Wednesday, December 13: Exploring Gyeongbokgung Palace
Start your trip by immersing yourself in the rich history of Seoul at Gyeongbokgung Palace. In the morning, take a guided tour of the majestic palace and witness the changing of the guard ceremony. Afterward, head to the National Folk Museum located within the palace grounds to learn more about Korean culture and traditions. In the afternoon, visit Bukchon Hanok Village, a charming neighborhood filled with traditional Korean houses. Stroll through the narrow alleys and discover local shops and cafes. In the evening, explore Insadong Street, famous for its traditional arts and crafts stores.
Breakfast: Start your day with a hearty Korean meal at Seokparang, located near Gyeongbokgung Palace. This cozy restaurant offers traditional dishes like Bibimbap and Korean-style pancakes. Average cost for a meal is about 10,000 KRW per person.
Lunch: For lunch, head to Tosokchon Samgyetang for a taste of Korea's famous ginseng chicken soup. This restaurant is known for its flavorful and nutritious Samgyetang, made with a whole chicken stuffed with rice, ginseng, and other ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about 18,000 KRW per person.
Dinner: Enjoy a memorable dining experience at Hanilkwan, a renowned restaurant serving traditional Korean cuisine. Feast on delicious dishes like Hanjeongsik (a full-course meal) and Galbitang (beef rib soup). Average cost for a meal is about 40,000 KRW per person.
Thursday, December 14: Family Fun at Lotte World
Embark on a day of excitement and thrills at Lotte World, one of Seoul's premier amusement parks. Spend the morning exploring the indoor theme park, filled with various rides, attractions, and even an ice rink. Enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants within the park. In the afternoon, head to the outdoor section of Lotte World, where you can experience thrilling roller coasters and enjoy beautiful views of Seokchon Lake. Wrap up the day by watching the dazzling Magic Island Parade and the evening fireworks display.
Lotte World: Admission fee - ₩54,000 (Estimated time: Full day)
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Mamas and enjoy a wide selection of freshly brewed coffees, pastries, and breakfast dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 10,000 KRW per person.
For lunch, visit Lotteria and indulge in delicious burgers, fries, and other fast food options. Average cost for a meal is about 7,000 KRW per person.
For dinner, try The Baekdu, a popular Korean BBQ restaurant known for its high-quality meat and traditional grilling experience. Average cost for a meal is about 20,000 KRW per person.
Friday, December 15: Discovering Namsan Park and Myeongdong
Start your day by taking a cable car ride up Namsan Mountain to Namsan Park. Enjoy panoramic views of Seoul from the N Seoul Tower observation deck and take memorable family photos. Explore the park's beautiful walking trails and gardens, perfect for a leisurely morning hike. In the afternoon, head down to Myeongdong, Seoul's bustling shopping district. Indulge in some retail therapy at the countless fashion boutiques, beauty stores, and street vendors. Don't forget to try the delicious street food offerings. End the day with a visit to the Myeongdong Cathedral, a stunning Gothic-style church.
Namsan Park/N Seoul Tower: Cable car fee - ₩9,500 (Estimated time: 3-4 hours)
Myeongdong Cathedral: Free to enter (Estimated time: 1-2 hours)
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot is 'Cafe 5CIJUNG' located near Namsan Park. They offer a variety of delicious breakfast options such as fluffy pancakes and hearty omelettes. The average cost for a meal is about 15,000 KRW per person.
'Seorae Village BBQ' is a great choice for lunch, conveniently located in Myeongdong. They serve mouthwatering Korean BBQ dishes including premium beef and pork. The average cost for a meal is about 20,000 KRW per person.
For dinner, head to 'Gwangjang Market' where you can savor authentic Korean street food. This bustling market offers a wide range of options including bibimbap, tteokbokki, and bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes). The average cost for a meal is about 10,000 KRW per person.
Saturday, December 16: Cultural Immersion in Korean Folk Village
Spend a day delving into traditional Korean culture at the Korean Folk Village. Located just outside of Seoul, this open-air museum offers a glimpse into the country's rich heritage. In the morning, participate in various cultural activities such as making traditional crafts, trying on hanbok (Korean traditional clothing), and watching folk performances. Enjoy a traditional lunch at one of the village's restaurants. In the afternoon, explore the recreated historical buildings and traditional houses. Wrap up the day by watching a vibrant cultural performance showcasing traditional dances and music.
Korean Folk Village: Admission fee - ₩18,000 (Estimated time: Full day)
Restaurants
For breakfast, try Cafe Onion, a cozy cafe known for its delicious pastries and specialty coffees. Average cost for a meal is about 10,000 won per person.
For lunch, head to Bibigo, a popular restaurant that serves traditional Korean cuisine with a modern twist. Average cost for a meal is about 15,000 won per person.
For dinner, visit On The Grill, a steakhouse that offers high-quality cuts of meat grilled to perfection. Average cost for a meal is about 30,000 won per person.
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe Hyangwon located near the Korean Folk Village. This cozy cafe offers a variety of freshly baked pastries and delicious coffee. Average cost for a meal is about KRW 8,000 per person.
For lunch, visit Jangheung Sikdang, a local restaurant known for its authentic Korean cuisine. Try their famous bibimbap, a traditional mixed rice dish, or choose from a range of other delicious Korean dishes. Average cost for a meal is about KRW 12,000 per person.
For dinner, indulge in a Korean barbecue feast at Samcheonggak. This restaurant offers a scenic dining experience in a traditional Korean hanok house surrounded by nature. Enjoy tender and flavorful grilled meats along with a variety of side dishes. Average cost for a meal is about KRW 30,000 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
If you're looking for off the beaten path attractions and places loved by locals, consider visiting the following:
Gwangjang Market: Explore this bustling traditional market known for its delicious street food and clothing stalls.
Seoul Children's Grand Park: A spacious park featuring a zoo, botanical garden, and various recreational facilities for children.
Hangang Park: Take a leisurely stroll along the beautiful Han River and enjoy the stunning city skyline.