Seoul, South Korea-5-day-itinerary

August 8, 2024

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Hongdae

Morning: Arrive at Incheon International Airport and take the express train (AREX) to Hongdae Station. Check-in at Hotel Cappuccino or similar.
10:00 AM: Visit the Hongdae Free Market (Open every Saturday, 3 PM - 9 PM, but we recommend visiting in the morning for a more relaxed experience) where you can find unique souvenirs and try some street food.
12:30 PM: Lunch at Gwangjang Traditional Market, a historic marketplace serving traditional Korean dishes like bindaetteok (mung bean pancake) and hotteok (sweet pancake).
2:00 PM: Explore the trendy streets of Hongdae, known for its street art, independent boutiques, and live music venues.
6:00 PM: Dinner at Bulgogi Brothers, a popular Korean BBQ restaurant with various locations throughout Seoul.

Day 2: Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village

9:00 AM: Visit the iconic Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest and most symbolic palace in Korea. Take a guided tour to learn about its history and significance.
11:30 AM: Walk through the tranquil gardens of the palace complex, then head to Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional Korean village with hundreds of hanok (traditional Korean houses) dating back to the 14th century.
1:00 PM: Lunch at Gwangjang Traditional Market again, or try some street food at the palace complex.
3:00 PM: Visit the nearby National Folk Museum, showcasing traditional Korean culture and way of life.
7:00 PM: Dinner at Tosokchon, a well-known restaurant serving delicious naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles).

Day 3: Myeongdong Shopping District and N Seoul Tower

9:30 AM: Start the day at Myeongdong Shopping District, one of Seoul’s busiest shopping areas. You can find everything from high-end fashion to local skincare products.
12:00 PM: Lunch at KyoChon, a popular fried chicken restaurant with multiple locations throughout Seoul.
2:00 PM: Visit the iconic N Seoul Tower (also known as Namsan Tower) and take in panoramic views of the city from its observation deck. Enjoy the beautiful gardens surrounding the tower.
5:00 PM: Visit the nearby Myeong-dong Night Market, which takes place every Friday and Saturday evening.

Day 4: Insadong Culture Village and Palace

9:30 AM: Visit the charming Insadong Culture Village, known for its traditional tea houses, street performers, and unique souvenirs.
11:00 AM: Explore the nearby Jongmyo Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Korea’s most important Confucian shrines.
12:30 PM: Lunch at Hanilkwan, a traditional Korean restaurant serving delicious bibimbap (mixed rice bowl).
2:00 PM: Visit the nearby Lotte World Mall, which offers great shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
7:00 PM: Dinner at Paju Barbeque, a popular Korean BBQ restaurant with multiple locations throughout Seoul.

Day 5: Itaewon International District

9:30 AM: Visit the trendy Itaewon International District, known for its international cuisine, shopping, and nightlife.
11:00 AM: Explore the nearby Hanokjae Cultural Complex, which showcases traditional Korean culture through exhibitions and performances.
12:30 PM: Lunch at Seoul Bong, a popular Korean restaurant serving delicious fried chicken and other dishes.
2:00 PM: Visit the nearby Itaewon Market, which offers a variety of international cuisine, souvenirs, and shopping options.

Seoul has an efficient public transportation system. You can use the subway (Line 1 - 9) or buses to get around.
Buy a T-Money card for convenient travel on subways, buses, and even some taxis.
Consider purchasing a Korea Tour Card, which offers discounts and rewards at popular attractions.

Learn some basic Korean phrases like "" (annyeonghaseyo), "" (gamsahamnida), and "" (joheunhamnida) to show respect for the culture.
Be mindful of your surroundings and follow local customs when visiting temples or shrines.
Don’t be afraid to ask locals for help or directions.
Try some traditional Korean dishes like kimchi, bibimbap, and naengmyeon.

Weather: Seoul’s climate is humid continental with four distinct seasons. Be prepared for hot summers and cold winters.
Safety: Take necessary precautions against pickpocketing and petty theft in crowded areas.
Language: While many Koreans speak English, it’s still a good idea to learn some basic Korean phrases.

There are plenty of accommodation options in Seoul. Some popular choices include:

Some popular restaurants in Seoul include:

Some must-buy items in Seoul include: