Direction and Purpose:
This five-day travel plan is for people who are interested in exploring the traditional markets of Seoul, South Korea. Seoul is known for its diverse marketplaces offering a wide variety of food, products, and experiences. This itinerary will cover some of the must-visit markets in Seoul, as well as activities and attractions in the surrounding areas.
Day 1:
– Arrive at Incheon International Airport and take the AREX (Airport Railroad Express) to Seoul Station (approximate travel time: 1 hour, approximate price: 9,000 KRW).
– Check into Hotel Skypark Myeongdong 3 or similar (approximate price: 100,000 KRW per night).
– Head to Gwangjang Market, one of the oldest traditional markets in South Korea, and try out some of the famous street food such as bindaetteok (mung bean pancake) and makgeolli (rice wine) (approximate travel time: 20 minutes, approximate price for food: 10,000 KRW).
– Visit the nearby Namsangol Hanok Village, a traditional Korean village with restored hanok (traditional Korean houses) (approximate travel time: 10 minutes, approximate price: free entry).
Day 2:
– Start the day at Tongin Market, a unique market where you can purchase traditional brass coins to pay for street food (approximate travel time: 20 minutes, approximate price for food: 10,000 KRW).
– Head to Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional Korean neighborhood with over 900 hanok houses, and explore the alleyways and architecture (approximate travel time: 15 minutes, approximate price: free entry).
– Grab lunch at Gwanghwamun Square, a plaza with a statue of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-sin, two important historical figures in Korea (approximate travel time: 5 minutes, approximate price for food: 15,000 KRW).
– Visit the nearby Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest palace from the Joseon dynasty, and watch the traditional changing of the guard ceremony (approximate travel time: 10 minutes, approximate price: 3,000 KRW).
Day 3:
– Take the subway to Changdeokgung Palace, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most well-preserved royal palaces in Seoul (approximate travel time: 30 minutes, approximate price: 3,000 KRW).
– Explore the secret garden of Changdeokgung Palace, a beautiful landscaped garden that reflects the harmony of nature and architecture (approximate travel time: 1 hour, approximate price: 5,000 KRW).
– Take a break at Insadong, a cultural neighborhood known for its traditional tea houses, galleries, and shops (approximate travel time: 20 minutes, approximate price for tea: 7,000 KRW).
– End the day at Namdaemun Market, the largest traditional market in Seoul with a wide variety of food and shopping (approximate travel time: 10 minutes, approximate price for food: 10,000 KRW).
Day 4:
– Take a day trip to the nearby city of Suwon and visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hwaseong Fortress, a complex of walls, bastions, and gates built in the late 18th century (approximate travel time: 1 hour, approximate price: 4,000 KRW).
– Grab a lunch box from the famous Jukdo Market and have a picnic at the nearby Hwahongmun Pavilion (approximate travel time: 10 minutes, approximate price for food: 10,000 KRW).
– Visit the nearby Suwon Traditional Market, a bustling marketplace selling all kinds of food, clothes, and souvenirs (approximate travel time: 10 minutes, approximate price for food: 10,000 KRW).
Day 5:
– Start the day at Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market, the largest fish market in Seoul, and witness the fish auctions and fresh seafood (approximate travel time: 30 minutes, approximate price for food: 20,000 KRW).
– Visit the nearby Seoul National Cemetery, a solemn memorial for those who sacrificed their lives for the country (approximate travel time: 10 minutes, approximate price: free entry).
– End the trip at Myeongdong Shopping Street, one of the busiest shopping districts in Seoul with a huge variety of cosmetics, fashion, and street food (approximate travel time: 5 minutes, approximate price for food: 10,000 KRW).
FAQs:
1. What is the best way to get around Seoul?
– The subway is the most convenient and affordable way to get around Seoul, with a wide network of lines and stations. Taxis are also widely available but can be more expensive, especially during rush hour or at night.
2. What are the must-try foods in Seoul’s traditional markets?
– Some of the recommended street foods include bindaetteok, tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), hotteok (sweet pancake with brown sugar filling), and seolleongtang (ox bone soup).
3. Can I use credit cards in the traditional markets?
– Most street vendors in the traditional markets only accept cash, so it’s recommended to bring Korean won in small denominations. However, some larger shops and restaurants may accept credit cards.
4. Which hotel would you recommend for this itinerary?
– Hotel Skypark Myeongdong 3 is a budget-friendly option located in the heart of Seoul’s shopping and dining district, with easy access to the subway and traditional markets. Other recommended hotels include Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun and Lotte Hotel Seoul.
