Seoul South Korea 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Itinerary for Exploring Seoul, South Korea

Day 1: Arrival and City Orientation

• Accommodation: Park Hyatt Seoul or Grand Hyatt Seoul for luxury options, or Airbnb or hostels for budget travelers.
• Transportation: AREX (Airport Railroad Express) is the most convenient way to get from Incheon International Airport to Seoul Station. T-Money card can be used for public transport in Seoul.
• Lunch: Try Bukchon Hanok Village for traditional Korean food in a traditional house (hanok).
• Afternoon: Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changgyeonggung Palace for a glimpse of Korea’s rich history.
• Dinner: Head to Myeongdong for street food, shopping and skincare products.

Day 2: Explore Modern Seoul

• Morning: Visit Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), a unique architecture by Zaha Hadid, and explore the Dongdaemun Market.
• Lunch: Have lunch at Tong-In Dang Golmok Jip for delicious Galbi (grilled beef ribs).
• Afternoon: Head to Insadong and explore traditional Korean tea houses, shops selling antiques, and crafts. Don’t miss the Bukchon Hanok Village nearby.
• Dinner: Try Japchae for a delicious stir-fried Korean glass noodle dish.

Day 3: Cultural and Historic Sites

• Morning: Visit Jongmyo Shrine and learn about Confucianism’s role in Korean culture.
• Lunch: Head to Namdaemun Market for a variety of street food and traditional Korean dishes.
• Afternoon: Visit the National Museum of Korea to learn more about Korea’s history, art, and culture.
• Dinner: Have dinner at Gwangjang Market for a variety of traditional Korean dishes like muk (tteok), bindaetteok (Korean pancake made with mung bean), and kkakdugi (cubed radish kimchi).

Day 4: Shopping and Leisure Activities

• Morning: Visit COEX Mall for shopping, the Aquarium, and Bongeunsa Temple nearby.
• Lunch: Have lunch at COEX Food Court for a variety of Korean and international dishes.
• Afternoon: Head to Hongdae for street performances, indie music, shopping, and unique cafes like the Café Coconut Blossom.
• Dinner: Have dinner at Hongdae’s Street Food Alley for a variety of street food options.

Day 5: Day Trip to DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) and Panmunjom (JSA - Joint Security Area)

• Tour: Book a tour with a trusted operator like Koridoor to visit the DMZ and JSA. Remember to bring your passport.
• Lunch: Lunch will be provided during the tour.
• Dinner: Return to Seoul and have dinner at Itaewon for international cuisine options.

Day 6: Explore Seoul’s Nightlife

• Evening: Head to Hapjeong for a variety of bars, clubs, and live music venues like Club Answer.
• Late Night Snack: Finish your night with some late-night street food at Gangnam’s Gangnam-daero 11ga Street or Nonhyeon-dong’s Yongsan-gu Office Road

Day 7: Last Minutes and Departure

• Morning: Spend your last hours in Seoul doing some souvenir shopping or exploring areas you missed during the week.
• Lunch: Have a farewell lunch at Hangawi for traditional Korean cuisine served in a hanok house.
• Departure: Head to the airport using public transportation or a taxi. Don’t forget to exchange any leftover won!

Enjoy your trip to Seoul, and remember to respect local customs and traditions during your visit. Have a great time exploring this wonderful city!