Seoul-7-day-itinerary
Seoul Travel Itinerary (7 Days)
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Hongdae
- Morning: Arrive at Incheon International Airport and take the Express Train (AREX) to Hongdae Station ( approx. 45 minutes, ₩4,150)
- Afternoon: Check-in at a hotel in Hongdae area, such as Hotel Hongdae or J-House
- Evening:
- Visit the famous Hongdae Night Market for street food and shopping
- Enjoy a welcome dinner at Tosokchon Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup)
- Tips:
- Buy a T-Money card or a Korea SIM card for easy transportation and data access
- Download the Naver Maps app for navigation
Day 2: Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village
- Morning: Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace (free admission, open 9am-5pm)
- Afternoon: Explore the traditional Korean village of Bukchon Hanok (free admission, open 9am-6pm)
- Evening:
- Enjoy a traditional Korean dinner at Gwangjang Market (try the bindaetteok, a Korean-style pancake)
- Visit the trendy Itaewon neighborhood for a drink or dessert
Day 3: National Museum and Namsan Tower
- Morning: Visit the National Museum of Korea (free admission, open 10am-6pm)
- Afternoon: Take a stroll around Namsan Park and visit the iconic N Seoul Tower (₩11,000, open 10am-11pm)
- Evening:
- Enjoy a dinner of Korean-Chinese cuisine at Myeong-dong Kyoja
- Explore the bustling streets of Myeong-dong Shopping District
Day 4: Palace Hopping and Insadong
- Morning: Visit Changdeokgung Palace (₩3,000, open 9am-5pm)
- Afternoon: Explore the charming neighborhood of Insadong, known for its traditional tea houses and street performers
- Evening:
- Enjoy a traditional Korean dinner at Ssäm
- Visit the famous Dongdaemun Night Market
Day 5: DMZ and Nami Island
- Morning: Take a guided tour to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) (₩40,000, open 9am-3pm)
- Afternoon: Visit Nami Island (₩8,000, open 10am-6pm), a peaceful oasis in the Han River
- Evening:
- Enjoy a dinner of Korean-style BBQ at Mapo Jeong Daepo
- Explore the vibrant neighborhood of Gangnam
Day 6: Shopping and Entertainment
- Morning: Visit the luxurious COEX Mall in Gangnam
- Afternoon:
- Explore the trendy Sinsa-dong Garosu-gil neighborhood
- Visit the Trickeye Museum (₩15,000, open 10am-8pm)
- Evening:
- Enjoy a dinner of international cuisine at Bicena
- Catch a show or concert at the Gocheok Sky Dome
Day 7: Departure
- Morning: Spend some time shopping for last-minute souvenirs or exploring a local market
- Afternoon: Return to Incheon International Airport for departure (via Express Train, AREX)
Accommodation Options
Transportation
- Express Train (AREX): Incheon International Airport to Hongdae Station
- Subway: efficient and convenient way to travel around Seoul
- Bus: a more affordable option, but may take longer
- Taxi: available, but may not speak English
Tips and Essentials
- Learn some basic Korean phrases, such as "" (annyeonghaseyo) for “hello”
- Download the Naver Maps app for navigation
- Buy a T-Money card or a Korea SIM card for easy transportation and data access
- Pack comfortable walking shoes and layers for changing weather
- Try to avoid traveling during peak rush hour times (7-9 am, 5-7 pm)
Budget Breakdown
- Accommodation: ₩500,000 - ₩1,000,000 ( approx. $420-$840 USD)
- Transportation: ₩20,000 - ₩50,000 (approx. $17-$42 USD)
- Food and drink: ₩300,000 - ₩600,000 (approx. $250-$500 USD)
- Attractions and activities: ₩100,000 - ₩200,000 (approx. $84-$168 USD)
- Total: ₩920,000 - ₩1,850,000 (approx. $770-$1,550 USD)