Things to Do in Seoul: A 5-Day Plan

As the capital of South Korea, Seoul is a city of modern buildings, kpop culture and bustling markets brimming with various kinds of shops.

There are many places to visit in Seoul like Gyeongbokgung Palace, Hongik University Street, and much more. Having a good plan for exploring and experiencing this city is very necessary. Here is a suggested guide for an amazing 5-day tour that will help you discover and enjoy Seoul to the fullest.

In Seoul, you do not need to worry about the language barrier because most of the locals can speak a little bit of English.

✈Flights to Seoul | Seoul Hotels🏨

1. Currency Exchange

Before starting your exciting trip, don't forget to get some South Korean won (KRW).

Bank notes usually include 1,000, 5, 000, 10,000 and 50,000 KRW, and coins are available in 10, 50, 100 and 500 won.

It is highly recommended that you exchange currency in banks like KEB Hana Bank, Shinhan Bank, and Woori Bank. These banks provide a good exchange rate as well as quality service.

Besides banks, there are also a number of money changers Downtown at Myeong-dong, Dongdaemum, and Itaewon. Be careful with the exchange rate at such places, however.

Ewha Womans University

Impressive buildings, unique architecture design, and a youthful atmosphere, welcome to Ewha Womans University.

The most famous architecture in Ewha Womans University is theunderpass campus. Glass with steel valley is used on both side. The unique design attracts tourists for taking a nice photo.

[Location] 52, Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03760, South Korea

Hongik University Street

One of the things to do to in Seoul is to shop along Hongik University Street. You'll also have a chance to see aspiring performers practicing K-pop dances and songs.

There are many stores for you to browse. You can find fashion, clothing, cosmetics, trendy shoes, bags, local brands, and cafes all around Hongik University street.

[Restaurant] What's more, there are many Korean Restaurants you can't miss on Hongik University street. One restaurant called Joahae Dakbal is famous for their boneless chicken claws.

[Location] 20, Hongik-ro 3-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul 04039, South Korea.

Day 1 route

Take a little nap first after you check-in if you need to. Then visit Ewha Womans University in the morning for photo shooting. In the evening, go shopping and have dinner at Hongik University Street. This is a great place for a night tour.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace was the first and largest of the royal palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty. Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace was at the heart of newly appointed capital of Seoul (then known as Hanyang) and represented the sovereignty of the Joseon Dynasty.

Gyeongbokgung is definitely one of best things to see in Seoul and one of the grandest structures in the city. It's the best representation of Korean architecture.

[Ticket] The entry fee is 3,000 won per person. However, Gyeongbokgung will waive the entrance fee for those wearing hanbok, the traditional Korean clothing.

[Location] 03045 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

[Rent some Hanbok] One cool thing you cannot miss there is to try hanbok (traditional Korean costumes)! No trip to Gyeongbokgung would be complete without renting hanbok. There are many stores around the palace where you can rent hanbok. Look for one that fits with your budget.

[Hanbok store] The Artist Hanbok

The Artist Hanbok is located at 36 Jahamun-ro 10-gil, Tongui-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul. The store rents hanbok for a fair rate and provides all types of hanbok for you to choose!

[Fee] 3,000 won per person per hour

Bukchon Hanok Village

Strolling through at Bukchon Hanok Village is a fun thing to do in Seoul.

A trip to Bukchon Hanok provides an ideal cultural experience for travelers who want to delve deeper into Korea history. This ancient village preserves a 600-year-old urban settlement, which provides a rich insight into Joseon Dynasty traditions.

You can stroll through the village, immerse yourself in art and have a coffee break in those beautiful cafes.

[Location] Gye-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Ihwa Mural Village

See the "Art in City Project" and take photos of the murals for an unforgettable experience in Seoul.

In 2006, the Ministry for Culture, Sports, and Tourism brought artists into an impoverished area of Naksan Hill to breath new life into the streets with art.

The Ihwa Mural Village is a vibrant and beautiful area. It worth an afternoon of cafe hopping. You can enjoy some outdoor art installations and learn more about the local history.

Suggested time: 2 hours

[Location] Ihwa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Dongdaemun Market

As one of the largest traditional markets in Korea, Dongdaemun Market would be the best choice for shopping, eating street food, and having a night walk in the dynamic atmosphere after a day in Seoul.

When the sun goes down, a night market will appear from nowhere selling everything from clothing to cosmetics, from bags to accessories. The official name is Dongdaemun Market but local people call it the Yellow Tent Market.

[Location] Area of 279, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Day 2 Route

I recommend that you go to the Gyeongbokgung Palace first thing in the morning to try hanbok, the walk along the Bukchon Hanok Village, have an afternoon tea and take photos at Ihwa Mural Village, finally, explore Dongdaemun Market for your night tour.

Hangang Park

Hangang Park, beloved by local residents, and office workers, offers many exciting events year-round. These include the Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival in the spring and the World Fireworks Festival in the fall.

Hangang park is full of surprises like the Water Light Square, Waterside Fountains, the Waterside Stage, Festival Land, the Piano Waterway, Waterfalls of Light, the Yacht Marina, and more. Consider renting a bicycle there and biking around the park. Bring a tent and your whole family to enjoy a picnic.

[Location] Banpo 2(i)-dong, Seoul, South Korea

63 Building

63 Building, also known as the Hanhwa 63 City, is a skyscraper on Yeouido island. 63 Building boasts stunning panoramic views of the Han River and the city of Seoul. Inside, you can find an IMAX cinema, art gallery, performance hall, and even a mini-aquarium.

[Reach the top of 63 Building] The art gallery 63 Sky Art is on the top floor of 63 Building, in which you can appreciate the interesting art works and enjoy panoramic views of the Han River and the whole city Seoul.

[Aqua Planet 63] Aqua Planet 63 locates in 63 Square. Aqua Garden features various marine life and you don't want to miss the mermaid shows they offer there! Besides the mermaid shows, they also offer penguin show, sea lion show and so on. Check the schedule before you go there so that you can enjoy each show on time.

[Location] 07345 50 63-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, Korea (Yeouido-dong, 63 building)

Myeong-dong

Myeong-dong, one of the most interesting neighborhoods and best things to do in Seoul, is the city's consumerist heaven and is loaded with massive department stores, fashion boutiques, and cosmetics shops offering high-quality products at competitive prices.

When it gets dark, the night market fills with street food vendors. Try the snacks along the street for a good way to experience Korean culture.

[Tea House Recommendation] O'sulloc Tea House Myeong-dong located at 12, Myeong-dong7-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul 04534, South Korea. As a nice place for tea lovers. There are many types of ice cream, coffee, cakes, and even souvenirs you could sample. Don’t miss it when going to Myeong-dong.

[Location] 04536 27 Myeong-dong 8-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

[Transportation] Myeong-dong Station (subway line 4) exits 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Day 3 Route

Go to Hangang Park in the morning and sit by the water, then walk to 63 Building to start your afternoon adventure. When it gets dark, go to Myeong-dong and try some local snacks along the street and enjoy some shopping around the fantastic stores.

Lotte Duty Free

There are multiple locations for this chain, but the best and biggest one is the Lotte Duty Free located on two massive floors in the main Lotte Department Store in Myeong-dong, hosting a killer range of luxury retailers, cosmetics, and accessories.

You can find everything you want to buy including a wide range of brands and products like Miu Miu, Marc Jacobs, Emilio Pucci, Givenchy, Kenzo, Donna Karan and Pedro Garcia. Other familiar brands including Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Chanel, Dior, Fendi, Tiffany & Co, and Bottega Veneta are easy to find.

VIP cards are available for Korean locals and foreigners. US$2,000 worth of purchases within two years gets you a Silver Card, providing 5-10% discount on most items, and US$10,000 in purchases over five years gets you a Gold Card and 5-15% discount on most items. Making a purchase with a Visa card will get you a further 5-15% off various items.

[Location] 30, Eulji-ro, 11F, Lotte Duty Free shop, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Shilla Duty Free

Shilla is the next biggest duty free shop after Lotte.

VIP cards are also available for customers. There are 3 types of VIP cards. The basic card offers 5% discount with no requirements. The Silver Card offers 5-10% and is for customers who have Asiana mileage cards, or who have totaled US $400 worth of purchases in two years. The simplest way is to just sign up online with no restrictions. The Gold Card, however, is only offered to travelers who have totaled US $3,000 in three years, and gives you 5-15% off.

[Location] 249 Dongho-ro, Jangchung-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, Southe Korea

N Seoul Tower

Namsan Seoul Tower was built in 1969 as Korea's first integrated transmission tower beaming television and radio broadcasts across the capital. Since opening to the public in 1980, it has become a much-loved Seoul landmark.

Take the cable car trip up to the base of the tower before going inside. Adult tickets costs 8,500 won and the kid's tickets costs 5,500 won.

A recent attraction for courting couples is "Locks of Love." See thousands of padlocks attached to the fence by romantic Seoulites symbolizing their undying affection.

The best time to visit the N Seoul Tower is around sunset and into night. This way you can get the view when sun goes down and the city lights up. It is really a romantic moment.

[Ticket] 10,000 won for adults and 8,000 won for children.

[Location] 105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan 2(i)ga-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea

[Transportation]

Itaewon Station (subway line 6) exit 4, take bus No. 03 and get off at Namsan Seoul Tower

Chungmuro Station (subway line 3, 4) exit 2, take bus No. 02 or 05 and get off at Namsan Seoul Tower

Dongguk Univ. Station (subway line 3) exit 2, take bus No. 02 and get off at Namsan Seoul Tower

Day 4 Route

Spend your day shopping at the various duty-free shops. Head to to N Seoul Tower an hour before sunset.

Day 5 Route

After a 4-day trip in Seoul, a relaxing day is well-earned. Do something you like. We recommend enjoying a leisurely breakfast, buying some souvenirs around the hotel, and departing the city in good spirits.

H avenue Idae Shinchon

H avenue Idea Shinchon Hotel is located Downtown and offers easy access to all the main attractions by subway. Rooms are clean and elegant to keep you in a nice mood.

Enjoy a free western breakfast before starting your adventure in Seoul. The hotel provides bread (a toaster is available), salad, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, bacon, Korean style fried rice with Kimchi, milk, juice, corn juice, cheese, and so on.

If you book the hotel in advance, you can lock in a great discount.

[Transportation] The hotel is near a major bus stop and metro line 2 (Ehwa Stop), only 2.9 km from the city center.

[Location] Shinchon Ro 152, Mapo-Gu, Sinchon, Seoul, South Korea, 04104

DH Naissance Hotel by Mindrum Group

The luxurious rooms in DH Naissance Tourist Hotel are equipped with Jacuzzi tubs! There is also a New York-style pizzeria on the second floor.

Additionally, free breakfast and a tour guide are provided by the hotel. As a bonus, there are many shopping streets and restaurants nearby.

[Transportation] It is 55 km away from Incheon Airport and takes an hour by shuttle bus to get to the hotel. Gimpo Airport is 20km away.

[Location] 39, Dongsomun-ro 20na-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, South Korea, 02845

[Map] Downloading a map like Google maps and Naver maps on your phone first may help you find your way better.

[Traffic card] Buy a metro card before you leave the airport. These are normally available in the convenience stores and will give you access to the bus and metro.

[Best time to visit Seoul] In spring from March to May and autumn from September to November are the best seasons to travel in Seoul.

To know more about South Korea attractions:

36 Hours in Seoul South Korea

12 Historical Sites That Worth Visiting in Seoul

10 Most Family-Friendly Attractions in Seoul

Top-10 Most Popular Hotels in Seoul

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