Lively capital of South Korea, Seoul represents the unhurried blend of ancient tradition and modern innovation. Everything a tourist may want to see can be found in Seoul: historic palaces, busy markets, serene temples, and ultra-modern architecture. Next is a 7-day Seoul itinerary that will take you through iconic sights to hidden gems this city has in store for history buffs, foodies, and shopaholics.
Seoul itinerary
Best Lisbon Itinerary: Discover the Best of the City in 5 Days
Day 1: Arrival, then Immersion into the Cultural Heart of Seoul
Morning: Upon arrival, proceed to Incheon International Airport.
A flight to Incheon International Airport ushers one into the Seoul adventure. It is not only a means through which one enters the city, but it has also come to symbolize modernity and efficiency in South Korea. After customs clearance, head to Myeong-dong, one of Seoul’s most bustling districts, to check into your hotel. This location is great and perfect for beginners because of the convenience it offers in accessing all major attractions.
Afternoon: Gyeongbokgung Palace
First of all, historic Gyeongbokgung Palace should be included in the first order on your Seoul itinerary; it is the largest of the Five Grand Palaces and gives an interesting insight into the Joseon Dynasty. Time your visit to start with the vibrant Changing of the Guard Ceremony at the main gate. Afterwards, a visit to the National Folk Museum within the grounds gives an insight into the culture and traditions of Korea.
PM: Insadong: Savor the Traditional Beauty
Take an afternoon walk around Insadong, one of the most representative traditional Korean culture areas in Seoul. You will find one long street lined with handicraft shops, antique shops, and art shops from which you may get unique souvenirs. You can also try some street food: spicy rice cakes called tteokbokki and sweet pancakes called hotteok. You will have dinner at a traditional Korean hanok restaurant.
Day 2: Modern Seoul and Insights into History
Morning: Namsan Seoul Tower
Fill the morning with a visit to the iconic Namsan Seoul Tower, which sits atop Namsan Mountain, offering excellent panoramic views of the sprawling skyscraper-filled skyline. Take up the cable car for a trip to this tower and stroll around the Namsan Hanok Village for its beautifully restored traditional Korean houses.
Afternoon: Bukchon Hanok Village Stroll
Next, come to the very picturesque Bukchon Hanok Village for well-preserved Korean traditional hanoks. It is an historic site but also a residential neighborhood in which people are still housed in these traditional houses. Take an afternoon stroll down its narrow alleys and take in the nice architecture views and take photos at popular photo spots. Then, head to Samcheong-dong for a great and relaxing cafe stop amidst the serenity.
Dinner and Shopping: Dongdaemun Design Plaza
Night time, go to take night photos at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, designed by famous architect Zaha Hadid. This building is sleek and modern. It’s not only a shopping mecca, but also an area hub for fashion, culture, and art. One can visit LED Rose Garden and also the latest exhibitions inside DDP. Dinner also at one of the many available street food places in Dongdaemun Night Market, very famous for delightfully mouth-watering and considerable variety of food.
Day 3: Unfamiliar Seoul Sights and Foods
Morning: Jogyesa Temple and Traditional Tea Houses
Day 3 of Seoul Itinerary Begin your third day in Seoul at Jogyesa Temple, the center of Korean Zen Buddhism. You will be astonished by the beauty of this temple standing among hundreds-of-year-old trees amidst quiet and serenity in the surroundings. After absorbing all that serenity, make your way into one of the many traditional tea houses lining Insa-dong. Sit yourself down in a hanok setting and sip on a cup of either jaksul-cha.
Afternoon: War Memorial of Korea
The War Memorial of Korea is something for which you really should reserve your afternoon. The sacrifices incurred since the onset of the Korean War are housed here. It is a pretty big museum featuring indoor and outdoor exhibits displaying military machinery, photographs, and accounts of the history of Korea down to minute detail. It’s enlightening-you really feel enlightened about what actually happened in shaping modern Korea.
Evening: Hongdae Nightlife
As the sun begins to set, plunge into Hongdae’s world of youth, with great nightlife and indie music. From live performances and eccentric cafes to street art, Hongdae is a blast for all tastes. Enjoy some fried chicken and soju at a local pub, or hit one of the many clubs and get dancing.
Day 4: Day Tour to DMZ and Itaewon Exploration
Morning: DMZ Tour
Spend your fourth day on a day trip to the DMZ, an exceptional and emotive experience that underlines tension between North and South Korea. Take a guided tour to the Third Tunnel, Dora Observatory, and the Joint Security Area. This DMZ tour will not only be instructive but a poignant thought to Korea’s divided history.
Afternoon: International Flavor of Itaewon
After visiting the DMZ in the morning, afternoon time will be spent in Itaewon-most international district of Seoul. This is the food-filled area and good place to enjoy the meal starting from any part of the world. First mosque which was opened in Korea-Itaewon Mosque is also situated here, along with various eclectic shops, boutiques, and Antique Street-a must for the antique lovers.
Evening: Gourmet Dinner and Night View
Dinner: Dine in class in one of the classier restaurants in Itaewon. Fancy stateside Korean fusion or international gourmet-Itaewon has a number of options available. Top it off with a nightcap at a rooftop bar overlooking the mesmerizing city skyline.
Day 5: Relaxation and Last Minute Shopping
Morning: Stroll Through the Seoul Forest
Day 3: Final day in Seoul Spend your last day touring with a leisurely morning at Seoul Forest, a gigantic urban park that offers you nearly the only quiet time from the hustle and bustle and crowds of this city. It houses many animals, such as deer, butterflies, and many species of birds. Take a leisurely walk around the forest, take a visit to the butterfly conservatory, or take some time on the Han River.
Afternoon: Shopping Spree in Gangnam
From your laid-back morning, head to the Beverly Hills of Seoul, Gangnam, filled with luxury boutiques and shopping malls. Visit the biggest underground mall in Asia, the COEX Mall, where high-class fashion and K-pop merchandise are on the cards. This is where one will find the highly Instagrammable Starfield Library.
Evening: Dinner in Myeong-dong
Conclude your Seoul adventure with dinner at Myeong-dong, street food district of this vibrant city. Local dishes for the meal may include Korean BBQ, Bibimbap, or samgyeopsal eaten at a restaurant. After dinner, take one last stroll in the area and neon-lit streets; you may even want to do some last-minute shopping for skincare and cosmetics there.
