5D4N Seoul, South Korea Itinerary
We’re sure you’ve heard a great deal about Seoul, so if you’re in the process of planning your first trip to this popular tourist destination, we’re here to help you out! In order to make the most of your time in Seoul, we put together an extensive 5-Day itinerary guide best fit for families or large groups of travelers. This itinerary includes must-visit attractions in Seoul, things to do, what to eat PLUS travel and budget hacks to keep in mind!
Check out our full itinerary guide below:
- Seoul Travel Essentials
- Where to Stay (accommodations)
- 5-Day Itinerary
Seoul Travel Essentials
1. T-Money Card (Transportation)
Source: visitseoul.net
The T-Money Card is a must-have for all travelers. This tap-and-go card can be used to make various purchases all over the city, but it is more commonly used to pay for public transport such as the subway or the bus. These can be purchased online through Klook and picked up upon arrival or at any participating convenience store in the city.
2. Travel Apps: VisitSeoul, iTourSeoul, and Seoul Subway
Source: visitseoul.net
You won’t need a tour guide as long as you have these travel apps. The government-accredited VisitSeoul and iTourSeoul app covers recommended attractions and restaurants to real-time weather forecasts and travel tips. Helpful resource links and as well as a chatbot assistant is also readily available in-app.
The Seoul Subway map on the other hand is best used for public transportation. It will show you recommended routes for your desired destination, train timetables and also timely updates for the SMRT (Seoul Metro Rapid Transit).
3. 4G WiFi / SIM Card
To ensure you stay connected throughout your entire stay, pre-book your portable WiFi or SIM Card through Klook and arrange for pick up at the airport upon arrival. This way, you’ll have internet access from the moment you arrive in Seoul!
4. Discover Seoul Pass
Purchasing a Discover Seoul Pass will save you a lot of money during your trip! With this one pass, you’ll be able to get free admission to selected attractions, various discount benefits, bike rental services and as well as airport transfers via the AREX express train! Pre-book your 24/48/72 hour Discover Seoul Pass on Klook so you can use it as soon as you arrive.
Where to Stay: Accommodations
Seoul is a big city, so choosing a place to stay may be overwhelming. To help you out, we’ve narrowed down some of the most popular choices among tourists:
1. Myeongdong
Definitely the number one choice for tourists who want to be in the heart of it all! Myeongdong’s bustling scene calls out to shopaholics, barkadas who want to stay out late with its impressive array of shops and restaurants. But given its prime location and easy access to the rest of Seoul, you may have to spend a bit more if you choose to stay here.
2. Hongdae
Hongdae is a university town, so prices here are slightly more reasonable as compared to Myeongdong. With a close proximity to several of Korea’s universities, cafes, boutiques and art scenes, this Seoul neighborhood will be a delight for especially younger visitors. If you’re on a budget but are looking to dive into local culture - Hongdae is a great place to consider!
3. Gangnam
A sharp contrast from other districts in Seoul, Gangnam boasts glamour and style. While the prices in this neighborhood are pretty steep, if you’re looking to indulge - a stay at one of their skyscraper hotels might just be up your alley!
4. Jamsil
Home to the Lotte World Tower, Jamsil has a plethora of choices when it comes to culture and entertainment. This area in Seoul is relatively quiet compared to the three previous neighborhoods and has more space, making it perfect for families. Prices would be around the mid to high range, but it is very much favorable for traveling.
5. Itaewon
Get a taste of local life at Itaewon! Although its location is less central compared to the others, you’ll find the experience unique and highly westernized due to its neighboring American army base. It’s also home to all the trendiest bars and restaurants, so if you’re all about meeting locals and discovering Seoul’s culinary scene - this budget-friendly spot is for you.
5-DAY FAMILY ITINERARY TO SEOUL
Day 1: Tradition, culture and history
Dress up in hanboks to visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace
Immerse yourself in Korean culture and rent out a Hanbok - traditional clothing from the Joseon period - which Koreans typically wear during special occasions. You can choose from a variety of styles and colors, and also get a mini hair makeover, too!
TRAVEL TIP: Rent out your hanbok earlier in the day and wear it as you visit Seoul’s top attractions! Wear your hanbok to Gyeongbokgung Palace and you’ll be admitted for free! Be prepared for endless photo-taking opportunities with the traditional backdrop of the palace.
Bukchon Traditional Village
Do a deeper dive into Korea’s culture and heritage and visit the Bukchon Traditional Village. The uphill neighborhood is a maze of traditional Korean homes, many of which now house stores, galleries, restaurants to name a few.
Source: visitseoul.net
Weave your way through the village’s corridors leading up to Baek Inje’s House, a set of modern hanoks overlooking the village. Make a stop at the Bukchon Traditional Culture Center, hosting cultural programs on calligraphy, tea ceremony, musical storytelling (pansori), and traditional crafts, where you can try your hand at using bamboo, dyes and fabrics to make intricate artwork.
Enjoy Korean Street Food at Namdaemun Market
Source: visitseoul.net
To end the day, what’s better than a food sweep at the largest traditional market in Korea? With more than 10,000 stores lining up the space, you’ll be spoiled with choice, so we’ll narrow down the must-eats for you: tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), eumok (fish cakes), hotteok (sweet korean pancakes), dalgona (honeycomb toffee), and san-nakji (live octopus) are unmissable treats!
TRAVEL TIP: Food in Korea is generally spicy, so if your tolerance for spicy food is low, try and ask for alternatives.
Day 2: Day Trip from Seoul
From Petite France to Nami Island
The wonderful thing about Seoul is that there are many day trips accessible from the city - Petite France, Nami Island and Garden of Morning Calm to name a few. That said, if you’re looking to travel beyond Seoul, be sure to pre-book a day trip tour to Nami Island and Petite France on Klook! Here’s what’s in store for you:
- PETITE FRANCE
Take in the vibrantly colored houses in Petite France, featured in popular Kdramas, notably “My Love from the Star”. The characters and scenes from the book The Little Prince transport you to a fantastical world perfect for children and adults alike. Surely, every angle in this tourist attraction would look perfect on the ‘gram so be sure to snap away!
- NAMI ISLAND
Nami Island isn’t short of scenic landscapes so you can bet all your family photos would look great here! For the K-Drama fans, you’ll find the iconic Winter Sonata statue here too!
- GANGCHON RAIL BIKE
Converted from the Mugunghwa train railways discontinued after 70 years of service, the Gangchon Rail Bike runs along the two tracks bringing you through scenic views and greenery. Pedal along the old railroad, relax and take in the views surrounding the Bukhangang River!
- GARDEN OF MORNING CALM
If you’re a fan of scenic views and landscaped gardens, you’ll love this part of the tour! The Garden of Morning Calm is only one of South Korea’s beautiful gardens, but definitely one of the most popular. It has even been featured in dramas such as Moonlight Drawn by Clouds which stars Park Bo-Gum!
Day 3: Discover the best of Seoul
Learn how to cook Korean food
With a fruitful day ahead, it’s best to start off with a hearty meal. Korean cuisine has perfected comfort food, with mothers passing on recipes made with love.
Food plays a huge role in Korean culture, and while eating it is an absolute delight - making it is just as fun! Regardless of your experience, we highly recommend taking a Korean cooking class! The instructors will guide you through the entire process - from buying the ingredients at a traditional market down to the preparation of the meals. Surely after this class, you’ll be cooking more Korean food back home!
Things get exciting at the Trickeye Museum
It’s not magic or a scene from “Night at the Museum”, but you’ll definitely feel the enchantment at Trickeye Museum, which is known for their optical illusion artwork and augmented reality exhibitions.
Act out a scene in front of the 2D paintings, and somehow in pictures, it’ll come out 3D! The Trickeye Museum is the pioneer of similar museums all over the world where visitors are brought on adventures. So get on all fours if needed, unleash your inner child!
Evening Hangang River ferry cruise
More sights await you, but it’s no trick this time! Hop aboard the Hangang River Ferry Cruise and enjoy stunning views of Seoul’s skyline!
Sit back and relax as the ferry brings you through the center of the Korean Peninsula, all while you enjoy live music in an hour of bliss. Take pictures of Seoul’s skyline as dusk turns to night, and you’ll have a postcard-worthy piece of Seoul saved for yourself.
Day 4: VR Adventure and Spa Relaxation
Feel the thrill at Ryan Cheezzzball VR Adventure in N Seoul Tower
Without a doubt, Korea is known for its advancements and inclusion of technology in games and entertainment. With the latest virtual reality (VR) devices at the Ryan Cheezzz Ball Adventure in N Tower, you’ll set for an adventure with the Kakao friends, in scenes such as Cheezzzball Farm, Cheese Island Rush, and ZZZ Express. Watch your companions’ faces as they whizz through the experience while helping yourself to drinks and Cheezzzballs available at the venue.
Relax towards the end of the trip at Dragon Hill City Spa
On your second to last night, allow yourself to take a breather at the Dragon Hill City Spa. After a fun-filled afternoon, this quick retreat in this city is just what you’ll need!
Dragon Hill City Spa is a massive bathhouse in Seoul with saunas, baths, swimming pools and a number of relaxation areas. Indulge in relaxation the Korean way and check out the available facilities and amenities available for your perusal.
Day 5: Shopping and Entertainment
Make it count with a shopping spree
Calling all shopaholics - Myeongdong is your mecca in Seoul! Here you’ll find a plethora of goods - from imported clothing stores to K-Pop merchandise and everything in between. Caution is advised - you may need another suitcase after your shopping trip here!
NANTA Show
Pre-book your tickets to the Nanta show, a popular live-show featuring outrageous performances in the setting of a kitchen. Who knew acrobatics, martial arts, cutlery percussion, and comedy worked so well together?
Alongside the group’s array of songs and interactive segments, this show has definitely proven why it is the longest-running show in Korean theatres - hency why you should not miss it!
Must-Visit Places in Seoul
If it happens to be your first time in Seoul, you must make the most out of it! Apart from the places and activities we listed above, here are a couple attractions you absolutely cannot miss!
Save the infographic below for future reference:
For more information on Seoul MVP Itineraries, visit www.visitseoul.net
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