Itinerary: 7-Day Seoul Street Food Trip
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration
– Check-in at Lotte Hotel Seoul, located in the bustling Jung-gu district
– Start the day with breakfast at Ssangdaepo, a popular Korean restaurant known for its grilled meat
– Take the subway to Gwangjang Market, one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in Seoul, for a taste of some of the city’s best street food like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and kalguksu (handmade noodle soup)
– Visit Cheonggyecheon Stream, a beautiful urban oasis in the middle of the city, and grab a snack from one of the food vendors along the way
– Head to Myeong-dong, a popular shopping district, for dinner at Isaac Toast, a Korean-style breakfast sandwich chain that is a must-try for many visitors
– Take a leisurely walk back to the hotel, enjoying the lively night scene of the city
Day 2: Historical Sites and Traditional Food
– Start the day with breakfast at Tosokchon Samgyetang, a famous restaurant that serves traditional Korean chicken soup
– Take a taxi to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest and most well-known palace in Seoul, and spend the morning exploring the grounds
– Walk to Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional Korean village with over 600 years of history, and grab a quick snack from one of the street vendors selling tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes)
– For lunch, head to Jagalchi Market, a seafood market that also offers a variety of street food options like eomuk (fish cake) and mayak kimbap (small bite-sized rolls)
– Visit Namsangol Hanok Village, a well-preserved traditional Korean village with five restored hanok buildings, and watch a traditional Korean cultural performance while enjoying some of the street food treats
– For dinner, head to Gwanghwamun Square and try the infamous Korean fried chicken from Kyochon Chicken
– Take a taxi back to the hotel and treat yourself to a nightcap at the hotel’s rooftop bar
Day 3: Theme Parks and Night Markets
– Start the day with a breakfast sandwich from Egg Drop, a Korean chain that specializes in egg dishes
– Take the subway to Everland Theme Park, the largest amusement park in South Korea, and spend the day enjoying the rides and attractions
– For dinner, head to Namdaemun Market and try the grilled skewers and stuffed pancakes at Ttongchari (which means “jellyfish” in Korean), a popular street food vendor
– After dinner, head to Dongdaemun Night Market and take a stroll through the bustling market selling everything from clothing to home goods to street food like mandu (dumplings) and hotteok (sweet pancakes)
– Take the subway back to the hotel and rest up for another exciting day
Day 4: Beauty and Entertainment
– Start the day with breakfast at Paris Baguette, a Korean bakery chain that offers sweet and savory pastries
– Head to the famous Gangnam district and visit the COEX Mall, the largest underground shopping mall in Asia, for some shopping and people-watching
– Visit the Starfield COEX Library, a beautiful public library located within the mall that is definitely worth seeing
– For lunch, head to Garak Market, a wholesale market that also offers plenty of street food options like gimbap (Korean sushi rolls) and ttukbokki (spicy rice cakes)
– After lunch, head to the Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain, a bridge with a stunning fountain show that is choreographed to music
– For dinner, head to Hongdae, a trendy district known for its street art, and try the quirky and Instagrammable street food options like giant cotton candy or rainbow grilled cheese at one of the many food vendors in the area
– End the night with a performance at the Hongdae Free Market, a weekly event where artists and performers showcase their talents
Day 5: Nature and History
– Start the day with a filling breakfast at Caffe Bene, a Korean coffeehouse chain that also offers waffles and other breakfast items
– Take a taxi to Namsan Tower and ride the cable car to the top for a stunning view of the city
– Visit the Namsan Folk Village, an open-air museum that showcases traditional Korean houses, clothing, and crafts
– For lunch, head to Gwangjang Market and try some of the market’s famous street food like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) or soondae (blood sausage)
– After lunch, take the subway to Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is known for its beautiful gardens and architectural design
– For dinner, take a relaxing walk in the picturesque Bukhansan National Park and try one of the mountain’s famous bibimbap (rice mixed with vegetables and meat) at one of the restaurants in the park
– Take a taxi back to the hotel and rest up for another exciting day
Day 6: Art and Culture
– Start the day with breakfast at Paul Bassett, a Korean coffeehouse chain that offers delicious coffee and pastries
– Head to the National Museum of Korea, the largest museum in Korea, and spend the morning learning about Korean history and culture
– For lunch, head to Gwanghwamun Square and try the famous Korean snack, hotteok (sweet pancakes), from one of the street vendors in the area
– After lunch, visit the Leeum Samsung Museum of Art, a beautiful museum that showcases both traditional and contemporary Korean art
– For dinner, head to Insadong, a popular district known for its traditional Korean crafts and souvenirs, and try some of the street food options like pajeon (green onion pancake) or jwipo (dried fish)
– Take a leisurely walk back to the hotel, enjoying the lively night scene of the city
Day 7: Farewell and Last-minute Shopping
– Start the day with breakfast at Tous Les Jours, a popular Korean bakery chain that offers fresh bread and pastries
– Head to Myeong-dong and spend the morning shopping for souvenirs and last-minute gifts
– For lunch, head to Gwangjang Market and try some of the market’s famous bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) or mandu (dumplings)
– After lunch, visit the Grevin Museum, a wax museum that features lifelike figures of famous people and celebrities
– For dinner, head to the bustling Namdaemun Market and try some of the market’s famous street food like hotteok (sweet pancakes) or eomuk (fish cake)
– Take a taxi back to the hotel and prepare for your departure the next day
FAQs:
1. What is the best time to visit Seoul?
The best time to visit Seoul is either in the autumn (September to November) or spring (April to June), when the weather is mild and comfortable.
2. What is the most popular street food in Seoul?
Some of the most popular street food items in Seoul include tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), hotteok (sweet pancakes), and mandu (dumplings).
3. How do I get around Seoul?
Seoul has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses, subways, and taxis, making it easy and convenient to get around.
4. Can I use credit cards in Seoul?
Yes, credit cards are widely accepted throughout Seoul, although it is always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller transactions.
5. What are some must-visit attractions in Seoul?
Some of the must-visit attractions in Seoul include Gyeongbokgung Palace, Namsan Tower, and the National Museum of Korea.
