Comprehensive 12-Day Seoul Itinerary: Culture, Cuisine, Markets & Instagram Spots

Day 1: Arrival and Relax

Seoul, South Korea on May 30, 2025

10:00PM

Hotel Check-in

Arrive and check into your hotel; rest well before the adventure begins.
CURRENCY0, 30m
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Day 2: Historic Seoul Tour

Seoul, South Korea on May 31, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tosokchon Samgyetang

Enjoy a traditional Korean ginseng chicken soup, famed for its nourishing flavor, open from 7:00AM to 9:00PM.
CURRENCY15000, 1h

9:30AM

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Visit the largest of Seoul's Five Grand Palaces, with beautiful architecture and changing of the guard ceremony; open 9AM-5:30PM.
CURRENCY3000, 2h

12:00PM

Bukchon Hanok Village

Stroll through this traditional Korean village with preserved hanok architecture, perfect for photos and cultural immersion.
CURRENCY0, 1.5h

1:30PM

Lunch at Samcheong-dong Sujebi

Taste authentic Korean hand-pulled dough soup in a cozy setting near Bukchon, open 11:00AM-9:00PM.
CURRENCY9000, 1h

3:00PM

Insadong Art Street

Explore shops selling traditional crafts, teas, and souvenirs; great for photography and buying unique gifts.
CURRENCY0, 2h

6:00PM

Dinner at Gogung Myeongdong

Indulge in authentic Jeonju bibimbap, a signature Korean dish, open till 10PM.
CURRENCY12000, 1h

7:30PM

Cheonggyecheon Stream Stroll

Enjoy the serene urban stream lit beautifully at night, ideal for relaxing evening photos.
CURRENCY0, 1h
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Day 3: Modern & Artistic Seoul

Seoul, South Korea on June 1, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Onion Anguk

Dine in a trendy café housed in a renovated hanok, serving quality pastries and coffee from 8AM.
CURRENCY8000, 1h

9:30AM

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

Explore this futuristic architecture marvel with art installations and exhibitions; open 10AM-7PM.
CURRENCY0, 2h

12:00PM

Lunch at Kwangjang Market

Savor street food like bindaetteok (mung bean pancake) and mayak kimbap in one of the oldest traditional markets.
CURRENCY10000, 1h

1:30PM

Leeum Samsung Museum of Art

View a blend of traditional and contemporary Korean and international art; open 10AM-6PM, closed Mondays.
CURRENCY10000, 2h

4:00PM

Itaewon Shopping and Cafés

Discover international cuisine, trendy boutiques, and vibrant street art; ideal for Instagrammable moments.
CURRENCY0, 2h

6:30PM

Dinner at Vatos Urban Tacos

Enjoy unique Korean-Mex fusion dishes in a lively atmosphere, open until 11PM.
CURRENCY20000, 1h

8:00PM

N Seoul Tower Night View

Ascend Namsan Mountain for scenic city night views and take pictures with the 'locks of love' fence; tower open until 11PM.
CURRENCY11000, 2h
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Day 4: Nature & Panoramas

Seoul, South Korea on June 2, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel or nearby bakery

Light breakfast to prepare for nature hikes.
CURRENCY7000, 1h

9:00AM

Bukhansan National Park Hiking

Hike trails offering panoramic views of Seoul; suitable for intermediate hikers; pack water and snacks.
CURRENCY0, 4h

1:30PM

Lunch at nearby Korean BBQ in Ui-dong

Refuel with traditional Korean BBQ after hiking; open until 3PM.
CURRENCY20000, 1.5h

3:30PM

Hangang River Park Bicycle Ride

Rent bikes and enjoy scenic rides along the Han River; rental approx. 10,000 KRW per hour.
CURRENCY10000, 2h

6:00PM

Dinner at Mangwon Market

Explore various street foods, including tteokbokki and hotteok; market vibrant until 9PM.
CURRENCY8000, 1h

7:30PM

Cafe Layered in Hongdae

Relax with coffee and cake in an Insta-worthy café known for vintage décor, open till 11PM.
CURRENCY8000, 1h
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Day 5: DMZ Day Trip

Seoul, South Korea on June 3, 2025

6:00AM

DMZ Tour Departure

Depart early for a guided tour of the Demilitarized Zone including Imjingak Park and Dorasan Station; tours usually last 6-7 hours and require prior booking.
CURRENCY50000, 7h

1:00PM

Lunch provided on tour or local restaurant near DMZ

Enjoy a Korean set meal during your tour.
Included, 1h

2:00PM

Return to Seoul

Relax and rest after an enlightening trip.
CURRENCY0, 2h

5:00PM

Light Dinner at Tosokchon (optional revisit) or local diner

Try light and comforting Korean dishes after a full day to recharge.
CURRENCY12000, 1h
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Day 6: Markets & Street Food

Seoul, South Korea on June 4, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at local street vendors near Dongdaemun Market

Grab freshly made hotteok or Korean egg bread to start the day.
CURRENCY5000, 30m

9:00AM

Dongdaemun Market Shopping

Discover fashion, textiles, and accessories; many shops open early and stay open late, ideal for browsing all day.
CURRENCY0, 3h

12:30PM

Lunch at Gwangjang Market

Dive into famous bindaetteok and live octopus for the adventurous; market open until 5PM.
CURRENCY12000, 1h

2:00PM

Visit Namdaemun Market

Explore Korea’s largest traditional market, perfect for souvenirs and street photography.
CURRENCY0, 2h

5:00PM

Tea at Dawon Traditional Tea House in Insadong

Experience Korean tea culture in a serene setting.
CURRENCY8000, 1h

7:00PM

Dinner at Baekje Samgyetang

Enjoy nourishing ginseng chicken soup specialty, open until 10PM.
CURRENCY15000, 1h
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Day 7: Museums & Riverside

Seoul, South Korea on June 5, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Butterfinger Pancakes, Itaewon

Enjoy pancakes with Korean flavors; open 8AM-10PM.
CURRENCY12000, 1h

9:30AM

National Museum of Korea

Explore extensive Korean history collections; open 10AM-6PM with free entry.
CURRENCY0, 3h

1:00PM

Lunch at On The Border, Hannam

Mexican-Korean fusion with scenic views nearby.
CURRENCY15000, 1h

2:30PM

Han River Cruise

Enjoy a relaxing 1.5-hour cruise for cityscape and nature views; operates daily with afternoon departures.
CURRENCY15000, 1.5h

5:00PM

Picnic or coffee at Yeouido Hangang Park

Relax riverside with snacks or drinks.
CURRENCY0, 1.5h

7:00PM

Dinner at Mapo Jinjja Wonjo Choedaepo BBQ

Experience classic Korean BBQ in a lively setting open till late.
CURRENCY20000, 1.5h
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Day 8: Culture & Performing Arts

Seoul, South Korea on June 6, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Onion Cafe, Hongdae

Try fusion Korean-Western baked goods in a spacious, stylish setting.
CURRENCY9000, 1h

9:30AM

Korean Cooking Class

Join a morning workshop learning to prepare classic Korean dishes like kimchi and bibimbap, typically a 3h class.
CURRENCY60000, 3h

1:00PM

Lunch with your handmade dishes or nearby restaurant

Enjoy the fruits of your cooking class or explore local eateries.
CURRENCY0, 1h

2:30PM

National Theater of Korea Tour

Explore this venue showcasing Korean traditional and modern performances; check schedule for afternoon tours or rehearsals.
CURRENCY0, 1.5h

5:00PM

Dinner at Cheong Jin Ok

Delicious spicy beef soup (Yukgaejang), open till 9PM.
CURRENCY13000, 1h

7:00PM

Watch a Traditional Korean Performance

Book tickets for a performance like Nanta or a traditional music show at a theater close to downtown.
CURRENCY40000, 2h
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Day 9: Gangnam & Trendy Seoul

Seoul, South Korea on June 7, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Cafe Mamas, Gangnam

Fresh sandwiches and salads with a modern vibe, open 8:30AM-10PM.
CURRENCY10000, 1h

9:30AM

Bongeunsa Temple

Peaceful Buddhist temple offering a contrast to the busy Gangnam area; open 6AM-10PM.
CURRENCY0, 1h

11:00AM

COEX Mall & Starfield Library

Shop and admire stunning architecture and massive bookstores; mall open till 10PM.
CURRENCY0, 2h

1:00PM

Lunch at Madang Jokbal

Taste the savory Korean pig’s trotters (jokbal) specialty, open till 10PM.
CURRENCY18000, 1h

2:30PM

Garosu-gil Street

Explore trendy boutiques, galleries, and Instagrammable cafés on this tree-lined street.
CURRENCY0, 2h

5:00PM

Coffee at Cafe de Paris

Famous for fruit desserts and floral décor, perfect for photos, open till 10PM.
CURRENCY9000, 1h

6:30PM

Dinner at Saemaeul Sikdang

Enjoy spicy pork bulgogi Korean-style in a lively setting, open till 10PM.
CURRENCY15000, 1h

8:00PM

Explore Gangnam nightlife and K-pop cafes

Experience trendy bars and themed cafes to soak in Seoul’s vibrant night culture.
CURRENCY10000, 2h
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Day 10: Relax & Photo Spots

Seoul, South Korea on June 8, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Thanks Nature Cafe, Hongdae

Unique café featuring sheep on site and great coffee; perfect relaxed start.
CURRENCY8000, 1h

10:30AM

Visit Ihwa Mural Village

Instagram-worthy colorful murals lining this hillside neighborhood; excellent photo opportunity.
CURRENCY0, 2h

12:30PM

Lunch at nearby Jaha Sonmandu

Experience authentic handmade Korean dumplings; open till 6PM.
CURRENCY10000, 1h

2:00PM

Seoul Forest Park

Large green space with deer enclosure and artistic installations for leisurely walks and photos.
CURRENCY0, 2h

4:30PM

Coffee & Dessert at Zapangi Cafe

Renowned for its unique vending machine door and stylish desserts, open till 9PM.
CURRENCY9000, 1h

6:30PM

Dinner at Tosokchon Samgyetang (revisit or new try)

End with nutritious traditional chicken soup for strong energy.
CURRENCY15000, 1h
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Day 11: Shopping & Hidden Gems

Seoul, South Korea on June 9, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel or local cafe

Light and energizing start for last full day of exploration.
CURRENCY7000, 1h

9:00AM

Explore Ewha Womans University Shopping Street

Try youth-oriented fashion boutiques and affordable accessories; street is vibrant and great for photos.
CURRENCY0, 2h

11:30AM

Lunch at Hadongkwan

Enjoy hearty bowl of seolleongtang (ox bone soup) in a traditional restaurant.
CURRENCY11000, 1h

1:00PM

Explore Seochon Village

Hidden gem with quaint cafés, art shops, and a local vibe; popular for photo walks.
CURRENCY0, 2h

3:30PM

Visit Dongmyo Flea Market

Scavenge for vintage treasures and oddities; open mostly on weekends.
CURRENCY0, 1.5h

6:00PM

Dinner at Myeongdong Kyoja

End the day with famous knife-cut noodle soup and dumplings, open till 9PM.
CURRENCY13000, 1h
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Day 12: Departure Prep & Transit

Seoul, South Korea on June 10, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely meal and pack up belongings.
CURRENCY0, 1h

9:30AM

Last souvenir shopping or nearby stroll

Quick visit to a market or local shop for any last-minute gifts.
CURRENCY0, 1.5h

11:00AM

Airport Transfer to Incheon International Airport

Take Airport Railroad Express (AREX) or taxi; approx. 60-90 minutes travel time.
CURRENCY9000, 1.5h

12:30PM

Check-in for Flight to Japan

Complete security and immigration, prepare for onward travel.
CURRENCY0, 2h+
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