Seoul 4 Day Itinerary
Seoul Travel Itinerary (4 Days)
Day 1: Royal Palaces and Traditional Culture
- Morning: Start at Gyeongbokgung Palace (), the largest and most iconic palace in Korea. Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
- Lunch: Try some traditional Korean cuisine at Tosokchon Samgyetang () near the palace. Order their signature ginseng chicken soup!
- Afternoon: Visit the National Folk Museum () to learn about Korean culture and history.
- Evening: Explore the bustling streets of Myeong-dong (), one of Seoul’s premier shopping districts. Try some street food, like hotteok (sweet pancakes) or tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes).
- Accommodation: Stay at a hotel in the Jongno district, such as the Ibis Ambassador Seoul Myeong-dong ().
Day 2: K-Pop and Modern Seoul
- Morning: Visit the SMTOWN Coex Artium (), an interactive museum dedicated to K-Pop.
- Lunch: Head to the trendy Hongdae neighborhood and try some modern Korean fusion food at Onjium () or Sanullim (). Don’t forget to explore the street art and indie music scene!
- Afternoon: Visit the iconic N Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower) for panoramic views of the city.
- Evening: Experience the vibrant nightlife of Itaewon (), known for its international cuisine and bars. Try some craft beer at Craftworks Taphouse () or enjoy a cocktail at Bicena ().
- Accommodation: Stay at a hotel in the Hongdae district, such as the Raon Hotel ().
Day 3: Markets and Food
- Morning: Visit the bustling Gwangjang Market (), one of the oldest traditional markets in Seoul. Try some bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) or hotteok!
- Lunch: Explore the street food scene at Myeong-dong Night Market (). Don’t miss the grilled squid and seafood skewers!
- Afternoon: Visit the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (), a hub for fashion and design. Check out the adjacent Dongdaemun Market () for some affordable shopping.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional Korean dinner at Jaha Sonmandu (), known for their handmade dumplings.
- Accommodation: Stay at a hotel in the Dongdaemun district, such as the Ibis Seoul Dongdaemun ().
Day 4: Palaces and Parks
- Morning: Visit the Changdeokgung Palace (), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful palaces in Korea.
- Lunch: Try some Korean-Chinese cuisine at Jjukkumi Sulbing (), near the palace. Order their signature black bean noodles!
- Afternoon: Explore the scenic Bukhansan National Park (), with its stunning temples and hiking trails.
- Evening: Return to Myeong-dong for a farewell dinner at one of the many international restaurants, such as Outback Steakhouse () or Bicena ().
- Accommodation: Stay at a hotel in the Jongno district, such as the Ibis Ambassador Seoul Myeong-dong ().
Transportation
- Use the efficient and convenient Seoul Metro system to travel between attractions.
- Consider purchasing a T-Money card for easy travel on public transportation.
- Taxi fares are relatively affordable, but be prepared for some language barriers.
Tips and Essentials
- Learn some basic Korean phrases, such as "" (hello) and "" (thank you).
- Download the Naver Maps app () or Google Translate to help navigate the city.
- Pack comfortable shoes and layers for changing weather conditions.
- Don’t forget to try some Korean coffee culture at cafes like Cafe Bunker () or Angel-in-Us Coffee ()!
Other Things of Interest
- Visit the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) (), a unique opportunity to explore the border between North and South Korea.
- Take a day trip to the scenic Nami Island (), known for its beautiful gardens and sculptures.
- Explore the vibrant LGBTQ+ scene in Itaewon, with bars like Bar Camomile () or clubs like Homo Hill ().
Enjoy your time in Seoul!