K-Food, Budget-Friendly, and Black Pink: 7-Day Itinerary in Korea

  • Day 1: Gyeongbokgung Palace
    10 minutes (3.6 km) from Myeong-dong

    Start your trip in Korea by visiting the iconic Gyeongbokgung Palace, known for its traditional architectural styles and historical significance. Take a free English tour to learn about Korean history and culture. Don't miss the changing of the guards ceremony in front of the main gate at 10 AM and 2 PM.

  • Day 2: Nami Island
    1 hour 20 minutes (85 km) from Gyeongbokgung Palace

    Take a day trip to Nami Island, a picturesque half-moon shaped island with breathtaking scenery. Walk along the tree-lined roads, visit the Winter Sonata filming locations, and have lunch at the famous street food stalls. Enjoy nature with a bike rental or a zip-lining adventure.

  • Day 3: Gwangjang Market
    25 minutes (13 km) from Nami Island

    Experience the bustling atmosphere of a traditional Korean market at Gwangjang Market, where you can find all kinds of Korean street foods, handmade goods, and textiles. Try the signature dish, bindaetteok (mung bean pancake), at the oldest bindaetteok stall in Korea or enjoy other local delicacies.

  • Day 4: Gangnam District
    30 minutes (20.3 km) from Gwangjang Market

    Explore the trendy and upscale area of Gangnam District, a hub for shopping, entertainment, and nightlife. Visit the Garosu-gil road for the boutiques and cafes, have a Korean-style barbecue for dinner, and check out COEX Mall for shopping or the K-Star road to see sculptures of famous K-Pop stars.

  • Day 5: Jeonju Hanok Village
    2 hours 20 minutes (157 km) from Gangnam District

    Visit Jeonju Hanok Village, a well-preserved traditional village in Jeonju city, known for its historic hanok (Korean traditional houses), local delicacies such as bibimbap, and traditional crafts such as hanji (Korean paper). Enjoy a stroll through the narrow alleys and take photos in the quintessential hanok settings.

  • Day 6: Blackpink Concert
    3 hours (168 km) from Jeonju Hanok Village

    Lucky for you, Blackpink is in town for a concert! Immerse yourself in the K-Pop culture and watch the performance of one of the hottest girl groups in Korea. Sing along to their hits and dance in the crowd at the venue. Don't forget to buy some exclusive Blackpink merchandise before you leave.

  • Day 7: Chuncheon Myeong-dong Dakgalbi Alley
    1 hour 30 minutes (118 km) from Blackpink Concert

    End your trip with a mouth-watering meal at the famous Chuncheon Myeong-dong Dakgalbi Alley, where you can try the signature dish of Chuncheon, spicy stir-fried chicken with vegetables in a hot plate. The alley offers various dakgalbi restaurants with different recipes and levels of spiciness.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Gyeongbokgung Palace (2 hours, free)
  • Nami Island (6 hours, 13,000 KRW for entrance fee and round trip ferry)
  • Gwangjang Market (2 hours, budget-friendly food options)
  • Gangnam District (4 hours, shopping and food options at various price points)
  • Jeonju Hanok Village (4 hours, free entrance with optional activities)
  • Blackpink Concert (3 hours, ticket price varies)
  • Chuncheon Myeong-dong Dakgalbi Alley (2 hours, 13,000-15,000 KRW per person for dakgalbi)

  • Total Estimated Costs: 200,000-300,000 KRW (~170-250 USD) excluding Blackpink concert ticket

Transportation

Most of the destinations in this itinerary can be accessed by public transportation such as subway, bus, or train. T-money card is recommended for easy payment. However, for Nami Island and Jeonju Hanok Village, taking a tour bus or a taxi may be faster and more convenient. The travel costs vary depending on the mode of transportation, but budget around 10,000-20,000 KRW per person for a round trip.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting other attractions such as Lotte World, Dongdaemun Market, or Bukchon Hanok Village. If you have less time, prioritize the must-visit places and adjust the itinerary accordingly. Keep in mind that some places, especially the Blackpink concert, require advance booking, so plan ahead.

Airports

In Korea, there are two major airports: Incheon International Airport (ICN) and Gimpo International Airport (GMP). ICN is the main gateway and is located about 52 km west of Seoul, while GMP is located about 16 km southwest of Seoul. Both airports offer various transportation options such as airport buses, subway, and taxis to get to the city center.

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