Seoul, South Korea-3-day-itinerary

August 4, 2024

Day 1: Explore the Royal Palace and Myeong-dong

9:00 AM: Start your day at Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest and most iconic palace in Korea. Take a stroll through the beautiful grounds, explore the National Folk Museum, and watch the changing of the guard ceremony.
- Address: 161-3, Sajik-ro 4-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Transportation: Subway Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station (exit 1)

12:00 PM: Take a break for lunch at Kukje Market, a bustling street food market with a wide variety of Korean dishes.
- Address: 30, Myeong-dong 7-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Transportation: Subway Line 2 to Euljiro 1-ga Station (exit 8)
2:00 PM: Visit the Namsan Tower (Seoul Tower), a iconic symbol of the city. Take in panoramic views from the observation deck and enjoy some shopping at the base of the tower.
- Address: 105, Namsang-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- Transportation: Subway Line 4 to Hoehyeon Station (exit 2) or a taxi

7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner and shopping in the famous Myeong-dong district. This is one of the busiest shopping districts in Asia, with everything from high-end boutiques to street food.
- Address: Myeong-dong 9-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Transportation: Subway Line 2 to Euljiro 1-ga Station (exit 8)

Where to Stay

Hotel Shilla: A 5-star hotel located near the COEX Convention and Exhibition Center. ( approx. $200/night)
Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae: A modern hotel in the trendy Hongdae district. (approx. $100/night)

9:00 AM: Visit the charming Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional Korean village filled with hanoks (traditional Korean houses).
- Address: 25, Gangnam-daero 325-gil, Seongsu-dong 2-ga, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- Transportation: Subway Line 3 to Anguk Station (exit 1) or a taxi

12:00 PM: Grab lunch at one of the many restaurants in Hongdae, a trendy neighborhood filled with street food and indie shops.
- Address: Hongdae Shopping District, Mapo-gu, Seoul
- Transportation: Subway Line 2 to Hongik University Station (exit 8) or a taxi

7:00 PM: Visit the Hongdae Night Market, which takes place every Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy street food, live music, and shopping.
- Address: Hongdae Shopping District, Mapo-gu, Seoul
- Transportation: Subway Line 2 to Hongik University Station (exit 8) or a taxi

9:00 AM: Visit the traditional Korean market of Insadong, which is filled with street food, tea houses, and souvenirs.
- Address: Insadong Shopping District, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Transportation: Subway Line 3 to Jonggak Station (exit 2) or a taxi

12:00 PM: Visit the massive Dongdaemun Market, which is one of the largest markets in Asia. Enjoy shopping and street food.
- Address: Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul
- Transportation: Subway Line 2 to Dongdaemun Station (exit 8) or a taxi

7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Dongdaemun, which is known for its street food and restaurants serving traditional Korean cuisine.
- Address: Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul
- Transportation: Subway Line 2 to Dongdaemun Station (exit 8) or a taxi

Currency: South Korean Won (KRW)
Language: Korean and English are widely spoken in tourist areas.
Safety: Generally safe, but be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.
Weather: Seoul has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and cold winters.

Subway: An efficient and affordable way to get around the city. ( approx. 1,500 KRW per ride)
Taxi: Available everywhere, but be aware that taxi drivers may not speak English.
Bus: A convenient option for shorter distances, with many routes available.

Learn some Korean phrases: Show respect and appreciation for the culture by learning basic phrases like "" (kamsahamnida) for “thank you”.
Respect local customs: Dress modestly when visiting temples or cultural sites.
Try new foods: Experiment with different street foods and traditional dishes.
Stay hydrated: Bring water with you, especially during hot summer months.

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