Walking Lovers' 7-Day Seoul Itinerary: Seongsu, Culture, Adventure & Birthday Celebration

Day Arrival Night: Arrival & Light Stroll

Seoul, South Korea on June 17, 2025

11:00pm

Arrive Incheon Airport

Land at Incheon Airport and prepare for transfer to your hotel.
N/A, N/A

11:30pm

Taxi or AREX Express to Imperial Palace Boutique Hotel, Itaewon

Travel from airport directly to your hotel taking approximately one hour.
KRW55000 approx. taxi; about KRW9000 AREX + subway fare, 1h

12:30am

Hotel Check-in

Settle into your room and rest after your trip.
N/A, N/A

1:00am

Optional Night Stroll in Itaewon

Walk around Itaewon neighbourhood with many 24-hour shops and cafés; about 1–2 km walk for fresh air and light exploration.
Free, 30m-1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 1: Seongsu & Gangnam

Seoul, South Korea on June 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Onion Seongsu

Enjoy freshly baked goods and coffee in a stylish raw-concrete setting with rooftop views, opens from 8am.
KRW10000 approx., 1h

9:00am

Explore Seongsu Café Street

Walk along the café street inspired by repurposed warehouses featuring indie shops and street art.
Free, 1h30m

10:30am

Visit Daelim Changgo Gallery and Blue Bottle Coffee

Experience modern art at Daelim Changgo (open 11am-7pm, closed Monday) and enjoy specialty coffee at Blue Bottle nearby.
Gallery KRW5000; Coffee approx. KRW7000, 1h30m

12:00pm

Shop at Queenmama Market

Browse stylish lifestyle and design-focused products in this trendy boutique market.
Free, 45m

12:45pm

Lunch at Common Ground

Enjoy casual dining within Korea’s first pop-up container mall near Seongsu with diverse food options.
KRW12000 approx., 1h

2:00pm

Visit Bongeunsa Temple

Experience tranquility in this Buddhist temple located near COEX, open 9am to 6pm.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Marvel at Starfield Library

Tour the iconic COEX Starfield Library with its stunning multi-floor bookshelves, open until 10pm.
Free, 1h

4:30pm

Shopping Apgujeong or Garosugil

Explore the upscale boutiques and photogenic streets of these trendy neighbourhoods.
Free to explore, 1h30m

6:30pm

Rooftop Drinks at Mondrian Hotel

Enjoy evening cocktails with city views at the Soho Rooftop Bar in Mondrian Hotel Gangnam.
Depends on drinks, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner in Garosugil or Itaewon

Choose from fashionable Garosugil eateries or return to Itaewon for international cuisine options.
KRW20000-40000 approx., 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Haircut & Youthful Seoul

Seoul, South Korea on June 19, 2025

10:00am

Haircut at Juno Hair (Hongdae Branch)

Get a trendy Korean haircut in a foreigner-friendly salon; pre-booking strongly recommended.
KRW40000-60000 approx., 1h30m

11:30am

Wander Hongdae Streets

Explore youth culture with thrift stores, indie artists, cafés, and live buskers.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Hongdae Bakery Café

Stop for a light meal or coffee at a popular café like Bau House Dog Café or a local bakery.
KRW10000 approx., 1h

2:00pm

Visit Ewha Womans University Campus

Stroll this architecturally impressive and peaceful university campus, open all day.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Early Evening at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

Admire the futuristic architecture and exhibitions at DDP, open from 10am to 7pm.
Entry fees vary, 1h30m

5:00pm

Street Food Dinner at Gwangjang Market

Taste famous dishes like mung bean pancakes, mayak kimbap, and spicy rice cakes in Korea’s oldest market (9am–6pm).
KRW10000-15000, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: DMZ & Han River Sunset

Seoul & DMZ, South Korea on June 20, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast at your hotel before DMZ excursion.
Included or self-service, 1h

8:00am

DMZ Half-Day Tour

Visit Imjingak, the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, Dora Observatory, and learn about Korean War history on a guided tour lasting about 6 hours.
KRW50000 approx., 6h

2:30pm

Explore Yonsei University Campus

Walk through one of Korea’s oldest and most scenic university campuses, relaxing after the tour.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Sinchon District

Discover vibrant student-friendly streets full of affordable cafés and shops.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Han River Park at Banpo Bridge

Unwind with a stroll along Hangang Park and stay for the Rainbow Fountain Show (around 8-9pm; check seasonal timings).
Free, 3h

6:30pm

Casual Dinner at Food Trucks or Café at Han River Park

Grab casual bites near the river or enjoy a picnic style meal from food trucks.
KRW15000-20000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Birthday: History & Celebration

Seoul, South Korea on June 21, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast Nearby Hotel

Start your special day with breakfast at a café near Itaewon or hotel.
KRW8000-12000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace

Explore the grandest of Seoul’s royal palaces, open 9am-6pm; consider renting hanbok for free entry and photo opportunities.
Palace KRW3000; Hanbok rental KRW15000-25000, 2h

11:30am

Walk to Bukchon Hanok Village

Wander historic traditional houses in this picturesque village against the city backdrop.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Insadong Traditional Restaurant

Enjoy Korean temple cuisine or light meals in Insadong's artistic neighbourhood.
KRW15000 approx., 1h

2:00pm

Stroll Insadong & Visit Jogyesa Temple

Explore arts, calligraphy shops, then visit colorful Jogyesa Temple (open until 6pm).
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Explore Ikseon-dong Hanok Street

Discover quaint artisan shops and romantic alleys with trendy cafés.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Birthday Dinner at Soigné or Ryunique or Mosu Seoul

Celebrate your birthday with gourmet contemporary Korean cuisine at a Michelin-starred or highly rated restaurant — book ahead.
KRW80000+, 2h

8:30pm

Evening Walk at Cheonggyecheon Stream

Enjoy the illuminated stream promenade for a peaceful end to your special day.
Free, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Adventure Day

Seoul, South Korea on June 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or Local Café

Fuel up for an active day with coffee and light breakfast.
KRW8000-12000, 1h

9:00am

Option A: Lotte World Theme Park

Experience indoor and outdoor rides and shows at this popular amusement park, open 9am to 10pm.
KRW60000+, 7-8h

9:00am

Option B: Bukhansan National Park Hiking

Take a 3 to 4-hour hike to Baegundae Peak for panoramic views and visit serene temples along the way. Outdoors, open all day.
Free, 4-5h

5:00pm

Return to Hotel & Relax

Rest and soak in the hotel bathtub to rejuvenate after the day’s adventure.
Included, N/A

7:00pm

Dinner Nearby

Opt for comforting Korean or international cuisine near your hotel in Itaewon.
KRW20000 approx., 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Seoul Forest & Café-Hopping

Seoul, South Korea on June 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Mamas near Seoul Forest

Enjoy hearty sandwiches and fresh juices before exploring the park, opens at 8am.
KRW12000 approx., 1h

9:00am

Stroll Seoul Forest

Visit butterfly gardens, deer enclosures, and art installations in this expansive green space open 6am-10pm.
Free, 2h

11:00am

Afternoon Café-Hopping in Seongsu

Explore hip cafés and hidden bookstore spots in Seongsu or revisit Ikseon-dong or Hongdae as favourites.
Coffee and snacks approx. KRW10000, 2h30m

2:00pm

Souvenir Shopping

Pick up artisan goods and souvenirs in the trendy neighbourhoods.
Free to browse, 1h

5:00pm

Light Dinner and Drinks in Itaewon

Relax with a casual meal and drinks at popular Itaewon venues.
KRW20000 approx., 1h30m

7:00pm

Optional: Dragon Hill Spa Jjimjilbang

End your day with a relaxing traditional Korean bathhouse experience, open 24 hours.
KRW12000 approx., 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Shopping & Departure

Seoul, South Korea on June 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have your final breakfast at the hotel before heading out for last-minute shopping.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Shopping at Lotte Mart, Seoul Station

Stock up on Korean snacks, skincare, and souvenirs in this large supermarket open from early morning.
Free entry, 1h30m

10:30am

Final Shopping at Myeongdong or Hongdae

Complete your shopping with cosmetics, fashion, and street food before departure.
Free to browse, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Myeongdong Kyoja

Enjoy famous handmade noodle soup as a satisfying final Korean meal.
KRW10000 approx., 1h

2:00pm

Return to Hotel & Prepare Departure

Collect your belongings and arrange transport to the airport.
N/A, N/A

3:00pm

Travel to Airport

Allow approx. 2 hours for taxi or AREX train ride to Incheon Airport.
KRW55000 approx. taxi; or AREX + subway KRW9000, 2h

5:00pm

Arrival at Incheon Airport

Check-in for your flight and prepare for departure.
N/A, N/A
View Hotel Availability