Seoul, South Korea-7-day-itinerary

Seoul, South Korea 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Hongdae

  • Morning: Arrive at Incheon International Airport and take the Express Train (AREX) to Yongsan Station. Transfer to Subway Line 4 and get off at Hongdae Station.
  • Afternoon: Check-in at Hongdae Guesthouse or similar. Explore the trendy neighborhood of Hongdae, known for its street art, indie music scene, and nightlife.
  • Evening: Head to Hongdae Free Market for a taste of local culture and shopping. Enjoy dinner at Tosokchon Samgyetang, a popular restaurant serving traditional Korean ginseng chicken soup.

Day 2: Palaces and Traditional Villages

  • Morning: Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest palace in Korea, and explore its beautiful gardens and architecture.
  • Afternoon: Walk around Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional Korean village filled with hanok (traditional houses).
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Gwangjang Market, trying various street food and local snacks.

Day 3: Modern Seoul

  • Morning: Visit the National Museum of Korea to learn about Korean history and culture.
  • Afternoon: Explore the trendy shopping district of Myeong-dong, known for its fashion, beauty products, and street food.
  • Evening: Enjoy a scenic view of Seoul from the observation deck of the N Seoul Tower.

Day 4: DMZ and Nami Island

  • Morning: Take a guided tour to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the border between North and South Korea.
  • Afternoon: Visit Nami Island, a peaceful island in the Han River, famous for its beautiful gardens and scenic views.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Jongno-gu’s Food Alley, trying various Korean dishes.

Day 5: K-Pop and Shopping

  • Morning: Visit the SMTOWN Coex Artium, a museum dedicated to K-Pop.
  • Afternoon: Explore the COEX Mall, one of the largest underground shopping centers in Asia.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Mapo-gu’s Hotteok Street, trying various Korean-style pancakes.

Day 6: Markets and Nightlife

  • Morning: Visit the Dongdaemun Market, one of the largest wholesale markets in Korea.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Itaewon Global Village, a multicultural neighborhood known for its international cuisine and nightlife.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Jinju Hoegwan, a popular restaurant serving Korean-style BBQ.

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Spend the morning shopping for last-minute souvenirs or visiting any attractions you missed earlier.
  • Afternoon: Take the Express Train (AREX) back to Incheon International Airport for your departure flight.

Accommodation

Transportation

  • Express Train (AREX) from Incheon International Airport to Yongsan Station
  • Subway: Use the T-Money card or purchase single-ride tickets
  • Bus: Use the T-Money card or purchase single-ride tickets

Tips and Essentials

  • Language: Korean, but many signs and menus are translated into English. Download a translation app like Google Translate.
  • Currency: South Korean Won (KRW). You can exchange currency at airports, banks, or use ATMs.
  • Weather: Seoul has four distinct seasons. Pack accordingly and check the weather forecast before your trip.
  • Culture: Respect for elders is deeply rooted in Korean culture. Bowing is a common greeting, and using both hands when giving or receiving something is polite.
  • Safety: Seoul is generally a safe city, but take usual precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Things to Know

  • Tipping: Not expected, but rounding up the bill or leaving small change (5-10%) is considered polite.
  • Dress Code: Dress modestly when visiting palaces and traditional villages.
  • Mealtime: Try to finish your meal before leaving the table, as leaving food uneaten can be considered impolite.

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