8-Day South Korea Itinerary: Seoul Cultural Gems and Scenic Excursions with Late Afternoon Arrival

Day 1: Arrival and Evening Explore

Seoul, South Korea on April 28, 2025

4:00pm

Arrival at Incheon Airport

Arrive at Incheon International Airport, complete immigration, and get a T-money card for city transport.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Transfer to Accommodation and Check-in

Head to your accommodation and complete check-in procedures.
N/A, 1h

6:00pm

Explore Myeongdong

Visit the bustling shopping district filled with street food, fashion, and vibrant nightlife. Perfect for a relaxing first evening and light dinner options.
Free to explore, food KRW3000-7000, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at Myeongdong Street Food Stalls

Sample favorites like tteokbokki, grilled skewers, or hotteok from popular vendors.
KRW5000-10000, 1h

9:00pm

Return to Accommodation

Rest and prepare for your first full day in Seoul tomorrow.
N/A, N/A
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Day 2: Palace and Village

Seoul, South Korea on April 29, 2025

9:00am

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Tour this grand Joseon Dynasty palace and witness the changing of the guard ceremony. Open 9am-6pm.
KRW3000, 2h

11:30am

Bukchon Hanok Village

Walk through this historic neighborhood showcasing traditional Korean houses and charming alleys.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch Near Bukchon

Enjoy bibimbap or bulgogi at a local restaurant near the village.
KRW10000-15000, 1h

2:30pm

Rest at Accommodation

Recharge at your accommodation after a busy morning.
N/A, 1h30m

4:00pm

Leisure or Cafe Time

Explore nearby neighborhoods or relax at a cozy cafe.
KRW6000-10000, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Korean BBQ

Experience Korean BBQ dinner near your accommodation.
KRW25000-40000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Nature and Adventure

Gapyeong, South Korea on April 30, 2025

8:00am

Departure to Nami Island

Travel to Nami Island by shuttle or train (approx 1.5 hours).
KRW13000-20000, 1h30m

9:30am

Explore Nami Island

Enjoy the scenic island known for tree-lined paths and peaceful nature; open 7:30am-8pm.
KRW13000 (ferry included), 2h

11:30am

Travel to Garden of Morning Calm

Head to the nearby botanical garden showcasing seasonal flora.
KRW10000, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch Near Garden

Eat a Korean meal at a local restaurant near the garden.
KRW10000-15000, 1h

1:30pm

Garden of Morning Calm Visit

Walk through themed gardens open 8am-9pm.
Included earlier, 1h30m

3:00pm

Gangchon Rail Bike

Enjoy a scenic rail bike ride surrounded by nature, open until 6pm.
KRW15000-25000, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Seoul

Travel back to Seoul and rest.
KRW13000-20000, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner in Seoul

Light dinner near your accommodation.
KRW10000-15000, 1h
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Day 4: Culture and Tower Views

Seoul, South Korea on May 1, 2025

9:00am

Namsangol Hanok Village

Visit this traditional hanok village with cultural exhibitions. Open 9am-9pm, free entry.
Free, 1h30m

10:45am

Insadong Exploration

Experience antique shops, crafts, and teahouses in Insadong.
Free, 1h30m

12:15pm

Lunch in Insadong

Try traditional Korean dishes such as jeon and bibimbap at a local restaurant.
KRW12000-18000, 1h

1:30pm

Coffee Break

Relax at a traditional or modern cafe in Insadong or Ikseondong.
KRW6000-10000, 1h

2:30pm

N Seoul Tower Visit

Visit the iconic tower for panoramic Seoul views; open 10am-11pm.
KRW12000, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at N Grill

Enjoy a revolving fine dining experience atop N Seoul Tower.
KRW40000-60000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Parks and Markets

Seoul, South Korea on May 2, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Myeongdong

Enjoy Korean street breakfast like hotteok or tteokbokki.
KRW3000-7000, 30m

9:30am

Banpo Hangang Park

Relax along the Han river and enjoy views of Banpo Bridge; possible rainbow fountain in season.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Mangwon Market

Sample street foods such as fried chicken and dumplings at the vibrant Mangwon Market.
KRW5000-15000, 1h

1:30pm

Mangwon Neighborhood Walk

Explore Mangwon’s cafes, shops, and street art.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Rest at Accommodation

Afternoon break and leisure time.
N/A, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Kyochon Chicken

Enjoy popular Korean fried chicken for dinner.
KRW15000-25000, 1h
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Day 6: University and Shopping

Seoul, South Korea on May 3, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast near Yonsei University

Start with a Korean or cafe-style breakfast in the university area.
KRW7000-12000, 1h

10:00am

Visit Yonsei University

Explore the historic campus and its campus grounds.
Free, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch Nearby

Enjoy local Korean dishes in the vicinity of the university.
KRW10000-15000, 1h

1:30pm

Ktown4u Shopping

Shop Korean entertainment merchandise, albums, and cosmetics.
Free to browse, shopping optional, 2h

4:00pm

Cafe Break

Relax at a K-pop themed cafe near Ktown4u.
KRW6000-10000, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Korean BBQ

Experience grilling meats for dinner close to Ktown area.
KRW25000-40000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Coex and Gangnam

Seoul, South Korea on May 4, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast near Gangnam

Savor coffee and pastries at a cafe near Coex Mall.
KRW7000-12000, 1h

10:00am

Coex Starfield Library

Visit this iconic library with soaring bookshelves and a serene atmosphere. Open 10am-10pm.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Coex Mall Food Court

Choose from a variety of Korean and international food options.
KRW10000-15000, 1h

1:30pm

Shopping in Coex Mall

Explore shops for cosmetics, fashion, and souvenirs at Asia’s largest underground mall.
Free to browse; shopping optional, 2h

4:00pm

Rest or Walk in Gangnam

Leisure time with optional walk around trendy Gangnam district.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gangnam Fusion Restaurant

Enjoy modern Korean fusion cuisine to end your day.
KRW25000-35000, 1h30m
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Day 8: Kwangya and Gimcheon

Seoul & Gimcheon, South Korea on May 5, 2025

7:00am

Morning Travel to Kwangya

Depart early for Kwangya district to explore tech and culture innovations.
Varies, 2h

9:00am

Explore Kwangya

Experience the innovative and artistic aspects of Kwangya area.
Varies, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Kwangya

Dine at modern eateries with contemporary Korean cuisine.
KRW15000-30000, 1h

1:30pm

Travel to Gimcheon

Take bus or train to Gimcheon city (approx 2.5-3 hours).
KRW30000-40000, 3h

4:30pm

Visit Gimcheon University

Tour the campus and surroundings of Gimcheon University.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner in Gimcheon

Enjoy local Korean cuisine in Gimcheon to conclude your journey.
KRW10000-15000, 1h
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