ITINERARY: 10-DAY SEOUL HISTORICAL LANDMARKS
Introduction: Seoul is the capital city of South Korea and is famous for its rich history and cultural heritage. This itinerary is designed for travelers who want to explore and learn about Seoul’s historical landmarks in 10 days.
Day 1: Arrival and Check-In
– Check-in at your hotel: We recommend staying in the Jongno-gu or Seodaemun-gu district as they are both in the heart of Seoul
– Explore the neighborhood around your hotel: Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace to see the changing of the guard ceremony, and take a stroll through Cheonggyecheon Stream Park
– Transportation: From Incheon International Airport, take the Airport Railroad Express (AREX) to Seoul Station. Transfer to Subway line 1 and take it to Jongno-3-ga station. Total travel time will be approximately 70 minutes.
Day 2: The Story of Seoul
– Visit Deoksugung Palace, the only palace that is a combination of Western and Korean architectural styles
– Explore Insa-dong street for traditional Korean souvenirs and street food
– Visit Changdeokgung Palace, one of the Five Grand Palaces and a UNESCO World Heritage site
– Transportation: Take the subway line 1 to City Hall Station and walk about 10 minutes to Deoksugung Palace. Take the subway line 1 again to Jongno-3-ga Station and transfer to line 3 to Anguk Station. From there, walk about 5 minutes to Insa-dong street. To get to Changdeokgung Palace, take the subway line 3 to Anguk Station and walk about 10 minutes.
– Approximate cost: Entrance fee to each palace costs around 3,000 KRW ($3 USD). Food and souvenirs will cost around 20,000 KRW ($20 USD).
Day 3: Seoul’s Old City Walls
– Visit Namsan Tower for a panoramic view of Seoul
– Walk along the restored section of Seoul’s old city walls at Naksan Park
– Visit the Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional Korean village with preserved hanok houses
– Transportation: Take the subway line 4 to Myeong-dong station and transfer to the Namsan cable car to reach Namsan Tower. To get to Naksan Park, take the subway line 4 to Hyehwa Station and walk about 15 minutes. To get to Bukchon Hanok Village, take the subway line 3 to Anguk Station and then walk about 10 minutes.
– Approximate cost: Cable car fee costs 10,000 KRW ($10 USD) for a roundtrip ticket. Food and transportation will cost around 20,000 KRW ($20 USD).
Day 4: Korean Folk Village and Gwacheon
– Visit Korean Folk Village, a living museum that showcases the culture and lifestyle of traditional Koreans
– Explore the Science Museum located in Gwacheon
– Transportation: Take the subway line 1 to Suwon Station and transfer to the bus to take you to Korean Folk Village. The trip takes about an hour. To get to Gwacheon, take the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) from Suwon Station to Seoul National Science Museum. The trip will take around 40 minutes.
– Approximate cost: Entrance fee to Korean Folk Village costs around 18,000 KRW ($18 USD). Entrance fee to the Science Museum is free. Food and transportation will cost around 30,000 KRW ($30 USD).
Day 5: Hidden Gems of Seoul
– Visit the Bongeunsa Temple, a Buddhist temple located in Gangnam
– Visit the Seoul Museum of History, which showcases the history of Seoul from ancient times to the present
– Visit the Coex Mall, one of the largest underground shopping malls in Asia
– Transportation: Take the subway line 2 to Samseong Station, then walk for about 10 minutes to reach Bongeunsa Temple. Take the subway line 2 again to Euljiro-1-ga station and transfer to line 4 to Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station. The Seoul Museum of History is connected to the station. To get to Coex Mall, take the subway line 2 to Samseong Station.
– Approximate cost: Temple entrance fee is free. Entrance fee to the Seoul Museum of History costs 3,000 KRW ($3 USD). Food and transportation will cost around 25,000 KRW ($25 USD).
Day 6: The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
– Visit the DMZ, the heavily fortified border between North and South Korea
– Explore the Third Tunnel, one of the four discovered tunnels under the border
– Transportation: Take the railroad train from Yongsan Station to Imjingang Station. From there, take a bus to the DMZ. You need to book a tour to visit the DMZ. There are many tour companies that offer DMZ tours, and prices range from 40,000 KRW ($40 USD) to 100,000 KRW ($100 USD).
– Approximate cost: Tour prices range from 40,000 KRW ($40 USD) to 100,000 KRW ($100 USD) depending on the type of tour.
Day 7: Visiting Traditional Markets
– Visit Gwangjang Market, a traditional Korean market with over 100 years of history
– Visit Namdaemun Market, Korea’s largest traditional market
– Transportation: Take the subway line 2 to Euljiro-4-ga station and walk about 5 minutes to reach Gwangjang Market. To get to Namdaemun Market, take the subway line 4 to Hoehyeon Station and walk about 5 minutes.
– Approximate cost: Food and souvenirs will cost around 30,000 KRW ($30 USD).
Day 8: Discovering Traditional Korean Villages
– Visit the Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site
– Visit the Suwon Hwaseong Museum
– Explore the Hansan Mosi Village, a traditional village that is famous for its mulberry silk products
– Transportation: Take the subway line 1 to Suwon Station and transfer to the bus to take you to Hwaseong Fortress. The trip takes about an hour. To get to Suwon Hwaseong Museum, take the subway line 1 to Suwon Station and then walk for about 15 minutes. To get to Hansan Mosi Village, take the subway line 2 to Samseong Station and transfer to line Bundang Line to Seohyun Station. From there, take the bus to Hansan Mosi Village.
– Approximate cost: Entrance fee to Hwaseong Fortress costs around 3,000 KRW ($3 USD). Entrance fee to Suwon Hwaseong Museum is free. Food and transportation will cost around 25,000 KRW ($25 USD).
Day 9: Historical Crafts of Seoul
– Visit the National Palace Museum of Korea, which displays royal artifacts from the Joseon Dynasty
– Visit the Seoul Museum of Art, which showcases contemporary art exhibitions
– Visit the Gahoe Museum, which displays traditional Korean hanguk artifacts
– Transportation: Take the subway line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station and walk for about 10 minutes to reach the National Palace Museum of Korea. To get to the Seoul Museum of Art, take the subway line 5 to Gwanghwamun Station and walk for about 5 minutes. To get to the Gahoe Museum, take the subway line 3 to Anguk Station and walk for about 10 minutes.
– Approximate cost: Entrance fee to each museum is around 3,000 KRW ($3 USD). Food and transportation will cost around 20,000 KRW ($20 USD).
Day 10: Departure Day
– Check-out of your hotel
– Transportation: Take the subway line that connects to Incheon International Airport. Total travel time will be approximately 70 minutes.
– Approximate cost: Transportation will cost around 5,000 KRW ($5 USD).
FAQs:
Q: Are the historical landmarks and museums open every day?
A: Yes, most historical landmarks and museums are open every day except for major holidays.
Q: Can we use credit cards in Seoul?
A: Yes, many shops and restaurants in Seoul accept credit cards, but it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand just in case.
Q: Is it safe to visit the DMZ?
A: Yes, it’s safe to visit the DMZ as long as you follow the rules and regulations set by the tour company.
Q: Are there any vegetarian options in Seoul?
A: Yes, there are many vegetarian options in Seoul, especially in Buddhist temples and specialty restaurants. Just make sure to clarify with the staff about your dietary restrictions.
Q: Do I need to book the museum tickets in advance?
A: No, you can buy the museum tickets at the entrance, but it’s recommended to check their website for operating hours and special exhibitions.
