Direction and Purpose: This itinerary is for a 7-day Seoul Korean culture tour which includes exploring the city’s popular tourist attractions, tasting the local cuisine, experiencing Korean culture, and staying at a comfortable hotel.
Day 1:
Convenience Store Breakfast: Start the day with a Korean-style sandwich at a convenience store near the hotel.
Transportation: Take the subway to Gyeongbokgung Palace (Line 3 – Station Exit #5) – Approx. 30 mins – $1 per ride.
Activities: Enjoy the traditional Korean palace architecture and witness the changing of the guard ceremony.
Lunch: Head to Tosokchon Samgyetang for a delicious bowl of Korean chicken ginseng soup. – Approx. 20 mins – $11 per person.
Transportation: Take a taxi to Insadong cultural streets. Approx. 15mins – $6 per ride.
Activities: Look around at traditional Korean shops and marketplaces in Insadong.
Transportation: Take a taxi to Namsan Tower (approx. 20mins – $8 per ride)
Activities: Go up to Namsan Tower by cable car, have a bird’s eye view of Seoul city while enjoying the stunning sunset. /
Dinner: Head back down and have dinner at a local Korean BBQ joint. Approx. 30mins – $20 per person
Hotel recommendation: Stay at the Lotte Hotel Seoul for a comfortable stay near the major attractions.
Day 2:
Breakfast: Have breakfast at a nearby café or bakery.
Transportation: Take the subway to Changdeokgung Palace (Line 3 – Station Exit #6) – Approx. 30mins – $1 per ride.
Activities: Visit Changdeokgung Palace and its beautiful secret garden.
Lunch: Head over to Gwangjang Market for a wide range of Korean street food at low prices – Approx. 30 mins – $8 per person.
Transportation: Take the subway to Myeong-dong shopping district (Line 4 – Station Exit #6) – Approx. 20 mins – $1 per ride.
Activities: Shop till you drop and experience trendy Korean fashion at Myeong-dong shopping district.
Dinner: Go to Noryangjin Fish Market for a seafood feast – Approx. 30mins – $30 per person.
Hotel recommendation: Stay at the Tmark Grand Hotel Myeongdong for a comfortable stay near Myeong-dong shopping district.
Day 3:
Breakfast: Have breakfast at a nearby café or bakery.
Transportation: Take the subway to COEX Mall (Line 2 – Station Exit #5) – Approx. 35mins – $1 per ride.
Activities: Visit the underground aquarium and Up Square shopping center.
Lunch: Noodle alley at Oleumaeul Bukchon
Transportation: Take a taxi to Bukchon Hanok Village – Approx. 15 mins – $8 per ride.
Activities: Enjoy the beautiful traditional Korean houses and experience craft making activities.
Dinner: Head to a local Korean restaurant for bibimbap – Approx. 30mins – $13 per person.
Hotel recommendation: Stay at the Four Points by Sheraton Seoul, Gangnam for a comfortable stay near COEX Mall.
Day 4:
Breakfast: Start the day with Korean pancake at a nearby café.
Transportation: Take the subway to Hongdae (Line 2 – Station Exit #9) – Approx. 35mins – $1 per ride.
Activities: Explore the art street and try out a Korean traditional dress, Hanbok.
Lunch: Head to the Korean War Memorial Museum for a traditional Korean buffet – Approx. 30mins – $18 per person.
Transportation: Take a taxi to Garosu-gil Street – Approx. 25mins – $12 per ride.
Activities: Take a walk in the famous Garosu-gil Street.
Dinner: Enjoy a Korean fried chicken dinner at a local joint – Approx. 30mins – $15 per person.
Hotel recommendation: Stay at the Hotel Skypark Kingstown Dongdaemun for a comfortable stay near the street markets.
Day 5:
Breakfast: Have breakfast at a nearby café or bakery.
Transportation: Take the subway to Bukchon Hanok Village (Line 3 – Station Exit #4) – Approx. 20mins – $1 per ride.
Activities: Enjoy Korean tea culture, bookbinding activities and try out a traditional Korean tea set at Bukchon Traditional Culture Center.
Lunch: Take a taxi to Gwanghwamun Square and enjoy a Korean set meal.
Transportation: Take the subway to Hyundai duty-free shop (Line 4 – Station Exit #1) – Approx. 30mins – $1 per ride.
Activities: Head over to Hyundai duty-free shop for tax-free shopping.
Dinner: Head back to Myeong-dong and try out Korean-style hot pot / Korean seafood pancake at Myeong-dong Gyoja, which is a famous restaurant. Approx. $20 per person
Hotel recommendation: Stay at the Hotel SKYPARK Central Myeongdong for a comfortable stay near Myeong-dong shopping district.
Day 6:
Breakfast: Start the day with a traditional Korean breakfast at a nearby market.
Transportation: Take the subway to Insa-dong (Line 3 – Station Exit #6) – Approx. 30mins – $1 per ride.
Activities: Visit one of Korea’s best art galleries, Hakgojae Gallery, and then learn about Korean traditional printing culture at the Gallery Factory.
Lunch: Head to the Namsan Tower for a traditional Korean lunch.
Transportation: Take the subway to Cheonggyecheon (Line 5 – Station Exit #6) – Approx. 30 mins – $1 per ride.
Activities: Take a walk along Cheonggyecheon stream and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Dinner: Head to a Korean-style vegetarian restaurant – Approx. $18 per person.
Hotel recommendation: Stay at the Hotel Peyto Gangnam for a comfortable stay near Cheonggyecheon stream.
Day 7:
Breakfast: Finish the tour with some delicious Korean-style toast at a local café.
Transportation: Take the subway to Jamsil (Line 2 – Station Exit #1) – Approx. 30 mins – $1 per ride.
Activities: Explore the Lotte World Theme Park and experience the thrilling rides.
Lunch: Head to Tan Cheon-ya Korean Fast Food for Korean-style fast food. Approx. $7 per person.
Transportation: Take the subway to the airport (Line 2 – Station Exit #5) – Approx. 1 hour – $1 per ride.
FAQs:
1. Which public transport card should I buy?
We recommend the T-money card, which can be used for both subway and bus rides.
2. How much money should I bring for this trip?
It depends on your spending habits, but we recommend bringing around $500-$1000 USD.
3. Can I rent a bike in Seoul?
Yes! You can rent bikes from Seoul Bike or Bike Seoul.
4. What should I pack for the trip?
Make sure to pack comfortable walking shoes, lightweight and breathable clothes for the summer, and warm clothes for the winter. Also, bring a universal adapter for charging your electronics.
5. Is it easy to travel around Seoul as an English speaker?
Yes, many Koreans speak English, and there are English signs and announcements in most public transportation modes. You can also download a translation app like Google Translate to help you communicate.
