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7 Days in Seoul: A Journey of Culture and Adventure

Nerea Malillos

Nerea Malillos

11 Nov 2023

Experience the vibrant city of Seoul in this 7-day itinerary filled with historical sites, stunning parks, and delicious food. Discover the rich culture of South Korea as you explore palaces, museums, and traditional markets. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Seoul!

Trip to Seoul

Day 1
+

$44

·

$ 37

Travelodge Myeongdong City Hall

Depart from your stay 🏨

8 - 10 min

~

Directions

Mil Toast House (밀토스트)
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
•
$24
5 - 8 min

~

Directions

Alive Museum
Family-friendly museum featuring a variety of funky, life-size exhibits & photo-op displays.
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
Free
13 - 20 min

~

Directions

Changdeokgung
Tours are offered of this large Joseon dynasty palace & its surrounding gardens.
11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
•
Free
15 - 22 min

~

Directions

CAFE ROSSO (로쏘)
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
•
$20
8 - 11 min

~

Directions

The National Folk Museum of Korea
National museum celebrating the history, culture & lives of Korean people, established in 1946.
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
•
Free
8 - 12 min

~

Directions

Geunjeongjeon
Grand residence of the 14th-century Joseon Dynasty, now housing museums of folklore & royal culture.
7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
•
Free
9 - 11 min

~

Directions

Seoul Museum of History
Museum on the history of Seoul from prehistoric times to the present, with temporary exhibits.
10:00 PM - 12:30 AM
•
Free
8 - 10 min

~

Directions

Seodaemun Prison History Hall
Prison museum in former jail, opened in 1908, used to house Korean patriots during the colonial era.
1:00 AM - 3:30 AM
•
Free
38 - 46 min

~

Directions

Ilsan Lake Park
Lakefront retreat featuring a walking path, playground, sculptures, a small zoo & outdoor festivals.
4:00 AM - 8:00 AM
•
Free
25 - 30 min

~

Directions

World Cup Park
Vast parkland constructed over landfill features a river, pond, gardens & scenic lookout points.
8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
•
Free
17 - 21 min

~

Directions

Yeouido Park
Opened in 1971, this public green space features cherry blossom trees, picturesque ponds & trails.
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
•
Free
13 - 16 min

~

Directions

Amorepacific Museum of Art
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
•
Free
8 - 10 min

~

Directions

National Museum of Korea
Major building opened in 2005 to house the country's cultural & military artifacts & artworks.
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
•
Free
Day 2
+

$56

·

$ 25

Travelodge Myeongdong City Hall

Depart from your stay 🏨

5 - 6 min

~

Directions

Ttukbaegi-Jib (뚝배기집)
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
•
$20
4 - 5 min

~

Directions

Tapgol Park
Landscaped park housing a protected, 10-story, stone pagoda & a traditional, octagonal pavilion.
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
•
Free
12 - 15 min

~

Directions

Seoul City Wall Trail
Pedestrian path beside a 14th-century wall, passing a park, observation deck & landmark buildings.
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
•
Free
12 - 17 min

~

Directions

도도야
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
•
$24
7 - 10 min

~

Directions

Naksan Park
Hilltop green space with exercise paths & a few observation decks for day & night city views.
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
•
Free
5 - 6 min

~

Directions

Changgyeonggung
Complex of 4 grand traditional Korean palaces, shrines & gardens for guided & self guided tours.
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
•
Free
21 - 32 min

~

Directions

Bukchon Hanok Village
Village dating to the 14th century filled with narrow streets lined with restored traditional homes.
9:30 PM - 11:30 PM
•
Free
8 - 11 min

~

Directions

MMCA (National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art) Seoul
12:00 AM - 2:30 AM
•
Free
10 - 15 min

~

Directions

Gyeongbokgung Palace
Free guided tours are offered of this large 14th-century royal palace with a museum & gardens.
3:00 AM - 7:00 AM
•
$12
8 - 10 min

~

Directions

Inwangsan
Massive granite peaks named for their unique shapes, including train rock & worm rock.
7:30 AM - 10:30 AM
•
Free
11 - 14 min

~

Directions

National Palace Museum of Korea
Exhibits focused on the Joseon Dynasty & royal family, with many artifacts & an audio tour.
11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
•
Free
10 - 12 min

~

Directions

Seoul City Hall
Government city hall building featuring cultural facilities for up to 700 people.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
•
Free
8 - 12 min

~

Directions

SeMA - Seoul Museum of Art
4:30 PM - 7:00 PM
•
Free
12 - 18 min

~

Directions

Namdaemun Market
Opened in 1964, this large area of stalls offers clothes, household goods & local items.
7:30 PM - 10:30 PM
•
Free
Day 3
+

$48

·

$ 29

Travelodge Myeongdong City Hall

Depart from your stay 🏨

8 - 12 min

~

Directions

무교동북어국집
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
•
$16
6 - 9 min

~

Directions

Cheonggyecheon
Recreational area constructed around a revived stream with walkways, bridges & greenery.
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
•
Free
10 - 15 min

~

Directions

Jogyesa Temple
Main temple for Jogye Korean Buddhism, with a large main hall & large seated Buddha statue.
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
•
Free
4 - 6 min

~

Directions

교대이층집
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
•
$32
3 - 4 min

~

Directions

Museum Kimchikan
Intimate gallery focused on the traditional fermented vegetable dish, including tours & tastings.
2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
•
Free
16 - 23 min

~

Directions

Changdeoggung
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
•
Free
6 - 8 min

~

Directions

Ihwa Mural Village
A series of walkways lined with colorful murals, mosaic-tiled staircases & metal sculptures.
8:30 PM - 10:30 PM
•
Free
6 - 8 min

~

Directions

Gwangjang Market
Bustling shopping area offering a wide array of traditional food items, plus clothing & souvenirs.
11:00 PM - 1:00 AM
•
Free
11 - 14 min

~

Directions

Leeum Museum of Art
1:30 AM - 4:30 AM
•
Free
40 - 48 min

~

Directions

Gwangmyeong Cave, Gyeonggi-do
Former mining cave complex turned entertainment venue, with light shows, an aquarium & a winery.
5:00 AM - 8:00 AM
•
Free
52 - 63 min

~

Directions

Haneul Park
Picturesque landscape featuring paths through tall, lush grass to a hilltop with sweeping vistas.
8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
•
Free
16 - 24 min

~

Directions

Oil Tank Culture Park
Landscaped gardens with decommissioned oil tanks turned into exhibition & performance spaces.
11:30 AM - 2:00 PM
•
Free
23 - 28 min

~

Directions

Tongin Traditional Market
Longtime marketplace providing shops, sit-down counters & stalls with traditional Korean grub.
2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
•
Free
6 - 9 min

~

Directions

Daelim Museum
Contemporary photography & design museum in a modern, renovated space with a cafe & guided tours.
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
•
Free
9 - 14 min

~

Directions

National Museum of Korean Contemporary History
Korean modern & contemporary history displays & memorabilia in a restored ministry building.
7:30 PM - 10:00 PM
•
Free
13 - 20 min

~

Directions

Gyeonghuigung
Palace originally built in the 17th century by the Joseon dynasty, with an adjacent history museum.
10:30 PM - 1:00 AM
•
Free
Day 4
+

$68

·

$ 33

Travelodge Myeongdong City Hall

Depart from your stay 🏨

6 - 9 min

~

Directions

효자손 왕만두
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
•
$28
4 - 5 min

~

Directions

Sungnyemun
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
Free
12 - 18 min

~

Directions

Seoullo 7017
Opened in 2017 on a highway overpass dating from the 1970s, this park is around 1km in length.
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
•
Free
14 - 17 min

~

Directions

한잔의룰루랄라
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
•
$40
3 - 4 min

~

Directions

Gyeongui Line Forest Park
Former train line converted into a leafy park with pathways, lawns & streams, plus cafes nearby.
3:30 PM - 6:30 PM
•
Free
12 - 15 min

~

Directions

Yeouido Hangang Park
Large, popular park on the river featuring scenic views, plus running paths & a swimming pool.
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
•
Free
4 - 5 min

~

Directions

Aqua Planet 63
Small aquarium featuring tropical fish, seals & stingrays, plus mermaid shows & penguin feeding.
10:30 PM - 12:30 AM
•
Free
15 - 18 min

~

Directions

Namsan
Prominent mountain offering hiking, picnic areas, a broadcast tower & sweeping city views.
1:00 AM - 3:00 AM
•
Free
11 - 16 min

~

Directions

Namsan Cable Car
This aerial tram takes passengers on a 3-minute trip in a glass cable car with panoramic city views.
3:30 AM - 5:00 AM
•
Free
8 - 10 min

~

Directions

DDP │ Dongdaemun Design Plaza
Architectural-landmark events venue with futuristic design, a design market & food vendors.
5:30 AM - 8:30 AM
•
Free
7 - 10 min

~

Directions

Heunginjimun
This restored gate was part of the Fortress Wall of Seoul built during the Joseon Dynasty.
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
•
Free
9 - 11 min

~

Directions

Ikseondong Hanok Village
Trendy suburb with a village atmosphere, traditional buildings, boutiques & restaurants.
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
•
Free
7 - 10 min

~

Directions

Unhyeongung
Historic complex with homes for royal & political leaders, now holding events, tours & weddings.
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
•
Free
12 - 18 min

~

Directions

Secret Garden, Seoul
Sprawling, scenic grounds around Changdeokgung Palace featuring pavilions, ponds & lush trees.
3:30 PM - 6:00 PM
•
Free
12 - 15 min

~

Directions

Blue House
This complex features the executive office & official residence of South Korea's president.
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
•
Free
10 - 12 min

~

Directions

Deoksugung Palace
Historic palace in the heart of Seoul offering a popular Changing of the Royal Guard ceremony.
9:00 PM - 11:30 PM
•
Free
Day 5
+

$104

·

$ 49

Travelodge Myeongdong City Hall

Depart from your stay 🏨

10 - 12 min

~

Directions

옛집
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
•
$16
8 - 11 min

~

Directions

War Memorial of Korea
Museum charting Korea's conflicts, with exhibition rooms, monuments & an outdoor vehicle display.
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
•
Free
7 - 9 min

~

Directions

다채
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
•
$24
12 - 15 min

~

Directions

Banpo Bridge
Two-tiered traffic bridge with a 380-jet water fountain colorfully illuminated at night.
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
•
Free
16 - 23 min

~

Directions

Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain
1,140-m. fountain alongside a bridge, with regular shows of colored lights in spring & summer.
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
•
Free
13 - 16 min

~

Directions

K-Star Road
Busy shopping avenue celebrating the stars of Korean pop with symbols painted onto model bears.
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
•
Free
7 - 9 min

~

Directions

Coex Aquarium
Large aquarium exhibiting habitats from deep sea to reef & mangrove with touch pools & tunnels.
8:30 PM - 10:30 PM
•
Free
10 - 12 min

~

Directions

Songpa Naru Park (Seokchon Lake Park)
This popular park with a large scenic lake features an event space, jogging trails & a theme park.
11:00 PM - 1:30 AM
•
Free
16 - 20 min

~

Directions

Seoul Children's Grand Park
Sizable park with classic rides like a ferris wheel, plus a zoo, playground & grassy seating areas.
2:00 AM - 5:00 AM
•
Free
12 - 15 min

~

Directions

D Museum
Buzzy museum featuring an array of unique, ever-changing contemporary art exhibits.
5:30 AM - 8:00 AM
•
Free
22 - 27 min

~

Directions

Namsan Mountain Park
Seoul’s largest park, a tranquil, hilly forest with trails, an observatory tower & a cable car.
8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
•
Free
5 - 8 min

~

Directions

N Seoul Tower
Opened in 1980, this iconic tower offers panoramic views of the city & a revolving restaurant.
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
•
$64
10 - 12 min

~

Directions

Namsangol Hanok Village
Tours & cultural programs inside a recreated Korean village with 5 restored hanoks, built 1392–1910.
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
•
Free
14 - 21 min

~

Directions

Myeongdong Cathedral
Brick-built, 19th-century, Gothic-style Catholic cathedral with a 45m-high bell tower.
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
•
Free
9 - 11 min

~

Directions

Kukje Gallery
Quirky gallery complex consisting of 3 creatively designed spaces showcasing contemporary artwork.
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
•
Free
12 - 17 min

~

Directions

Gwanghwamun Square
Huge public square opened in 2009 as part of an environmentally friendly redevelopment of Seoul.
10:30 PM - 12:00 AM
•
Free
Day 6
+

$56

·

$ 45

Travelodge Myeongdong City Hall

Depart from your stay 🏨

19 - 23 min

~

Directions

김영모 과자점
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
•
$16
15 - 22 min

~

Directions

Banpo Hangang Park
Relaxed park for riverside walks, bike rides & sports, plus views of an illuminated bridge fountain.
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
•
Free
19 - 23 min

~

Directions

Jean Boulangerie (쟝 블랑제리)
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
•
$40
17 - 21 min

~

Directions

Gwanaksan
Mountain with protected slopes, designated city park section, Buddhist temples, hiking & climbing.
2:00 PM - 8:00 PM
•
Free
23 - 28 min

~

Directions

Seoul Grand Park
Nearly 3,000 animals live in the zoos at this attraction with rose garden, art museum & theme park.
8:30 PM - 12:30 AM
•
Free
44 - 53 min

~

Directions

Namhansanseong North Gate
This arched stone gate is part of the sprawling historic fortress city of Namhansanseong.
1:00 AM - 3:30 AM
•
Free
32 - 39 min

~

Directions

Olympic Park
Site of Seoul 1988 Olympics with nearly a square mile of green space, sculptures & sports venues.
4:00 AM - 8:00 AM
•
Free
8 - 11 min

~

Directions

Seoul Hanseong Baekje Museum
Preserved relics from the ancient Baekje kingdom, plus a 4D theater, at a prehistoric ruin site.
8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
•
Free
6 - 8 min

~

Directions

Seokchon Lake
Busy lake with 2 sections featuring walking paths, an artificial island, cafes & seasonal blossoms.
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
•
Free
11 - 14 min

~

Directions

Starfield Library
Futuristic library & cultural event space on 2 levels of a mall with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
•
Free
5 - 6 min

~

Directions

Seolleung and Jeongneung
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
•
Free
7 - 9 min

~

Directions

Dosan Park
Tree-filled park with a memorial hall & statue devoted to its namesake, independence activist Dosan.
7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
•
Free
Day 7
+

$60

·

$ 41

Travelodge Myeongdong City Hall

Depart from your stay 🏨

16 - 20 min

~

Directions

밀곳간
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
•
$24
14 - 17 min

~

Directions

Bukhansan National Park
Mountain park crisscrossed with trails & home to a number of historic temples & a fortress.
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
•
Free
12 - 15 min

~

Directions

엘림들깨수제비칼국수
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
•
$36
15 - 18 min

~

Directions

Bukhansan
Mountain with 3 granite peaks, a popular destination for hiking & rock climbing in a national park.
5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
•
Free
29 - 35 min

~

Directions

Dobongsan
2,426-ft. mountain featuring sizable rock formations, trails, an ancient temple & scenic valleys.
11:30 PM - 5:30 AM
•
Free
31 - 38 min

~

Directions

Dream Forest
Densely wooded city park with cherry blossoms, maple trees, a pond, waterfall & art center.
6:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
29 - 35 min

~

Directions

Achasan
Mountain peak with man-made hiking trails & steps to the summit for city & river views.
10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
•
Free
21 - 26 min

~

Directions

Starfield Coex Mall
Massive underground shopping mall & convention center with a theater, aquarium & restaurants.
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
•
Free
15 - 18 min

~

Directions

Seoul Forest Park
Vast, tree-filled park featuring a lake, bike path & roses, plus deer to feed & a butterfly house.
5:30 PM - 9:30 PM
•
Free

Budget breakdown: $694 In total

Activities & Food:$436
Transport:$258