4-Day East Asia Urban Adventure: Seoul, Busan, and Taipei Highlights

Day 1: Seoul Exploration

Seoul, South Korea on April 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tosokchon Samgyetang

Enjoy a traditional Korean ginseng chicken soup breakfast at Tosokchon Samgyetang, popular for its nourishing and flavorful dishes. The restaurant opens at 8:00 am, perfect for an early start.
KRW15000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace

Explore the majestic Gyeongbokgung Palace, a historic royal palace in Seoul showcasing traditional Korean architecture and the changing of the guard ceremony. Open from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm.
KRW3000, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Bukchon Son Mandu

Savor handmade Korean dumplings at Bukchon Son Mandu near Bukchon Hanok Village. It’s a cozy spot beloved by locals for its fresh ingredients and authentic taste. Open 11:00 am to 8:30 pm.
KRW8000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Walk Bukchon Hanok Village

Stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village, famous for its beautifully preserved traditional Korean houses, alleyways, and artisan shops. Open access anytime, best enjoyed during daylight.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Visit Insadong Street

Explore Insadong, a lively neighborhood full of antique shops, art galleries, tea houses, and street food stalls. Great for souvenir shopping and cultural immersion.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Myeongdong Kyoja

Dine at Myeongdong Kyoja, famous for kalguksu (hand-cut noodle soup) and mandu dumplings, offering comforting local flavors in a popular Myeongdong location. Open till 10:00 pm.
KRW9000, 1h0m

Day 2: Seoul Culture & Shopping

Seoul, South Korea on April 26, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Isaac Toast

Grab a quick but delicious Korean-style toasted sandwich from Isaac Toast, a beloved chain known for its sweet and savory breakfast options. Opens 7:00 am.
KRW4000, 0h30m

9:30am

Explore Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

Visit DDP, a major urban development landmark featuring modern architecture, fashion exhibitions, and art markets. Open 10:00 am to 7:00 pm but exterior is worth viewing early.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Gwangjang Market

Taste authentic Korean street food such as bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and mayak gimbap at Gwangjang Market, one of Korea’s oldest traditional markets. Open 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
KRW8000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Namsan Seoul Tower

Head to Namsan Seoul Tower for panoramic city views and to explore the surrounding park. The tower operates from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm daily.
KRW12000, 2h0m

4:00pm

Shopping in Myeongdong

Spend time shopping in the bustling Myeongdong district, known for Korean cosmetics, fashion, and street food. Shops open until 10:00 pm.
Free entry, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Yoogane Myeongdong

Enjoy dakgalbi, spicy stir-fried chicken, at Yoogane, a popular local restaurant just off Myeongdong main street. Open until 11:00 pm.
KRW11000, 1h0m

Day 3: Busan Beaches & Culture

Busan, South Korea on April 27, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Seoul to Busan via KTX

Take the high-speed KTX train from Seoul Station to Busan Station, approximately 2.5 hours, for a fast and comfortable journey.
KRW59000, 2h30m

10:00am

Breakfast at Haeundae Market

Sample fresh seafood and local Busan delicacies like hotteok (sweet pancakes) and fresh fish cakes at Haeundae Market, open from morning hours until evening.
KRW7000, 1h0m

11:30am

Relax at Haeundae Beach

Spend the late morning soaking up the sun and walking along the popular Haeundae Beach, one of Busan’s most famous and beautiful beaches. Open access all day.
Free, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at The Bay 101

Dine at The Bay 101, a stylish waterside complex offering seafood and international dishes with great views of the Busan skyline.
KRW15000, 1h0m

3:30pm

Explore Gamcheon Culture Village

Visit the colorful Gamcheon Culture Village, known for its steep streets, brightly painted houses, murals, and art installations. Open all day.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Jagalchi Fish Market

Experience fresh seafood dinner at Jagalchi Market, Korea’s largest seafood market where you can select your own fish and have it prepared on site. Open until 10:00 pm.
KRW20000, 1h30m

Day 4: Taipei Sights & Night Market

Taipei, Taiwan on April 28, 2025

7:00am

Flight from Busan to Taipei

Fly from Gimhae International Airport in Busan to Taipei Taoyuan International Airport, approximately 2.5 hours flight time.
TWD3000 (approx.), 2h30m

10:00am

Breakfast at Yonghe Soy Milk King

Enjoy Taiwanese breakfast classics such as soy milk and fried dough sticks at this popular local chain. Open from 6:00 am to noon.
TWD100, 0h45m

11:00am

Visit Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Explore the expansive memorial hall, museums, and gardens dedicated to Chiang Kai-shek, a major historic site in Taipei. Open 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Free, 1h30m

12:45pm

Lunch at Din Tai Fung (Xinyi)

Relish world-famous soup dumplings at Din Tai Fung’s original or Xinyi branch, known internationally for its exceptional xiaolongbao. Open 11:00 am to 9:30 pm.
TWD400, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Taipei 101 Observatory

Visit Taipei 101, the iconic skyscraper with the world’s fastest elevator and an observatory offering panoramic city views. Observatory open 9:00 am to 10:00 pm.
TWD600, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at Elephant Mountain Trail

Take a short hike up Elephant Mountain for a breathtaking sunset view of Taipei’s skyline including Taipei 101. The trail is open 24 hours, best before sunset.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner & Night Market at Raohe Street Night Market

Conclude your day with street food delights at Raohe Street Night Market, one of Taipei's oldest and most atmospheric night markets open until midnight.
TWD300, 2h0m