Seoul, South Korea-6-day-itinerary

6-Day Itinerary for Travelling in Seoul, South Korea

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Hongdae

  • Morning: Arrive at Incheon International Airport (ICN) and take the express train to Hongdae Station (~45 minutes, ₩8,000)
  • Lunch: Try some Korean-style fried chicken at BHC Chicken in Hongdae (₩15,000 - ₩25,000 per person)
  • Afternoon: Explore the trendy streets of Hongdae, visit the Hongdae Free Market (Saturday only), and check out the street art and indie music scene
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Korean dinner at Hanilkwan in Hongdae (₩30,000 - ₩50,000 per person)
  • Accommodation: Stay at a boutique hotel like Hotel The Designers or a budget-friendly option like Namsan Guesthouse

Day 2: Palaces and Traditional Culture

  • Morning: Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace (₩3,000 entrance fee), the largest and most iconic palace in Korea
  • Lunch: Try some traditional Korean cuisine at Tosokchon near Gyeongbokgung Palace (₩20,000 - ₩30,000 per person)
  • Afternoon: Explore the Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional Korean village with many hanok (traditional houses) and cultural attractions
  • Evening: Enjoy a performance at the Korea House, showcasing traditional music, dance, and drama (₩20,000 - ₩30,000 per person)
  • Accommodation: Stay in the Jongno area, close to many palaces and traditional attractions

Day 3: Shopping and Entertainment

  • Morning: Visit the Myeong-dong shopping district, one of Seoul’s busiest and most popular shopping areas
  • Lunch: Try some Korean-style BBQ at Hanilkwan in Myeong-dong (₩30,000 - ₩50,000 per person)
  • Afternoon: Explore the Namsan Tower (Seoul Tower) for panoramic views of the city (₩11,000 entrance fee)
  • Evening: Enjoy a musical or theatrical performance at the Seoul Arts Center (tickets vary in price)
  • Accommodation: Stay in the Jung-gu area, close to many shopping and entertainment attractions

Day 4: History and Museums

  • Morning: Visit the National Museum of Korea, showcasing Korean history and culture (free admission)
  • Lunch: Try some Korean-Chinese cuisine at Jjolmyeon Alley near the museum (₩15,000 - ₩25,000 per person)
  • Afternoon: Explore the War Memorial of Korea, a museum dedicated to Korean military history (free admission)
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Korean tea ceremony at the Tea Museum (₩5,000 entrance fee)
  • Accommodation: Stay in the Yongsan area, close to many museums and historical attractions

Day 5: Nature and Leisure

  • Morning: Visit the Namsan Park, a peaceful oasis in the heart of Seoul
  • Lunch: Try some Korean-style brunch at Cafe Bunker near the park (₩20,000 - ₩30,000 per person)
  • Afternoon: Explore the Itaewon neighborhood, known for its international cuisine and nightlife
  • Evening: Enjoy a relaxing evening stroll along the Cheonggyecheon Stream, a beautiful waterway in the heart of Seoul
  • Accommodation: Stay in the Yongsan area, close to many natural attractions

Day 6: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for last-minute souvenirs or exploring a local market like Gwangjang Market (free admission)
  • Departure: Take the express train back to Incheon International Airport (ICN) for departure (~45 minutes, ₩8,000)

Things to Know

  • Korea has a cash-based culture, so it’s a good idea to have some local currency, KRW, with you at all times
  • Tipping is not expected in Korea, but it’s becoming more common in tourist areas
  • Learn some basic Korean phrases, like "" (annyeonghaseyo) for “hello” and "" (gamsahamnida) for “thank you”
  • Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular attractions

Transportation

  • The Seoul subway system is efficient and easy to navigate, with many signs and announcements in English
  • T-Money cards can be purchased at most convenience stores or subway stations, and are a convenient way to pay for public transportation
  • Taxi drivers may not speak English, so it’s a good idea to have your destination written down in Korean

Tips

  • Try to avoid traveling during peak rush hour times (7-9 am, 5-7 pm) when possible
  • Be respectful of Korean culture and traditions, especially when visiting temples or palaces
  • Don’t be afraid to try new foods and drinks, like kimchi or makgeolli (traditional rice wine)

Budget Breakdown

  • Accommodation: ₩80,000 - ₩150,000 per night (~ $70-$130 USD)
  • Food: ₩15,000 - ₩30,000 per meal (~ $13-$26 USD)
  • Transportation: ₩2,000 - ₩5,000 per ride (~ $1.50-$4.50 USD)
  • Attractions: ₩3,000 - ₩11,000 per person (~ $2.50-$9.50 USD)

Total: ₩500,000 - ₩1,200,000 for 6 days (~ $430-$1,040 USD)