Seoul-4-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Morning

  • Arrival at Incheon International Airport: Take the express train (AREX) from the airport to Seoul Station ( approx. 45 minutes, 35,000 KRW / $30 USD)
  • Check-in at Hotel: Arrive at your hotel in Myeong-dong or Hongdae area

Afternoon

  • Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace (9:00 AM - 6:00 PM): A must-visit attraction in Seoul, this palace was built in 1395 and is the largest of the five grand palaces in Korea.
    • Take Subway Line 3 to Gangnam-gu Office Station (Exit 2) or take Bus #40 from Gwanghamun Gate
  • Walk around Bukchon Hanok Village (10:00 AM - 6:00 PM): This traditional village is filled with narrow streets, tea houses, and traditional Korean architecture.
    • Take Subway Line 3 to Anguk Station (Exit 1)

Evening

  • Dinner: Try some traditional Korean BBQ at Seoul Station’s Food Alley (4:00 PM - 12:00 AM) or try some modern Korean cuisine at Myeong-dong’s N Seoul Tower View Restaurant
  • Visit the Myeong-dong Shopping District: One of Korea’s largest shopping districts, featuring everything from high-end fashion to street food.

Transportation

  • Subway: Convenient and efficient public transportation throughout the city
  • T-Money Card: A prepaid card for easy travel on buses and subways (2,000 KRW / $1.80 USD deposit)

Things to Know

  • Korea’s Tipping Culture: Not expected, but appreciated in higher-end restaurants and bars
  • Respect for Tradition: Dress modestly when visiting temples or palaces, and avoid loud behavior in these areas
  • Safety: Be aware of pickpocketing in crowded areas and tourist hotspots

Day 2: Museums and Markets

Morning

  • Visit the National Museum of Korea (10:00 AM - 6:00 PM): A comprehensive museum showcasing the history and culture of Korea.
    • Take Subway Line 4 to Ichon Station (Exit 1)
  • Explore the Hongdae Free Market (10:00 AM - 5:00 PM): A bustling marketplace featuring street food, art, and handmade goods.
    • Take Subway Line 2 to Hongik University Station (Exit 8)

Afternoon

  • Visit the Seoul Museum of History (9:30 AM - 6:00 PM): Learn about the history of Seoul through interactive exhibits.
    • Take Subway Line 1 to City Hall Station (Exit 3)
  • Walk around Insadong’s Street Art and Shopping: A charming neighborhood filled with art, shopping, and traditional Korean culture.
    • Take Subway Line 4 to Anguk Station (Exit 2)

Evening

  • Dinner: Try some modern Korean cuisine at Myeong-dong’s N Seoul Tower View Restaurant or try some street food at the Hongdae Free Market
  • Visit the Insadong Night Market: A bustling night market featuring everything from snacks to souvenirs.

Transportation

  • Bus: Convenient for longer trips and scenic routes
  • Taxi: Easy to hail, but be aware of higher prices during rush hour

Day 3: Parks and Gardens

Morning

  • Visit the Namsan Park and Seoul Tower (10:00 AM - 9:00 PM): A large park featuring walking trails, gardens, and great views of the city.
    • Take Subway Line 4 to Chungmuro Station (Exit 2)
  • Explore the Han River Walk: A scenic walking path along the river, perfect for a stroll or jog.
    • Take Subway Line 3 to Yeomiji-gu Office Station (Exit 1)

Afternoon

  • Visit the Seoul Grand Park (9:30 AM - 6:00 PM): A large park featuring gardens, museums, and scenic walking trails.
    • Take Subway Line 4 to Mangwon Station (Exit 2)
  • Walk around the Yeouido Park: A beautiful park with a lake, walking trails, and great views of the city.
    • Take Subway Line 5 to Yeouido Station (Exit 1)

Evening

  • Dinner: Try some traditional Korean BBQ at Seoul Station’s Food Alley or try some modern Korean cuisine at Myeong-dong’s N Seoul Tower View Restaurant
  • Visit the Hongdae Nightlife District: A bustling nightlife district featuring everything from bars to clubs.

Transportation

  • Bus: Convenient for longer trips and scenic routes
  • Taxi: Easy to hail, but be aware of higher prices during rush hour

Day 4: Shopping and Relaxation

Morning

  • Visit the Myeong-dong Shopping District: One of Korea’s largest shopping districts, featuring everything from high-end fashion to street food.
    • Take Subway Line 2 to Eulchaeng Station (Exit 1)
  • Explore the COEX Mall: A large shopping mall featuring everything from fashion to dining.
    • Take Subway Line 3 to Express Bus Terminal Station (Exit 7)

Afternoon

  • Visit the Dongdaemun Design Plaza: A futuristic complex featuring shopping, art, and design exhibitions.
    • Take Subway Line 2 to Eulchaeng Station (Exit 1)
  • Walk around the Garosu-gil Street Art Shopping: A charming neighborhood filled with street art, shopping, and traditional Korean culture.
    • Take Subway Line 3 to Gangnam-gu Office Station (Exit 2)

Evening

  • Dinner: Try some modern Korean cuisine at Myeong-dong’s N Seoul Tower View Restaurant or try some street food at the Hongdae Free Market
  • Visit the Myeong-dong Night Market: A bustling night market featuring everything from snacks to souvenirs.

Transportation

  • Subway: Convenient and efficient public transportation throughout the city
  • T-Money Card: A prepaid card for easy travel on buses and subways (2,000 KRW / $1.80 USD deposit)

Tips and Other Things

  • Respect for Tradition: Dress modestly when visiting temples or palaces, and avoid loud behavior in these areas
  • Safety: Be aware of pickpocketing in crowded areas and tourist hotspots
  • Weather: Korea’s climate can be unpredictable; pack accordingly (spring: 15-25°C / 59-77°F, summer: 25-35°C / 77-95°F)
  • Language: While many Koreans speak some English, it’s still a good idea to learn basic Korean phrases and use translation apps when needed
  • Currency: The South Korean currency is the Won (KRW); US dollars are widely accepted, but it’s best to exchange for local currency