8-Day Ultimate South Korea Travel Plan: Cultural Gems, Nature Escapes & Trendy Markets with Korean Folk Village

Day 1: Arrival & Urban Fun

Seoul, South Korea on April 28, 2025

8:00am

Arrival at Incheon International Airport

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

9:00am

Airport Limousine Bus to Wangsimni Station Area Accommodation

Take comfortable transfer to your 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

Taste authentic Korean street foods and snacks at bustling Mangwon Market.
KWR10000, 1h0m

12:45pm

Photoism Box Experience

Engage in creative photo sessions to commemorate the start of your South Korea journey.
KWR20000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Beauty Play Seoul Visit

Explore interactive beauty exhibits and try K-beauty products.
KWR15000, 1h30m

3:45pm

Relax Walk Near Mangwon Hangang Park

Unwind by enjoying scenic views of the Han River adjacent to Mangwon area.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Yeonnam Seo Sikdang

Delight in creative Korean fusion cuisine in the trendy Hongdae neighborhood.
KWR20000, 1h0m

Day 2: Nature & Rail Bike

Gapyeong, South Korea on April 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with breakfast included or at your accommodation.
Included or variable, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel to Nami Island

Head from Wangsimni to Gapyeong to enjoy a day in nature.
KWR10000, 1h30m

10:00am

Explore Nami Island

Walk or cycle among scenic tree-lined paths; islands’ beauty varies each season.
KWR13000, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Seo’s Garden Restaurant

Sample traditional Korean meals close to Nami Island.
KWR15000, 1h0m

1:45pm

Visit Garden of Morning Calm

Admire beautiful seasonal floral displays and landscapes in this garden.
KWR9000, 1h30m

3:30pm

Gangchon Rail Bike

Take a scenic and fun rail bike ride through the countryside; closes ~5:30pm.
KWR16000, 1h30m

5:30pm

Return to Wangsimni

Travel back to Seoul after your outdoor adventures.
KWR10000, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Jin Mi Prawns

Enjoy delicious marinated prawns at a popular Gangnam eatery accessible by subway.
KWR20000, 1h0m

Day 3: Palace & Hanok Village

Seoul, South Korea on April 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Onion Anguk

Relax with coffee and baked goods in a traditional hanok-style cafe.
KWR8000, 1h0m

9:30am

Gyeongbokgung Palace Visit

Tour the grand royal palace with cultural heritage and changing of the guard ceremonies.
KWR3000, 2h0m

11:45am

Lunch at Tosokchon Samgyetang

Savor famous ginseng chicken soup nearby the palace.
KWR15000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Walk Bukchon Hanok Village

Explore narrow alleys with traditional Korean hanoks and cultural shops.
Free, 1h30m

2:45pm

Visit Insadong

Shop Korean antiques, crafts, and sample traditional teas in this iconic neighborhood.
Free, 1h0m

3:45pm

Explore Ikseondong

Discover a hip hanok district filled with cafes and unique boutiques.
Free, 1h0m

4:45pm

Stroll Along Cheongyecheon Stream

Relax walking along this restored urban stream in downtown Seoul.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Return to Wangsimni Accommodation

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

7:00pm

Dinner at Cheongjinok

Enjoy authentic Korean braised short ribs at a historic restaurant near your hotel.
KWR20000, 1h0m

Day 4: Hanok Village & Tower

Seoul, South Korea on May 1, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Beansbins Coffee Myeongdong

Indulge in delicious waffles and coffee at this popular café.
KWR10000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Namsangol Hanok Village

Experience restored traditional hanoks and cultural programs; open from 9:00am.
KWR3000, 1h0m

11:00am

Free Time / Light Exploring

Relax or visit nearby cafes to prepare for afternoon activities.
Free, 2h0m

1:45pm

Visit N Seoul Tower for Sunset

Enjoy panoramic Seoul views during sunset, with cable car or bus access; open till 11:00pm.
KWR12000, 2h0m

4:00pm

Shopping in Myeongdong District

After descending from the tower, shop cosmetics, fashion, and souvenirs in lively Myeongdong.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Myeongdong Kyoja

Try handmade noodles and dumplings at this famous Myeongdong spot.
KWR12000, 1h0m

8:30pm

Return to Wangsimni

Subway or taxi ride back to your accommodation.
KWR2000, 30m

Day 5: Garden & Fortress

Suwon & Yongin, South Korea on May 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast at your accommodation.
Included or variable, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel to Yongin Wolhwawon Garden

Begin your day with a peaceful stroll in the serene royal Wolhwawon Garden.
KWR5000, 1h0m

9:45am

Travel to Suwon Hwaseong Fortress

Head to Suwon to explore the grand UNESCO-listed Hwaseong Fortress.
KWR1500, 30m

10:15am

Tour Hwaseong Fortress

Explore the historic fortress walls, gates, and museums with panoramic city views.
KWR10000, 2h0m

12:30pm

Travel to Korean Folk Village in Yongin

Return to Yongin to visit the immersive Korean Folk Village cultural site.
KWR1500, 30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Korean Folk Village Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Korean dishes within the village grounds.
KWR15000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Korean Folk Village

Discover recreated traditional Korean houses, performances, and craft demonstrations; opens 9:30am.
KWR15000, 3h0m

5:00pm

Return to Wangsimni

Travel back to your Seoul accommodation for rest.
KWR2500, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Local Korean BBQ

Enjoy grilled meats and Korean side dishes at a nearby restaurant.
KWR18000, 1h0m

Day 6: University Visit & Park

Gimcheon & Seoul, South Korea on May 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start early with a light breakfast.
Included or variable, 1h0m

8:00am

Train to Gimcheon

Travel to Gimcheon to see the university campus (~2.5 hours).
KWR25000, 2h30m

10:30am

Gimcheon University Campus Tour

Explore the university grounds and surrounding environment.
Free, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch near Gimcheon University

Enjoy a casual meal with local students at a nearby restaurant.
KWR8000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Return Travel to Seoul

Journey back to Seoul in time for afternoon exploration.
KWR25000, 2h30m

3:30pm

Tour Yonsei University Campus

Wander Yonsei’s beautiful campus with historic buildings and lush greenery.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Walk or Transit to Banpo Hangang Park

Relax at Banpo Hangang Park, famous for its river views and evening ambiance.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at BBQ Olive Chicken

End the day with crispy Korean-style fried chicken nearby.
KWR15000, 1h0m

Day 7: Modern Culture & Entertainment

Seoul, South Korea on May 4, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Starbucks Reserve COEX

Enjoy premium coffee at one of the trendiest cafes in COEX Mall.
KWR12000, 1h0m

9:30am

Coex Starfield Library Visit

Explore the iconic library with towering bookshelves and modern architecture.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Shop at Ktown4u

Browse latest K-pop albums and merchandise at Korea's top entertainment store.
Shopping costs vary, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Mad For Garlic (COEX)

Savor garlic-infused Italian-Korean fusion dishes for a unique meal.
KWR18000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Kwangya Entertainment Complex

Immerse in cutting-edge art, entertainment and technology at this futuristic hub.
Free to explore, event fees may apply, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner Nearby Kwangya

Enjoy high-quality modern Korean dishes close to the complex.
KWR20000, 1h0m

7:30pm

Return to Hotel

Transit back to your accommodation for rest.
KWR2000, 30m

Day 8: Departure

Seoul, South Korea on May 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have your final breakfast at the accommodation near Wangsimni.
Included or variable, 1h0m

8:00am

Check-out & Travel to Incheon International Airport

Take airport limousine bus from Wangsimni to Incheon Airport to catch your flight.
KWR15000, 1h20m

10:00am

Departure Procedures

Complete check-in and security for your flight home or next destination.
Variable, N/A