6-Day South Korea Itinerary: Exploring Seoul and Nami Island

Day 1: Historic Seoul

Seoul, South Korea on April 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tosokchon Samgyetang

Start your day with a hearty traditional Korean ginseng chicken soup at Tosokchon, well-known for its authentic flavors and proximity to Gyeongbokgung Palace.
KRW15000, 1h

9:30am

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Explore Seoul’s largest royal palace, famous for its beautiful architecture and the changing of the guard ceremony at the main gate.
KRW3000, 2h

11:45am

National Folk Museum of Korea

Located within the Gyeongbokgung Palace grounds, this museum offers insight into Korean cultural history with engaging exhibits.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Bukchon Son Mandu

Enjoy delicious homemade Korean dumplings in the Bukchon Hanok Village area, a great spot to rest and appreciate traditional architecture.
KRW10000, 1h

2:15pm

Bukchon Hanok Village

Stroll through this picturesque neighborhood with traditional Korean houses and scenic alleys, perfect for photography and cultural immersion.
Free, 1.5h

4:00pm

Insadong Cultural Street

Browse shops selling Korean crafts, art, and souvenirs along this lively street renowned for its tea houses and street food.
Varies, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Sanchon

Experience traditional Korean temple cuisine in a serene setting offering beautifully prepared dishes that celebrate natural ingredients.
KRW40000, 1.5h

Day 2: Cultural and Modern Seoul

Seoul, South Korea on April 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Onion Anguk

Enjoy freshly baked pastries and superior coffee in this trendy hanok-style cafe located near Anguk Station.
KRW12000, 1h

9:30am

Changdeokgung Palace and Secret Garden

Tour this UNESCO World Heritage site and its exquisitely landscaped Secret Garden reserved for royal leisure.
KRW3000 + KRW5000 for Secret Garden tour, 3h

12:45pm

Lunch at Jirisan Restaurant

Taste authentic Korean mountain cuisine with specialties like herb chicken and savory stews.
KRW20000, 1h

2:00pm

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

Explore futuristic architecture and enjoy exhibitions and design markets at this popular cultural hub.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Shopping at Dongdaemun Market

Browse one of Seoul’s largest and most energetic shopping districts for fashion, textiles, and street food.
Varies, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Jinokhwa Halmae Wonjo Dakhanmari

Savor a classic Korean chicken hot pot in a bustling restaurant that locals love for its simplicity and flavor.
KRW15000, 1.5h

Day 3: Art & Trendy Neighborhoods

Seoul, South Korea on April 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Anthracite Coffee Hapjeong

Relax with specialty coffee in an industrial-style space featuring locally roasted beans and fresh pastries.
KRW12000, 1h

9:30am

Hongdae Free Market & Street Art

Discover local artists’ work and vibrant street performances in the youthful and artistic Hongdae district (open weekends only).
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Myth Jokbal

Try jokbal (braised pig’s trotters), a beloved Korean dish, in one of Hongdae’s recommended restaurants.
KRW20000, 1h

1:30pm

Trick Eye Museum & Ice Museum

Enjoy interactive optical illusion art and a cool ice sculpture museum for fun photo opportunities.
KRW17000, 1.5h

3:30pm

Ihwa Mural Village

Walk through a neighbourhood filled with colorful murals and sculptures created by local artists rejuvenating the area.
Free, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Mapo Jeong Daepo

Enjoy Korean BBQ with fresh cuts of meat in a lively atmosphere popular with locals and tourists alike.
KRW35000, 2h

Day 4: Nami Island Adventure

Gapyeong, South Korea on April 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby cafe

Fuel up early for a day trip with a quick and convenient breakfast at your accommodation or a local café.
Varies, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Nami Island

Take the subway and a short ferry ride to Nami Island, famous for its beautiful tree-lined paths and natural beauty.
KRW13000 (round trip ferry + entrance), 1.5h

9:30am

Nami Island Stroll

Explore scenic paths, art installations, and charming cafés on this picturesque half-moon shaped island.
Included above, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Nammoon Restaurant on Nami

Sample Korean fusion cuisine in a cozy atmosphere right on the island, with views of the Han River.
KRW15000, 1h

1:45pm

Visit Petite France

Short bus ride from Nami Island, this colorful French-style cultural village features architecture, performances, and museums.
KRW8000, 2h

4:00pm

Return to Seoul

Travel back to Seoul for dinner and rest after a full day of exploration.
Included in earlier transportation fare, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Myeongdong Kyoja

Enjoy famous handmade noodles and dumplings in the vibrant Myeongdong shopping district.
KRW10000, 1h

Day 5: Shopping & Entertainment

Seoul, South Korea on April 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at BeansBins Coffee

Start your day with excellent hand-drip coffee and waffles in a cozy coffeehouse chain known for quality.
KRW10000, 1h

9:30am

COEX Mall and Aquarium

Explore Asia’s largest underground shopping mall and its well-curated aquarium with diverse marine life.
Mall free, Aquarium KRW28000, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Bongeunsa Temple Food Court

Sample vegetarian temple cuisine in the peaceful atmosphere near COEX, a unique cultural experience.
KRW12000, 1h

2:30pm

Gangnam District Exploration

Walk around bustling Gangnam to experience trendy shopping, stylish cafes, and K-pop hotspots.
Varies, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Hanilkwan

Dine on premium Korean BBQ and traditional dishes in one of Gangnam's most reputable restaurants.
KRW45000, 1.5h

Day 6: Relax & Last-Minute

Seoul, South Korea on April 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at your hotel or local cafe

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast to prepare for your departure day.
Varies, 1h

9:30am

Visit Namsan Seoul Tower

Take a gentle hike or cable car up to Namsan Tower for panoramic city views and scenic walking trails.
KRW11000 (cable car round trip + tower observatory), 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Tosokchon Samgyetang (if missed on Day 1)

Revisit this beloved spot for nutritious ginseng chicken soup or explore a local restaurant nearby.
KRW15000, 1h

1:30pm

Cheonggyecheon Stream Walk

Stroll along this relaxing urban stream in the heart of Seoul, perfect for photos and unwinding.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Last-minute shopping at Myeongdong

Pick up souvenirs, K-beauty products, and snacks before heading to the airport.
Varies, 2h

5:30pm

Depart for airport

Allow sufficient time to travel to Incheon International Airport for your onward journey.
KRW15000 (airport express bus), 1h