Travel Plan for 10 Days of Seoul Shopping Districts
Direction and Purpose:
This itinerary aims to provide a comprehensive guide for a 10-day trip to Seoul’s shopping districts. The plan will cover everything from where to shop, what to eat, where to stay, and how to get around.
Day 1 – Myeongdong
– Mode of transportation: Subway (Line 4) or taxi
– Hotel recommendation: Tmark Grand Hotel Myeongdong (approx. $120 per night)
– Walk around Myeongdong for shopping at stores such as STYLENANDA and A-LAND
– Try street food such as tteokbokki and hotteok
– Visit Namsan Tower for a panoramic view of the city (approx. 20 minute taxi ride, admission fee: approx. $10)
Day 2 – Gangnam District
– Mode of transportation: Subway (Line 2) or taxi
– Hotel recommendation: Hotel Riviera Seoul (approx. $120 per night)
– Visit COEX Mall for luxury shopping and entertainment (approx. 30 minute subway ride)
– Lunch at Garibaldi Italian Restaurant, located on the 27th floor of the Plaza Hotel
– Check out the upscale boutiques in Cheongdam-dong and Apgujeong Rodeo Street (approx. 20 minute taxi ride)
– Dinner at Hanilkwan, a Michelin-starred Korean restaurant (approx. $100 per/person)
Day 3 – Dongdaemun Market
– Mode of transportation: Subway (Line 2 or 4) or taxi
– Hotel recommendation: Hotel The Designers Dongdaemun (approx. $70 per night)
– Explore Dongdaemun Design Plaza for unique architecture and shopping (approx. 10 minute walk from hotel)
– Lunch at the famous Pyeongyang Myeonok noodle restaurant
– Wander around Dongdaemun Market for fashion and accessories at cheap prices
– Dinner at Migabon, a Korean restaurant that serves traditional royal cuisine (approx. $50 per/person)
Day 4 – Insadong
– Mode of transportation: Subway (Line 1, 3, or 5) or taxi
– Hotel recommendation: Hotel Aventree Jongno (approx. $75 per night)
– Explore Insadong for art galleries and traditional Korean crafts (approx. 10 minute walk from hotel)
– Lunch at Sanchon, a vegetarian restaurant that serves temple cuisine (approx. $40 per/person)
– Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of the most beautiful Korean palaces (approx. 15 minute taxi ride, admission fee: approx. $3.50)
– Dinner at Jungsik, a trendy Korean restaurant that re-imagines traditional cuisine (approx. $130 per/person)
Day 5 – Itaewon
– Mode of transportation: Subway (Line 6) or taxi
– Hotel recommendation: Hamilton Hotel Seoul (approx. $80 per night)
– Visit Itaewon for international cuisine and unique shopping (approx. 15 minute taxi ride)
– Lunch at Vatos Urban Tacos for fusion Mexican-Korean food (approx. $20 per/person)
– Check out the vintage shops and boutique stores in the area
– Dinner at Maple Tree House, a Korean BBQ restaurant with high-quality meat (approx. $40 per/person)
Day 6 – Namdaemun Market
– Mode of transportation: Subway (Line 4) or taxi
– Hotel recommendation: The Plaza Hotel Seoul (approx. $200 per night)
– Explore the massive Namdaemun Market for cheap shopping and street food (approx. 15 minute subway ride)
– Lunch at Chumchurum, a restaurant specializing in Korean-style fried chicken (approx. $20 per/person)
– Check out other shopping districts nearby such as Bangsan Market and Hoehyeon Underground Shopping Center
– Dinner at Bongchu Jjimdak, a spicy braised chicken restaurant (approx. $30 per/person)
Day 7 – Garosugil
– Mode of transportation: Subway (Line 3) or taxi
– Hotel recommendation: L’Escape Hotel (approx. $300 per night)
– Walk around the trendy and fashionable Garosugil street for high-end and boutique shopping (approx. 25 minute taxi ride)
– Lunch at Dosanjinjae, a traditional Korean restaurant with an outdoor garden (approx. $50 per/person)
– Visit the nearby museums, such as the Seoul Museum of Art and Leeum Samsung Museum of Art
– Dinner at Octagon, a Korean restaurant that serves hybrid Western-Korean food (approx. $80 per/person)
Day 8 – Lotte World Mall
– Mode of transportation: Subway (Line 2 or 8) or taxi
– Hotel recommendation: Signiel Seoul (approx. $800 per night)
– Visit Lotte World Mall, which includes shopping, amusement park and aquarium
– Lunch at The Lounge & Bar, located on 81 floor of Signiel Hotel
– Check out shopping districts in Jamsil including the Olympic Park and Samsung Transportation Museum
– Dinner at T’U, a Korean restaurant with a 2-Michelin Star rating (approx. $200 per/person)
Day 9 – Hongdae
– Mode of transportation: Subway (Line 2) or taxi
– Hotel recommendation: Courtyard by Marriott Seoul Times Square (approx. $135 per night)
– Visit Hongdae for shopping and street performances (approx. 25 minute subway ride)
– Lunch at Nene Chicken, a fried chicken restaurant with unique flavors (approx. $15 per/person)
– Check out the nightlife, including clubs and bars in the area
– Dinner at Min’s Kitchen & Bar, a Korean restaurant that combines French and Korean cuisine (approx. $60 per/person)
Day 10 – Traditional Markets
– Mode of transportation: Subway (Line 2, 4 or 5) or taxi
– Hotel recommendation: Novotel Ambassador Seoul Yongsan (approx. $100 per night)
– Visit traditional markets such as Gwangjang Market and Tongin Market for a taste of traditional Korean street food (approx. 15 minute subway ride)
– Lunch at the famous Gwangjang Market for bindaetteok and mung bean pancakes
– Visit Namsan Hanok Village for a glimpse of traditional Korean houses (approx. 20 minute taxi ride)
– Dinner at Tosokchon, a Korean restaurant that specializes in ginseng chicken soup (approx. $40 per/person)
FAQs
1. How much should I estimate for transportation expenses for this trip?
– It depends on your mode of transportation and where you stay. We recommend using the subway system as it’s affordable and efficient. Taxi rides may be more convenient, but can add up. Plan for approximately $100-150 for transportation over the course of 10 days.
2. Is tipping required in Korea?
– No, it’s not customary to tip in Korea. However, some high-end restaurants may add a service charge.
3. Do I need cash or can I use credit cards?
– It’s recommended to carry cash as not all stores and restaurants accept credit cards. ATMs are widely available throughout the city.
4. Are there any cultural customs I should be aware of?
– It’s polite to remove your shoes when entering someone’s home or traditional Korean restaurant. Also, be sure to bow when greeting someone who is older or in a more senior position.
