Affordable Seven-Day Itinerary for Exploring Seoul, South Korea

Day 1: Arrival Day

Seoul, South Korea on March 19, 2025

3:00PM

Incheon International Airport Arrival

Arrive at Incheon International Airport, go through customs, and take the Airport Railroad Express to downtown Seoul.
KRW 10,000, 1 hour

4:30PM

Check-in at Guesthouse

Check into an affordable guesthouse in the Hongdae area, known for its vibrant atmosphere and budget-friendly options.
KRW 30,000, 30 minutes

5:30PM

Dinner at Samgyeopsal

Enjoy a budget-friendly dinner at a local samgyeopsal restaurant, where you can grill pork belly at your table.
KRW 10,000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Historical Exploration

Seoul, South Korea on March 20, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Bakery

Start your day with a traditional Korean breakfast pastry from a local bakery in Hongdae.
KRW 3,000, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Visit the largest palace in Seoul, known for its beautiful architecture and changing of the guard ceremony.
KRW 3,000, 2 hours

11:30AM

Bukchon Hanok Village

Stroll through this historic village with traditional Korean houses and picturesque alleys.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at a Local Eatery

Enjoy bibimbap or a hot bowl of kimchi jjigae at an affordable local eatery in Bukchon.
KRW 6,000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Insadong Street

Explore this cultural district filled with shops selling traditional crafts and souvenirs.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at a Street Food Market

Sample various K-food at the nearby Gwangjang Market, famous for its street food offerings.
KRW 5,000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Cultural Immersion

Seoul, South Korea on March 21, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Guesthouse

Enjoy a simple breakfast at your guesthouse, often included in the stay.
KRW 0, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Jogyesa Temple

Visit this serene Buddhist temple, perfect for meditation and appreciating traditional architecture.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Changdeokgung Palace

Take a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its gardens.
KRW 3,000, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Insadong

Feast on a traditional Korean meal at a local restaurant, offering affordable lunch sets.
KRW 6,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Seoul Museum of Art

Check out contemporary Korean art exhibits and installations.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at Local BBQ

Enjoy inexpensive grilled meat and side dishes at a local BBQ spot in the area.
KRW 8,000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: City Landmarks

Seoul, South Korea on March 22, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Thomas Cafe

Grab a light breakfast at this affordable cafe known for its coffee and pastries.
KRW 5,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

N Seoul Tower

Take the cable car or hike to Namsan Park to reach the iconic tower with panoramic city views.
KRW 10,000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Myeongdong Street

Visit one of the many food stalls in Myeongdong for tteokbokki and hotteok.
KRW 5,000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Shopping in Myeongdong

Explore the trendy shops and cosmetics stores in Myeongdong for affordable souvenirs.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Street Performances & Cultural Activities

Enjoy various street performances and cultural activities in Myeongdong.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at a Local Kimbap Shop

Try kimbap, Korea's sushi rolls, at a budget-friendly kimbap shop.
KRW 4,000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Historical Insights

Seoul, South Korea on March 23, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Guesthouse

Have breakfast at your guesthouse before heading out on your day trip.
KRW 0, 30 minutes

8:00AM

DMZ Day Trip

Join a budget-friendly tour to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) to learn about North-South Korean relations.
KRW 40,000, 6 hours

2:30PM

Lunch in a Local Restaurant near DMZ

Satisfy your hunger at a local restaurant during your Elimination Day trip.
KRW 8,000, 1 hour

4:00PM

Return to Seoul

Head back to Seoul and relax at your guesthouse.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Shinchon

End your day with a delicious meal at an affordable restaurant in Shinchon area with various options.
KRW 8,000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Exploring Modern Seoul

Seoul, South Korea on March 24, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Cafe in Hongdae

Enjoy a coffee and pastry at one of the many cafes in the trendy Hongdae area.
KRW 5,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Hongdae

Explore this vibrant neighborhood known for its street art, music, and youthful energy.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Local Vegan Spot

Try delicious vegan bibimbap at a budget-friendly vegan restaurant.
KRW 8,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Yeouido Park

Relax in this scenic park, ideal for picnics and leisurely walks along the Han River.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at Han River Food Stalls

Indulge in affordable food options from the various stalls along the Han River.
KRW 6,000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Last Day and Shopping

Seoul, South Korea on March 25, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Guesthouse

Enjoy your final breakfast at the guesthouse before checking out.
KRW 0, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Shopping in Dongdaemun Market

Visit this massive shopping area famous for clothing and fabrics at inexpensive prices.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Grilled Cheese Restaurant

Grab a quick and affordable grilled cheese sandwich at a popular eatery.
KRW 4,000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Final Souvenir Shopping

Enjoy last-minute shopping for souvenirs in the Dongdaemun area.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Departure to Incheon International Airport

Check out of your guesthouse and head back to Incheon International Airport for departure.
KRW 10,000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability