Ultimate 5-Day Korea Itinerary: Culture, Shopping & Culinary Delights by Train

Day 1: Seoul Culture & Markets

Seoul, South Korea on June 4, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a complimentary breakfast included with your hotel stay to start your day energised.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Gyeongbokgung Palace with Hanbok Rental

Rent a hanbok from Daehan Hanbok Rental or Yes Hanbok for an authentic Korean experience, then explore the stunning Gyeongbokgung Palace for picturesque photo opportunities. The palace opens at 9am, so arriving early avoids crowds.
Palace Entry KRW3000 (~£2), Hanbok Rental KRW20000 (~£12), 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Tosokchon Samgyetang

Enjoy a traditional Korean ginseng chicken soup near Gyeongbokgung, popular but best to arrive before 12:30pm to avoid long lines.
KRW15000 (~£8), 1h

1:30pm

Visit Gyeongdong Market

Explore the vast Gyeongdong medicinal herb market and local food stalls for unique Korean ingredients and snacks.
Free entry, 1h30m

3:30pm

Gwangjang Market Street Food

Sample delicious street food like bindaetteok and mayak kimbap at Gwangjang Market, an excellent spot for afternoon light snacks.
Approx KRW10000 (~£5) for selection of street food, 1h

5:00pm

Shopping for Skincare & Clothes

Explore nearby streets in Myeongdong or Insadong for skincare products and trendy clothes at decent prices.
Varies by purchase, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Piggy Bank

Dine at Piggy Bank for modern Korean BBQ; reservation is recommended for a smooth experience.
KRW25000 (~£13) per person, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Seoul Shopping & Food

Seoul, South Korea on June 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy the hotel's breakfast to fuel your day of exploring and shopping.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Yangmiok Namdaemun Branch

Enjoy a mid-morning Korean traditional dish in Namdaemun, a historic market area with easy access by subway.
KRW15000 (~£8), 1h

11:00am

Explore Namdaemun Market & Shopping

Shop for clothes, accessories, and souvenirs at Namdaemun Market, one of the largest traditional markets in Seoul.
Varies by purchase, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at 유쾌한육회 (Yukhwe Restaurant)

Try fresh and well-reviewed raw beef dishes here, popular among locals for lunch.
KRW20000 (~£11), 1h

3:00pm

Shopping for skincare & clothes

Continue shopping in Myeongdong area for skincare products with great deals and international brands.
Varies, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Hanam Pig House Poongsan

Savour premium Korean pork BBQ, arriving earlier to avoid weekend dinner crowds.
KRW30000 (~£16), 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Cheonan-Asan Wholesale Shopping

Cheonan-Asan, South Korea on June 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast at the hotel before day trip.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Train to Cheonan-Asan Station

Take the KTX from Seoul Station to Cheonan-Asan Station. Departure at 8:48am, journey approx 40 mins, ticket cost KRW16000 (~£8.50).
KRW16000, 40m

10:00am

Shopping at Traders Wholesale Club - Cheonan-Asan

Enjoy a day of serious wholesale shopping with bulk skincare, clothes, and groceries at competitive prices.
Entry free, purchases vary, 4h

2:30pm

Lunch at Local Korean Restaurant near Traders

Sample local Korean dishes nearby for a hearty meal before returning to Seoul.
KRW15000 (~£8), 1h

4:00pm

Train back to Seoul

Return by KTX, leaving Cheonan-Asan Station at 16:32, arriving Seoul Station at 17:12. Ticket cost KRW16000.
KRW16000, 40m

6:00pm

Dinner at Odarijip Ganjang Gejang

Enjoy marinated raw crab, a speciality dish popular in Seoul, perfect for an evening meal after shopping.
KRW25000 (~£13), 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Outlet Shopping & Korean Cuisine

Seoul, South Korea on June 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Breakfast included at the hotel to start your shopping day fresh.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Lotte Premium Outlet / Paju Premium Outlets

Take train and bus to reach a nearby outlet shopping centre offering brands at discounted prices. Leaving early avoids weekend crowds.
Travel approx KRW4000 (~£2) one way, 1h30m

10:30am

Outlet Shopping

Shop for clothes, shoes, and accessories at discounted outlet stores to fill your wardrobe with Korean and international brands.
Varies, 3h

2:00pm

Return to Seoul

Head back by train and bus to central Seoul.
KRW4000, 1h30m

3:30pm

Afternoon Rest & Light Shopping

Relax or explore local small shops for skincare or souvenirs in Seoul’s bustling streets.
Varies, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at 대한족발보쌈 (Korean Pork Feet & Boiled Pork)

Enjoy a traditional pork feast at this local favourite known for quality and authenticity.
KRW25000 (~£13), 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Final Shopping & Departure

Seoul, South Korea on June 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast at the hotel, included in your stay.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Visit Costco Seoul

Shop for last-minute groceries, gifts, and Korean specialty items at Costco, which opens at 10am, so arrive on time.
Entry free with membership; purchases vary, 2h

11:00am

Relaxing Cafe Visit / Souvenir Shopping

Visit a popular local cafe to relax and purchase any remaining souvenirs.
Drinks approx KRW8000 (~£4), 1h

12:30pm

Lunch near Hotel or Airport Express Train Station

Have an early lunch at a convenient location before heading to the airport.
KRW10000 (~£5), 1h

2:00pm

Train to Incheon International Airport

Take the AREX Express train from Seoul Station to Incheon Int’l Airport Rapid Service. Departure every 20 mins, journey approx 45 mins, ticket cost KRW9000 (~£5). Leave in time for your flight.
KRW9000, 45m
View Hotel Availability