Seoul 6 Day Itinerary

Seoul Travel Itinerary (6 Days)

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Hongdae

  • Morning: Arrive at Incheon International Airport and take the express train (AREX) to Hongdae Station
  • Accommodation: Stay at a hostel or hotel in Hongdae, such as Hongdae Guesthouse or Hotel Haedo
  • Lunch: Try some street food at Hongdae Free Market or eat at a trendy cafe like Cafe Onion
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Hongdae University campus and explore its vibrant streets
    • Check out the indie music scene at Hongdae Music Venue or Rolling Hall
  • Evening:
    • Enjoy dinner at a popular restaurant like Paju Jjimdak (Korean-style chicken) or Gwangjang Market (traditional Korean street food)
    • Explore the nightlife of Hongdae, known for its bars, clubs, and live music performances

Day 2: Palaces and Traditional Culture

  • Morning:
    • Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace (), the largest palace in Korea
    • Wear a hanbok (traditional Korean dress) for a unique experience
  • Lunch: Eat at a traditional restaurant like Tosokchon Samgyetang (Korean ginseng chicken soup)
  • Afternoon:
    • Explore Bukchon Hanok Village (), a traditional Korean village with many hanok houses
    • Visit the National Folk Museum of Korea to learn about Korean culture and history
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Korean performance at the Korea House or a K-pop show at a venue like Go Live

Day 3: Shopping and Entertainment

  • Morning:
    • Shop at Myeong-dong (), one of Seoul’s busiest shopping districts
    • Visit the iconic N Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower) for panoramic views of the city
  • Lunch: Eat at a popular restaurant like Myeongdong Kyoja (Korean-Chinese cuisine)
  • Afternoon:
    • Explore the trendy boutiques and art galleries in the Gangnam area
    • Visit the COEX Mall, a massive underground shopping center
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at a celebrity-endorsed restaurant like Jjukkumi Bulgogi (Korean BBQ)

Day 4: History and Museums

  • Morning:
    • Visit the War Memorial of Korea to learn about Korean history and military affairs
    • Explore the National Museum of Korea, which features a vast collection of Korean art and artifacts
  • Lunch: Eat at a museum cafe or restaurant like the Museum Cafe & Restaurant
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Seoul Museum of History to learn about the city’s development and growth
    • Explore the trendy neighborhood of Itaewon, known for its international restaurants and bars
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at a popular restaurant like Maple Tree House (Korean-fusion cuisine)

Day 5: Markets and Food

  • Morning:
    • Visit Gwangjang Market (), one of Seoul’s oldest traditional markets
    • Try some street food, such as hotteok (sweet pancakes) or tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes)
  • Lunch: Eat at a popular restaurant like Gwangjang Market Food Alley (traditional Korean cuisine)
  • Afternoon:
    • Explore the Dongdaemun Market (), a massive shopping center with everything from clothes to souvenirs
    • Visit the Trick Eye Museum, a 3D art museum with interactive exhibits
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at a popular restaurant like Jaha Sonmandu (Korean dumplings)

Day 6: Nature and Relaxation

  • Morning:
    • Visit the Namsan Park (), a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city
    • Take a stroll along the Cheonggyecheon Stream (), a restored waterway with beautiful views
  • Lunch: Eat at a cafe or restaurant near the park, such as Cafe Bora or Restaurant 12
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Leeum Samsung Museum of Art, which features modern and contemporary art exhibitions
    • Relax at a jjimjilbang (), a traditional Korean sauna with hot tubs and massage services
  • Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a popular restaurant like Mingles (Korean-fusion cuisine)

Things to Know

  • Korea uses won as its currency, but credit cards are widely accepted.
  • Learn some basic Korean phrases, such as “hello” (annyeonghaseyo) and “thank you” (gamsahamnida).
  • Respect for elders is important in Korean culture, so bow when greeting or saying goodbye to older Koreans.
  • Tipping is not expected but is becoming more common in tourist areas.

Transportation

  • Seoul has a comprehensive public transportation system, including subways, buses, and taxis.
  • Use the T-Money card or Cashbee card for convenient travel on public transportation.
  • Download the Naver Maps app or Google Maps to navigate the city.

Tips

  • Dress modestly when visiting temples or palaces.
  • Remove your shoes when entering traditional Korean homes or some restaurants.
  • Try to avoid eating with your left hand, as it is considered impolite.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help or directions from locals, who are often happy to assist.

Other Things of Interest

  • Seoul has many festivals throughout the year, such as the Lotus Lantern Festival and the Seoul International Fireworks Festival.
  • Visit the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the border between North and South Korea, for a unique experience.
  • Take a day trip to nearby cities like Suwon or Incheon for more cultural and historical attractions.