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

Day 1: Arrival & Local Market

Seoul, South Korea on April 28, 2025

8:00am

Arrival at Incheon International Airport

Arrive at Incheon and proceed through immigration, then transfer to Seoul to start your visit.
KWR0, 1h0m

10:00am

Hotel Check-in and Refresh

Settle in and freshen up after your flight to prepare for the day ahead.
Variable, 1h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Tosokchon Samgyetang

Experience authentic ginseng chicken soup, a beloved Korean traditional dish near central Seoul.
KWR15000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Mangwon Market Exploration

Explore this lively traditional market offering street food, local snacks, and cultural vibrancy.
Free, 2h0m

3:30pm

Relax at Mangwon Hangang Park

Take a stroll along the Han River in this peaceful park to enjoy river views and fresh air.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Visit the Hongdae Neighborhood

Experience the youthful, artistic atmosphere with unique shops, street art, and cafes.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Yeonnam Seo Sikdang

Dine on creative Korean fusion dishes in a cozy and popular local restaurant.
KWR20000, 1h0m
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Day 2: Nature & Rail Bike

Gapyeong, South Korea on April 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a filling hotel breakfast to fuel up for a day outdoors.
Included or variable, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel to Nami Island

Travel approximately 1.5 hours east to Nami Island, famous for its tree-lined pathways and natural beauty.
KWR13000, 1h30m

10:00am

Explore Nami Island

Walk or bike along scenic routes surrounded by beautiful trees and seasonal landscapes.
Included in ticket, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Seo’s Garden Restaurant

Enjoy fresh and tasty Korean dishes close to Nami Island.
KWR15000, 1h0m

1:45pm

Garden of Morning Calm

Visit this stunning botanical garden featuring seasonal flowers and peaceful walking paths.
KWR9000, 1h30m

3:30pm

Gangchon Rail Bike Experience

Enjoy a unique rail biking adventure along scenic countryside tracks, ride closes at 5:30pm.
KWR16000, 1h30m

5:30pm

Return to Seoul

Head back to the city for an evening of rest and dinner.
Variable, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Jin Mi Prawns (Gangnam)

Savor flavorful marinated prawns and seafood in a warming atmosphere.
KWR20000, 1h0m
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Day 3: Palace & Hanok Village

Seoul, South Korea on April 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Onion Anguk

Relish delicious pastries and coffee served in a charming hanok-style setting.
KWR8000, 1h0m

9:30am

Gyeongbokgung Palace Tour

Explore the iconic royal palace of Korea, open from 9:00am to 6:00pm, and best known for its stunning architecture and changing of the guard ceremony.
KWR3000, 2h0m

11:45am

Lunch at Tosokchon Samgyetang

Enjoy the famed Korean ginseng chicken soup close to the palace area.
KWR15000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Walk Bukchon Hanok Village

Wander through traditional hanok houses and experience the charm of Seoul’s historic neighborhood.
Free, 1h30m

2:45pm

Visit Insadong

Browse unique antique shops, art galleries, and tea houses in a cultural hotspot.
Free, 1h0m

3:45pm

Explore Ikseondong

Discover trendy cafes and boutique shops within traditional hanok-style alleys.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Cheongjinok

Enjoy classic Korean braised short ribs in an authentic and historic setting.
KWR20000, 1h0m
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Day 4: Urban Views & Shopping

Seoul, South Korea on May 1, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Beansbins Coffee Myeongdong

Start with tasty waffles and coffee at a popular Myeongdong café.
KWR10000, 1h0m

9:30am

Shopping in Myeongdong

Explore bustling streets filled with fashion, beauty stores, and street food vendors.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Namsangol Hanok Village

Experience traditional Korean village lifestyle and cultural events; open until 9pm.
KWR3000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Myeongdong Kyoja

Enjoy legendary knife-cut noodles and dumplings in this well-loved local spot.
KWR12000, 1h0m

2:30pm

N Seoul Tower Visit

Ascend to the observation deck for panoramic views of Seoul; open 10:00am to 11:00pm.
KWR12000, 2h0m

5:00pm

Walk along Cheonggyecheon Stream

Relax by this modern urban stream with gentle walkways and lovely lighting.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Myeongdong Gyoja

Finish the day with tasty Korean dumplings and noodles in a casual atmosphere.
KWR12000, 1h0m
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Day 5: Suwon Fortress & Garden

Seoul & Suwon, South Korea on May 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty hotel breakfast before heading to Suwon.
Included or variable, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel to Suwon

Take about an hour trip to Suwon to explore its UNESCO World Heritage Fortress.
KWR5000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Hwaseong Fortress

Explore Korea’s impressive fortress walls and enjoy panoramic views around Suwon.
KWR10000, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Suwon Galbi Street

Savor grilled beef ribs at authentic local restaurants famous for this specialty.
KWR20000, 1h0m

1:15pm

Wolhwawon Garden Visit

Relax in this tranquil traditional Korean garden known for beautiful scenery and peaceful atmosphere.
KWR5000, 1h30m

2:45pm

Return to Seoul

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

6:30pm

Evening Visit to Banpo Hangang Park

Enjoy relaxing riverside views and watch the Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain show (spring season 8:00-9:00pm).
Free, 2h0m

8:30pm

Dinner near Banpo

Try Korea’s beloved fried chicken at a popular local location near the park.
KWR18000, 1h0m
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Day 6: Universities & K-Pop Culture

Seoul & Gimcheon, South Korea on May 3, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have an early breakfast to prepare for university visits that include some travel.
Included or variable, 1h0m

8:00am

Yonsei University Campus Visit

Explore one of South Korea's top universities and its picturesque campus grounds.
Free, 2h0m

10:30am

Travel to Gimcheon

Take approximately 2 hours by train or car south to Gimcheon for university visit.
KWR15000, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch near Gimcheon University

Enjoy a meal at a local restaurant popular with university students around Gimcheon.
KWR8000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Gimcheon University Visit

Tour the campus of Gimcheon University to experience another perspective of Korean education and culture.
Free, 1h30m

3:00pm

Return to Seoul

Travel back to Seoul to relax or explore local areas.
KWR15000, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at BBQ Olive Chicken

Delight in crispy and flavorful Korean fried chicken with various sauces.
KWR15000, 1h0m
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Day 7: Modern Seoul & Art

Seoul, South Korea on May 4, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Starbucks Reserve COEX

Enjoy specialty coffee in an architecturally impressive Starbucks inside COEX Mall.
KWR12000, 1h0m

9:30am

Coex Starfield Library

Visit the striking library known for towering bookshelves and an inspiring ambience.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

COEX Mall Shopping & Aquarium

Explore shops, dining options, and optionally visit the COEX Aquarium (open until 8:00pm).
Variable, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Mad For Garlic (COEX)

Enjoy Korean-Italian fusion dishes featuring savory garlic flavors in a modern setting.
KWR18000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Kwangya

Experience this futuristic entertainment and art complex highlighting next-gen culture and technology.
Free to explore; optional events may have fees, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner near Kwangya

Dine on contemporary Korean-inspired cuisine in a trendy nearby restaurant.
KWR20000, 1h0m
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Day 8: Departure

Seoul, South Korea on May 5, 2025
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