5-Day Korea Cultural and Shopping Itinerary with Affordable Hotels and Convenient Train Travel

Day 1: Markets and Local Bites

Seoul, South Korea on April 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tosokchon Samgyetang

Enjoy traditional Korean ginseng chicken soup at Tosokchon, renowned for its quality and opening at 9am, best to arrive at opening time to avoid crowds.
KRW14000 per person (~$10.50), 1h

9:30am

Visit Gyeongdong Market

Explore Korea’s largest herbal and medicinal market, open from 9am to 6pm for a rich sensory experience of local produce and herbal remedies.
Free entry, 2h

11:30am

Travel by subway from Gyeongdong Market to Gwangjang Market

Walk 10 minutes to Jegi-dong Station, take Line 1 to Jongno 5-ga Station (4 stops, 8 minutes), transfer walk 5 minutes to Gwangjang Market.
KRW1350 per person (~$1), 30m

12:00pm

Lunch - Street Food at Gwangjang Market

Sample diverse authentic Korean street foods like bindaetteok (mung bean pancake) and mayak kimbap, open 9am to 11pm.
Approx KRW10000 (~$7.50) per person, 1h

1:30pm

Walk to Daehan Hanbok Gyeongbokgung Hanbok Rental

Rent hanbok to wear while visiting nearby palaces for photos; rental approx KRW25000 (~$18) for 2-3 hours.
KRW25000 per person, 10m walk

2:00pm

Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace in Hanbok

Wear hanbok and explore Gyeongbokgung’s grounds (open 9am-5:30pm, last entry 5pm); admission KRW3500.
KRW3500 per person, 2h

4:30pm

Travel to hotel via subway

Walk 10 minutes to Gyeongbokgung Station, take Line 3 to Chungmuro Station (7 stops, 20 min), hotel near Chungmuro for convenience.
KRW1350 per person, 30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Piggy Bank

Enjoy Korean BBQ in lively atmosphere near hotel, typical meal around KRW20000 (~$15) per person.
KRW20000 per person, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Historic and Culinary Delights

Seoul, South Korea on April 21, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Omiga

Try traditional Korean porridge and pancakes at Omiga, opens at 8am for a healthy start.
KRW15000 per person (~$11), 1h

10:00am

Visit Changdeokgung Palace and Huwon (Secret Garden)

A UNESCO site open 9am-5:30pm, guided tours for the Secret Garden require booking; admission KRW3500.
KRW3500 + KRW10000 (Secret Garden tour) per person, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Odarijip Ganjang Gejang

Famous for marinated raw crab dishes, open 11am to 10pm; expect KRW20000~30000 per person.
KRW25000 per person, 1.5h

3:15pm

Stroll and Shop at Namdaemun Market

Walk 15 minutes or take bus from Odarijip to Namdaemun; explore traditional goods, clothes, and enjoy local snacks.
Free entry, shopping costs variable, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Yangmiok Namdaemun Branch

Taste one of Seoul’s best seolleongtang (ox bone soup) dishes; open till 10pm, ideal to visit around 7pm to avoid peak dinner rush.
KRW9000 per person, 1h
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Day 3: Shopping Excursion

Cheonan-Asan, South Korea on April 22, 2025

8:00am

Travel from Seoul to Cheonan-Asan by KTX

From Seoul Station take KTX train to Cheonan-Asan Station (approx 35 minutes), trains run every 20-30 minutes; ticket around KRW14000.
KRW14000 per person, 1h

9:30am

Visit Traders Wholesale Club Cheonan-Asan

Wholesale shopping club for clothes and skincare with good deals, opens 10am-8pm; get a taxi or local bus from station (15 minutes, KRW3000).
Transport KRW3000, shopping costs variable, 5h

3:00pm

Return to Seoul by KTX

Take KTX back to Seoul Station, trains available every 20-30 minutes.
KRW14000 per person, 1h

5:00pm

Dinner at Hanam Pig House Poongsan

Famous for premium Korean pork BBQ near hotel; expect KRW25000 per person, open from 5pm.
KRW25000 per person, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Local Food and Culture

Seoul, South Korea on April 23, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at hotel or local cafe

Start your day with light Korean toast and coffee for around KRW5000 per person.
KRW5000 per person, 1h

10:00am

Explore Myeongdong Shopping Street

Shop for skincare and clothes at reasonable prices, open 10am-10pm, best to go mid-morning for fewer crowds.
Free entry, shopping costs variable, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at 대한족발보쌈

Enjoy Korean pork trotters and boiled pork dishes; open 11am-10pm with hearty portions around KRW15000-20000.
KRW18000 per person, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Gwangjang Market for additional shopping

Return to Gwangjang Market to explore textile shops and buy souvenirs, open until 10pm.
Free entry, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at 유쾌한육회

Try fresh raw beef dishes from this popular restaurant, open 5pm-11pm; expect KRW25000 per person.
KRW25000 per person, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Outlet and Wholesale Shopping

Seoul, South Korea on April 24, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Hyundai Premium Outlet (Yangjae)

Take subway (Line 3 from Chungmuro to Yangjae Station, 14 stops, 30 minutes), open 10am-10pm; fare approx KRW1350.
KRW1350 per person, 1h

10:00am

Shop at Hyundai Premium Outlet

Find good prices on international brands and Korean products, plan for 3-4 hours of shopping.
Shopping costs variable, 4h

2:00pm

Return to Seoul Centre and visit Costco

Take subway or taxi to Costco Yangjae (10 minutes by taxi, KRW8000; subway approx 30 minutes), shop cost-effective groceries and goods.
Transport approx KRW1350 or taxi KRW8000, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at local favourite restaurant

Choose from local Korean eateries near hotel or airport, to end your trip with a satisfying meal around KRW15000 per person.
KRW15000 per person, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability