5-Day Cultural and Culinary Exploration of Seoul, South Korea

Day 1: Historic Seoul Immersion

Jongno-gu, Seoul on June 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tosokchon Samgyetang

Start your day with a traditional Korean ginseng chicken soup, known for its nourishing qualities and popular among locals.
KRW15000, 1h0m

9:30am

Gyeongbokgung Palace Tour

Explore Seoul’s largest palace, admire the beautiful architecture and witness the changing of the guard ceremony at 10:00am. Open from 9am to 6pm.
KRW3000, 2h0m

11:45am

National Folk Museum of Korea

Located within the Gyeongbokgung grounds, this museum showcases Korean cultural heritage with well-curated exhibits.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Bukchon Son Mandu

Try traditional Korean dumplings at this beloved spot near Bukchon Hanok Village, perfect for an authentic taste.
KRW12000, 1h0m

2:15pm

Bukchon Hanok Village

Wander the alleys of this picturesque traditional village to see well-preserved hanok houses and get panoramic city views.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Jogyesa Temple

Visit this serene Buddhist temple, the center of Zen Buddhism in Korea, known for its colorful lanterns and peaceful atmosphere.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Myeongdong Kyoja

Enjoy hand-made kalguksu (knife-cut noodles) in Myeongdong, a crowd favorite open until 9pm.
KRW10000, 1h0m
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Day 2: Modern Gangnam Experience

Gangnam District, Seoul on June 30, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Paris Baguette

Enjoy freshly baked pastries and coffee to start the day in a local bakery chain popular across Seoul.
KRW7000, 0h45m

9:30am

COEX Mall and Aquarium

Shop at Asia’s largest underground mall and visit the COEX Aquarium featuring diverse marine life. Aquarium opens at 10am and closes at 8pm.
KRW28000, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at On The Border Korean BBQ

Indulge in Korean BBQ with a modern twist in Gangnam, perfect for a leisurely midday feast.
KRW25000, 1h30m

2:15pm

Bongeunsa Temple

Step across from COEX to this peaceful Buddhist temple dating back to the 10th century, offering a calm retreat in the city.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Garosu-gil Shopping Stroll

Explore chic boutiques and cafes on this trendy tree-lined street, perfect for style inspiration and coffee breaks.
Free to browse, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Jungsik

Experience contemporary Korean fine dining at Jungsik, a two Michelin-star restaurant that reimagines traditional flavors. Reservations recommended.
KRW110000, 2h0m
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Day 3: Youthful Hongdae & Art Scenes

Hongdae and Mapo-gu, Seoul on July 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Mamas

Savor fresh sandwiches and healthy juices near Hongdae, favored for fresh ingredients and cozy ambiance.
KRW10000, 1h0m

9:30am

Hongdae Free Market

Explore this creative open-air market showcasing handmade crafts by local artists. Open Saturdays from 1pm to 6pm, so morning is good for exploring nearby galleries.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Trickeye Museum

Enjoy interactive 3D art and optical illusions that make for fun photo ops. Open daily from 10am-9pm.
KRW15000, 1h30m

12:45pm

Lunch at Myth Jokbal

Taste jokbal, tender braised pig’s trotters, a Korean delicacy specially prepared here in Hongdae.
KRW18000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Hongdae Street Art Walk

Wander the vibrant streets filled with colorful murals and independent galleries, capturing Seoul’s youthful creativity.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit World Cup Park

Relax in this large park built on a former landfill site, with beautiful views of the Han River and nature trails.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Baekjeong Korean BBQ

Enjoy a lively Korean BBQ experience with high-quality meat, right in the heart of Mapo-gu.
KRW30000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Itaewon Diversity Day

Itaewon and Yongsan, Seoul on July 2, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at The Flying Pan Blue

Start your day with hearty western-style breakfast in Itaewon, known for its relaxed vibe and good coffee.
KRW12000, 1h0m

9:45am

War Memorial of Korea

Explore Korea’s military history with comprehensive indoor and outdoor exhibits; open from 9am to 6pm.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Vatos Urban Tacos

Savor a fusion of Korean and Mexican flavors in this popular Itaewon restaurant known for its innovative tacos.
KRW18000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Itaewon Antique Street

Browse an eclectic array of vintage and antique shops reflecting the multicultural character of Itaewon.
Free to browse, 1h0m

3:00pm

Namsan Seoul Tower

Take a short taxi or hike to the iconic Seoul Tower for panoramic city views and photo ops. Tower is open from 10am to 11pm.
KRW11000, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Linus’ Bama Style BBQ

End the day with delicious southern-style BBQ in Itaewon, perfect for something different from Korean cuisine.
KRW35000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Shopping and Scenic Walks

Dongdaemun and Central Seoul on July 3, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Isaac Toast

Grab a quick and popular Korean-style breakfast sandwich to fuel up for a big day of shopping.
KRW5000, 0h30m

9:15am

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

Visit this futuristic architectural landmark and cultural space known for exhibitions and design shops. Open from 10am to 7pm.
Free entrance, exhibition fees vary, 1h30m

11:00am

Dongdaemun Market Shopping

Explore extensive shopping options from fabrics and accessories to fashion mall outlets, perfect for bargain hunting.
Free browsing, 2h0m

1:15pm

Lunch at Jinokhwa Halmae Wonjo Dakhanmari

Try dakhanmari, a whole chicken hot pot specialty, beloved in the Dongdaemun area for its fresh flavors.
KRW12000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Cheonggyecheon Stream

Enjoy a relaxing walk along this restored urban stream that flows through downtown Seoul, featuring art installations and peaceful spots.
Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Visit Gwangjang Market

Sample an array of Korean street foods like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and mayak kimbap at this vibrant market open until late evening.
Varies, budget KRW10000, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Mukshidonna

End with a comforting bowl of tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) in a casual setting, perfect for a flavorful last meal in Seoul.
KRW12000, 1h0m
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