Seoul 7 Day Itinerary

Title: 7-Day Seoul Itinerary

Day 1 - Explore Central Seoul

  • Morning:

    1. Start your day with a traditional Korean breakfast at Café Apartment in Myeongdong.
    2. Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of the Five Grand Palaces. (Take subway Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station)

  • Afternoon:

    1. Head to Bukchon Hanok Village for a glimpse into traditional Korean life. (Walk from Gyeongbokgung Palace, about 20 min)
    2. Explore the shopping district of Myeongdong. (Take subway Line 4 from Anguk Station to Myeongdong Station)

  • Evening:

    1. Dine at Wangajjak Myeongdong Gimbap for a popular Korean seaweed roll dinner.
    2. Experience the nightlife in Hongdae, a trendy area filled with street art and vibrant nightclubs. (Take subway Line 2 from Myeongdong Station to Hongik University Station)

Day 2 - Modern Seoul

  • Morning:

    1. Grab a coffee at Dunkin' Donuts or Starbucks in COEX Mall for a caffeine boost.
    2. Visit the COEX Aquarium. (Take subway Line 2 to Samseong Station)

  • Afternoon:

    1. Spend your afternoon at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) and explore its contemporary art exhibitions. (Take subway Line 4 or 6 to Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station)

  • Evening:

    1. Indulge in Korean BBQ at Maple Tree House or The Galaxie near DDP.
    2. Explore the vibrant nightlife of Dongdaemun, including clubs and street markets.

Day 3 - Insadong and Jongno

  • Morning:

    1. Enjoy a traditional Korean tea house experience at Tongin Tea House in Insadong.
    2. Wander through the antique shops and art galleries of Insadong. (Take subway Line 6 to Anguk Station)

  • Afternoon:

    1. Visit Jogyesa Temple, the head temple of Jogye Order, and enjoy tranquility amidst the bustling city.
    2. Climb Namsan Tower for a panoramic view of Seoul. (Take bus 7 or 3 from Insadong to Namwon-gwan)

  • Evening:

    1. Taste traditional Korean street food at Gwangjang Market or Namdaemun Market.
    2. End your day with a relaxing foot massage at a local spa in the Itaewon area.

Day 4 - Cultural Experiences

  • Morning:

    1. Learn traditional Korean crafts, such as papermaking or pottery, at Jungang Market. (Take subway Line 4 to Seorinaru Station)

  • Afternoon:

    1. Explore the tranquil surroundings of Changdeokgung Palace’s Secret Garden. (Walk from Anguk Station, about 20 min)

  • Evening:

    1. Dine at a Korean fusion restaurant like Wonderbox or A.O in Hannam-dong.
    2. Experience the high-tech entertainment of N Seoul Tower. (Take cable car from Namsan Park or bus 5, 6, or 7)

Day 5 - Day Trip to DMZ and Panmunjom

  • Full-day tour: Book a guided tour to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and the Joint Security Area (JSA) at Panmunjom. These tours typically include transportation, lunch, and an English-speaking guide. Be sure to check the tour company’s requirements for passport holders of your country.

Day 6 - Shopping and Nightlife in Gangnam

  • Morning:

    1. Start your day with a visit to Bongeunsa Temple in Gangnam, followed by shopping at Coex Mall. (Take subway Line 2 or 9 to Bongeunsa Station)

  • Afternoon:

    1. Visit the iconic Gangnam Style statue and explore Cheongdam-dong’s luxury boutiques.
    2. Head to COEX Aqua World for a unique underwater shopping experience.

  • Evening:

    1. Dine at Five Guys, Shake Shack, or other international fast food chains in Gangnam for dinner.
    2. Enjoy the nightlife in Garosu-gil, a trendy street lined with bars and cafes. (Take subway Line 7 to Sinsa Station)

Day 7 - Relaxation and Departure

  • Morning:

    1. Spend your final hours in Seoul relaxing at a jjimjilbang (Korean spa), such as Dragon Hill Spa or Jimjilbang Gangnam.

  • Afternoon/Evening:

    1. Depart from Incheon International Airport, allowing enough time for traffic and security checks.

Things to Know:

  • Subway hours are approximately 5:30 AM to midnight daily, except for some stations that close at around 12:00 AM.
  • Taxis are widely available and offer a convenient mode of transportation, but remember to use apps like KakaoTaxi or Naver Taxi to ensure safety and competitive pricing.
  • Always check the latest COVID-19 restrictions before traveling, as regulations may affect your itinerary.

Enjoy your trip to Seoul! Embrace the vibrant city’s culture, food, and attractions for an unforgettable experience.