang Restaurant in Gyeongbokgung
– Take the subway line 2 to Gangnam Station
– Take a walk around Garosugil Street, a famous shopping and fashion street
– Dinner at the famous Korean BBQ restaurant Vatos Urban Tacos in Gangnam

Day 9 – Insadong and Jogyesa Temple
– Breakfast at the hotel
– Take the subway line 3 to Anguk Station
– Walk around the Insadong district, which is known as a center for traditional Korean art and antiques
– Visit Jogyesa Temple, which is the most famous Buddhist temple in Korea
– Lunch at Gwangjang Market where serves Korean food street
– Explore the Namsan Cable Car to Namsan Tower above Namsan Park
– Dinner in Itaewon where is widely known as a gourmet area

Day 10 – Departure from Seoul
– Breakfast at the hotel
– Check out from Four Points By Sheraton Seoul Namsan Hotel
– Take a taxi or subway line 2 to Incheon International Airport
– Depart for your destination

FAQs:
1. Is it recommended to buy a T-money card to use public transportation in Seoul?
Yes, it is recommended to buy a T-money card as it can be used for all public transportation in Seoul, including buses, subways, and taxis.

2. Are there any vegetarian or halal food options available in Seoul?
Yes, there are many vegetarian and halal food options available in Seoul. Check with the restaurant beforehand to confirm the food’s ingredients.

3. Can I visit all the places mentioned in this itinerary in 10 days?
Yes, you can visit all the places, and it is a busy schedule, but you can also adjust it to your preferences.

4. What is the local currency in Seoul, and are credit cards widely accepted?
The local currency in Seoul is the South Korean won, and credit cards are widely accepted in restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions.

5. What is the best time of year to visit Seoul?
The best time to visit Seoul is during autumn (September to November) or spring (April to June) when the weather is mild, and nature is at its best.

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