Seoul is a vibrant city with a rich culture, delicious vegan food, and plenty of opportunities to relax. Here’s a leisurely 8-day itinerary that includes a day trip to Busan, spa time, and lots of exploration at a slow pace. Let’s dive in!

Day 1: Arrival in Seoul

Morning:

• Arrive in Seoul and check into your accommodation. I recommend staying in the Hongdae area for its youthful vibe and proximity to vegan-friendly spots.

Afternoon:

• Head to Plant Café in Itaewon for a delicious vegan lunch. Try their famous vegan burger or a hearty salad.

Evening:

• Stroll around Itaewon and explore the unique shops.
• For dinner, visit Loving Hut, a popular vegan chain with a variety of dishes.

Night:

• Wind down with a leisurely walk along the Han River. It’s a beautiful spot to relax and enjoy the city lights.

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Day 2: Explore Traditional Seoul

Morning:

• Start your day with a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace. Take your time exploring the grounds and don’t miss the changing of the guard ceremony.

Afternoon:

• Enjoy a vegan-friendly lunch at The Bread Blue, known for its delicious vegan pastries and sandwiches.
• After lunch, wander through Bukchon Hanok Village. The traditional houses are stunning, and you can take your time exploring the narrow alleys.

Evening:

• Head to Insadong for some shopping and cultural experiences. You can find traditional crafts and souvenirs.
• Dinner at Sanchon, a temple food restaurant that offers a unique vegan dining experience.

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Day 3: Spa Day

Morning:

• Treat yourself to a relaxing morning at a jjimjilbang (Korean spa). Dragon Hill Spa is a popular choice and offers various treatments. Spend a few hours enjoying the saunas and baths.

Afternoon:

• After your spa experience, have a light vegan lunch at Café Suyeon nearby, which offers a cozy atmosphere and healthy options.

Evening:

• Take a leisurely stroll through Namsan Park and hike up to N Seoul Tower for panoramic views of the city.
• Dinner at Osegyehyang, a vegan restaurant in the heart of Insadong.

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Day 4: Day Trip to Busan

Morning:

• Take an early KTX train to Busan (about 2.5 hours). Grab a quick vegan breakfast at your accommodation or a nearby café.

Afternoon:

• Upon arrival, head to Haeundae Beach. Enjoy the beach atmosphere and have lunch at The Vegan Table, which offers a variety of plant-based dishes.
• Visit the Busan Sea Life Aquarium or take a walk along the beach.

Evening:

• Explore the vibrant Gamcheon Culture Village with its colorful houses and art installations.
• Dinner at Café 7th for some vegan-friendly options before heading back to Seoul.

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Day 5: Modern Seoul

Morning:

• Visit the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP). The architecture is stunning, and you can explore the design market.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at Café Mamas, known for its fresh salads and sandwiches. They have great vegan options!
• Spend the afternoon shopping at Myeongdong. Take your time exploring the shops and street food (look for vegan options!).

Evening:

• Dinner at Vegan Heaven, a cozy spot with a variety of dishes.
• If you’re up for it, check out a traditional Nanta Show or a K-Pop performance.

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Day 6: Nature and Relaxation

Morning:

• Take a trip to Bukhansan National Park for a gentle hike. Choose a trail that suits your pace and enjoy the beautiful nature.

Afternoon:

• After your hike, have a picnic lunch with vegan snacks you packed or grab something from a local store.
• Spend the afternoon at Seoul Forest, a lovely park where you can relax and enjoy nature.

Evening:

• Dinner at The Loving Hut in Gangnam, which offers a variety of vegan dishes.
• Enjoy a quiet evening at your accommodation or explore a local café.

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Day 7: Cultural Immersion

Morning:

• Visit the National Museum of Korea. Take your time exploring the exhibits and learning about Korean history.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at Café 5ci in the museum, which has vegan options.
• Spend the afternoon at Changdeokgung Palace and its Secret Garden. The garden is a peaceful place to wander.

Evening:

• Dinner at Bistro 304, a vegan-friendly restaurant with a cozy atmosphere.
• If you’re interested, check out a local art gallery or performance in the evening.

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Day 8: Departure

Morning:

• Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation or a nearby café.
• If time allows, do some last-minute shopping or visit a local market.

Afternoon:

• Head to the airport for your departure. Make sure to leave with plenty of time to spare!

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And there you have it! An 8-day itinerary in Seoul that’s vegan-friendly, relaxed, and filled with cultural experiences. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures! 🌱✈️