9 day itinerary for South Korea

Itinerary

South Korea is a fantastic destination, and I’m excited to help you plan a delightful 9-day itinerary that includes plenty of coffee shop visits. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Arrival in Seoul

• Morning: Arrive at Incheon International Airport. Take the Airport Railroad Express (AREX) to Seoul Station.
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and freshen up. Head to Myeongdong for lunch. Try some street food like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and hotteok (sweet pancakes).
• Coffee Shop: Visit Café de Lulu in Myeongdong for a cozy atmosphere and delicious pastries.
• Evening: Explore Myeongdong’s shopping streets and enjoy dinner at a local Korean BBQ restaurant.

## Day 2: Explore Seoul

• Morning: Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace and catch the changing of the guard ceremony. Don’t forget to take some beautiful photos!
• Afternoon: Head to Insadong for lunch and explore traditional tea houses and art galleries.
• Coffee Shop: Stop by Tea Therapy for a unique tea experience and some lovely desserts.
• Evening: Stroll along Cheonggyecheon Stream and enjoy the illuminated scenery. Dinner in the area.

## Day 3: More of Seoul

• Morning: Visit Bukchon Hanok Village to see traditional Korean houses. It’s a great spot for photos!
• Afternoon: Head to Hongdae, known for its youthful vibe. Grab lunch at a trendy café.
• Coffee Shop: Check out Café Mamas for their famous ricotta salad and fresh juices.
• Evening: Explore the vibrant nightlife in Hongdae, with street performances and live music.

## Day 4: Day Trip to DMZ

• Morning: Take a guided tour to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). It’s a fascinating experience to learn about the history of North and South Korea.
• Afternoon: Return to Seoul and have lunch at a local restaurant.
• Coffee Shop: Visit Café Onion in Anguk, known for its industrial vibe and delicious pastries.
• Evening: Relax at your hotel or explore a nearby neighborhood for dinner.

## Day 5: Travel to Busan

• Morning: Take the KTX train to Busan (about 2.5 hours). Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit Haeundae Beach and enjoy a leisurely lunch at a beachside café.
• Coffee Shop: Stop by The Coffee House for a great view of the beach and some refreshing drinks.
• Evening: Explore the vibrant Gwangalli Beach area and enjoy dinner with a view of the bridge.

## Day 6: Discover Busan

• Morning: Visit the Gamcheon Culture Village, known for its colorful houses and artistic vibe.
• Afternoon: Head to Jagalchi Fish Market for a seafood lunch.
• Coffee Shop: Check out Café 7gram for a cozy atmosphere and great coffee.
• Evening: Visit Busan Tower for panoramic views of the city and enjoy dinner in the Nampo-dong area.

## Day 7: Gyeongju Day Trip

• Morning: Take a bus to Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom (about 1 hour).
• Afternoon: Visit the Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Coffee Shop: Stop by Café Bomnal for a relaxing break with a view of the beautiful surroundings.
• Evening: Return to Busan and enjoy a quiet dinner at a local restaurant.

## Day 8: Back to Seoul

• Morning: Take the KTX back to Seoul. Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) and explore the unique architecture and shops.
• Coffee Shop: Visit Café 5ci for a modern vibe and delicious coffee.
• Evening: Explore the Dongdaemun Night Market for dinner and some late-night shopping.

## Day 9: Last Day in Seoul

• Morning: Visit Namsan Tower for stunning views of the city. You can hike up or take the cable car.
• Afternoon: Head to Gangnam for lunch and some shopping.
• Coffee Shop: Stop by Café AtoZ for a trendy atmosphere and great coffee.
• Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Korean restaurant before heading to the airport.

Tips:

• Make sure to try local specialties like bibimbap, kimchi, and Korean fried chicken.
• Use public transportation; it’s efficient and easy to navigate.
• Don’t forget to take lots of photos and enjoy the coffee culture!

I hope this itinerary helps you have an amazing time in South Korea! If you have any other preferences or questions, feel free to ask!