5-Day South Korea Itinerary with Food, Shopping & Cultural Highlights via Train

Day 1: Seoul Palaces & Markets

Seoul, South Korea on May 12, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy the complimentary breakfast included at your hotel. Recommended hotel is Lotte City Hotel Myeongdong, costing approximately $140 per night, offering excellent transport links and breakfast.

Included, 1h

9:45am

Rent Hanbok at Daehan Hanbok Gyeongbokgung Hanbok Rental

Rent a traditional Korean hanbok to wear while exploring Gyeongbokgung Palace. Renting costs about 15,000 KRW (~$12) for 2 hours.

KRW15000, 1h

10:45am

Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace

Explore the most famous palace in Seoul with picturesque grounds and changing of the guard ceremony. Entry is 3,000 KRW (~$2.50). Visit before noon to avoid crowds.

KRW3000, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Yangmiok Namdaemun Branch

Enjoy traditional Korean BBQ at this well-known restaurant near Namdaemun Market. Average meal costs around 15,000 KRW (~$12) per person.

KRW30000, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Namdaemun Market

Wander through Korea's largest traditional market for textiles, souvenirs, and street food. Perfect for shopping skincare and clothes at reasonable prices.

Free to enter, shopping prices vary, 2h

5:00pm

Visit Gwangjang Market street food

Sample authentic street foods like bindaetteok (mung bean pancake) and mayak gimbap at this bustling market open till late evening.

Street foods around KRW10,000 (~$8) per person, 1.5h

7:00pm

Return to Hotel

Relax and unwind after a busy first day exploring Seoul.

N/A, N/A

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Day 2: Seoul Food Delights

Seoul, South Korea on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with the hotel’s breakfast buffet to fuel up for an active day.

Included, 1h

9:00am

Visit Tosokchon Samgyetang

Famous for its ginseng chicken soup, try this nutritious dish especially in the morning when it's less busy. Average cost 15,000 KRW (~$12) per person.

KRW30000, 1h

11:00am

Lunch at Piggy Bank

Enjoy delicious meat dishes at Piggy Bank, known for a friendly atmosphere and quality fare. Expect to spend around 20,000 KRW (~$16) per person.

KRW40000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Odarijip Ganjang Gejang

Taste marinated raw crab, one of Korea’s unique delicacies, costing about 25,000 KRW (~$20) per person. Best visited in early afternoon to avoid peak times.

KRW50000, 1h

3:00pm

Shopping for skincare & clothes at Myeongdong

Explore the vibrant Myeongdong shopping street for affordable skincare and clothing brands, open until 10pm.

Free entry, shopping varies, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at 유쾌한육회 (Yook Hwae)

Enjoy exquisite Korean raw beef dishes known as yukhoe, with an average meal cost around 25,000 KRW (~$20) per person. Reserve to avoid waits.

KRW50000, 1h

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Day 3: Wholesale Shopping Spree

Cheonan-Asan, South Korea on May 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a healthy breakfast before heading out for day trip shopping.

Included, 1h

8:30am

Train to Cheonan-Asan Station

Take the KTX train from Seoul Station to Cheonan-Asan Station. Duration: approx 40 minutes. Cost: ~KRW14,000 (~$11) one-way. Trains run frequently every 30 minutes.

KRW14000, 40m

9:30am

Shopping at Traders Wholesale Club

Explore the Traders Wholesale Club for discounted bulk shopping on various goods. Great for skincare and clothes at wholesale prices.

Free entry, shopping varies, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch locally near Cheonan-Asan

Try local eateries offering Korean staples like bibimbap or kimchi stew for around 8,000 KRW (~$6.50) per person.

KRW16000, 1h

2:15pm

Visit nearby Costco

Shop at Costco in Cheonan for imported goods and snacks at competitive prices. Open until 9pm.

Free entry, shopping varies, 2h

5:30pm

Return train to Seoul

Take the KTX back to Seoul. Duration approx 40 minutes, cost about KRW14,000.

KRW14000, 40m

6:30pm

Dinner at Hanam Pig House Poongsan

Finish the day with a sumptuous pork BBQ dinner. Expect 25,000 KRW (~$20) per person. It’s best to book a table to avoid waiting.

KRW50000, 1.5h

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Day 4: Market & Street Food

Seoul, South Korea on May 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start early with hotel breakfast to prepare for a full day of market exploration.

Included, 1h

9:00am

Visit Gyeongdong Market

Explore this vast traditional herbal medicine and produce market, open 8am to 6pm, perfect for unique shopping and photos.

Free entry, 2h

11:30am

Lunch at 대한족발보쌈 (Korean Pork Feet & Bossam)

Enjoy traditional pork dishes in an authentic atmosphere; approx 15,000 KRW (~$12) per person.

KRW30000, 1h

1:00pm

Shopping in Dongdaemun or nearby outlets

Spend your afternoon in Dongdaemun market area for clothes outlets offering discount fashions until late evening.

Free entry, shopping varies, 4h

6:00pm

Dinner at Omiga

Sample traditional Korean home-style meals in a quiet restaurant well-loved for fresh ingredients; meals cost about 20,000 KRW (~$16) per person.

KRW40000, 1h

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Day 5: Outlet Shopping & Departure

Seoul, South Korea on May 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your final hotel breakfast and prepare for the last day of shopping.

Included, 1h

8:30am

Train to Icheon Premium Outlets

Take an express bus or train to Icheon Outlet (approx 1.5h travel). Train option: Seoul Station to Icheon Station, approx 1h, costs around KRW10,000 (~$8). From station, take short taxi to the outlet.

KRW10000, 1h