7-Day Detailed Seoul Itinerary: Palaces, Shopping, Nature & Celebrations

Day 1: Palaces & Tradition

Seoul, South Korea on June 18, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Onion Anguk

Enjoy a traditional Korean style breakfast or pastries in this rustic Hanok café near Bukchon Hanok Village, open from 8am.
KRW8000, 1h

9:30am

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Explore Korea's main royal palace with various halls and the National Folk Museum, open daily 9am-6pm. Don't miss the changing of the guard ceremony.
KRW3000, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Tosokchon Samgyetang

Savour the famous Korean ginseng chicken soup, a hearty and classic meal just 10 minutes from Gyeongbokgung Palace.
KRW15000, 1h

1:30pm

Bukchon Hanok Village

Stroll the charming alleys lined with traditional Korean houses (hanoks) offering photogenic views and cultural insights. Open at all times, best to explore in daylight.
Free, 1h30m

3:00pm

Insadong Street

Browse antique shops, art galleries, and traditional tea houses. Ideal to experience Korean art and culture. Shops typically open until 7pm.
Free to browse, 1h30m

4:30pm

Jogyesa Temple

Visit the chief temple of Korean Buddhism, known for its colorful lanterns and peaceful atmosphere, open until 6pm.
Free, 45m

5:30pm

Ikseon-dong Hanok Street

Discover a vibrant mix of old meets new in renovated hanok buildings featuring trendy cafes, shops, and bars. A great spot to relax before evening activities.
Free to explore, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Mingle

Enjoy a contemporary Korean fine dining experience, requiring a reservation and offering innovative seasonal dishes.
KRW70000 approx., 2h

9:30pm

N Seoul Tower

End the day with stunning panoramic city views from the tower, open until 11pm. Take the Namsan cable car or hike up to the tower.
KRW10000, 1h

Day 2: Shopping & Modern

Seoul, South Korea on June 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at BeansBins Coffee

Start with speciality coffee and waffles near Hongdae to fuel a busy shopping day. Opens from 8am.
KRW8000, 1h

9:00am

Hongdae Exploration

Enjoy the dynamic atmosphere with street performances, unique shops, and creative street art. Shops generally open by 10am, stroll early for a quieter experience.
Free, 2h

11:00am

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

Admire the futuristic architecture and explore design exhibitions; DDP is open from 10am to 7pm.
Entry to exhibitions varies, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Gwangjang Market

Sample authentic Korean street food like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and mayak gimbap in one of the oldest traditional markets open roughly 9am-6pm.
KRW10000 approx., 1h

2:30pm

Ewha Womans University & Sinchon

Walk the trendy shopping streets around Ewha University and Sinchon, known for affordable fashion boutiques and cafes.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Coffee break at Stylenanda Pink Pool Café

Relax with a stylish coffee break in this Instagram-worthy spot in Sinchon.
KRW8000, 45m

6:00pm

Dinner at BBQ Olive Chicken Café

Try Korea's famous fried chicken with various flavour options, popular with locals and tourists alike.
KRW20000, 1h30m

Day 3: DMZ & River

Seoul & Demilitarized Zone, South Korea on June 20, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at Imperial Palace Boutique Hotel before heading on the DMZ tour.
Included in hotel stay, 1h

8:00am

DMZ Tour

Join a guided tour to the Demilitarized Zone to learn about Korea’s history, including stops at the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel and Dora Observatory. Tours last approximately 6 hours.
KRW50000 approx., 6h

2:30pm

Snack break in Sinchon

Return to Seoul and relax with a light snack or bubble tea in this vibrant university district.
KRW7000, 30m

3:00pm

Yonsei University grounds

Wander the historic and scenic Yonsei University campus, open to the public. Enjoy the youthful atmosphere and architecture.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Han River Park at Banpo Bridge

Head to Hangang Park to relax by the river and enjoy Banpo Bridge’s impressive Rainbow Fountain show, which runs until 10pm from April to October.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at The River Café

Dine riverside at this relaxed restaurant known for Korean fusion dishes within Hangang Park.
KRW30000 approx., 1h30m

Day 4: Birthday Celebration

Seoul, South Korea on June 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Mamas

Start your celebratory day with a wholesome breakfast of fresh sandwiches and juices near Seoul Forest. Opens 8am.
KRW12000, 1h

9:00am

Seoul Forest

Enjoy a leisurely morning walking through this large urban park with botanical gardens and deer corral, open from 6am to 10pm.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Hangang River Park Activities

Engage with riverside recreation such as bike rentals or picnic spots to soak up the natural scenery.
Bike rental approx. KRW5000/hr, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Riverside Café

Grab light bites and coffee at a café overlooking the river.
KRW15000, 1h

2:30pm

COEX Starfield Library

Marvel at the spectacular multi-story bookshelves and relax in this iconic modern library open till 10pm.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Shopping in Apgujeong & Garosugil

Explore these upscale neighbourhoods known for designer boutiques and trendy cafes.
Free to browse, 2h

6:30pm

Birthday Dinner at Soigné

Celebrate with a fine dining experience offering contemporary Korean cuisine in a refined setting. Reservations recommended.
KRW80000+, 2h

Day 5: Theme Park or Nature

Seoul, South Korea on June 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a convenient start with breakfast at your accommodation before a day of adventure.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Lotte World Theme Park

Spend the day enjoying this large indoor and outdoor amusement park famous for rides and entertainment. Open from 9am to 10pm.
KRW60000 approx., 7h

4:00pm

Alternative: Everland Theme Park

If preferred, opt to visit Everland, South Korea’s largest theme park featuring thrilling rides, animal exhibits, and seasonal shows. Open 10am to 9pm.
KRW56000 approx. for admission, 7h

4:00pm

Alternative: Bukhansan National Park Hiking

For nature lovers, enjoy a scenic hike with panoramic city views. Park open 24 hours but best to hike during daylight.
Free, 4h

6:00pm

Dinner at Casual Korean BBQ

Relax after a day of fun with Korean BBQ near your chosen park or theme park.
KRW25000 approx., 1h30m

Day 6: Seongsu & Gangnam

Seoul, South Korea on June 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Anthracite Coffee Roasters Seongsu

Start with expertly brewed coffee in a converted industrial space in Seongsu-dong, open 8am.
KRW8000, 1h

9:00am

Seongsu-dong Café Street

Explore unique cafes and boutiques in this trendy and artistic neighbourhood known as Seoul’s Brooklyn.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Daelim Changgo Gallery

Visit this contemporary art space featuring innovative local artists. Usually open 11am-7pm, closed Mondays.
KRW5000, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Common Ground

Shop and dine in Korea’s first pop-up container shopping mall with a variety of food trucks and casual eateries.
KRW15000 approx., 1h

2:00pm

Queenmama Market

Browse design items and lifestyle products in this concept store located in Seongsu.
Free to browse, 45m

3:00pm

Bongeunsa Temple

Experience peace and traditional Korean Buddhist architecture in the heart of Gangnam district, open until 6pm.
Free, 1h

4:30pm

COEX Starfield Library revisit

Return to the library for further exploration or quiet reading atmosphere.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Jungsik

Indulge in innovative Korean fine dining at this Michelin-starred restaurant in Gangnam. Reservation recommended.
KRW80000+, 2h

Day 7: Last Shopping & Departure

Seoul, South Korea on June 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a final leisurely breakfast at the hotel before heading out for last-minute shopping.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Lotte Mart at Seoul Station

Shop for Korean snacks, souvenirs, and beauty products with good prices before leaving the city.
Free entry, 1h30m

10:30am

Myeongdong Shopping

Explore bustling streets packed with cosmetic stores, fashion boutiques, and street food vendors, perfect for last-minute gifts and treats.
Free to browse, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Myeongdong Kyoja

Have a delicious bowl of handmade noodle soup, a popular Myeongdong specialty.
KRW10000, 1h

2:00pm

Return to Hotel & Departure

Collect your belongings and prepare for your departure from Seoul.
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