6 Days in Seoul: K-Culture, Palaces & Modern City Life
Discover the perfect blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity in Seoul. From historic palaces and traditional markets to K-pop culture and innovative cuisine, this 6-day itinerary covers the best of South Korea's dynamic capital.
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1Day 1: Arrival & Myeongdong Exploration
Arrive in Seoul and explore the bustling shopping and food district of Myeongdong.
Activities
Myeongdong Shopping Street
Explore Korea's premier shopping district with cosmetics, fashion, and street food
Myeongdong Cathedral
Visit Seoul's iconic Gothic cathedral and historic landmark
Myeongdong Night Market
Experience Korean street food culture with hotteok, tteokbokki, and more
Meals
Airport Food Court
Incheon Airport
Myeongdong Kyoja
Myeongdong
Famous for handmade noodles and dumplings
Tips for the Day
- •Get a T-money card for convenient subway travel
- •Download Papago or Google Translate for Korean
- •Many shops in Myeongdong accept international cards
2Day 2: Historic Palaces & Traditional Culture
Immerse yourself in Korean royal history and traditional culture.
Activities
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Visit Seoul's largest palace and watch the changing of the guard ceremony
Bukchon Hanok Village
Walk through traditional Korean houses and cultural workshops
Insadong Cultural District
Explore traditional tea houses, art galleries, and craft shops
Cheonggyecheon Stream
Evening stroll along the restored urban stream with LED displays
Meals
Hotel Breakfast
Hotel
Samcheongdong Sujebi
Samcheong-dong
Traditional hand-pulled noodle soup
Sanchon Temple Food
Insadong
Buddhist temple cuisine experience
Tips for the Day
- •Wear hanbok (traditional dress) for free palace entry
- •Visit palaces early to avoid crowds
- •Try traditional tea in Insadong tea houses
3Day 3: Modern Seoul & K-Pop Culture
Experience Seoul's modern side with shopping, entertainment, and K-pop culture.
Activities
Gangnam District Tour
Explore the upscale district made famous by Psy's Gangnam Style
COEX Mall & Starfield Library
Visit Asia's largest underground shopping mall and stunning library
Bongeunsa Temple
Find tranquility in this Buddhist temple amid the urban landscape
Banpo Rainbow Bridge
Watch the musical fountain show with rainbow lights
Hongdae Nightlife
Experience Seoul's youth culture, clubs, and street performances
Meals
Cafe in Gangnam
Gangnam
School Food Blooming Mari
COEX Mall
Modern Korean fusion cuisine
Korean BBQ in Hongdae
Hongdae
All-you-can-eat Korean barbecue
Tips for the Day
- •Banpo fountain shows run every 20 minutes
- •Hongdae is busiest on weekends
- •Try Korean fried chicken with beer (chimaek)
4Day 4: Markets, Food & N Seoul Tower
Discover traditional markets, Korean cuisine, and panoramic city views.
Activities
Namdaemun Market
Explore Korea's largest traditional market for souvenirs and local goods
Dongdaemun Design Plaza
Visit Zaha Hadid's futuristic architecture and design exhibitions
Gwangjang Market Food Tour
Sample authentic Korean street food like bindaetteok and mayak gimbap
N Seoul Tower
Take the cable car up Namsan Mountain for panoramic city views
Meals
Traditional Korean Breakfast
Near hotel
Gwangjang Market Sampling
Gwangjang Market
Namsan Seoul Tower Restaurant
N Seoul Tower
Rotating restaurant with city views
Tips for the Day
- •Visit N Seoul Tower at sunset for best views
- •Bring cash for market vendors
- •Try the famous Gwangjang Market bindaetteok
5Day 5: DMZ Tour & Changdeokgung Palace
Take a historic DMZ tour and visit UNESCO World Heritage Changdeokgung Palace.
Activities
DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) Tour
Visit the border between North and South Korea, including JSA and tunnels
Changdeokgung Palace & Secret Garden
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage palace and its beautiful gardens
Meals
Hotel Breakfast
Hotel
DMZ Tour Lunch
DMZ Tour
Included in tour package
Jungsik
Gangnam
Michelin 2-star modern Korean cuisine
Tips for the Day
- •Book DMZ tour in advance with passport
- •Secret Garden tours require advance booking
- •DMZ tour includes transportation and guide
6Day 6: Relaxation & Departure
Enjoy Korean spa culture and last-minute shopping before departure.
Activities
Dragon Hill Spa (Jjimjilbang)
Experience traditional Korean spa with saunas, baths, and relaxation areas
Lotte World Tower & Mall
Visit Seoul's tallest building and do last-minute shopping
Han River Park
Relax by the river with fried chicken and beer (chimaek)
Meals
Hotel Breakfast
Hotel
Lotte World Mall Food Court
Lotte World Mall
Chimaek at Han River
Han River Park
Korean fried chicken and beer
Tips for the Day
- •Check out early and store luggage at hotel
- •Buy Korean snacks and cosmetics at Lotte Duty Free
- •Allow 2 hours for airport check-in and security