8-Day South Korea Itinerary: Seoul Highlights, Nature & Culture with University Visits and Historical Gems

Day 1: Arrival & Urban Fun

Seoul, South Korea on April 28, 2025

8:00am

Arrival at Incheon International Airport

Arrive and clear immigration at Incheon International Airport.
KWR0, 1h0m

9:00am

Airport Limousine Bus to Wangsimni Station Area

Comfortable transfer to hotel near Wangsimni station by airport limousine bus.
KWR15000, 1h20m

10:30am

Hotel Check-in and Refresh

Check-in and rest briefly at your accommodation.
Variable, 1h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Mangwon Market

Explore the vibrant market and enjoy a variety of Korean street food and local snacks.
KWR10000, 1h0m

12:45pm

Photoism Box Experience

Have fun taking creative, professional-style photos at Photoism Box to capture your trip memories.
KWR20000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Beauty Play Seoul Visit

Visit this interactive beauty museum with K-beauty product testing and immersive installations.
KWR15000, 1h30m

3:45pm

Mangwon Hangang Park Relaxation

Enjoy a scenic walk by the Han River to unwind in the afternoon.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Free Time & Rest at Hotel

Return to hotel to rest and freshen up before dinner.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Yeonnam Seo Sikdang

Savor creative Korean fusion dishes in trendy Hongdae area, perfect for a relaxed first night.
KWR20000, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Nature & Rail Bike

Gapyeong, South Korea on April 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start fresh with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation.
Included or variable, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel to Nami Island

Commute from Wangsimni to Gapyeong to explore the famous scenic spot.
KWR10000, 1h30m

10:00am

Explore Nami Island

Walk or cycle along picturesque tree-lined avenues on Nami Island.
KWR13000, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Seo’s Garden Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Korean meals near Nami Island.
KWR15000, 1h0m

1:45pm

Visit Garden of Morning Calm

Stroll through beautiful landscapes showcasing seasonal blooms.
KWR9000, 1h30m

3:30pm

Gangchon Rail Bike Adventure

Experience scenic countryside views on a rail bike adventure; closes ~5:30pm.
KWR16000, 1h30m

5:30pm

Return to Wangsimni Area

Head back to your Seoul accommodation near Wangsimni.
KWR10000, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Jin Mi Prawns, Gangnam

Relish marinated prawns at a popular Gangnam eatery accessible by subway.
KWR20000, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Palace, Hanok & Culture

Seoul, South Korea on April 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Onion Anguk

Relax with coffee and fresh pastries in a hanok-style cafe near Anguk.
KWR8000, 1h0m

9:30am

Gyeongbokgung Palace Tour

Explore the historic main royal palace, witnessing cultural heritage and architecture.
KWR3000, 2h0m

11:45am

Lunch at Tosokchon Samgyetang

Savor renowned ginseng chicken soup near the palace.
KWR15000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Walk Bukchon Hanok Village

Stroll the scenic streets filled with traditional Korean homes.
Free, 1h30m

2:45pm

Visit Insadong

Shop galleries, traditional crafts, and tea houses in this heritage district.
Free, 1h0m

3:45pm

Explore Ikseondong

Discover hidden cafes and hanok architecture in this trendy neighborhood.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Cheongjinok

Taste authentic Korean braised short ribs in a historic setting.
KWR20000, 1h0m

8:00pm

Return to Wangsimni Accommodation

Subway or taxi back to your hotel near Wangsimni station.
KWR2000, 30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Yongin & Suwon History

Yongin & Suwon, South Korea on May 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up early to make the most of this combined day trip.
Included or variable, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel to Yongin Dae Jang Geum Park

Take subway and bus or taxi from Wangsimni to Yongin, approx 1 hour.
KWR3000, 1h0m

9:00am

Explore Yongin Dae Jang Geum Park

Visit the outdoor filming set of popular historical dramas, see traditional buildings and shows.
KWR12000, 2h0m

11:00am

Visit Wolhwawon Garden

Relax in a traditional Korean garden nearby before Suwon sightseeing.
KWR5000, 1h0m

12:15pm

Travel to Suwon Hwaseong Fortress

Take taxi or local transport from Yongin to Suwon (approx. 40 minutes).
KWR8000, 40m

1:00pm

Hwaseong Fortress Visit

Explore the large UNESCO heritage site known for city walls and gates.
KWR10000, 2h0m

3:00pm

Lunch at Suwon Galbi Street

Taste the famous grilled beef ribs unique to Suwon.
KWR20000, 1h0m

4:15pm

Return to Wangsimni

Travel back to your Seoul hotel.
KWR2500, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Mapo Jeong Daepo

Enjoy Korean BBQ close to your accommodation.
KWR22000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Shopping, Hanok & Views

Seoul, South Korea on May 2, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Beansbins Coffee Myeongdong

Enjoy coffee and waffles at this popular Myeongdong café.
KWR10000, 1h0m

9:30am

Shopping and Exploring Myeongdong

Visit boutiques and beauty stores in this vibrant shopping district.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Namsangol Hanok Village

Experience traditional Korean cultural heritage; open until 9:00pm.
KWR3000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Myeongdong Kyoja

Relish hand-cut noodles and dumplings at this famous eatery.
KWR12000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit N Seoul Tower

Panoramic views await at this iconic Seoul tower open 10:00am to 11:00pm.
KWR12000, 2h0m

5:00pm

Banpo Hangang Park

Relax and enjoy the Banpo Bridge’s rainbow fountain show from 8:00-9:00pm.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner near Banpo

Enjoy Korean fried chicken at a well-rated restaurant near the park.
KWR18000, 1h0m

8:45pm

Return to Hotel

Taxi or subway ride back to accommodation near Wangsimni station.
KWR2500, 30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: University Visits

Gimcheon & Seoul, South Korea on May 3, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Grab a quick breakfast to start early for travel to Gimcheon.
Included or variable, 30m

7:00am

Travel to Gimcheon University

Take KTX or express train from Seoul to Gimcheon (approx. 2.5 hours).
KWR25000, 2h30m

9:30am

Gimcheon University Campus Tour

View campus grounds and atmosphere of Gimcheon University.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Lunch near Gimcheon University

Enjoy lunch at a casual local restaurant popular with students.
KWR8000, 1h0m

12:15pm

Return to Seoul

Train back from Gimcheon to Wangsimni, Seoul.
KWR25000, 2h30m

2:45pm

Visit Yonsei University

Explore scenic campus and historic architecture in Sinchon, Seoul.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Rest at Hotel

Return to accommodation near Wangsimni and relax before dinner.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at BBQ Olive Chicken

Relish crispy Korean fried chicken close to your accommodation.
KWR15000, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Modern Culture & Relax

Seoul, South Korea on May 4, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Starbucks Reserve COEX

Taste special reserve coffee in stylish COEX Mall branch.
KWR12000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Coex Starfield Library

Discover visually stunning library with tall shelves and modern design.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Ktown4u Shopping

Browse K-pop merchandise and albums at this major entertainment store.
Shopping costs vary, 1h0m

12:00pm

Visit Kwangya Entertainment Complex

Experience futuristic culture, art, and entertainment at this hub.
Free to explore, event fees may apply, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Mad For Garlic (COEX)

Savor garlic-flavored Korean-Italian fusion dishes nearby.
KWR18000, 1h0m

3:30pm

Relax at Hotel or Explore Local Area

Free time to enjoy your last night in Seoul as you wish.
Free, Evening

7:30pm

Dinner at Local Korean Restaurant

Enjoy a final diverse Korean meal near your accommodation.
KWR20000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Departure Day

Seoul, South Korea on May 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Breakfast and check-out preparation.
Included or variable, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel to Incheon International Airport

Take airport limousine bus or taxi to Incheon International Airport.
KWR15000, 1h20m

10:00am

Arrival at Airport and Check-in

Arrive with ample time to check-in for your departure flight.
Variable, N/A
View Hotel Availability