South Korea is a beautiful country, and has been sensationalized because of the k-pop, korean novel series, korean cosmetics, korean dances, to name a few. I have previously worked in Seoul (and some parts of Incheon) and I can probably share with you some routes/itinerary that would help newbies or tourists. This blog is a guide based on what I know and what I have been doing every year with my friends. It is designed in a way that you can create your own itinerary on a per-day basis. This means that if you prefer ‘Day 4’ on this list to be your ‘Day 1’ then go ahead.
Day 1: Walking Tour of Traditional Seoul
To check the locations in a map, see this link. You may revise it based on your preferred time.
Click here for the google mapping of Day 1
Visit the following sites (in this specific order, to avoid wasting time)
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9AM (or earlier) be at Jonggak Station (exit 5) so you will have enough time to walk the CheongGyeChun stream. Take a picture of the famous seashell and head towards the GwangHwaMun Square.
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10AM be @ GwangHwaMun Square. You may visit the “Story of King Sejong” museum at the basement as it opens at 10AM. Take a picture of King Sejong statue outside and when you’re done, head towards the GwangHwaMun Gate.
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11AM sharp - Be at the GwangHwaMun Gate at this time. This is the entrance to GyeongBok Palace.
**Changing of the guards at GwangHwaMun gate is at 11am. The tricky part is, there is also a free english tour at 11am. So you better pick your priorities. My suggestion is, be at the outside gate by 10:50am so you may see the first look of the changing of the guards. When the clock strikes 10:59am, just go inside (they would have a small door for passersby to get inside the palace) for the tour. If you miss the changing of the guards, you may get back here at 1PM for another show.
GyeongBok Palace is the biggest Palace and i suggest that you just visit this Palace and no need to visit the other 4 Palaces, especially if you are just here for few days. If you have enough time, then you may visit the other Palaces in Seoul.
NOTE: Hanbok (Korean Traditional Clothes) can be worn inside the palace and your entrance fee becomes free. So if you want to wear the traditional clothes, you may book thru online apps like Klook,Viator, etc. or simply just visit any stores near the palace and they may rent them. Should you wish to do the rental, skip the site#1 and #2 above and go directly to the rental shop.
In case you miss the english tour, you may just get the booklet guide/map from the entrance and just do the visit yourself. THere are so many picture-perfect shots in this area, and sometimes you may see wedding pictorials as well. The gem of this site is towards the end, where you will see the pagoda. Make sure to take a lot of good shots here with the beautiful Mount Bugak at the backdrop and its reflections on the water surrounding the pagoda.
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When you’re done, the exit is towards the National Folk Museum. You may choose to come inside or not. This place is also a great way to learn about the history of korea.
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Heads towards the exit, and you will now be at the Bukchon area. Look for a roving tourists guide (wearing full red outfit) and get some local maps. The Bukchon map would have the top 8 view points. If you are tired, just visit site#5 and 6 on the map. The links below are not mine and may be outdated, but should be a good reference to you.
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You should have taken your lunch along the way, by this time. If not, then grab some in Bukchon or onto your next stop which is Insadong. If you are following this guide strictly, you are at insadong by around 3PM. Insadong is an artsy place, and is marked with the traditional pen landmark at the entrance. This is just a long street with shops, restaurants and unique boutiques. You may buy your souvenirs here or enjoy a cup of coffee (or very late lunch/dinner) here.
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Once done, if you were not able to visit the CheongGyeChun (Stream) on item#1, you may do so by this time. It has a different view at night and may be a relaxing way to end your day. Walk along the stream towards your home.
Day 2: Outskirts of Seoul
To check the locations in a map, see this link.
Click here for the google mapping of Day 2
This day is reserved for the outskirts of Seoul. You will visit the beautiful man-made island of Nami where alot of famous korean series were filmed. While you are in Gapyeong area, better visit the Petite France (If you are familiar with the little prince) - this place is also famous for a korean series, and they built this small little town with picture-perfect sites. The other site is the Garden of Morning Calm, which is a garden full of beautiful trees and flowers. I suggest you visit this during Spring or Fall only.
These 3 sites is reserved for the whole day since it is outside Seoul. I suggest you book klook or something similar where these 2 or 3 sites are covered (if you need help let me know). This way, it will cost you cheaper on transportation and avoid you getting lost!
Day 3: Theme Parks
Click here for the google mapping Theme Park
This day is dedicated for theme parks, only select one, ofcourse!
Option 1: Lotteworld - situated at the center of Seoul, it is conveniently located for travellers who cannot dedicate their 1 full day just for theme parks. Lotteworld has both indoor and outdoor park for both kids and adults. It also has a skating rink. When you’re done and still have a spare time, end your day with a grocery shopping at the Lottemart, one of the biggest marts where you can buy surplus of goods. Trust me, you may want to go back here for souvenir shopping also (dedicate 1-2 hours for lottemart, check the closing time).
Option 2: Everland
Unleash your inner kid spirit by enjoying a FULL DAY in everland. This is outside Seoul, so please alot time for transportation.
Option 3: Seoul Land
This is new and i havent been here yet. So I cant comment further, but make sure to do your research before hand.
Day 4: DMZ + NSeoul Tower + Hongdae or night market
Click here for the google mapping of DMZ, N Seoul and Hongdae
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Dedicate half day with the DMZ (De-Militarized Zone) tour where you can view the north korea sites from afar. This is the center of North and South Korea and listen to the history behind it. DMZ Tour is only offered by selected tour groups so make sure you book this before hand. You cannot do this by yourself.
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After lunch, visit the N Seoul Tower to get a good view of the whole seoul. This is quite a hike if you wish to just walk. Some tours may offer a package where you ride an exclusive bus to go up the tower. If the season is Fall, i suggest you walk so you can enjoy the view and also get a small glimpse of the beautiful trees along the way.
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Beside the N Seoul Tower is the namsangol hanok village. If you do not wish to visit Bukchon Hanok Village, this is your alternative. Just a small place but you can already take good photos of the traditional houses and some cultural stuff in this area. Sometimes they would have events, especially if you come during their local holidays.
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When you’re done, head to Hongdae University or Ehwa University for some street shopping. THere are tons of shops in these area which has become a tourist spot as well. Since this is around the university area, you may expect good bargains on the prices and unique boutique shops as well. or just visit Namdaemun/Dongdaemun night market
Day 5: Shopping Shopping Shopping (A day of shopping!) - being redundant is never enough
Click here for the google mapping of shopping areas
This day is dedicated for shopping (if you are a shopping freak, ofcourse). Although, I have proven and tested it already with different friends, family and colleagues, that even if they are not shopping freaks, you may really dedicate this full day.
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Myeongdong Shopping Area - Go and ask for a myeongdong shopping map first before starting. You and your friends may agree where to meet at a certain time (just in case you will get lost). There are hundreds of shops here and is famous for good cosmetics brands, 5-floor uniqlo and daiso mall, great restaurants, even free hanbok wearing for tourists (View the Seoul Global Cultural Center for more details). Shops will lure you with free giveaways and face masks, just for you to come in. And make sure that when you buy something, ask for discounts, freebies and tax refund!
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If you were not satisfied with Myeongdong, head over to Insadong Shopping area. A much relaxing place filled with boutique shops and souvenirs.
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If you have not visited Ehwa and Hongdae university shopping area, you may do so.
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There are night markets also for night shoppers - you may go to Namdaemun or DOngdaemun, and you can definitely bargain here.
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For those who doesnt prefer street shopping, you may go to Starfield COEX mall in Gangnam Area, an indoor mall.
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If you prefer an upscale mall/street shopping, go to Garusogil and Galleria in Gangnam Area.
If you are reading this, i would like to congratulate you for finishing!
Probably i would have another guide later on for non-tourists, non-first timers, or travellers who prefers not going to tourists spots and prefers hidden gems (like a local)…Note that this is just my suggested itinerary, especially for first-timers so they can maximize the visit in Seoul. Should you want to know more about the sites, please research or visit their websites directly, or ask me! Restaurants and Cafe’s would be a different story altogether because there are just tooooo many.