5 Days Seoul, South Korea Itinerary
This 5-day Seoul itinerary balances iconic landmarks with local experiences, ensuring an unforgettable trip. Explore historical sites, indulge in delicious Korean cuisine, and immerse yourself in the city's dynamic culture, all while staying within a moderate budget.
Duration
5 days
Budget
$700-1000
Best Time
Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather and beautiful scenery, especially for cherry blossoms or fall foliage
Activities
29
Daily Avg
$170/day
Pace
Fast
Seoul is a vibrant metropolis blending ancient traditions with cutting-edge technology. From historic palaces and serene temples to bustling markets and trendy neighborhoods, it offers a diverse range of experiences for every traveler.
Your itinerary covers 14 of 15 must-have experiences
A Royal Palace
Day 1: Gyeongbokgung Palace Visit
A Traditional Village
Day 1: Bukchon Hanok Village Stroll
A Temple
e.g., Jogyesa Temple, Bongeunsa Temple
A Food Market
Day 4: Lunch at a Street Food Stall in Hongdae
Korean BBQ
Day 5: Farewell Korean BBQ Dinner
Street Food
Day 2: Itaewon Shopping (Optional)
A Viewpoint
Day 3: Lotte World Tower (Optional)
Shopping District
Day 1: Insadong Shopping
A Museum
Day 2: War Memorial of Korea
DMZ Tour
Day 2: DMZ Tour (Book in Advance)
A Cafe
Day 4: Cat Cafe Visit
A Park
Day 3: Olympic Park
Traditional Korean Meal
Day 1: Lunch at Tosokchon Samgyetang
Underground Shopping
Day 3: Starfield COEX Mall
A Stream
Day 1: Cheonggyecheon Stream Walk
Seoul's food scene is a vibrant blend of traditional Korean flavors and modern culinary innovation. From bustling street food stalls to Michelin-starred restaurants, the city offers a diverse range of dining experiences. Don't be afraid to explore and try new things!
Must-Try Dishes
A colorful mixed rice dish with vegetables, meat (optional), and a fried egg, all seasoned with gochujang (chili pepper paste). It's a balanced and flavorful meal.
📍 Almost any Korean restaurant
A social dining experience where you grill marinated meats (beef, pork, chicken) at your table. Served with lettuce wraps, dipping sauces, and side dishes (banchan).
📍 KBBQ restaurants in Gangnam, Hongdae, and Myeongdong
Spicy rice cakes simmered in a gochujang-based sauce with fish cakes and vegetables. A popular street food snack.
📍 Street food stalls in Myeongdong, Gwangjang Market, and Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town
A spicy and savory kimchi stew with tofu, pork (or other meat), and vegetables. A comforting and flavorful dish, especially during colder months.
📍 Korean restaurants specializing in stews
Food Neighborhoods
Street food and trendy snacks
Traditional Korean cuisine and tea houses
Budget-friendly eats and international cuisine
Traditional Korean street food
Vegetarian options are becoming more common, but it's helpful to learn a few key phrases like "Gogi eopseo-yo" (no meat). Vegan options are less prevalent; research restaurants beforehand. For halal food, look for restaurants certified by the Korea Muslim Federation. Be aware of common allergens like shellfish and peanuts in Korean cuisine.
Wait for the eldest person to begin eating before starting your meal. Use chopsticks for most dishes, and spoons for soup and rice. It's polite to share side dishes (banchan). Don't stick your chopsticks upright in your rice bowl, as this resembles a funeral ritual.
Chuseok
Korean Thanksgiving with family gatherings, traditional food, and folk villages.
Note: Book transport early - everyone travels
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚶From Myeongdong, take subway line 4 to Gyeongbokgung Palace Station (Exit 5).$3 (Entry fee), $10-20 (Hanbok rental)
9:00 AM - Gyeongbokgung Palace Visit
Explore Seoul's largest and most beautiful royal palace. Arrive early to beat the crowds and rent a Hanbok (traditional Korean dress) for free palace entry and enhanced photos. Allow 2-3 hours.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walk from Gyeongbokgung Palace to Tosokchon Samgyetang (approx. 5 minutes).$15-20
12:00 PM - Lunch at Tosokchon Samgyetang
Enjoy a traditional Korean ginseng chicken soup (Samgyetang) at this famous restaurant near the palace. Be prepared for a potential wait during peak hours.
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- 🚶Take bus 11 or 900 from Tosokchon Samgyetang to Bukchon Hanok Village.FREE
2:00 PM - Bukchon Hanok Village Stroll
Wander through the charming traditional Korean houses (Hanoks) of Bukchon Hanok Village. Be respectful of residents and keep noise levels down. Take photos of the beautiful architecture.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walk from Bukchon Hanok Village to Insadong (approx. 10 minutes).$10-20 (Souvenirs/Snacks)
4:00 PM - Insadong Shopping
Explore the traditional crafts, tea houses, and souvenir shops in Insadong. Bargain respectfully for the best prices. Try some street food snacks like Hotteok (sweet pancake).
Book on Klook - 🚶Bibimbap restaurants are located throughout Insadong, easily accessible by walking.$10-15
6:00 PM - Dinner at a Bibimbap Restaurant in Insadong
Try different variations of Bibimbap (mixed rice with vegetables and meat) at a local restaurant in Insadong. Many offer English menus.
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- 🚶Walk from Insadong to Cheonggyecheon Stream (approx. 15 minutes).FREE
7:30 PM - Cheonggyecheon Stream Walk
Take a relaxing evening stroll along the Cheonggyecheon Stream, a beautifully restored urban oasis. Enjoy the illuminated scenery and public art installations.
Book on Klook
Myeongdong
Central location with easy access to transportation, shopping, and dining.
📅 Best Time to Visit
Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather and beautiful scenery, especially for cherry blossoms or fall foliage.
Spring in Seoul is characterized by mild temperatures and sunny skies. The average temperatures range from 12°C to 22°C, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Rainfall is relatively low during this period.
Spring and Autumn are considered shoulder seasons, offering pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to summer and winter.
Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) can cause closures and increased travel.
Getting Around
World-class metro in Seoul; KTX high-speed rail for intercity
T-money / Cashbee
Get a T-money card at any convenience store. Download Kakao Map for navigation.
Travel
$150-250 (Flights vary greatly)Accommodation
$200-300 (for 5 nights in a guesthouse or budget hotel)Food
$200-300Activities
$150-200Utilize Seoul's efficient and affordable public transportation (subway, bus) with a T-Money card instead of taxis for daily commutes.
Enjoy delicious and cheap street food at markets like Gwangjang Market or Myeongdong, and explore many free attractions like parks and outer palace grounds.
Indulge in a traditional Korean spa experience (Jjimjilbang) for ultimate relaxation or rent a Hanbok for unique palace photoshoots and lasting memories.
Keep an eye out for '2+1' or '1+1' deals at convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven) on snacks and drinks, a common and effective local way to save money.
Explore university areas (e.g., Hongdae, Ewha Womans University) for trendy yet often more affordable food, cafes, and shopping popular with local students.
- Learn basic Korean phrases (hello, thank you, etc.).
- Purchase a T-money card for convenient and affordable public transportation.
- Download a translation app to help with communication.
- Be aware of Korean dining etiquette (e.g., don't lift your bowl, use chopsticks properly).
- Respect local customs and traditions.
- Wi-Fi is widely available in Seoul.
- Bargaining is not common in most stores, but you can try in markets.
- Try the local street food – it's delicious and affordable.
- 1Comfortable walking shoes
- 2Adaptor for Korean outlets (Type F)
- 3Portable charger
- 4Reusable water bottle
- 5Light jacket or sweater (even in summer)
- 6Rain gear (especially during monsoon season)
- 7Sunscreen and hat
- 8Basic first-aid kit
- 9Korean phrasebook or translation app
- 10T-money card (can be bought upon arrival)
Flights
Book as early as possible, especially for peak seasons (spring/autumn), to secure better prices.
Accommodation
3-6 months in advance for popular districts (e.g., Myeongdong, Hongdae) or specific boutique hotels, particularly during major festivals or holidays.
eSIM / Physical SIM or Pocket WiFi
Pre-order 1-2 weeks before arrival for convenient airport pickup or immediate activation upon landing.
DMZ Tour
If interested, these popular tours, especially those including the JSA, can sell out weeks or even months in advance due to limited spots and strict regulations.
Airport Express (AREX) Tickets
Can be pre-booked online for a discount, offering a direct and efficient transfer from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station.
Specific Restaurant Reservations
For high-end dining, Michelin-starred restaurants, or very trendy spots, book 1-2 weeks in advance.
Visa (if required)
Check your country's visa requirements for South Korea well in advance of your departure date and apply if necessary.
Popular Shows / Performances
For shows like Nanta or specific K-Pop concerts, book tickets a few weeks to months ahead, as they can sell out quickly.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Airalo app or website (www.airalo.com)
📍 KT Roaming Center at Incheon Airport (ICN) or Gimpo Airport (GMP)
📍 Online pre-booking required, pick up at Incheon Airport (ICN) or Gimpo Airport (GMP)
Free WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public areas in Seoul. However, the speed and reliability can vary. Consider purchasing a SIM card or pocket WiFi for consistent access.
Useful Apps
Register your SIM card or pocket WiFi at the airport to avoid potential issues. Download offline maps for KakaoMap or Naver Map for areas with limited connectivity. Check the data allowance and speed of your chosen SIM card or pocket WiFi plan. Consider the convenience of an eSIM if your phone supports it.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two round pins (Europlug)
Two round pins + side earth clips (Schuko)
220V
60Hz
Tipping Etiquette
Not expected — can be considered rude
Not expected
Not expected
South Korea has a no-tipping culture. Service is included.
Safety & Travel Advisories
Seoul is generally a very safe city for tourists. Exercise normal precautions against petty theft, especially in crowded areas.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
112
119
119
1330 for tourism hotline (English)
Payments
Korea is nearly cashless — cards accepted everywhere
Universally accepted, even at small shops
Widely used — Samsung Pay, Apple Pay, T-money
Cards work almost everywhere. T-money card useful for transit and convenience stores.
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- Personalized for your dates
- Weather-aware recommendations
- Offline access
- Real-time pricing
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Trip Summary
How was this itinerary?
Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) are the best times to visit Seoul due to the pleasant weather and beautiful scenery. These seasons offer comfortable temperatures and stunning foliage, making it ideal for exploring the city's attractions.
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- Real-time pricing
- Budget tracking
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