Plan for a 10-day tour of Seoul National Museum of Korea
Main direction and purpose: To explore the cultural treasures of Korea, as displayed in the National Museum of Korea in Seoul.
Day 1: Arrival in Seoul
– Arrive at Incheon International Airport
– Take the Airport Limousine Bus to downtown Seoul (~1 hour, 15,000 KRW)
– Check into your hotel and rest after your flight
– Visit the Lotte Mart for some shopping and grocery shopping
– Dinner at Halmeoni Kalguksu, a Korean soup restaurant located nearby
Day 2: National Museum of Korea
– Breakfast at the hotel
– Take the subway to Ichon Station (Line 4)
– Visit the National Museum of Korea, featuring Korean art and cultural artifacts
– Lunch at the museum’s cafeteria
– Afternoon: Explore the nearby Namsan Park and Namsan Tower, with gorgeous views of the city
– Dinner at Chimaek Stall, a popular fried chicken and beer joint
Day 3: Gyeongbokgung Palace
– Breakfast at the hotel
– Take the subway to Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3)
– Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of the most iconic spots in Seoul, dating back to the Joseon Dynasty
– Lunch at Tosokchon, a restaurant known for its traditional Korean chicken soup
– Afternoon: Explore Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional neighborhood from the Joseon Dynasty
– Dinner at Gwangjang Market, a traditional market with street food stalls
Day 4: Insadong
– Breakfast at the hotel
– Take the subway to Anguk Station (Line 3)
– Visit Insadong, a popular tourist spot for traditional Korean crafts and souvenirs
– Lunch at Sanchon, a vegetarian restaurant near Insadong
– Afternoon: Visit Myeong-dong, a popular shopping district
– Dinner at Myeong-dong Gyoja, a restaurant specializing in dumplings and noodles
Day 5: Han River Cruise
– Breakfast at the hotel
– Take the subway to Yeouinaru Station (Line 5)
– Take a Han River Cruise, a great way to see the city from the water
– Lunch at Garak Market, a wholesale market with numerous food stalls
– Afternoon: Visit Gangnam district and explore COEX Mall
– Dinner at Samwon Garden, a restaurant known for its Korean-style BBQ
Day 6: DMZ Tour
– Breakfast at the hotel
– Take a DMZ Tour, a unique experience of seeing the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea
– Lunch at the DMZ Tour cafeteria
– Afternoon: Visit Dorasan Station, the northernmost station of South Korea
– Dinner at Hongdae district, known for its nightlife and street food
Day 7: National Palace Museum of Korea
– Breakfast at the hotel
– Take the subway to Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3)
– Visit the National Palace Museum of Korea, featuring royal Korean artifacts
– Lunch at the museum’s cafeteria
– Afternoon: Visit the nearby Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site
– Dinner at the traditional restaurant, Paldoam Sikdang
Day 8: Korean Folk Village
– Breakfast at the hotel
– Take the subway to Suwon Station (Line 1)
– Visit the Korean Folk Village, an open-air museum showcasing Korea’s traditional culture and folk customs
– Lunch at the village’s traditional restaurants
– Afternoon: Discover Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, a fortified wall surrounding the city
– Dinner at Bawsang, a restaurant known for its Korean-style beef soup
Day 9: Seoul Tower and Namdaemun Market
– Breakfast at the hotel
– Take the subway to Myeong-dong Station (Line 4)
– Visit Seoul Tower, an observation deck with panoramic views of the city
– Lunch at Tosokchon, a restaurant known for its traditional Korean chicken soup
– Afternoon: Shop at Namdaemun Market, one of the largest traditional markets in Korea
– Dinner at Dongdaemun Market, known for its street food stalls and night market
Day 10: Departure from Seoul
– Breakfast at the hotel
– Take the airport limousine bus from your hotel to the Incheon International Airport (~1 hour, 15,000 KRW)
– Depart from Seoul
FAQs
1. Which currency is used in Korea?
Korean Won (KRW)
2. Can I use my credit card in Korea?
Yes, most places accept major credit cards, but it is also recommended to carry some cash as well.
3. What is the best time to visit Seoul National Museum of Korea?
The best time to visit is from March to May and from September to November, as the weather is mild and pleasant.
4. What is the distance between Incheon International Airport and Seoul?
The distance is about 50 kilometers and takes around 1 hour by bus.
5. Are there any vegetarian restaurants in Seoul?
Yes, there are numerous vegetarian and vegan restaurant options in Seoul. Some of these include Sanchon, Plant, and Loving Hut.
