Morning: Arrive at Incheon Airport and take the AREX express train to your boutique hotel in Insadong. Settle in, freshen up, and enjoy a light brunch at the hotel's rooftop café with a view of the city skyline.
Afternoon: Stroll along Cheonggyecheon Stream, pausing at art installations and sipping a specialty latte at a hidden Hanok‑style coffee shop. The walk sets a relaxed tone for the week.
Evening: Dine at Jinsadaek, a quiet restaurant serving refined Korean temple cuisine, then unwind with a nightcap at Bar Cham, known for its botanical cocktails.
Book a HotelMorning: Explore Gyeongbokgung Palace at a leisurely pace, joining a guided tour that explains the Joseon dynasty’s history. Don’t miss the changing‑of‑the‑guard ceremony.
Afternoon: Walk to Bukchon Hanok Village and wander its narrow lanes, stopping at a centuries‑old teahouse for a tasting of Jung‑Sik’s Green Tea. The atmosphere feels like stepping back in time.
Evening: Enjoy a dinner of seasonal dishes at Samcheonggak, followed by a relaxed stroll through the illuminated Gwanghwamun Square.
Book a HotelMorning: Visit the National Museum of Korea, focusing on the serene galleries of ceramics and calligraphy. Take advantage of the quiet meditation room for a brief mindfulness pause.
Afternoon: Head to Ikseon-dong and explore its maze of boutique artisan bakeries—try the almond croissant at Cheong Su and a matcha latte at On The Table.
Evening: Savor a light dinner at Haru, a contemporary Korean bistro, then enjoy a craft cocktail at Le Chamber, a speakeasy hidden behind a bookshelf.
Book a HotelMorning: Rent a comfortable bike (or simply walk) along the Han River Park near Yeouido, stopping at the riverside café for a fresh fruit smoothie.
Afternoon: Picnic on the grassy lawns with a takeaway lunch from Hannam Bread, featuring artisanal sandwiches and kimchi rolls.
Evening: Attend a gentle outdoor music performance at the park (seasonal), then head to Nodeul Island for a chilled evening of acoustic live music and tea.
Book a HotelMorning: Explore the Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, admiring both traditional Korean pieces and contemporary installations. The museum’s serene garden offers a perfect spot for reflection.
Afternoon: Walk through the sleek Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), popping into design shops and the Art Sonje Center for rotating exhibitions.
Evening: Dine at Joo Ok, a refined restaurant blending Korean flavors with French techniques, then enjoy a nightcap at Southside Parlor for a relaxed vibe.
Book a HotelMorning: Visit Gwangjang Market early to sample subtle delights like mung bean pancake and fresh sashimi, avoiding the crowds.
Afternoon: Wander the nearby Euljiro alleyways, discovering hidden coffee roasters such as Anthracite Coffee Roasters and a quiet bookshop.
Evening: Treat yourself to a dinner of delicate dumplings at Jinjujip, then stroll along the illuminated Cheonggye Plaza before returning to your hotel.
Book a HotelMorning: Take a short trip to Bongeunsa Temple for a tea ceremony and meditation session led by the resident monks.
Afternoon: Explore the adjacent COEX Mall at a relaxed pace, visiting the Starfield Library and a quiet tea house on the upper floor.
Evening: Enjoy a dinner of temple‑style vegetarian cuisine at Balwoo Gongyang, followed by a gentle walk through the illuminated Seoul Forest park.
Book a HotelMorning: Take a KTX ride to Suwon and explore the Hwaseong Fortress, strolling its well‑preserved walls and gardens.
Afternoon: Lunch at a traditional hanjeongsik restaurant in Suwon, then visit the Suwon Hwaseong Museum for cultural context.
Evening: Return to Seoul, unwind with a simple dinner of bibimbap at Gogung, and relax in the hotel’s lounge.
Book a HotelMorning: Wander the artistic streets of Hongdae, stopping at the quiet Thanks, Oat bakery for a flaky pastry and pour‑over coffee.
Afternoon: Explore the indie galleries of Yeonnam-dong, including Space One and a small pottery studio where you can watch artisans at work.
Evening: Dine at Janguhjin, a stylish place serving modern Korean small plates, then enjoy a mellow live‑music set at Club Evans.
Book a HotelMorning: Visit the Seoul Museum of History for a comprehensive look at the city’s evolution, with interactive exhibits perfect for a relaxed learning experience.
Afternoon: Head to Namsan Seoul Tower via the gentle cable car; enjoy a leisurely walk around the observatory deck and sip tea at the Haneul Café.
Evening: Dinner at Seokparang, a refined venue offering royal court cuisine, followed by a nightcap at Top Floor bar with panoramic city views.
Book a HotelMorning: Participate in a hands‑on baking class at Seoul Bakeshop Academy, learning to make traditional Korean pastries like yakgwa.
Afternoon: Taste the results of your class with a tea pairing at the same studio, then wander to Gyeongnidan for boutique food stalls offering artisanal cheese plates.
Evening: Dine at Jungsik, a Michelin‑starred restaurant focusing on modern Korean gastronomy, and finish with a quiet stroll along Han River’s Banpo Bridge fountain show.
Book a HotelMorning: Relax at the luxurious Dragon Hill Spa, enjoying a Korean jjimjilbang experience with a gentle sauna and soothing body scrub.
Afternoon: Book a traditional Korean massage at The Spa at Four Seasons, followed by a light lunch of fresh salads at the hotel’s garden café.
Evening: Savor a low‑key dinner at Plant, a vegan bistro with creative Korean‑inspired dishes, then unwind with a glass of Korean rice wine at Wine & More.
Book a HotelMorning: Explore the vibrant district of Gangnam, beginning with a visit to the COEX Aquarium for a calm, aquatic escape.
Afternoon: Lunch at Butter, a stylish café known for its airy interiors and brunch plates, then wander the sleek streets to the Seoul Arts Center for a short exhibition.
Evening: Conclude the day with dinner at Maple Tree House (modern Korean BBQ with a refined atmosphere) and a final cocktail at Octagon’s rooftop lounge.
Book a HotelMorning: Take a gentle walk through Seoul Forest, stopping at the deer enclosure and the tranquil greenhouse.
Afternoon: Enjoy a farewell lunch at O'sulloc Tea House, sampling premium green tea desserts and a final cup of Korean tea.
Evening: Return to the hotel, collect luggage, and head to Incheon Airport with memories of a relaxed, cultured, and delicious Seoul experience.
Book a HotelTotal Estimated Cost: $2,018
If you wish to extend the trip, consider adding a day in the nearby city of Incheon to explore its waterfront park and the historic Chinatown. Conversely, you can shorten the itinerary by merging Days 6 and 7 (traditional market with temple visit) into a single, well‑timed day, or by skipping the day trip to Suwon while still experiencing the core cultural and culinary highlights of Seoul.