Itinerary

Seoul is a vibrant city with a perfect blend of modernity and tradition, and I’m excited to help you plan a fantastic 4-day itinerary. Let’s dive right in!

## Day 1: Explore the Heart of Seoul

Morning: Gyeongbokgung Palace

• Start your day at Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of the Five Grand Palaces. Arrive early to catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony at 10 AM. Don’t forget to rent a hanbok (traditional Korean attire) for some great photo ops!
• After exploring the palace grounds, visit the National Folk Museum located within the palace complex.

Lunch: Bukchon Hanok Village

• Stroll over to Bukchon Hanok Village, a picturesque area filled with traditional Korean houses (hanoks). Grab lunch at a local café or try some bibimbap at a nearby restaurant.

Afternoon: Insadong

• After lunch, wander through Insadong, known for its art galleries, traditional tea houses, and souvenir shops. Be sure to stop by a tea house for a refreshing cup of traditional Korean tea.

Evening: Cheonggyecheon Stream

• Head to Cheonggyecheon Stream for a leisurely evening walk. The stream is beautifully lit at night, making it a romantic spot.
• For dinner, explore the nearby Myeongdong area, famous for its street food. Try tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), hotteok (sweet pancakes), and some Korean fried chicken!

## Day 2: Modern Seoul and Shopping

Morning: Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

• Start your day at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, an architectural marvel. Explore the exhibitions and take some stunning photos of the futuristic design.

Lunch: Dongdaemun Market

• Grab lunch at one of the many food stalls in Dongdaemun Market. You can find everything from kimbap to dumplings.

Afternoon: Shopping in Myeongdong

• Spend your afternoon shopping in Myeongdong. This area is a shopper’s paradise with everything from cosmetics to fashion. Don’t forget to try some street snacks while you shop!

Evening: N Seoul Tower

• Head to N Seoul Tower in the evening. Take the cable car up for breathtaking views of the city as the sun sets. You can also leave a love lock on the fence!
• For dinner, consider dining at one of the restaurants at the tower or head back down to the city for a meal at a local Korean BBQ place.

## Day 3: Culture and Nature

Morning: Changdeokgung Palace and Secret Garden

• Visit Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Make sure to book a guided tour of the Secret Garden, which is stunning and serene.

Lunch: Samcheong-dong

• After your palace visit, walk to the nearby Samcheong-dong area, known for its charming cafes and boutiques. Enjoy lunch at a cozy café.

Afternoon: Han River Park

• Spend your afternoon at Han River Park. Rent a bike or just take a leisurely stroll along the river. You can also rent a paddleboat if you’re feeling adventurous!

Evening: Hongdae

• Head to the lively Hongdae area in the evening. This neighborhood is known for its youthful energy, street performances, and vibrant nightlife.
• Enjoy dinner at a trendy restaurant and then explore the local bars or cafes. If you’re lucky, you might catch a live music performance!

## Day 4: Day Trip to DMZ or Local Markets

Option 1: DMZ Tour

• If you’re interested in history, consider taking a half-day tour to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). It’s a unique experience to learn about the Korean War and see the border between North and South Korea.

Option 2: Local Markets

• If you prefer to stay in Seoul, spend your day exploring local markets. Visit Gwangjang Market for traditional Korean food and textiles. Try bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and mayak gimbap (addictive mini gimbap).

Lunch: Local Market

• Enjoy lunch at the market, sampling various dishes from different stalls.

Afternoon: Explore Itaewon

• Head to Itaewon, known for its international vibe. Explore the shops and enjoy the multicultural atmosphere. You can also visit the War Memorial of Korea if you have time.

Evening: Farewell Dinner

• For your last dinner in Seoul, consider a nice restaurant in Itaewon or head back to a favorite spot from earlier in your trip. Celebrate your time in this amazing city!

Tips:

• Make sure to download a translation app or have a phrasebook handy, as not everyone speaks English.
• Use public transportation; the subway is efficient and easy to navigate.
• Don’t forget to try local specialties like kimchi, bulgogi, and Korean desserts!

I hope this itinerary helps you make the most of your 4 days in Seoul! Enjoy your trip! 🌏✈️