Seoul, South Korea-7-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at Incheon International Airport (ICN) or Gimpo International Airport (GMP)
  • Transportation: Take the express train or bus to Seoul Station
  • Where to Stay: Check-in at a hotel in the Myeong-dong area, such as:
    • Grand Hyatt Seoul (~ $200/night)
    • Hotel Cappuccino Myeongdong (~ $100/night)
  • Places to Go:
    • Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest and most iconic palace in Korea
    • Explore Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional Korean village with many hanok (traditional Korean houses)
  • Things to Know:
    • Try some street food at Myeong-dong Night Market (open from 6pm-10pm)
    • Don’t forget to try some traditional Korean tea at the palace
  • Tips:
    • Be prepared for large crowds and long lines at popular attractions
    • Learn some basic Korean phrases, such as “hello” (annyeonghaseyo) and “thank you” (gamsahamnida)

Day 2: Shopping and Food

  • Morning: Visit the famous Myeong-dong shopping district
  • Where to Eat:
    • Try some traditional Korean street food at Myeong-dong Night Market (open from 6pm-10pm)
    • Grab a coffee and snack at one of the many cafes in the area, such as:
      • Paris Baguette (~ $5/coffee)
      • Caffe Bene (~ $5/snack)
  • Places to Go:
    • Visit the Lotte Young Plaza, a large shopping mall with many Korean brands
    • Explore the N Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower), which offers great views of the city
  • Things to Know:
    • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular shopping areas
    • Try some traditional Korean snacks, such as kimchi or hotteok

Day 3: Museums and Culture

  • Morning: Visit the National Museum of Korea, which showcases Korea’s history and culture
  • Where to Eat:
    • Try some traditional Korean cuisine at a restaurant in the Hongdae area, such as:
      • Jinjuuijeon (~ $10/meal)
      • Gwangjang Traditional Market (~ $5/snack)
  • Places to Go:
    • Visit the Seoul Museum of History, which tells the story of Seoul’s history
    • Explore the trendy Hongdae neighborhood, known for its street art and indie music scene
  • Things to Know:
    • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular museums
    • Learn about Korea’s rich cultural heritage and history

Day 4: Markets and Food

  • Morning: Visit the Gwangjang Traditional Market, a large market with many food stalls
  • Where to Eat:
    • Try some traditional Korean street food at Gwangjang Traditional Market (open from 10am-10pm)
    • Grab a snack or meal at one of the many food stalls in the market, such as:
      • Hotteok (~ $2/snack)
      • Mandu (~ $5/meal)
  • Places to Go:
    • Visit the Myeong-dong Night Market (open from 6pm-10pm), which offers a wide range of food and shopping options
    • Explore the Insadong neighborhood, known for its traditional Korean culture and street performances
  • Things to Know:
    • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular markets
    • Try some traditional Korean desserts, such as patbingsu or shikhye

Day 5: Nature and Relaxation

  • Morning: Visit the Namsan Park, a large urban park with many walking trails
  • Where to Eat:
    • Try some traditional Korean cuisine at a restaurant in the Itaewon area, such as:
      • Itaewon Café (~ $10/meal)
      • Bulgogi House (~ $15/meal)
  • Places to Go:
    • Visit the Cheonggyecheon Stream, a beautiful urban stream with many walking paths
    • Explore the trendy Itaewon neighborhood, known for its international cuisine and shopping options
  • Things to Know:
    • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular parks
    • Learn about Korea’s rich natural heritage and culture

Day 6: Shopping and Entertainment

  • Morning: Visit the COEX Mall, a large shopping mall with many Korean brands
  • Where to Eat:
    • Try some traditional Korean street food at Myeong-dong Night Market (open from 6pm-10pm)
    • Grab a snack or meal at one of the many restaurants in the mall, such as:
      • KyoChon Fried Chicken (~ $5/snack)
      • Tous Les Jours Café (~ $5/coffee)
  • Places to Go:
    • Visit the Starfield COEX, a large shopping and entertainment complex
    • Explore the Gangnam neighborhood, known for its upscale shopping and dining options
  • Things to Know:
    • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular malls
    • Try some traditional Korean desserts, such as patbingsu or shikhye

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Check-out from the hotel and head to the airport
  • Transportation: Take the express train or bus back to Incheon International Airport (ICN) or Gimpo International Airport (GMP)
  • Things to Know:
    • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at the airport
    • Try some traditional Korean tea or snacks before departing

Note: This itinerary is just a suggestion, and you can adjust it according to your preferences and interests.