5-Day Affordable Korea Itinerary: Food, Shopping, Palaces & Hanbok Experience

Day 1: City Arrival & Palaces

Seoul, South Korea on April 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tosokchon Samgyetang

Enjoy hearty ginseng chicken soup, a renowned dish here, perfect to start your Korea adventure. Opens at 10:00am, so plan accordingly.
KRW15000 per person (~$12), 1h

10:30am

Rent Hanbok from Daehan Hanbok Gyeongbokgung Hanbok Rental

Rent traditional Hanboks for a picturesque visit to nearby Gyeongbokgung Palace. Rental approx KRW20000-30000 (~$15-22) for 2-3 hours.
KRW25000 average (~$19), 2h

11:00am

Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace

Explore this iconic palace, taking photos in your Hanbok to avoid crowds head early. Entry fee KRW3000 (~$2.5).
KRW3000, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at 유쾌한육회 (Yukhoe Restaurant)

Enjoy fresh Korean raw beef tartare, a delicacy. Expect spending KRW12000-18000 (~$10-14) per person.
KRW15000 average (~$12), 1h

2:30pm

Shopping for skincare and clothes in Myeongdong

Explore popular skincare shops like Innisfree, Etude House and fashion boutiques. No entry fee, purchases depend on budget.
Free entry, shopping varies, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Piggy Bank

Savour Korean BBQ pork dishes in this cosy restaurant, great for groups. Dinner costs approx KRW18000 per person (~$14).
KRW18000, 1.5h

7:45pm

Return to hotel by subway

Take Seoul Subway Line 4 for easy access back to your hotel. Average fare KRW1350 (~$1.10), travel time 30 mins.
KRW1350, 30m

8:30pm

Check-in at Budget Hotel

Stay in a centrally located single room for three, under $100 per night with convenient train access. Examples include Hotel Skypark Myeongdong IV (~$90/night).
$90, Overnight
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Day 2: Market & Street Food

Seoul, South Korea on April 20, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby cafe

Light breakfast before market explorations. Approx KRW7000 ($5.50).
KRW7000, 1h

10:00am

Visit Namdaemun Market and shop at Yangmiok Namdaemun Branch

Explore this historic large market, great for fashion and accessories. Try local snacks. Free entry, shopping cost varies.
Free entry, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at 양미옥 남대문점 (Yangmiok Namdaemun Branch)

Enjoy traditional Korean beef dishes at this famous restaurant. Meal approx KRW12000-15000 (~$10-12).
KRW13000, 1h

1:30pm

Head to Gwangjang Market for iconic Korean street foods

Try bindaetteok (mung bean pancake), mayak gimbap and various street delights. Market opens 9:00am to 10:00pm.
KRW5000-10000 (~$4-$8) per person, 2h

4:00pm

Visit Gyeongdong Market next door

Specialises in traditional herbs and Korean medicine, a cultural delight. Free entry.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Odarijip Ganjang Gejang

Enjoy soy marinated crab, a local favourite. Costs approx KRW20000 per person (~$15).
KRW20000, 1.5h

8:00pm

Return to hotel by subway

Use subway lines from Jongno 5-ga or Jongno 3-ga stations, fare KRW1350, about 30 minutes travel.
KRW1350, 30m
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Day 3: Wholesale & BBQ

Seoul, South Korea on April 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby cafe

Early light meal before day of wholesale shopping. KRW7000 (~$5.50).
KRW7000, 1h

9:00am

Train to Traders Wholesale Club - Cheonan-Asan

Take KTX (Korea Train Express) from Seoul Station to Cheonan-Asan Station. Tickets cost approx KRW12000 ($9), travel time about 40 minutes.
KRW12000, 40m

10:00am

Shopping at Traders Wholesale Club

Bulk buying and wholesale fashion, clothes, cosmetics with good prices. No entry fee, spending depends on purchases.
Free entry, 3h

1:00pm

Return train to Seoul Station

Same KTX route, KRW12000, 40 minutes.
KRW12000, 40m

2:00pm

Lunch at Hanam Pig House Poongsan

Enjoy famous Korean pork BBQ that's locally treasured. Approx KRW20000 per person (~$15).
KRW20000, 1.5h

4:00pm

Shopping at Costco Seoul

Visit Costco branch for groceries, imported goods and more. Entry with membership card only. Many items at discounted prices.
Membership required, no entry fee, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at 대한족발보쌈 (Korean pork feet and boiled pork)

Famous for delicious jokbal and bossam dishes, experience must-try Korean food. Costs approx KRW18000 per person.
KRW18000, 1.5h

9:00pm

Return to hotel

By subway or taxi, approx KRW1350 (~$1) and 30-min travel time.
KRW1350, 30m
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Day 4: Outlet Shopping

Near Seoul, South Korea on April 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast near hotel

Quick breakfast with local pastries or coffee. KRW7000 (~$5.50)
KRW7000, 1h

9:00am

Train to Icheon Premium Outlets

Take subway and bus combination from Seoul to Icheon Outlet, travel approx 1.5 hour. Bus fare approx KRW2500 ($2), subway KRW1250.
KRW3750, 1.5h

10:30am

Shopping at Icheon Premium Outlets

Great deals on international brands with outlet prices. No entry fee.
Free, 4h

2:30pm

Return to Seoul

Take same bus/subway route, approx 1.5h.
KRW3750, 1.5h

4:30pm

Visit Omiga for traditional Korean cuisine

Taste authentic Korean dishes in a traditional setting. Meals approx KRW15000-20000 (~$12-15).
KRW17500 average, 1.5h

6:30pm

Free evening: relax or explore Myeongdong and buy skincare

Last chance to buy skincare products and souvenirs in bustling Myeongdong shopping area.
Free entry, shopping varies, 2h
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Day 5: Last Day & Departure

Seoul, South Korea on April 23, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at local cafe

Casual breakfast of coffee and pastries before final shopping and sightseeing. KRW7000 (~$5.50).
KRW7000, 1h

10:00am

Visit Dongdaemun Shopping Complex

Explore wholesale fashion, fabrics, and shopping complexes open from 10am to late. Great for clothes and accessories shopping.
Free entry, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at local street food stalls

Try remaining favourite Korean street foods near Dongdaemun. Affordable meals for under KRW10000 (~$8).
KRW8000, 1h

3:00pm

Return to hotel, pack and prepare for check-out

Organise luggage and finalise payments. Check-out by 4pm.
Included in hotel cost, 1h

4:00pm

Travel to Incheon International Airport by AREX express train

Take AREX express train from Seoul Station to Incheon Airport for efficient transfer. Cost KRW9000 (~$7), travel time 45 mins.
KRW9000, 45m
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