7 Days of City Experiences in Seoul

  • Day 1: Gyeongbokgung Palace
    10 minutes (2 miles) from Gangnam District

    The Gyeongbokgung Palace is a magnificent structure that was originally built in 1395. It is a great place to learn about the history of Korea and the Korean Royal Family. The palace is also surrounded by beautiful gardens and is home to numerous displays of Korean art and artifacts.

  • Day 2: Myeong-dong
    20 minutes (5 miles) from Gyeongbokgung Palace

    Myeong-dong is a popular shopping district in Seoul, known for its street food, beauty shops, and fashion boutiques. It is a bustling area that is always alive with energy and is the perfect destination for travelers who love to shop and explore new cultures.

  • Day 3: Namsan Tower
    15 minutes (4 miles) from Myeong-dong

    The Namsan Tower, also known as the Seoul Tower, is a landmark and observation tower in Seoul that offers stunning views of the city. The tower is located on top of Namsan Mountain and is accessible by cable car or by hiking up the mountain. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city from observation decks on the tower.

  • Day 4: Bukchon Hanok Village
    20 minutes (5 miles) from Namsan Tower

    Bukchon Hanok Village is a traditional Korean village that showcases the beauty of traditional Korean architecture. Visitors can walk the narrow alleyways and admire the traditional homes known as hanoks, which have been preserved for hundreds of years. There are also numerous traditional tea houses and art galleries to explore.

  • Day 5: Jongmyo Shrine
    15 minutes (3 miles) from Bukchon Hanok Village

    Jongmyo Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is dedicated to the ancestral spirits of the Korean Royal Family. It is a beautiful and peaceful place to explore and learn about Korean history and culture.

  • Day 6: Lotte World
    30 minutes (10 miles) from Jongmyo Shrine

    Lotte World is a massive indoor amusement park that offers something for everyone, from thrilling roller coasters to baby-friendly rides. The park is also home to an ice rink, a 4D cinema, and numerous restaurants and food vendors.

  • Day 7: Gangnam District
    10 minutes (2 miles) from Lotte World

    Gangnam District is a modern and trendy district in Seoul that is famous for its shopping and nightlife. Visitors can shop at luxury boutiques, dine at acclaimed restaurants, and dance the night away at one of the district's many clubs and bars.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Gyeongbokgung Palace (3 hours, free admission)
  • Myeong-dong (4 hours, $-$$$)
  • Namsan Tower (2 hours, $12-15)
  • Bukchon Hanok Village (2 hours, free admission)
  • Jongmyo Shrine (2 hours, $5-7)
  • Lotte World (6 hours, $45-50)
  • Gangnam District (3 hours, $-$$$)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $70-80

Transportation

Travelers in Seoul can get around using the subway, bus, taxi, or by walking. The subway and bus systems are efficient and affordable, with fares starting at $1. The taxi service is also reliable but can be more expensive. A T-Money card is recommended for easy payment and discounts on fares. It is also recommended to avoid driving in the city due to heavy traffic and limited parking.

Useful tips

If you have extra time, consider visiting the National Museum of Korea, which is the largest museum in Korea and offers a fascinating look into Korean history and culture. For those who love Korean food, take a cooking class and learn to make traditional dishes like kimchi and bulgogi. If you have less time, consider combining Myeong-dong and Namsan Tower into one day since they are relatively close to each other.

Airports

Seoul has two major airports: Incheon International Airport (ICN) and Gimpo International Airport (GMP). Incheon is the larger and more modern of the two airports and is located approximately 30 miles from the city center. Gimpo is much closer to the city center, with a distance of approximately 10 miles from downtown Seoul.

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