Itinerary

A week in South Korea sounds like an amazing adventure, especially with a focus on gastronomy. South Korea is a food lover's paradise, and you’ll find a delightful mix of traditional and modern cuisine. Here’s a fun and flavorful itinerary for you and your son:

## Day 1: Arrival in Seoul

Morning:

• Arrive at Incheon International Airport. Grab a quick breakfast at a local café or try some Korean pastries at a bakery.

Afternoon:

• Check into your hotel and freshen up.
• Head to Gwangjang Market for lunch. This bustling market is famous for its bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and mayak gimbap (mini seaweed rice rolls).

Evening:

• Explore Insadong, a neighborhood known for its traditional tea houses and art galleries. Stop by a tea house for some traditional Korean tea and snacks.
• Dinner at a Hanok (traditional Korean house) restaurant, where you can enjoy a full-course Korean BBQ experience. Don’t forget to try some soju!

## Day 2: Seoul - Cultural Exploration & Street Food

Morning:

• Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace. Don’t miss the changing of the guard ceremony!
• After the palace, stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village to see traditional Korean houses.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at a nearby restaurant serving bibimbap (mixed rice with vegetables and meat).
• Head to Myeongdong for some street food! Try tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), hotteok (sweet pancakes), and maybe some Korean fried chicken.

Evening:

• Explore the vibrant nightlife in Hongdae. Grab dinner at a trendy restaurant and enjoy some live music or street performances.

## Day 3: Day Trip to DMZ

Morning:

• Take a guided tour to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). It’s a fascinating experience, and you’ll learn a lot about the history of Korea.

Afternoon:

• Return to Seoul and have lunch at a local restaurant serving naengmyeon (cold noodles) – perfect after a day of exploring!

Evening:

• Dinner at a jokbal (braised pig’s trotters) restaurant. It’s a unique dish that’s a must-try!

## Day 4: Travel to Busan

Morning:

• Take a KTX train to Busan (about 2.5 hours). Enjoy the scenic views along the way.

Afternoon:

• Check into your hotel and head to Jagalchi Fish Market for lunch. Try some fresh sashimi or grilled seafood right from the market!

Evening:

• Visit Gwangalli Beach for a beautiful sunset. Grab dinner at a beachside restaurant, and don’t miss out on the local specialty, sundae (Korean blood sausage).

## Day 5: Busan - Culture & Food

Morning:

• Visit Beomeosa Temple for a peaceful morning. The temple grounds are beautiful and serene.

Afternoon:

• Head to Gamcheon Culture Village for lunch. There are cute cafés and street food vendors. Try some korean-style dumplings!

Evening:

• Dinner at a pork belly BBQ restaurant. Pair it with some local craft beer or soju.

## Day 6: Gyeongju Day Trip

Morning:

• Take a day trip to Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom (about 1 hour from Busan).
• Visit Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto.

Afternoon:

• Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant serving Gyeongju bread (a sweet treat) and ssambap (rice wrapped in leafy vegetables).

Evening:

• Return to Busan and have dinner at a Korean fried chicken place. It’s a must-try, especially with beer!

## Day 7: Return to Seoul & Departure

Morning:

• Take the KTX back to Seoul. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a café.

Afternoon:

• Last-minute shopping in Dongdaemun Design Plaza or Namdaemun Market. Grab a quick lunch of kimbap (Korean sushi rolls) or jajangmyeon (black bean noodles).

Evening:

• Depending on your flight time, enjoy a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant. Try a Korean hot pot or galbi (marinated short ribs) for a grand finale!

Tips:

• Make sure to try local specialties in each region.
• Use public transport; it’s efficient and a great way to see the city.
• Don’t hesitate to ask locals for food recommendations; they often know the best spots!

Enjoy your gastronomic adventure in South Korea! It’s going to be a trip filled with delicious food and unforgettable memories! 🍜🥢