Seoul 6-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrive at Incheon Airport (ICN)

After a long flight from JFK, you'll arrive at Incheon International Airport.

Proceed through immigration and customs.

Ensure you have your passport and any required travel documents ready. Pick up a T-Money card at the airport for easy public transport.

Transfer to Hotel & Check-in

Take the Airport Railroad Express (AREX) all-stop train or a budget-friendly airport bus to your hotel area in Jongno and check in.

Casual Local Dinner

Enjoy a simple and delicious local meal near your hotel to kick off your culinary journey in Seoul.

Options like gimbap, tteokbokki, or a hearty stew are readily available.

Look for small, local eateries for authentic and budget-friendly Korean food.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Start your day with a visit to Seoul's grandest and most beautiful palace.

Explore the impressive grounds, learn about Joseon Dynasty history, and consider renting a hanbok for a unique experience.

Closed on Tuesdays. Arrive early to avoid crowds. The changing of the Royal Guard ceremony usually takes place at 10:00 and 14:00 (check schedule).

Lunch in Insadong

Walk to Insadong, a cultural street known for traditional Korean restaurants and tea houses.

Enjoy a traditional Korean meal like bibimbap or a kimchi stew.

Bukchon Hanok Village

Explore the charming streets of Bukchon Hanok Village, home to hundreds of traditional Korean houses (hanok) dating back to the Joseon Dynasty.

Enjoy scenic views of the palaces and modern city.

This is a residential area, so be respectful of residents and keep noise levels down.

Explore Insadong Alleyways

Wander through Insadong's main street and its many alleys, browsing traditional craft shops, art galleries, and souvenir stalls.

You can find unique gifts and experience traditional Korean culture.

Myeongdong Street Food & Shopping

Head to Myeongdong, a bustling shopping district that truly comes alive in the evening.

Indulge in a variety of Korean street foods for dinner and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

Sample various street food items like tteokbokki, odeng, gyeranppang, and more. It's a great budget-friendly dinner option.

Changdeokgung Palace & Huwon

Visit Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its harmony with nature.

Don't miss the 'Secret Garden' (Huwon), which requires a separate, guided tour reservation.

Closed on Mondays. Book your Secret Garden tour online in advance as spots are limited.

Gwangjang Market Food Tour

Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of Gwangjang Market, one of Korea's oldest and largest traditional markets.

Enjoy a culinary adventure trying various street foods like bindae-tteok (mung bean pancakes) and kalguksu (knife-cut noodles).

Cash is often preferred here. Be adventurous and try many small dishes.

Stroll along Cheonggyecheon Stream

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Cheonggyecheon Stream, a modern urban renewal project that transformed a neglected waterway into a beautiful public recreation space.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) Exploration

Visit the iconic Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), a futuristic landmark known for its unique architecture, design exhibitions, and various cultural events.

Explore the surrounding fashion markets.

Entry to the DDP building is free, but special exhibitions may have a fee.

Dinner & Culture in Hongdae

Head to Hongdae, the vibrant youth district around Hongik University.

Enjoy a budget-friendly dinner at one of the many trendy restaurants or cafes, and soak in the lively atmosphere with street performances.

Morning Walk in Namsan Park

Enjoy a refreshing morning walk up (or take a cable car) Namsan Mountain, Seoul's largest park.

The park offers beautiful trails and panoramic views of the city.

You can take a cable car up the mountain for a small fee if you prefer not to walk.

N Seoul Tower & Love Locks

Ascend to the observation deck of N Seoul Tower for breathtaking 360-degree views of the entire city. Don't forget to visit the famous 'Love Lock of Seoul Tower' area.

Lunch near N Seoul Tower

Have a casual lunch at one of the eateries near N Seoul Tower or at the base of Namsan Mountain.

Namsangol Hanok Village

Visit Namsangol Hanok Village, a collection of five traditional Korean houses from different social classes, relocated and restored to their original forms.

Experience traditional culture and games.

Free admission. Offers a great insight into traditional Korean life.

Dinner in Itaewon

Head to Itaewon, known for its diverse international cuisine and vibrant nightlife.

Enjoy a budget-friendly meal from a wide range of international and local options.

Deoksugung Palace & Royal Guard

Visit Deoksugung Palace, unique for its blend of traditional Korean and Western-style buildings.

Witness the impressive Changing of the Royal Guard ceremony.

Closed on Mondays. The Changing of the Royal Guard ceremony usually occurs at 11:00, 14:00, and 15:30 (check schedule upon arrival).

Lunch near City Hall

Enjoy a casual lunch in the area surrounding City Hall, with various budget-friendly options available.

Myeongdong Shopping & Cafes

Return to Myeongdong for a deeper dive into its shopping streets, finding great deals on cosmetics, fashion, and K-pop merchandise.

Relax at a cafe and people-watch.

Great place for souvenir shopping and experiencing Seoul's modern pulse.

Dinner at Namdaemun Market

Explore Namdaemun Market, another large traditional market.

Enjoy a final budget-friendly Korean dinner here, trying local favorites like galchi jorim (braised hairtail fish) or kalguksu.

Bukchon Hanok Village

Wander through the charming traditional Korean houses (hanok) of Bukchon, nestled between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palaces. This area offers a glimpse into 600 years of Seoul's history and offers picturesque photo opportunities. Please be mindful of residents as it is a living neighborhood.

Wear comfortable shoes as there are many uphill streets. Entry is free.

Lunch in Samcheongdong

Enjoy a budget-friendly lunch in the artistic neighborhood of Samcheongdong, adjacent to Bukchon.

You'll find a variety of cafes and small restaurants offering Korean dishes or light meals.

Look for local eateries offering 'baekban' (a set meal with rice and various side dishes) for a truly Korean and affordable experience.

Namsan Mountain Park Walk

Take a scenic walk up Namsan Mountain Park, a beloved urban natural space offering refreshing trails and panoramic city views.

Enjoy the fresh air and greenery as you ascend.

You can opt to take the Namsan Cable Car for a quicker ascent (approx. USD 10-12 for a round trip) or enjoy the leisurely walk.

N Seoul Tower & Love Locks

Reach the iconic N Seoul Tower for breathtaking 360-degree views of the city, especially beautiful during sunset. Visit the Love Lock area to see thousands of padlocks left by couples.

Consider purchasing a ticket to the observatory deck for the best views. Tickets cost approximately USD 12 per person.

Myeongdong Street Food Dinner

Experience the vibrant energy and diverse culinary offerings of Myeongdong street food alley.

This popular area transforms into a gastronomic paradise in the evenings, with countless stalls offering everything from tteokbokki to Korean fried chicken.

A perfect way to enjoy a variety of budget-friendly Korean delights. Cash is often preferred at street stalls.