Itinerary

Seoul is a vibrant city that beautifully blends modernity with rich cultural heritage, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Here’s a fun and engaging 5-day itinerary that focuses on both the outdoors and cultural experiences. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Explore Historical 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 stroll through the beautiful gardens!

Lunch: Bukchon Hanok Village

• Head over to Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional Korean village with beautiful hanoks (traditional houses). Grab a bite at a local café or try some street food like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes).

Afternoon: Insadong

• After lunch, wander through Insadong, known for its art galleries, traditional tea houses, and shops selling handmade crafts. Take a moment to sip some traditional Korean tea.

Evening: Cheonggyecheon Stream

• End your day with a leisurely walk along Cheonggyecheon Stream. The illuminated stream is a lovely spot to relax and enjoy the evening atmosphere.

## Day 2: Nature and Views

Morning: Bukhansan National Park

• Get your hiking boots on! Head to Bukhansan National Park for a morning hike. There are various trails, but the Baegundae Peak trail offers stunning views of the city.

Lunch: Local Eatery

• After your hike, treat yourself to a hearty meal at a local eatery nearby. Try some bibimbap (mixed rice) to refuel!

Afternoon: Namsan Park

• Spend your afternoon at Namsan Park. You can hike up to N Seoul Tower for panoramic views of the city. The park is beautiful, especially if you enjoy nature.

Evening: Myeongdong

• Head to Myeongdong for dinner and shopping. This bustling area is famous for its street food, so indulge in some delicious treats like hotteok (sweet pancakes) and Korean fried chicken.

## Day 3: Cultural Immersion

Morning: Korean Folk Village

• Take a day trip to the Korean Folk Village in Yongin. It’s a bit outside of Seoul, but it’s worth it! You’ll get to see traditional Korean culture, performances, and crafts.

Lunch: Folk Village

• Enjoy a traditional meal at one of the restaurants in the village. Try some bulgogi (marinated beef) or kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew).

Afternoon: Return to Seoul

• Head back to Seoul and visit the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP). The architecture is stunning, and you can explore the design market and exhibitions.

Evening: Dongdaemun Night Market

• Stay in the area for dinner at the Dongdaemun Night Market. It’s a great place to try various street foods and soak in the lively atmosphere.

## Day 4: Art and Relaxation

Morning: Hangang Park

• Start your day with a bike ride or a leisurely walk along the Han River at Hangang Park. You can rent bikes and enjoy the beautiful riverside views.

Lunch: Riverside Picnic

• Pack a picnic or grab some kimbap (Korean sushi rolls) from a nearby convenience store and enjoy lunch by the river.

Afternoon: Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art

• Visit the Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, which showcases both traditional and contemporary Korean art. The architecture of the museum itself is a work of art!

Evening: Itaewon

• Head to Itaewon for dinner. This area is known for its diverse food scene, so you can find everything from Korean BBQ to international cuisine. After dinner, explore the vibrant nightlife!

## Day 5: Markets and Relaxation

Morning: Namdaemun Market

• Start your day at Namdaemun Market, one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in Korea. Explore the stalls and try some local snacks.

Lunch: Local Delicacies

• Enjoy lunch at the market. You can find delicious options like kalguksu (handmade knife-cut noodles) or mandu (dumplings).

Afternoon: Seoullo 7017

• After lunch, take a stroll along Seoullo 7017, an elevated park built on a former highway. It’s a unique blend of nature and urban life, with beautiful gardens and art installations.

Evening: Han River Cruise

• End your trip with a relaxing Han River cruise. It’s a perfect way to unwind and take in the city’s skyline as the sun sets. You can even enjoy a dinner cruise if you’d like!

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And there you have it! A delightful 5-day itinerary that combines the best of Seoul’s outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures! 🌏✨