Direction and Purpose: This itinerary is focused on exploring the Korean pop culture scene in Seoul within 10 days. The trip will include visits to K-Pop studios, concerts, dining at K-Pop themed restaurants, shopping for K-Pop merchandise, and other cultural experiences.
Day 1: Arrival in Seoul
– Transportation: Take a taxi from the airport to your hotel
– Hotel: Stay in the Gangnam district which is known for its high-end shopping outlets and iconic K-Pop landmarks such as SM Entertainment and JYP Entertainment
– Cost: Taxi should cost around KRW 40,000. Budget for $50 for dinner.
Day 2: Starfield COEX Mall
– Transportation: Take the subway to Samseong Station (Line 2)
– Activities: Visit the Starfield COEX mall which is a mecca for K-Pop fans with stores such as SM Town and K-live which offers hologram performances of K-Pop stars.
– Cost: Subway fare will be KRW 1,250 per person. Budget for $40 for lunch and dinner.
Day 3: Korean Music and Performance Industry
– Transportation: Take a taxi to the K-Pop Entertainment Company (K-Pop training studio)
– Activities: Experience the K-Pop training sessions, learn choreography and enjoy performances by trainees.
– Cost: Taxi should cost around KRW 20,000. Budget $60 for lunch, dinner and tour charges.
Day 4: Namsan Tower
– Transportation: Take the bus to Namsan Seoul Tower bus stop (Number 5, 405,043,121,102 or 002)
– Activities: Visit the Namsan Tower for breathtaking views of the city, explore the Teddy Bear Museum, and other souvenir shops
– Cost: Bus fare will be KRW 1,200 per person. Budget for $40 for lunch and dinner.
Day 5: K-Star Road and SMTOWN COEX Artium
– Transportation: Take the subway to Apgujeong Rodeo station (Line 3)
– Activities: Explore K-Star Road, a 3km-long road that is home to many K-pop entertainment agencies. Visit the SM Town Museum for a glimpse into the company’s rich history and enjoy mini-concerts.
– Cost: Subway fare will be KRW 1,250 per person. Budget $50 for lunch, museum entry fees, and tour charges.
Day 6: Explore Myeong-dong
– Transportation: Take the subway to Myeong-dong Station (Line 4)
– Activities: Walk around Myeong-dong’s shopping district and experience Korean street food, traditional restaurants, and cafes.
– Cost: Subway fare will be KRW 1,250 per person. Budget $40 for lunch, tea break, and dinner.
Day 7: K-Pop Concert
– Transportation: Take the subway or taxi to the concert venue
– Activities: Experience a live K-Pop concert featuring popular groups like BTS, Blackpink, Twice, etc.
– Cost: Subway fare will be KRW 1,250 per person. Budget for $120 for the concert ticket and snack costs.
Day 8: Gyeongbokgung Palace
– Transportation: Take the subway to Gyeongbokgung station (Line 3)
– Activities: Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, the heart of Korean history and culture.
– Cost: Subway fare will be KRW 1,250 per person. Budget $30 for lunch and dinner
Day 9: Shopping Day
– Transportation: Visit Garosu-gil street by cab or subway, take the subway to Hongdae station for nearby shopping areas.
– Activities: Spend the day shopping in Garosu-gil or Hongdae area for K-Pop goods, cuisine, and clothing.
– Cost: Subway fare will be KRW 1,250 per person, Budget $100 for shopping and dining.
Day 10: Departure
– Transportation: Take a taxi or subway to the airport.
– Cost: Taxi fare should be around KRW 50,000. Budget $20 for breakfast and airport transportation.
FAQs:
1) Are there any specific K-Pop concerts happening during my planned itinerary dates?
– Check online ticketing websites like YES24 or Interpark for any scheduled concerts happening during your stay in Seoul.
2) What is the best way to move around Seoul?
– The subway is the most convenient and fastest way. There are also buses and taxis available, and Korean cab-hailing apps like KakaoTaxi and Uber are available to use.
3) Where is the best place to buy K-Pop merchandise?
– Garosu-gil, Myeong-dong, and Gangnam are the best areas for K-Pop shopping.
4) Besides visiting K-Pop landmarks, what else can I do in Seoul?
– There are many cultural and historical experiences to be enjoyed in Seoul like visiting various royal palaces, traditional markets, and museums.
5) Is there any must-try Korean cuisine for visitors?
– You should try Korean barbecue, bibimbap, fried chicken, and street food like tteokbokki and hotteok.
