8-Day South Korea Itinerary: Seoul, Nature, Culture & Gardens

Day 1: Arrival & Local Market

Seoul, South Korea on April 28, 2025

8:00am

Arrival at Incheon International Airport

Arrive at Incheon Airport and proceed through immigration before heading to your Seoul accommodation.
KWR0, 1h0m

10:00am

Hotel Check-in and Refresh

Settle into your hotel and freshen up for your first day in Seoul.
Variable, 1h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Tosokchon Samgyetang

Savor traditional Korean ginseng chicken soup, close to many central locations.
KWR15000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Visit Mangwon Market

Explore this vibrant traditional market to enjoy street food and local culture.
Free, 2h0m

3:30pm

Relax at Mangwon Hangang Park

Enjoy riverside views and take a gentle walk at this peaceful park.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Explore Hongdae Neighborhood

Experience the youthful vibes, street art, and cafes in this artsy district.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Yeonnam Seo Sikdang

Dine on Korean fusion dishes in a lively local restaurant.
KWR20000, 1h0m
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Day 2: Nature & Adventure

Gapyeong, South Korea on April 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a wholesome breakfast at the hotel.
Included or variable, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel to Nami Island

Head east to scenic Nami Island, famous for its beautiful tree-lined paths.
KWR13000, 1h30m travel

10:00am

Nami Island Exploration

Enjoy walking trails and photo opportunities amidst stunning natural scenery.
Included in ticket, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch near Nami Island

Dine at Seo’s Garden Restaurant serving fresh local Korean dishes.
KWR15000, 1h0m

1:45pm

Garden of Morning Calm Visit

Stroll through Korea’s beautifully landscaped seasonal botanical garden.
KWR9000, 1h30m

3:30pm

Gangchon Rail Bike

Experience scenic rail biking on countryside tracks until closing at 5:30pm.
KWR16000, 1h30m

5:30pm

Return to Seoul

Travel back to Seoul to rest and recharge for the evening.
Variable, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Jin Mi Prawns (Gangnam)

Enjoy flavorful marinated prawns at a lively Gangnam restaurant.
KWR20000, 1h0m
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Day 3: Gardens & Heritage

Seoul, South Korea on April 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Onion Anguk

Savor artisanal pastries and coffee in a traditional hanok-style cafe.
KWR8000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Wolhwawon Garden

Explore this tranquil traditional Korean garden showcasing seasonal beauty; a hidden gem in Seoul.
KWR5000, 1h30m

11:15am

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Tour Seoul’s largest and most iconic royal palace open 9:00am-6:00pm.
KWR3000, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Tosokchon Samgyetang

Enjoy nutritious and traditional Korean ginseng chicken soup nearby.
KWR15000, 1h0m

2:45pm

Walk Bukchon Hanok Village

Wander through well-preserved traditional Korean houses offering cultural insight.
Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Stroll Insadong

Browse antique shops, art galleries, and tea houses along Insadong’s main street.
Free, 1h0m

5:30pm

Discover Ikseondong

Experience the blend of traditional hanok atmosphere with trendy cafes and boutique shops.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cheongjinok

Taste classic Korean braised short ribs in a historic and flavorful setting.
KWR20000, 1h0m
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Day 4: Shopping & City Views

Seoul, South Korea on May 1, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Beansbins Coffee Myeongdong

Start with waffles and coffee in a popular Myeongdong cafe.
KWR10000, 1h0m

9:30am

Shop Myeongdong

Explore one of Seoul’s busiest districts for cosmetics, fashion, and street food.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Namsangol Hanok Village

Experience traditional Korean village life in the heart of Seoul, open until 9:00pm.
KWR3000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Myeongdong Kyoja

Famous for delicate knife-cut noodles and dumplings, a perfect local meal.
KWR12000, 1h0m

2:30pm

N Seoul Tower

Ascend for spectacular panoramic views of the city; open 10:00am - 11:00pm.
KWR12000, 2h0m

5:00pm

Cheonggyecheon Stream Walk

Relax with a picturesque stroll along this peaceful urban stream.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Myeongdong Gyoja

Enjoy traditional Korean dumplings and noodles in a casual setting.
KWR12000, 1h0m
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Day 5: Suwon Fortress

Seoul & Suwon, South Korea on May 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a hotel breakfast before traveling.
Included or variable, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel to Suwon

Take a one-hour trip to Suwon to explore its famed fortress wall.
KWR5000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Hwaseong Fortress

Wander this UNESCO World Heritage fortress showcasing Korean military architecture.
KWR10000, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Suwon Galbi Street

Savor Suwon’s renowned galbi (grilled beef ribs) at local eateries.
KWR20000, 1h0m

1:15pm

Suwon Hwaseong Museum

Learn the fortress’s history through engaging exhibits and multimedia.
KWR3000, 1h30m

2:45pm

Return to Seoul

Travel back to Seoul and enjoy some rest or free time.
KWR5000, 1h0m

6:30pm

Evening at Banpo Hangang Park

Relax by the Han River and watch the Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain show (spring: 8:00-9:00pm).
Free, 2h0m

8:30pm

Dinner near Banpo

Try Korean fried chicken at a local favorite near the park.
KWR18000, 1h0m
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Day 6: University & K-Pop

Seoul, South Korea on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Layered

Enjoy a sweet start to your day with delicious pastries near Hongdae.
KWR10000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Yonsei University

Explore one of Korea’s leading universities with beautiful campus grounds.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch Around Yonsei University

Choose from many student favorite cafes and eateries for an affordable meal.
KWR8000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Ktown4u Exploration

Dive into vibrant K-Pop culture, shops, and entertainment venues.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Free Time or Cafe Relaxation

Enjoy downtime exploring local areas or resting at your accommodation.
Free, 2h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at BBQ Olive Chicken

Taste savory Korean fried chicken with a variety of sauces.
KWR15000, 1h0m
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Day 7: Modern Seoul

Seoul, South Korea on May 4, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Starbucks Reserve COEX

Delight in specialty coffee at this architecturally stunning Starbucks inside COEX Mall.
KWR12000, 1h0m

9:30am

Coex Starfield Library

Visit the iconic library with towering bookshelves and a vibrant atmosphere.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

COEX Mall Exploration

Explore shopping, dining, and optional COEX Aquarium (open to 8:00pm).
Variable, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Mad For Garlic (COEX)

Savor Italian-inspired dishes with a Korean garlic twist in a lively environment.
KWR18000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Kwangya

Immerse yourself in the futuristic art, entertainment, and technology venue in Seoul.
Free to explore; optional fees for events, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner near Kwangya

Enjoy Korean fusion dishes at a stylish nearby restaurant to end the day.
KWR20000, 1h0m
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Day 8: Departure

Seoul, South Korea on May 5, 2025
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