6-Day Seoul Foodie and Cultural Adventure on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Intro to Seoul

Seoul, South Korea

8:00AM

Breakfast at Isaac Toast

Start your day with a delicious Korean toast sandwich at Isaac Toast, known for their affordable and filling options.
Walk 10 minutes towards Myeongdong shopping district.
KRW 5,000, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Explore Gyeongbokgung Palace

Visit the magnificent Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main royal palace during the Joseon dynasty, and catch the changing of the guard ceremony.
Take subway Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station.
KRW 3,000, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Bukchon Hanok Village

Wander through Bukchon Hanok Village, an area characterized by traditional hanok houses offering a glimpse into Korea’s past.
Walk 15 minutes from Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Tosokchon Samgyetang

Indulge in the famous ginseng chicken soup at Tosokchon, a must-try local delicacy.
Take a 15-minute walk from Bukchon Hanok Village.
KRW 15,000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Insadong

Explore Insadong, known for its traditional crafts and art galleries, and don't forget to try some street snacks.
Walk 10 minutes from Tosokchon.
Free (snacks vary), 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Gogung

Try some authentic bibimbap at Gogung, a highly rated restaurant that’s perfect for a budget meal.
Take subway to Myeongdong Station.
KRW 10,000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Visit N Seoul Tower

Take a stroll up to N Seoul Tower for stunning panoramic views of the city at sunset.
Take the cable car from Myeongdong.
KRW 10,000, 1.5 hours

9:00PM

Late Night Snack at Dongdaemun Night Market

End your day at the Dongdaemun Night Market, sampling street food snacks like tteokbokki and hotteok.
Take subway to Dongdaemun Station.
KRW 5,000, 2 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Wonders

Seoul, South Korea

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Café

Enjoy a simple Korean breakfast at a local café, trying a bowl of juk (porridge).
Walk to the nearest café.
KRW 6,000, 30 minutes

9:00AM

National Museum of Korea

Spend some time discovering the National Museum of Korea, which showcases Korea's rich heritage.
Take subway to Ichon Station.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Sinsa-dong Garosu-gil

Head to Sinsa-dong for lunch at one of the trendy cafes or restaurants on Garosu-gil, known for its lively atmosphere.
Take subway to Sinsa Station.
KRW 12,000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Seoul Arts Center

Explore the Seoul Arts Center, where you can find beautiful art exhibitions and performances.
Take a short subway ride to Nambu Terminal.
Varies by exhibition, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit Cheonggyecheon Stream

Stroll along the serene Cheonggyecheon Stream, an oasis in the heart of the city.
Take subway to City Hall Station.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Gwangjang Market

Savor local street food delights including bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) at Gwangjang Market.
Walk 10 minutes from Cheonggyecheon Stream.
KRW 8,000, 1 hour

6:30PM

Explore Hongdae

Visit the vibrant and youthful neighborhood of Hongdae, famous for its nightlife and youthful culture.
Take subway to Hongik University Station.
Free, 2 hours

9:00PM

Late Night Dessert at Café Mamas

Treat yourself to a delicious dessert and refreshing drink at Café Mamas, popular for its seasonal fruit desserts.
Walk around Hongdae area.
KRW 7,000, 1 hour
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Day 3: Historical Highlights

Seoul, South Korea

8:00AM

Breakfast at A Twosome Place

Enjoy a morning coffee and pastry at A Twosome Place, an affordable cafe chain.
Walk to a nearby location.
KRW 5,000, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Visit Changdeokgung Palace

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Changdeokgung Palace and its beautiful Secret Garden.
Take subway to Anguk Station.
KRW 8,000, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Samcheong-dong

Try local delicacies in the charming streets of Samcheong-dong, choosing from several small eateries.
Walk from the palace.
KRW 10,000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore Namsangol Hanok Village

Visit Namsangol Hanok Village, where you can encounter traditional hanok houses and cultural programs.
Take a subway to Chungmuro Station.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the War Memorial of Korea

Dive into Korea's historical past at the War Memorial of Korea, highlighting military history.
Take subway to Samgakji Station.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Magal BBQ

Experience Korean BBQ at an affordable price at Magal BBQ, where you can grill fresh meat at your table.
Take subway to the nearest station.
KRW 15,000, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Evening Walk along the Han River

Enjoy a peaceful evening walk along the Han River, soaking in the beautiful riverside cityscape.
Take a bus to the Han River parks.
Free, 2 hours
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Day 4: Market Explorations

Seoul, South Korea

8:00AM

Breakfast at Paris Baguette

Grab a quick breakfast pastry and coffee at the ubiquitous Paris Baguette chain.
Walk to the nearest outlet.
KRW 6,000, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Visit Namdaemun Market

Explore Namdaemun Market, where you can find a variety of local goods and taste traditional street foods.
Take subway to Namdaemun Market Station.
Free (shopping costs vary), 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at a Local Street Vendor

Savor some quick and delicious street food, like gimbap or mandu, from a vendor at Namdaemun Market.
Available at the market.
KRW 5,000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

Visit the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, a modern architectural marvel and hub of design and fashion.
Walk 15 minutes from the market.
Free (exhibition costs vary), 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Experience the Dongdaemun Night Market

Return to Dongdaemun in the evening to experience the vibrant night market atmosphere.
Stay in Dongdaemun area from previous visit.
Varies (street food prices), 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner in Dongdaemun Night Market

Sampling various street foods from different stalls in Dongdaemun Night Market could be the highlight of your culinary journey.
On-site at the market.
KRW 10,000, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Explore the Night Life in Dongdaemun

Walk around and check out local shops and vibrant street performances happening around Dongdaemun.
Free exploration.
Free, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Art and Culture

Seoul, South Korea

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sulbing

Treat yourself to a signature Korean dessert at Sulbing, which also offers traditional breakfasts.
Walk to the nearest Sulbing outlet.
KRW 7,000, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Visit the Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art

Wander through the fascinating exhibits at the Leeum Museum, showcasing both traditional Korean art and contemporary pieces.
Take subway to Hangangjin Station.
KRW 10,000, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Itaewon

Head to Itaewon to explore various international cuisines and enjoy a budget-friendly meal.
Take subway to Itaewon Station.
KRW 12,000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore Itaewon

Discover the unique shops in Itaewon and its eclectic atmosphere, from vintage finds to trendy fashion.
Free wandering.
Free (shopping costs vary), 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit the Seoul Cathedral

Admire the majestic architecture of Seoul Cathedral, a prominent landmark in the city.
Take a short subway or walk from Itaewon.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Myeongdong Street Food Alley

End your day devouring a plethora of choices at Myeongdong's famous street food alley.
Take subway to Myeongdong Station.
KRW 10,000, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

K-Pop Concert or Performance

Check local listings for an opportunity to enjoy a live K-Pop concert or cultural performance to end your day on a high note.
Refer to local listings for venue information.
Varies by event, 2 hours
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Day 6: Final Discoveries

Seoul, South Korea

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Bakery

Grab a delicious pastry and coffee at a local bakery, energetizing you for your last day.
Walk to the nearest bakery.
KRW 5,000, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Visit Olympic Park

Take a leisurely stroll through the expansive Olympic Park and absorb its beautiful sculptures and gardens.
Take subway to Olympic Park Station.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at the Local Food Vendors

Sample some last-minute local delicacies from food vendors within the park area.
Available on-site.
KRW 5,000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Discover COEX Mall

Visit the COEX Mall for shopping and the famous Starfield Library.
Take subway to COEX Station.
Free (shopping costs vary), 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit Bongeunsa Temple

Conclude your trip with a visit to Bongeunsa Temple, providing a peaceful and reflective atmosphere.
Walk from COEX Mall.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Final Dinner at a Traditional Hanok Restaurant

Enjoy your farewell dinner at a traditional hanok restaurant, experiencing authentic Korean cuisine in a historic setting.
Take a subway to the nearest hanok restaurant area.
KRW 20,000, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Reflection at Han River

Spend the final evening reflecting by the Han River, cherishing the memories of your trip.
Take a subway to the Han River Parks.
Free, 1 hour
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