Relaxing 7-Day Itinerary in Seoul

Friday, December 1: Arrival in Seoul

Welcome to the vibrant city of Seoul! After checking in to your hotel, start your trip by enjoying some relaxation in the historic Bukchon Hanok Village. In the morning, take a leisurely walk through the traditional Korean houses (hanoks) and admire the beautiful architecture. For the afternoon, head to Namsan Park and hike up to N Seoul Tower for breathtaking panoramic views of the city. In the evening, visit Myeongdong Street for some retail therapy and try out delicious street food.

• Bukchon Hanok Village: No entrance fee, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
• N Seoul Tower: Entrance fee: approximately KRW 11,000, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
• Myeongdong Street: No entrance fee, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours

Restaurants

• Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Le Petit Café, located in the heart of Bukchon Hanok Village. This cozy café offers a variety of freshly baked pastries and artisanal coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 15,000 KRW per person.
• For a satisfying lunch, head to Jinsun Jokbal, a local favorite known for its mouthwatering braised pig's trotters. The tender meat and flavorful marinade make for a hearty meal. Average cost for a meal is about 20,000 KRW per person.
• Indulge in a memorable dinner experience at Mapo Jeong Daepo, a renowned Korean barbecue restaurant in Myeongdong. Enjoy grilling a selection of high-quality beef and pork cuts, accompanied by an array of delicious sides. Average cost for a meal is about 30,000 KRW per person.

Saturday, December 2: Relaxation in Day Spas

Indulge in some relaxation at Seoul's renowned day spas. Start your morning by visiting Dragon Hill Spa, one of the city's largest and most popular bathhouses. Enjoy various hot tubs, saunas, and traditional Korean spa treatments. In the afternoon, head to Spa Lei for a rejuvenating experience. Unwind in their serene atmosphere and pamper yourself with luxurious treatments. For the evening, take a leisurely stroll along Cheonggyecheon Stream, a beautiful urban oasis in the heart of the city.

• Dragon Hill Spa: Entrance fee: approximately KRW 15,000, estimated time spent: 3-4 hours
• Spa Lei: Treatment prices vary, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
• Cheonggyecheon Stream: No entrance fee, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours

Sunday, December 3: Cultural Immersion

Immerse yourself in Seoul's rich culture and history. Start your morning at Gyeongbokgung Palace, the grandest of Seoul's five palaces, and witness the changing of the guard ceremony. In the afternoon, explore Insadong, a neighborhood known for its traditional Korean crafts and tea houses. Visit the National Museum of Korea to delve deeper into the country's history. For the evening, experience a traditional hanbok photoshoot to capture beautiful memories.

• Gyeongbokgung Palace: Entrance fee: approximately KRW 3,000, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
• Insadong: No entrance fee, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
• National Museum of Korea: Entrance fee: approximately KRW 4,000, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
• Hanbok Photoshoot: Prices vary, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours

Monday, December 4: Nature Retreat

Escape the bustling city and unwind in the serene nature spots surrounding Seoul. Start your morning by visiting Nami Island, a charming island known for its beautiful landscapes. Take a leisurely stroll along tree-lined paths and enjoy picturesque views. In the afternoon, head to Garden of Morning Calm, a stunning botanical garden filled with various flowers and plants. Complete your day by relaxing at the famous Gangnam COEX Starfield Library, diving into a world of books.

• Nami Island: Entrance fee: approximately KRW 13,000 (including ferry), estimated time spent: 4-5 hours
• Garden of Morning Calm: Entrance fee: approximately KRW 9,500, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
• Gangnam COEX Starfield Library: No entrance fee, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours

Tuesday, December 5: Wellness and Serenity

Embrace wellness and find inner peace through yoga and meditation experiences in Seoul. Join a morning yoga class at Seoul Forest Park, a scenic oasis in the city. Afterward, head to the Bongeunsa Temple, where you can participate in a meditation session and learn about Buddhist teachings. In the afternoon, pamper yourself with a spa treatment at the Korean herbal medicine clinic, where you can indulge in traditional healing therapies. In the evening, enjoy a peaceful walk along the Hangang River.

• Seoul Forest Park: No entrance fee, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
• Bongeunsa Temple: Donations are welcome, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
• Korean Herbal Medicine Clinic: Treatment prices vary, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
• Hangang River: No entrance fee, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• Breakfast: Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Cafe Onion. This cozy cafe offers a variety of freshly baked pastries and handcrafted coffee. The average cost for a meal is about 15,000 KRW per person.
• Lunch: For a satisfying lunch, head to Gwangjang Market. This bustling market is known for its delicious street food, including bibimbap and bindaetteok. You can enjoy a tasty lunch here for an average cost of 10,000 KRW per person.
• Dinner: Indulge in a sumptuous dinner at Jungsik. This Michelin-starred restaurant offers contemporary Korean cuisine with a creative twist. The average cost for a meal is about 100,000 KRW per person.

Wednesday, December 6: City Exploration

Explore Seoul's modern side and iconic landmarks. Start your morning at COEX Mall, one of the largest underground shopping centers in Asia. Enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment options. In the afternoon, visit the SMTOWN Museum, a must-visit for K-Pop fans to learn about the Korean music industry. For the evening, take a stroll along the vibrant streets of Hongdae, known for its lively nightlife and street performances.

• COEX Mall: No entrance fee, estimated time spent: 3-4 hours
• SMTOWN Museum: Entrance fee: approximately KRW 18,000, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
• Hongdae: No entrance fee, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours

Thursday, December 7: Farewell to Seoul

Spend your last day in Seoul by enjoying scenic views from Namsan Hanok Village. Take a cable car ride up to Namsan Mountain and visit the traditional Korean houses. In the afternoon, explore the trendy neighborhood of Itaewon, known for its international cuisine and shopping options. End your trip by relaxing at Spa Plus, indulging in their exquisite facilities and treatments. Cherish the memories made in Seoul.

• Namsan Hanok Village: No entrance fee, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
• Itaewon: No entrance fee, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
• Spa Plus: Treatment prices vary, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

If you have extra time, consider exploring the following hidden gems and local favorites in Seoul:

- Bukhansan National Park: Take a hike in this beautiful mountain park just outside the city for breathtaking views and nature experiences.

- Ihwa Mural Village: Wander through the streets adorned with colorful murals and street art, offering a unique and artistic atmosphere.

- Garosu-gil: Explore this tree-lined street in Gangnam, famous for its boutique shops, trendy cafes, and fashionable vibe.

- Eungbongsan Mountain: Enjoy a peaceful hike in this lesser-known mountain with scenic views and serene trails.

- Hangang Park: Relax by the Han River and rent a bicycle or have a picnic while enjoying the serene ambiance.

- Kwangjang Market: Dive into the local street food scene and try traditional Korean dishes at this bustling market.

Before starting your journey, make sure to check hotel and flight prices to find the best deals and accommodation options for your relaxing trip to Seoul.