6-Day Budget-Friendly Seoul Itinerary: Explore Palaces, Street Food, and Iconic Sights

Day 1: Arrival & Myeongdong

Seoul, South Korea on June 18, 2025

7:00am

Arrive at Incheon Airport

Land at Incheon International Airport and get ready to start your Seoul adventure.
Free, 0h30m

7:30am

Take AREX All-Stop Train to Seoul Station

Ride the AREX All-Stop train to Seoul Station for about an hour, enjoying views and easy access to the city center.
₩4750, 1h0m

8:30am

Store luggage at Seoul Station locker

Use coin lockers or Smarteasy to store your luggage (cost varies) and explore hands-free.
₩3000–₩8000, 0h15m

8:45am

Breakfast at Isaac Toast

Grab a delicious and affordable Korean-style toasted sandwich at Isaac Toast inside Seoul Station.
₩4000–₩5000, 0h30m

9:15am

Explore Myeongdong Street

Walk around lively Myeongdong street for free—snack on street food, shop, and snap photos under vibrant neon signs.
Free (street food optional ₩10000), 3h

12:30pm

Optional Lunch: Myeongdong Street Food

Try a variety of street foods like tteokbokki or fried snacks with a budget of ₩10,000.
₩10000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Line Friends Store and Olive Young

Browse K-beauty products at Olive Young and pop into the cute Line Friends store nearby, free to enter and sample.
Free, 1h

2:30pm

Walk Namsan Park Trails

Enjoy a refreshing and free walk through scenic Namsan Park before heading up to Namsan Seoul Tower.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Namsan Seoul Tower Cable Car

Take the cable car round trip up to the tower for amazing views (ticket ₩14,000), or just admire views from the park trails.
₩14000 (optional), 1h

5:00pm

Check in & rest at guesthouse

Walk back to your guesthouse near Hoehyeon Station and settle in after a day of exploration.
Varies, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner nearby or local restaurant

Choose a local eatery near your guesthouse to enjoy an affordable Korean meal for dinner.
₩8000–₩12000, 1h
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Day 2: Palaces & Culture

Seoul, South Korea on June 19, 2025

9:00am

Gyeongbokgung Palace Visit

Explore Gyeongbokgung Palace, Korea's grandest historic palace. Entry free if wearing hanbok, otherwise ₩3,000. Hanbok rentals around ₩10,000–₩15,000 for 2 hours.
₩3000 or Free with Hanbok, 2h

11:30am

Hanbok Rental

Rent traditional hanbok nearby for photos and free palace access during your visit.
₩10000–₩15000, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Tosokchon Samgyetang or Convenience Store Kimbap

Savor chicken ginseng soup at Tosokchon (₩15,000) or a quick and cheap triangle kimbap set (₩4,000) for lunch.
₩4000–₩15000, 1h

2:30pm

Bukchon Hanok Village Walk

Stroll through this picturesque traditional neighborhood with artist workshops and Korean architecture. Free entry.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Insadong

Explore galleries, street art, and shop for traditional souvenirs in this cultural hotspot. Entry is free.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Evening Walk at Cheonggyecheon Stream

Enjoy a peaceful, romantic walk along this beautifully lit 11 km urban stream, perfect for evening relaxation.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner near guesthouse

Have dinner at a local restaurant or casual eatery near your guesthouse with options around ₩8,000–₩12,000.
₩8000–₩12000, 1h
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Day 3: Modern Seoul & Shopping

Seoul, South Korea on June 20, 2025

9:00am

Dongdaemun History & Culture Park

Explore the iconic Dongdaemun Design Plaza with free exhibits and fascinating architectural landmarks.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Light Shopping at DDP

Browse trendy street fashion and public art installations including the famous LED rose garden without charge.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Local Food Court

Enjoy authentic Korean dishes or dumplings in a nearby food court for ₩6,000–₩10,000.
₩6000–₩10000, 1h

2:00pm

Dongmyo Flea Market

Discover great thrift finds and vintage goods at this budget-friendly flea market, with items starting from ₩500.
Free to enter, purchases vary, 1h30m

3:30pm

Travel to Hongdae

Head to Hongdae to experience Seoul’s indie music scene and youthful energy.
Subway fare ₩1,350 approx., 0h30m

4:00pm

Explore Hongdae Streets

Watch free street performances, dance battles, and indie bands or relax in cafes.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Optional Nanta Show

Optionally attend the popular Nanta comedy and music show for around ₩40,000 or continue street vibes.
₩40000 (optional), 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner in Hongdae

Choose local eateries or street food vendors around Hongdae for an affordable dinner.
₩8000–₩15000, 1h
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Day 4: Hangang & Mall

Seoul, South Korea on June 21, 2025

9:00am

Yeouido Hangang Park

Relax with a morning picnic, enjoy bike riding along the river or just lounge in the park.
Free, bike rental ₩3000/hr, 2h

11:00am

Picnic Lunch

Order fried chicken and beer via Yogiyo delivery app to enjoy a classic Korean picnic ($15,000–₩20,000 for two).
₩15000–₩20000, 1h

12:30pm

Visit The Hyundai Seoul

Tour Korea’s most aesthetic mall featuring innovative architecture and free exhibits.
Free, 2h

3:00pm

Rest or café time in mall

Take a break at one of the several stylish cafes inside The Hyundai Seoul.
₩5000–₩10000, 1h

5:00pm

Dinner in Itaewon

Enjoy flavorful K-BBQ or halal food options in Itaewon for a satisfying dinner.
₩10000–₩15000, 1h

7:00pm

Noksapyeong Bridge Viewpoint

Catch a stunning free nighttime view of N Seoul Tower from the Noksapyeong Bridge viewpoint.
Free, 0h30m
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Day 5: Nami Island Trip

Gapyeong, South Korea on June 22, 2025

8:00am

Train to Gapyeong Station

Catch the ITX train from Yongsan Station to Gapyeong Station, a gateway to Nami Island.
₩6000–₩7000, 1h

9:10am

Shuttle Bus or Taxi to Nami Island Dock

Take shuttle or taxi to the ferry dock for easy access to Nami Island.
₩2000 approx., 0h30m

9:40am

Nami Island Entrance and Ferry

Pay the entrance and ferry fee of ₩16,000 to enter this beautiful nature island with art and wildlife.
₩16000, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch on Nami Island

Enjoy lunch at island cafes or bring your own-packed kimbap for about ₩10,000.
₩10000, 1h

2:30pm

Optional Gapyeong Tour Bus Pass Attractions

If purchased (₩8000), visit Petite France and Garden of Morning Calm for additional nature/art experiences.
₩8000 plus ₩10000–₩12000 entrance fee each, 3h

6:30pm

Return to Seoul

Travel back to Seoul to finish the day.
Included in train fare, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner in Hongdae or Convenience Store

Grab dinner at the Hongdae street market or opt for an affordable home meal replacement from a convenience store.
₩6000–₩10000, 1h
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Day 6: Shopping & Departure

Seoul, South Korea on June 23, 2025

9:00am

Ikseon-dong Hanok Café Street

Relax with a free photo walk in this charming hanok neighborhood filled with cozy cafés and boutiques.
Free, 2h

11:00am

Brunch in Ikseon-dong

Enjoy brunch at a local café with dishes between ₩10,000 and ₩15,000.
₩10000–₩15000, 1h

12:30pm

Lotte Duty Free and Myeongdong Shopping

Pick up last-minute K-beauty products and BTS merchandise at Lotte Duty Free and Myeongdong shops.
Varies, 3h

3:30pm

Late Lunch/Dinner at Gwangjang Market

Try Mayak kimbap and bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) for a local favorite meal, around ₩10,000.
₩10000, 1h

5:00pm

Head to Incheon Airport

Take the AREX Express Train from Seoul Station to Incheon Airport to catch your flight.
₩9500 (without DSP pass), 1h15m

6:30pm

Depart Seoul

Arrive at Incheon Airport for your 10:00pm flight, concluding your Seoul trip.
Free, N/A
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