Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Exploring Seoul, South Korea

Day 1: Cultural Adventures

Seoul, South Korea

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Gwangjang Market

Kick off your day with a delicious and budget-friendly breakfast of Bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and some hotteok (sweet pancakes) at Gwangjang Market, which is known for its vibrant food scene.
Walk to Gwangjang Market from your accommodation or use the subway to Jongno 5-ga Station.
KRW 5,000, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore Gyeongbokgung Palace

Visit the iconic Gyeongbokgung Palace, where you can delve into Korea's rich history and witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
Take subway line 3 from Jongno 5-ga to Gyeongbokgung Station, exit 5.
KRW 3,000, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village

Wander the charming streets of Bukchon Hanok Village, filled with traditional hanoks, and appreciate the architecture.
Walk to Bukchon Hanok Village (approx. 15-minute walk).
Free, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at a Local Eatery

Enjoy a cheap lunch of Bibimbap at one of the local eateries in Bukchon, a beloved Korean mixed rice dish.
Choose any restaurant nearby.
KRW 8,000, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit Insadong

Explore Insadong, famous for its traditional crafts and tea houses; be sure to check out the small artisan shops.
Walk to Insadong (approx. 10-minute walk).
Free, 2 hours

3:30 PM

Tea Time at a Traditional Tea House

Experience traditional Korean tea culture at a quaint teahouse, where you can sip on freshly brewed herbal tea.
Select any tea house in the area.
KRW 5,000, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Visit Cheonggyecheon Stream

Stroll along Cheonggyecheon Stream to unwind, enjoy the soothing sound of water, and take in the city's atmosphere.
Take a short walk from Insadong.
Free, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Gwangjang Market

Head back to Gwangjang Market for dinner, where you can enjoy cheap and delicious Korean street food such as Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes).
Walk back to Gwangjang Market.
KRW 6,000, 1 hour
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Day 2: Hidden Gems

Seoul, South Korea

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Your Accommodation or Nearby

Enjoy a budget breakfast at your accommodation or grab a quick snack like a Kimbap (Korean rice roll) from a local convenience store.
No transport needed.
KRW 3,000, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Hike Namsan Mountain

Start your day with a scenic hike up Namsan Mountain, which provides stunning views of the city, and find the iconic N Seoul Tower.
Use the subway to Myeongdong Station, then walk to the base of the mountain.
Free, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Visit N Seoul Tower

Though you can hike for free, consider going to the top of N Seoul Tower for panoramic views of the city (optional entrance fee).
Proceed into the tower area.
KRW 10,000 (optional), 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Myeongdong Street

Head for lunch at Myeongdong Street, where you can indulge in affordable street food including spicy grilled chicken skewers and mandu (dumplings).
Subway back to Myeongdong and take a stroll down the shopping street.
KRW 7,000, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Explore Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Visit the sleekly designed Dongdaemun Design Plaza, where you can enjoy both architecture and free exhibitions.
Take line 4 from Myeongdong Station to Dongdaemun Station.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Walk through Dongdaemun Market

Experience the lively Dongdaemun Market, known for its fashion and cheap deals, perfect for a little window shopping.
Walk to the nearby Dongdaemun Market.
Free, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Visit the War Memorial of Korea

End your trip with a visit to the War Memorial of Korea, which offers insightful exhibits about Korea's military history and is free of charge.
Take subway line 4 to Samgakji Station.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at a Local Korean BBQ

Enjoy your last dinner with a meal of Korean BBQ (consider a set meal for budget) at a local eatery known for its charcoal grilling.
Choose a BBQ restaurant in the area around your accommodation.
KRW 15,000, 1.5 hours
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