Seoul-7-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Seoul

  • Place: Gyeongdong Market (10:00 am - 12:00 pm)
    • Try traditional Korean street food and snacks
    • Buy souvenirs and local products
  • Activity: Visit the nearby Hongdae neighborhood (1:00 pm - 3:00 pm)
    • Explore the trendy shops, cafes, and art galleries
    • Take a stroll through the Hongdae Free Market (Saturdays only)
  • Where to Eat: Try some delicious Korean BBQ at Gwangjang Traditional Market
  • Where to Stay: Check-in at Hotel Cappuccino Myeong-dong (or similar)
  • Things to Know:
    • Don’t forget to try a traditional Korean tea, Omija!
    • Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular markets and shops.
  • Transportation: Take the airport limousine bus (6300 won) or taxi (around 40,000-50,000 won)
  • Tips:
    • Learn some basic Korean phrases like “Annyeonghaseyo” (hello), “Gamsahamnida” (thank you)
    • Be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas

Day 2: Palace and Garden

  • Place: Gyeongbokgung Palace (9:00 am - 12:00 pm)
    • Explore the largest palace in Korea
    • Witness the changing of the guard ceremony
  • Activity: Visit the National Folk Museum of Korea (1:00 pm - 3:00 pm)
    • Learn about traditional Korean culture and lifestyle
    • Take a stroll through the beautiful gardens
  • Where to Eat: Enjoy a traditional Korean lunch at Palace Jeongseonwon
  • Where to Stay: Same as Day 1 (Hotel Cappuccino Myeong-dong)
  • Things to Know:
    • Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the palace grounds.
    • Be respectful of the palace’s rules and traditions.
  • Transportation: Take Subway Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station
  • Tips:
    • Try to visit the palace during the week to avoid weekend crowds.
    • Don’t miss the beautiful views from the palace’s hillside

Day 3: Shopping and Entertainment

  • Place: Myeong-dong Shopping District (10:00 am - 12:00 pm)
    • Shop for luxury brands, cosmetics, and fashion
    • Visit the nearby Namsan Tower for panoramic views
  • Activity: Visit the Lotte World Theme Park (1:00 pm - 6:00 pm)
    • Enjoy thrilling rides and attractions
    • Watch the spectacular fountain show at night
  • Where to Eat: Try some delicious street food at Myeong-dong Night Market
  • Where to Stay: Same as Day 1 (Hotel Cappuccino Myeong-dong)
  • Things to Know:
    • Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular shopping districts.
    • Don’t miss the beautiful views from Namsan Tower’s observation deck.
  • Transportation: Take Subway Line 4 to Myeong-dong Station
  • Tips:
    • Try to visit Lotte World during the week to avoid weekend crowds.
    • Don’t forget to take a break and rest your feet!

Day 4: History and Culture

  • Place: Bukchon Hanok Village (9:00 am - 12:00 pm)
    • Explore the traditional Korean village
    • Visit the nearby Museum of Traditional Crafts
  • Activity: Visit the War Memorial of Korea (1:00 pm - 3:00 pm)
    • Learn about Korea’s military history and memorials
    • Pay your respects at the memorial grounds
  • Where to Eat: Enjoy a traditional Korean lunch at Bukchon Restaurant
  • Where to Stay: Check-in at Hotel Pencil Myeong-dong (or similar)
  • Things to Know:
    • Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the village and museum.
    • Be respectful of the memorial grounds and traditions.
  • Transportation: Take Subway Line 3 to Anguk Station
  • Tips:
    • Try to visit Bukchon Hanok Village during the week to avoid weekend crowds.
    • Don’t miss the beautiful views from the Museum of Traditional Crafts’ roof garden.

Day 5: Markets and Food

  • Place: Dongdaemun Market (10:00 am - 12:00 pm)
    • Explore the largest night market in Korea
    • Try some delicious street food and snacks
  • Activity: Visit the nearby Noryangjin Fish Market (1:00 pm - 3:00 pm)
    • Learn about Korea’s seafood culture
    • Enjoy fresh seafood for lunch or dinner
  • Where to Eat: Try some delicious Korean fried chicken at Gangnam Chicken
  • Where to Stay: Same as Day 4 (Hotel Pencil Myeong-dong)
  • Things to Know:
    • Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular markets.
    • Don’t forget to try some fresh seafood!
  • Transportation: Take Subway Line 2 to Dongdaemun Station
  • Tips:
    • Try to visit the night market during the week to avoid weekend crowds.
    • Don’t miss the beautiful views from Noryangjin Fish Market’s observation deck.

Day 6: Royal Garden and Museum

  • Place: Changdeokgung Palace (9:00 am - 12:00 pm)
    • Explore the second-largest palace in Korea
    • Visit the nearby Secret Garden
  • Activity: Visit the National Museum of Korea (1:00 pm - 3:00 pm)
    • Learn about Korea’s history, culture, and artifacts
    • Enjoy the beautiful views from the museum’s observation deck
  • Where to Eat: Enjoy a traditional Korean lunch at Palace Jeongseonwon
  • Where to Stay: Same as Day 4 (Hotel Pencil Myeong-dong)
  • Things to Know:
    • Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the palace grounds.
    • Be respectful of the palace’s rules and traditions.
  • Transportation: Take Subway Line 3 to Anguk Station
  • Tips:
    • Try to visit the palace during the week to avoid weekend crowds.
    • Don’t miss the beautiful views from the Secret Garden.

Day 7: Relaxation Day

  • Place: Namsan Park (10:00 am - 12:00 pm)
    • Take a stroll through the beautiful park
    • Visit the nearby Teddy Bear Museum
  • Activity: Treat yourself to a spa day at a local wellness center
    • Enjoy some well-deserved relaxation and pampering.
  • Where to Eat: Try some delicious Korean BBQ at Gwangjang Traditional Market
  • Where to Stay: Same as Day 4 (Hotel Pencil Myeong-dong)
  • Things to Know:
    • Take your time and enjoy the beautiful views from Namsan Park.
    • Don’t forget to try some traditional Korean tea!
  • Transportation: Take Subway Line 2 to Dongdaemun Station
  • Tips:
    • Try to visit the park during the week to avoid weekend crowds.
    • Don’t miss the beautiful views from Teddy Bear Museum’s roof garden.

Bonus Tips and Recommendations

  • Learn some basic Korean phrases: “Annyeonghaseyo” (hello), “Gamsahamnida” (thank you)
  • Try some delicious street food: Try some popular Korean snacks like hotteok, bungeo-ppang, or tteokbokki
  • Respect local customs and traditions: Remove your shoes when entering temples or homes.
  • Don’t forget to try some traditional Korean tea: Omija (Korean tea) is a must-try!

Additional Transportation Tips

  • Use the Subway: The subway system in Seoul is efficient, convenient, and affordable.
  • Ride-hailing services: Use services like KakaoTaxi or T-Money Taxi for easy transportation.
  • Walking and cycling: Explore the city on foot or by bike to discover hidden gems!

Additional Accommodation Tips

  • Choose a hotel strategically: Stay in areas with good public transportation, shopping, and dining options.
  • Consider staying in a hostel: Hostels are affordable, social, and great for meeting fellow travelers.
  • Book your accommodations early: Popular hotels and hostels fill up quickly!

Additional Food Tips

  • Try some delicious Korean BBQ: Savor the flavors of Korea’s famous grilled meats.
  • Enjoy fresh seafood: Try some delicious seafood at a local market or restaurant.
  • Don’t forget to try some street food: Street food is an affordable and delicious way to experience Korean cuisine!

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Seoul!