Travel Plan: 5-Day Seoul Shopping Districts Excursion
Welcome to Seoul, South Korea’s vibrant capital, and the land of modern-day shopping! This itinerary is created to cater to those who love to explore shopping districts in a new place. This itinerary is expected to last for five days, combining fun and exciting activities with shopping sprees at Seoul’s markets and shopping districts.
Day 1:
– Myeong-dong Street Market: Start today by exploring the Myeong-dong Street Market. This neighborhood is famous for its street-side shops and food stalls. You will find all kinds of fashionable clothing, but their skin care products will make your eyes sparkle.
– Lunch at Halmeoni Kalguksu: Halmeoni Kalguksu is a well-known South Korean restaurant for its unforgettable Korean noodle soup. This soup is served with shredded beef, white sesame seeds, and noodles that are stretchy and soft.
– Seoul Tower: After shopping and a hearty lunch, take a cable car to reach the top of the Seoul Tower. Seoul Tower has a stunning 360-degree view of Seoul. The tower is open until 11 pm.
– Dinner at Gogung Bibimbap: Bibimbap has no account for being one of the most popular Korean dishes in the world. To satisfy your hunger, drive to Gogung, a restaurant that solely caters to bibimbap.
– Hotel recommendation: Stay at the Amare Hotel in Myeong-dong. The hotel is just a few minutes away from the Myeong-dong street market.
Day 2:
– Gwangjang Market: Start your day with a visit to Gwangjang Market. It is one of the traditional Korean markets where you can find traditional Korean snacks, silk, and other fabrics.
– Lunch at PNB Bakery: PNB is a pastry shop that also serves Korean dishes. Try out their signature dish, the kimchi-jeon. A kimchi-jeon is a Korean-style pancake made with kimchi and flour.
– Cheonggyecheon Stream: A man-made stream, Cheonggyecheon Stream, is known for its romantic ambiance. Enjoy walking through the stream while shopping for affordable souvenirs from the street vendors.
– Dinner at the Isaac Toast: Isaac Toast is a franchise restaurant that serves toasted sandwiches that are loaded with egg, cheese, and bacon.
– Hotel recommendation: Stay at the Tmark Grand Hotel Myeong-dong. The hotel is only 1.3 kilometers away from the Cheonggyecheon Stream.
Day 3:
– Dongdaemun Market: This is one of the most popular markets in Korea for fashionista’s shopping. The market is open from 10 am to 5 am, so you have plenty of time to spend shopping here.
– Lunch at Byeokje Galbi: This restaurant is famous for its Korean beef ribs, and it has been around for four decades.
– Trick Eye Museum: Trick Eye Museum is a place where you can unleash your artistic creativity. You will find fun and artistic optical illusions that you can snap pictures with for amazing Instagram photos.
– Itaewon: Shop and dine in Seoul’s Itaewon district. The Itaewon district has something for everyone, from Korean traditional souvenirs to international items.
– Dinner at Jinsadaek Seoul: Jinsadaek Seoul specializes in Korean traditional pancakes. The restaurant is located in the heart of Itaewon.
– Hotel recommendation: Stay at the Imperial Palace Seoul. The hotel is perfectly situated between two of Seoul’s bustling shopping districts, Itaewon and Myeong-dong.
Day 4:
– Namdaemun Market: Namdaemun Market is one of Seoul’s oldest and most famous markets. You will find lots of food outlets and shops that showcase Korean traditional culture.
– Lunch at Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market: Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market is the best place to try Korean seafood. You can even select the seafood you want, and the vendors prepare it for you on the spot.
– COEX Mall: COEX Mall is known for being one of the largest underground shopping malls in Asia. It’s an excellent place to end your day with a shopping spree.
– Dinner at Gwanghwamun Jip: Gwanghwamun Jip is famous for its samgyetang, a Korean soup made of young chicken with ginseng.
– Hotel recommendation: Stay at the Shilla Seoul, a luxurious hotel that is just a few kilometers away from the Namdaemun market.
Day 5:
– Garosu-gil Street: Garosu-gil Street is an area in Sinsa-dong that is famous for its trendy cafes, restaurants, and boutiques.
– Lunch at Sadongmyeonok: Sadongmyeonok is known for its noodles and dumplings. These handmade dumplings are one of a kind.
– Seoul Forest Park: Seoul Forest Park is an enormous park that offers endless entertainment on its grounds. You will find a playground, a deer park, a butterfly garden, and many more educational and recreational spots.
– Dinner: Make your way to Gangnam’s Mokdong Food Street. Mokdong Food Street is famous for its street food such as fish cakes, ramen, and fried squid.
– Hotel recommendation: Stay at the Lotte Hotel Seoul, which is only 2.7 kilometers away from Garosu-gil Street.
FAQs:
1. How can we travel from one place to another in Seoul?
The best and most convenient way to travel in Seoul is by taking the Seoul subway. If you are traveling at night or wish to travel to places that are not connected by subway, taxi or bus is the way to go.
2. What is the best time to visit these shopping districts in Seoul?
The best time to visit these shopping districts is from March to May and from September to November. These months offer pleasant weather, and the crowd is not too overwhelming.
3. Are there any changing rooms available in the shopping districts?
Most shops and malls have changing rooms, but if the merchant doesn’t provide one, there are public changing rooms available.
