Itinerary for 5-Day Seoul Historical Landmarks
Purpose: This itinerary aims to take visitors on a journey through Seoul to explore its historical landmarks, cultural sites, and local cuisine.
Day 1: Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village
– Breakfast at PNB Bakery Cafe near Gyeongbokgung Palace (approx. $10)
– Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace (admission fee: approx. $3)
– Watch the changing of the guards ceremony (at 10 am and 2 pm)
– Walk to Bukchon Hanok Village (approx. 20 mins)
– Explore the traditional Korean houses and alleys of Bukchon Hanok Village
– Lunch at Tongin Market (approx. $15)
– Take a taxi to Namsangol Hanok Village (approx. 20 mins, approx. $10)
– Visit Namsangol Hanok Village and learn about traditional Korean lifestyles
– Dinner at Tosokchon Samgyetang, famous for its ginseng chicken soup (approx. $25)
– Return to hotel by taxi or public transportation
Day 2: Changdeokgung Palace and Insadong
– Breakfast at Isaac Toast near your hotel (approx. $5)
– Take a subway to Anguk Station (approx. 30 mins, approx. $1)
– Visit Changdeokgung Palace and its serene garden (admission fee: approx. $4)
– Take a short walk to Insadong and have lunch at Sanchon, a vegetarian restaurant that serves Korean temple food (approx. $25)
– Explore the traditional Korean shops, art galleries, and teahouses of Insadong
– Visit the Jogyesa Temple, the center of Korean Buddhism in Seoul
– Dinner at Gwangjang Market, famous for its street food (approx. $15)
– Return to hotel by subway or taxi
Day 3: Jongmyo Shrine and Namdaemun Market
– Breakfast at Osulloc Tea House in Myeong-dong (approx. $10)
– Take a subway to Jongno 3-ga Station (approx. 20 mins, approx. $1)
– Visit Jongmyo Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site that houses the ancestral tablets of Korean kings and queens (admission fee: approx. $5)
– Walk to Gwangjang Market and have lunch there (approx. $15)
– Visit Namdaemun Market, the largest traditional market in Seoul, and shop for souvenirs and cheap clothing
– Dinner at Myeong-dong Kyoja, famous for its dumplings and noodles (approx. $20)
– Return to hotel by subway or taxi
Day 4: Namsan Tower and Cheonggyecheon Stream
– Breakfast at Paul Bassett near your hotel (approx. $10)
– Take a taxi or subway to Namsan Tower (approx. 20 mins, approx. $15)
– Take the cable car to the top of Namsan Mountain and enjoy the panoramic view of Seoul (cable car fee: approx. $10)
– Walk to the nearby Namsan Hanok Village and have a traditional Korean lunch there (approx. $20)
– Take a subway to Cheonggyecheon Station (approx. 20 mins, approx. $1)
– Walk along Cheonggyecheon Stream, a restored urban waterway that runs through downtown Seoul
– Dinner at Gogung, a popular Korean restaurant chain that serves traditional dishes (approx. $25)
– Return to hotel by subway or taxi
Day 5: Korean War Memorial and Itaewon
– Breakfast at Egg Drop near your hotel (approx. $5)
– Take a subway to Samgakji Station (approx. 30 mins, approx. $1)
– Visit the Korean War Memorial and Museum, which showcases the history and legacy of the Korean War (admission fee: free)
– Have lunch at Itaewon, a multicultural neighborhood that offers various international cuisine options (approx. $15)
– Explore the streets and shops of Itaewon, known for its trendy fashion and nightlife
– Dinner at Maple Tree House, a Korean BBQ restaurant that offers high-quality beef and pork (approx. $30)
– Return to hotel by subway or taxi
Hotel Recommendations:
– Four Seasons Hotel Seoul (luxury, starting at approx. $400/night)
– InterContinental Seoul COEX (upscale, starting at approx. $200/night)
– Hotel Skypark Central Myeongdong (mid-range, starting at approx. $100/night)
FAQs:
– Q: Are all the historical landmarks closed on any particular day of the week?
– A: It depends on each individual site. Make sure to check their opening hours and days in advance.
– Q: How can I pay for meal and admission fees?
– A: Most places accept cash and credit card. However, it’s always better to bring some cash for street food and small shops.
– Q: Are taxis expensive in Seoul?
– A: Taxis are relatively affordable in Seoul, but it depends on the distance and time of the day. It’s a good idea to have some cash with you for transportation.
