Travel Plan: 7-Day Seoul Traditional Markets Itinerary
Purpose: This itinerary is designed for travelers who want to immerse themselves in the local culture of Seoul by exploring and experiencing its traditional markets. From strolling through the bustling streets of Gwangjang Market to tasting the iconic Korean street foods, this itinerary promises a week of fun, food, and adventure.
Day 1: Arrival in Seoul
– Check-in at Lotte Hotel Seoul, a luxurious hotel in the heart of the city.
– Take a rest and recover from the flight.
– Walk around the hotel area.
Day 2: Gwangjang Market and Bukchon Hanok Village
– Breakfast at Gwangjang Market, a traditional market famous for its diverse street foods.
– Visit Bukchon Hanok Village, a neighborhood with hanok (traditional Korean houses) beautifully preserved.
– Lunch at Tosokchon Samgyetang, a well-known restaurant for Korean-style chicken soup.
– Take the subway to Myeong-dong for some shopping.
– Dinner at Noryangjin Fish Market, a bustling seafood market where you can buy and eat fresh seafood.
Day 3: Namsan Tower and Namdaemun Market
– Breakfast at Hotel Lotte Seoul.
– Hike or take a cable car to the iconic Namsan Tower with panoramic views of the city.
– Lunch at Tosokchon Samgyetang.
– Visit Namdaemun Market, Seoul’s oldest and largest traditional market selling everything from clothes to souvenirs.
– Dinner at Gwanghwamun Jip, a Korean BBQ restaurant famous for its samgyeopsal (pork belly).
Day 4: Dongdaemun Market and Cheonggyecheon Stream
– Breakfast at Hotel Lotte Seoul.
– Visit Dongdaemun Market, one of the largest clothing and textile markets in Korea.
– Lunch at Seoul Jang Dok Soon Dubu, a traditional Korean tofu stew restaurant.
– Walk along Cheonggyecheon Stream, a refreshing oasis in the heart of the city.
– Dinner at Yeonnam Seo Seolleongtang, a famous Korean beef soup restaurant.
Day 5: Insadong and Jongmyo Shrine
– Breakfast at Hotel Lotte Seoul.
– Explore the artsy and cultural district of Insadong, famous for its traditional Korean crafts and tea houses.
– Lunch at Sanchon, a traditional Korean vegetarian restaurant.
– Visit Jongmyo Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site that houses the ancestral tablets of the Joseon Dynasty kings and queens.
– Dinner at Myeongdong Kyoja, a famous noodle restaurant.
Day 6: Noryangjin Fish Market and Garak Wholesale Market
– Breakfast at Hotel Lotte Seoul.
– Return to Noryangjin Fish Market for breakfast and try sushi or sashimi.
– Visit Garak Wholesale Market, one of Korea’s largest wholesale markets selling fresh produce and groceries.
– Lunch at Gwangjang Market.
– Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest and most grandiose palace of the Joseon Dynasty.
– Dinner at Bukchon Son Mandu, a traditional Korean dumpling restaurant.
Day 7: Departure from Seoul
– Breakfast at Hotel Lotte Seoul.
– Check-out and depart for the airport.
FAQs
1. What is the best way to get around Seoul?
Answer: Seoul has an efficient public transportation system, including buses, subways, and taxis. The subway is a convenient and cost-effective way to travel around the city.
2. What are the must-try Korean foods in the traditional markets?
Answer: Some of the must-try Korean street foods are tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), sundae (blood sausage), bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), and hotteok (sweet pancakes filled with cinnamon and brown sugar).
3. What are some recommended souvenirs to bring back from the traditional markets?
Answer: Korean traditional crafts such as hanji (mulberry paper products), hanbok (Korean traditional clothing), mungyeong tosokchon (traditional Korean lacquerware), and Korean ginseng are popular souvenirs to bring back home.
4. Is it necessary to speak Korean to get around Seoul’s traditional markets?
Answer: No, it is not necessary to speak Korean but learning a few basic phrases such as “hello” (annyeonghaseyo), “thank you” (kamsahamnida), and “how much is it?” (olmayeyo?) can be helpful. Many vendors and shop owners can speak basic English.
