11-Day Comprehensive Tour of Seoul, South Korea: Culture, Cuisine, and History

Day 1: Historical Landmarks

Seoul, South Korea on June 3, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Tosokchon Samgyetang

Enjoy a nourishing bowl of Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup), famous in Seoul for its traditional recipe, opening from 10:00 AM but come early to avoid the crowd.
KRW15000, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace

Explore Seoul's grandest palace, built in 1395, and witness the changing of the guard ceremony held hourly from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
KRW3000, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Bukchon Son Mandu

Savor handmade Korean dumplings near Bukchon Hanok Village, open from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
KRW10000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Stroll Bukchon Hanok Village

Wander through the traditional Korean hanok houses preserved amidst the city; it's a perfect place for photography and cultural experience.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Discover Insadong Shopping Street

Browse art galleries, tea shops, and souvenir stores in Insadong, the cultural heart of Seoul, open until around 9:00 PM.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sanchon

Experience traditional Korean temple cuisine in a tranquil setting, open from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
KRW40000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Nature & Markets

Seoul, South Korea on June 4, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Onion Anguk

Start with fresh pastries and coffee in a trendy café housed in a renovated hanok, opening at 8:00 AM.
KRW8000, 1h0m

9:30am

Hike up Namsan Seoul Tower

Enjoy panoramic views of Seoul after a pleasant hike or cable car ride to N Seoul Tower, open from 10:00 AM to midnight.
KRW11000, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Myeongdong Kyoja

Try Kalguksu (knife-cut noodle soup) at this iconic Myeongdong eatery, open from 10:30 AM to 9:30 PM.
KRW9000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Myeongdong Shopping Street

Shop for cosmetics, fashion, and street food in one of Seoul’s busiest commercial districts, stores generally close around 10:00 PM.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Visit Namdaemun Market

Experience Korea's largest traditional market, perfect for souvenirs and local snacks, open until 10:00 PM.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Jinokhwa Halmae Wonjo Dakhanmari

Enjoy Dakhanmari, a whole chicken hot pot specialty, a unique dining experience open until midnight.
KRW15000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Museum & Modern Seoul

Seoul, South Korea on June 5, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at The Royal Food & Drink

Have a hearty breakfast with excellent coffee at this cafe close to the National Museum, opens at 8:00 AM.
KRW10000, 1h0m

10:00am

National Museum of Korea

Discover Korea’s rich history and artifacts in the largest museum, open 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (closed Mondays).
Free, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Museum Café

Enjoy light Korean-inspired dishes and coffee inside the museum’s café, open during museum hours.
KRW8000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

Explore innovative design exhibitions and futuristic architecture, open until 10:00 PM.
Some exhibitions free, others paid, 2h0m

5:00pm

Shopping at Dongdaemun Night Market

Experience vibrant shopping with a variety of vendors open late into the night.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Jinokhwa Bindaetteok

Try Bindaetteok (mung bean pancake) near Dongdaemun, a delicious Korean snack, usually open until late.
KRW7000, 1h0m
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Day 4: Modern Culture & Entertainment

Seoul, South Korea on June 6, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Butterfinger Pancakes

Relish American-style pancakes and breakfast specialties, opens at 8:00 AM in Itaewon.
KRW12000, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Leeum Samsung Museum of Art

View traditional and contemporary Korean art in a world-class museum open from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM (closed Mondays).
KRW13000, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Vatos Urban Tacos

Try Korean-Mexican fusion dishes in popular Itaewon, open 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM.
KRW15000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Itaewon Street

Discover diverse shops and international culture in Seoul’s global neighborhood.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Hangang Park (Itaewon area)

Enjoy riverside views and leisure activities along the Han River, open 24 hours.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Maple Tree House

Experience premium Korean BBQ in a stylish setting, open until 10:30 PM.
KRW35000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Palace & Market

Seoul, South Korea on June 7, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Paris Baguette

Enjoy fresh bread and coffee at one of Korea’s popular bakery chains, opens at 7:00 AM.
KRW7000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Changdeokgung Palace and Secret Garden

Tour the UNESCO World Heritage site and its serene garden, open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (last entry 4:30 PM).
KRW8000 (palace + Secret Garden tour), 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Gwangjang Market

Taste authentic street food like bindaetteok and mayak kimbap at this historic market open until 10:00 PM.
KRW10000, 1h30m

2:30pm

Shop at Gwangjang Market

Explore textile shops and vintage clothing stalls in this bustling market.
Free to browse, 1h30m

4:30pm

Visit Dongmyo Shrine Flea Market

Browse quirky antiques, vintage items, and souvenirs, open until early evening.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Tosokchon Samgyetang (repeat)

Revisit the iconic chicken soup restaurant to savor the comforting dish again, opens till 9:00 PM.
KRW15000, 1h0m
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Day 6: Art & Cafes

Seoul, South Korea on June 8, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Onion Café (Seongsu Branch)

Enjoy artisanal pastries in an industrial-style cafe, opens at 8:00 AM.
KRW8000, 1h0m

10:30am

Seoul Forest Park

Explore spacious green areas, deer enclosure, and art installations in a beautiful park open daily, 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Café Bora

Taste unique purple sweet potato desserts and light Korean dishes, open 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
KRW12000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Daelim Museum

Engage with contemporary photography and design exhibitions, open 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (closed Mondays).
KRW10000, 1h30m

4:30pm

Coffee at Anthracite Coffee Roasters

Experience specialty coffee in a trendy industrial space open until 10:00 PM.
KRW8000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Joo Ok

Dine on modern Korean cuisine with Michelin recognition, reservation recommended; open until 10:00 PM.
KRW60000+, 1h30m
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Day 7: Traditional & Modern Mix

Seoul, South Korea on June 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Isaac Toast

Grab a popular Korean-style breakfast toast, open from 7:00 AM.
KRW5000, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit Jogyesa Buddhist Temple

Experience vibrant Buddhist culture in this central temple, open daily from dawn to dusk.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Explore Samcheongdong-gil Road

Walk through charming streets lined with cafes, boutiques, and galleries.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Café Breezin

Enjoy light fusion dishes and refreshing drinks in a cozy space, open from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
KRW12000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit National Folk Museum of Korea

Learn about traditional Korean life at this museum located inside Gyeongbokgung Palace grounds, open 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (closed Tuesdays).
KRW3000, 1h30m

5:00pm

Rest and Coffee at Café Mamas

Recharge with fresh salads and coffee, open 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
KRW10000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Jungsik

Savor innovative Korean fine dining with two Michelin stars, reservation essential; open until 10:00 PM.
KRW70000+, 1h30m
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Day 8: Gangnam & Shopping

Seoul, South Korea on June 10, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café de Lulu

Cozy spot offering breakfast and specialty coffee near Gangnam, opens at 8:00 AM.
KRW9000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Bongeunsa Temple

Witness peaceful Buddhist practices in this beautiful temple, open 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Explore COEX Mall & Aquarium

Shop and visit the expansive aquarium; mall open from 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM, aquarium 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM.
Aquarium KRW29000, 3h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Mad for Garlic

Enjoy Italian cuisine with Korean flavors in a funky atmosphere at COEX, open until 10:00 PM.
KRW20000, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Garosugil Street

Browse trendy boutiques and cafes along this stylish tree-lined street.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mapo Sutbul Galbi

Relish classic charcoal grilled Korean ribs, open until 11:00 PM.
KRW35000, 1h30m
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Day 9: Day Trip to DMZ

Seoul, South Korea on June 11, 2025

7:30am

DMZ Tour Departure

Join a guided half-day tour to the Demilitarized Zone; pick-up starts early, tours last roughly 6 hours, including key sites like Dorasan Station and the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel.
KRW50000, 6h0m

2:00pm

Lunch back in Seoul at Tosokchon Samgyetang

Refuel with nourishing chicken soup after the DMZ tour, open until 9:00 PM.
KRW15000, 1h0m

3:30pm

Relax at Cheonggyecheon Stream

Enjoy a leisurely walk along this restored urban stream in downtown Seoul, open 24 hours.
Free, 1h30m

5:30pm

Visit Dongdaemun Design Plaza Evening

Experience the LED rose garden and architectural lighting at night, open until midnight.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Kyochon Chicken

Try some of Korea's best fried chicken in a casual setting, open until 12:00 AM.
KRW15000, 1h0m
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Day 10: Cultural Exploration

Seoul, South Korea on June 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Isaac Toast

Grab a Korean-style breakfast easily accessible across Seoul, opens from 7:00 AM.
KRW5000, 0h30m

9:00am

Changsin-dong Toy Wholesale Market

Explore a unique market specializing in toys and crafts, great for quirky souvenirs, usually open from morning until afternoon.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Seoul Lantern Festival site along Cheonggyecheon

See creative lantern displays if in season; check schedule, typically in November, but there's a permanent display area to explore year-round.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Tosokchon Samgyetang (if not repetitive for you, otherwise try Wangbijib Galbi Pork BBQ)

Sample classic Korean comforting soup or alternative BBQ pork dishes; Wangbijib open 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM.
KRW15000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Hongdae

Dive into the youthful culture of Hongdae with street performances, shops, and cafes, vibrant especially in afternoon to evening hours.
Free, 3h0m

5:00pm

Relax at a Hongdae Café - Thanks Nature Café

Enjoy coffee alongside adorable sheep in this unique café, open until 11:00 PM.
KRW10000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Yeonnam Seo Sikdang

Try affordable and creative Korean dishes, open until 10:00 PM.
KRW15000, 1h0m
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Day 11: Farewell & Leisure

Seoul, South Korea on June 13, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Bora

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with Korean purple sweet potato specialties before your last day activities, opens 9:00 AM.
KRW12000, 1h0m

9:30am

Last-minute shopping at Lotte Department Store

Shop high-end brands and local products; store opens at 10:30 AM, plan morning accordingly.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Lotte World Mall Food Court

Choose among diverse international and Korean dishes in a convenient mall food court, open till 9:00 PM.
KRW12000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky

Enjoy spectacular city views from one of the world's tallest buildings, open 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
KRW27000, 1h30m

3:30pm

Relax at Songpa Hangang Park

Spend a peaceful late afternoon by the Han River before departure.
Free, 1h30m

5:30pm

Farewell Dinner at The Place Dining

Enjoy a fusion menu combining Korean and Western cuisine in a stylish atmosphere, open until 10:00 PM.
KRW40000, 1h30m
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