A Week in Seoul: Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon and Gwangjang Market
Gyeongbokgung Palace · Changdeokgung · Jogyesa Temple · Insa-dong Culture Street · Bukchon Hanok Village · National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul
7-day Seoul itinerary. Day-by-day route, attractions and food.
Seoul offers an unbroken continuity between 14th-century palace architecture and dense contemporary art districts that Kyoto lacks. Where Kyoto emphasizes preserved silence, Seoul balances high-intensity street markets and spiritual sites within the same neighborhood block. It is built for a traveler seeking active cultural immersion and rapid transitions between historical reflection and modern urban energy.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Day 1 · Joseon Dynasty Palaces
Gwangjang Market
Day 1 · Traditional Markets
Jogyesa Temple
Day 2 · Korean Temple Stay Experience
Bukchon Hanok Village
Day 3 · Historic Neighborhood Walks
Leeum Museum of Art
Day 4 · Contemporary Korean Art Gallery
Jongmyo Shrine
Day 5 · National History and Shrines
N Seoul Tower
Day 7 · Panoramic City Viewpoints
Pick travel dates to see the weather for your month.
Seoul experiences harsh, dry winters and sweltering, wet summers that make mid-year outdoor plans difficult. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions for walking the city, though you should pack layers to manage the sharp drop in temperature once the sun goes down.
Best time to go: Spring and autumn
The whole year
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Sunrise – sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 37°F / 3°C (cold) | 21°F / -6°C (cold) | 2 | 7:46 AM – 5:36 PM |
| Feb | 41°F / 5°C (cold) | 24°F / -4°C (cold) | 3 | 7:22 AM – 6:10 PM |
| Mar | 54°F / 12°C | 35°F / 2°C (cold) | 4 | 6:44 AM – 6:38 PM |
| Apr | 65°F / 19°C | 45°F / 7°C (cold) | 6 | 5:58 AM – 7:06 PM |
| May | 75°F / 24°C | 55°F / 13°C | 6 | 5:23 AM – 7:33 PM |
| Jun | 82°F / 28°C | 65°F / 19°C | 7 | 5:10 AM – 7:54 PM |
| Jul | 86°F / 30°C (hot) | 72°F / 22°C | 13 | 5:22 AM – 7:53 PM |
| Aug | 86°F / 30°C (hot) | 73°F / 23°C | 12 | 5:47 AM – 7:24 PM |
| Sep | 80°F / 27°C | 63°F / 17°C | 7 | 6:13 AM – 6:40 PM |
| Oct | 69°F / 20°C | 49°F / 10°C | 5 | 6:40 AM – 5:55 PM |
| Nov | 54°F / 12°C | 37°F / 3°C (cold) | 6 | 7:11 AM – 5:21 PM |
| Dec | 39°F / 4°C (cold) | 23°F / -5°C (cold) | 4 | 7:39 AM – 5:14 PM |
- Morning
8:00 AM - Arrive at Incheon International Airport (ICN)· 1 hr 30 min
USD 12 (~KRW 16K)Arrive in Seoul and take the AREX Express Train to Seoul Station (43 min, $7) or the Airport Limousine Bus to central hotels (~70 min, $12). Taxis are available for a private transfer (60 min, $60).
- Afternoon
12:00 PM - Lunch: Tteokbokki in Myeongdong· 1 hr
USD 5 (~KRW 6,707)Iconic dish
by jetalone (flickr) (CC BY 2.0)Enjoy spicy, chewy rice cakes from a street stall, a quintessential Seoul street food experience.
Typical USD 2-5 (~KRW 2,683-6,707)
- Evening
8:00 PM - Dinner: Kimchi Jjigae in Gwangjang Market· 1 hr
USD 10 (~KRW 13K)Iconic dish
한국농수산식품유통공사 (KOGL Type 1)Eat a comforting, spicy bowl of fermented cabbage stew with pork, served piping hot at a market stall.
Typical USD 6-10 (~KRW 8,049-13K)
Where to Stay Tonight
Myeongdong
· Central location with easy access to major palaces, shopping districts, and extensive subway connections to explore the rest of Seoul.- Morning
- Afternoon
12:30 PM - Lunch: Samgyetang in Ikseon-dong· 1 hr
USD 16 (~KRW 21K)Iconic dish
wizdata (CC0)Replenish your energy with a traditional whole stuffed chicken soup.
Typical USD 12-20 (~KRW 16K-27K)
- Evening
7:30 PM - Dinner: Samgyeopsal in Jongno· 1 hr 30 min
USD 18 (~KRW 24K)Iconic dish
by hellochris (CC BY 2.0)Enjoy grilling pork belly at your table in a local restaurant tucked within the historic district.
Typical USD 10-18 (~KRW 13K-24K)
Staying at Myeongdong since Day 1
- Morning
- Afternoon
12:30 PM - Lunch: Mandu in Samcheong-dong· 1 hr
USD 10 (~KRW 13K)Iconic dish
국립국어원 (CC BY-SA 2.0 kr)Enjoy freshly steamed dumplings filled with pork, chives, and glass noodles at a small local shop.
Typical USD 4-9 (~KRW 5,366-12K)
- Evening
7:30 PM - Dinner: Naengmyeon in Myeongdong· 1 hr
USD 12 (~KRW 16K)Iconic dish
Jinho Jung at Flickr from South Korea (CC BY 2.0)Finish the day with chilled, refreshing buckwheat noodles in a tangy, icy beef broth.
Typical USD 7-12 (~KRW 9,390-16K)
Staying at Myeongdong since Day 1
- Morning
- Afternoon
1:00 PM - Lunch: Bibimbap in Itaewon· 1 hr
USD 12 (~KRW 16K)Try the dish
Chloe Lim (CC BY 2.0)BibimbapSavor a bowl of colorful, fresh vegetables over rice at a local eatery in the bustling Itaewon district.
- Evening
7:00 PM - Dinner: Bulgogi in Gangnam· 1 hr 30 min
USD 25 (~KRW 34K)Try the dish
by ayustety (CC BY-SA 2.0)BulgogiEnjoy marinated, grilled thinly-sliced beef at a cozy local restaurant, a quintessential Korean culinary experience.
Staying at Myeongdong since Day 1
- Morning
- Afternoon
12:00 PM - Lunch: Bibim Guksu in Jongno· 1 hr
USD 10 (~KRW 13K)Try the dish
JeongHO Suh (daecheonnet) (CC0)Bibim GuksuEnjoy a spicy cold noodle dish with fresh vegetables at a local eatery in the historic heart of the city.
- Evening
7:30 PM - Dinner: Haemul Pajeon in Myeongdong· 1 hr
USD 15 (~KRW 20K)Try the dish
by karendotcom127 (CC BY 2.0)Haemul PajeonTry a savory seafood green onion pancake, a classic comfort dish perfect for a relaxed dinner.
Staying at Myeongdong since Day 1
- Morning6A
10:00 AM - Leeum Museum of Art· 3 hrs
USD 10 (~KRW 13K)Closed on MondayAlready scheduled earlier in this trip - Afternoon
1:00 PM - Lunch: Dolsot Bibimbap in Itaewon· 1 hr
USD 12 (~KRW 16K)Try the dishChloe Lim (CC BY 2.0)BibimbapEnjoy a hot, crispy stone bowl of rice mixed with seasonal vegetables and gochujang sauce.
- Evening
7:30 PM - Dinner: Bulgogi in Hannam-dong· 1 hr 30 min
USD 25 (~KRW 34K)Try the dishby ayustety (CC BY-SA 2.0)BulgogiSavor thinly sliced marinated beef grilled at your table, a classic Seoul dinner staple.
Staying at Myeongdong since Day 1
- Morning
11:30 AM - Lunch: Bibim Guksu in Myeongdong· 1 hr
USD 15 (~KRW 20K)Try the dishJeongHO Suh (daecheonnet) (CC0)Bibim GuksuEnjoy spicy cold mixed noodles in the vibrant Myeongdong area to experience local flavors.
- Afternoon
3:30 PM - Hotel Checkout & Luggage Collection· 30 min
FREEReturn to the hotel in Myeongdong to check out and collect luggage before the final departure.
4:30 PM - Depart from Incheon International Airport (ICN)· 1 hr 30 min
USD 15 (~KRW 20K)Final transfer to the airport for the evening flight home.
Staying at Myeongdong since Day 1
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Customize this tripFreeFood, shopping & festivals
Top 6 dishes to try
Tap any photo for more photos, the story, and where to find it.
Tteokbokki
Day 1 · lunch
Mandu
Day 3 · lunch
Kimchi Jjigae
Day 1 · dinner
Naengmyeon
Day 3 · dinner
Samgyeopsal
Day 2 · dinner
Samgyetang
Day 2 · lunch
Where to eat · Gwangjang Market, Gangnam, Jongno-gu
- Gwangjang Market · Seoul — A historic market famous for mung bean pancakes, raw beef tartare, and various street-food snacks.
- Gangnam · Seoul — Upscale dining venues and late-night spots specializing in high-quality Korean barbecue cuts.
- Jongno-gu · Seoul — Traditional architecture paired with century-old alleyway restaurants serving classic stews and grilled meats.
Good to know · meal times, tipping, water, vegetarian, payment, etiquette
- Meal times
- Lunch is typically 12:00-14:00. Dinner is 18:00-21:00, with many popular barbecue spots staying open until midnight or later.
- Tipping
- Tipping is not expected and can sometimes be seen as confusing or rude. Simply pay the bill as stated.
- Water
- Tap water is generally safe to drink in Seoul, though many residents prefer filtered or bottled water for taste.
- Vegetarian
- Vegetarians should look for Buddhist temple cuisine or explicitly ask about meat-based stocks in soups. Kimchi often contains fermented fish sauce.
- Payment
- Cards are accepted almost everywhere. Small, older traditional market stalls may still prefer cash.
- Etiquette
- Avoid sticking your chopsticks straight into a bowl of rice, as this mimics funeral rites. Use both hands when passing or receiving items.
Top 6 souvenirs
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Traditional brassware (Yugi)
Ginseng extract
Hand-painted Celadon pottery
Custom name seal (Dojang)
Korean skincare sets
Formulas are more advanced and significantly cheaper here than in international markets.
Korean hanji paper stationery
Handmade mulberry paper is durable, aesthetic, and resistant to aging.
Where to shop · Insadong, Myeongdong
- Insadong · Seoul — Ceramics, calligraphy supplies, and antique tea sets.
- Myeongdong · Seoul — Skincare brands, streetwear, and trendy fashion accessories.
Good to know · customs, tax refund, payment, bargaining
- Customs
- You can export most goods, but cultural assets over 50 years old require special permission. Check weight limits for fragile pottery when flying.
- Tax refund
- Look for the Tax Free Korea logo. You can receive a partial tax refund on purchases over 30,000 won if you present your passport.
- Payment
- Credit cards are accepted everywhere, even for small items at market stalls.
- Bargaining
- Prices are fixed in department stores and boutiques. In small markets, a polite smile works better than aggressive haggling.
The big events across the year
Tap any photo for more photos and the story.
Seollal (Korean Lunar New Year)
Feb 17 – 19
Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival
Apr 1 – 10
Chuseok
Sep 25 – 27
Costs
Estimated total · For 2 travelers · 1 room · 7 days
USD 2,584Flights from your city not included.
Getting there and betweenUSD 0
AccommodationUSD 1,080
- Seoul · 6 nights1 roomUSD 1,080
| City | Simple | Comfortable | Upscale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seoul | USD 120 | USD 180 | USD 240 |
ActivitiesUSD 202
- Day 1 · Arrive at Incheon International Airport (ICN)USD 24
- Day 1 · Gyeongbokgung PalaceUSD 6
- Day 1 · Gwangjang MarketUSD 20
- Day 2 · ChangdeokgungUSD 6
- Day 2 · Insa-dong Culture StreetUSD 10
- Day 3 · National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, SeoulUSD 8
- Day 4 · Leeum Museum of ArtUSD 30
- Day 5 · Namdaemun MarketUSD 20
- Day 5 · Jongmyo ShrineUSD 4
- Day 5 · Dongdaemun Design PlazaUSD 10
- Day 6 · Leeum Museum of ArtUSD 30
- Day 7 · Deoksugung PalaceUSD 4
- Day 7 · N Seoul TowerUSD 30
FoodUSD 1,050
- Seoul · 7 daysUSD 1,050
Local transportUSD 252
- Seoul · 7 daysUSD 252
Not included: visas, travel insurance, SIM cards, tips, shopping.
Money tips
Moderate costs -- expect to pay 100 USD per night for mid-range hotels and 10-15 USD for a substantial sit-down meal. Tap water is safe to drink, but many locals prefer bottled water for convenience.
Purchase a T-money card at any convenience store for 3,000 KRW to pay for subways and buses at a lower rate than single-journey tickets. Refill your balance at stations or kiosks as you go.
Skip fancy hotel breakfasts and visit a local PC bang or convenience store for a quick meal; basic snacks cost 2,000-5,000 KRW. Use the 1330 Travel Hotline for free, 24-hour guidance in English on local food spots.
Allocate 50,000-80,000 KRW per person for a high-quality Korean barbecue dinner in Myeong-dong or Hongdae. This meal usually includes side dishes and premium meat cuts that justify the higher price point.
Avoid high roaming fees by using public Wi-Fi zones found at major transit hubs and parks, or drop into a PC bang for 1,500 KRW per hour if you need reliable high-speed internet.
Before you go
Travel and stays
Round-trip flight, Incheon International Airport (ICN)
Day 1–7
Hotel in Seoul
Nights 1–6 · Myeongdong · about USD 1,080 · Comfortable hotel range
Book ahead · most urgent first
Leeum Museum of Art entry
Day 4 · Book 2 weeks ahead · General admission tickets are released online and often sell out for weekends, especially during special exhibition periods.
Secret Garden tour at Changdeokgung Palace
Day 2 · Book 7 days ahead · The Secret Garden (Huwon) requires a separate guided tour ticket in addition to the main entry, which sells out daily due to strict capacity limits.
Jongmyo Shrine guided tour
Day 5 · Book 7 days ahead · Entry to the inner sanctuary is strictly by guided tour only on certain days. Check the official Cultural Heritage Administration website for current schedules.
Discover Seoul Pass (48-hour or 72-hour)
Day 1 · Book 7 days ahead · Purchase online to collect at Incheon Airport; this pass covers entrance to Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Jongmyo, and N Seoul Tower.
SIM card / eSIM data plan
Day 1 · Book 7 days ahead · Pre-book via Klook or Trazy for pickup at Incheon Airport to ensure instant connectivity for local maps and public transport navigation.
N Seoul Tower observation deck tickets
Day 7 · Book 3 days ahead · Purchasing tickets online in advance avoids the long queue at the base station and provides a slight discount on peak-time entry.
Travel tips
Load your T-money card at any 7-Eleven or GS25 convenience store — it pays for buses, subways, and even taxi fares.
Use Naver Map or KakaoMap for navigation; Google Maps in Seoul lacks accurate walking directions and public transit routes.
Book KTX train tickets from Seoul to Busan via the Korail website at least 14 days in advance to secure seats.
Arrive at Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul by 9am to beat the tour bus crowds and photograph the guard change ceremony.
Download the KakaoT app to hail verified taxis; it prevents overcharging and logs your trip for safety.
Keep a small plastic bag in your daypack; street trash cans are rare, so you must carry trash to your hotel.
Visit Jagalchi Fish Market in Busan at 7am to watch the fish auctions; it is much busier than the afternoon hours.
Check the VisitKorea website for the annual Boryeong Mud Festival dates if you plan to travel in July.
Buy travel insurance and save the policy offline
Keep a backup card and emergency cash apart from your wallet
Get KRW cash / a no-forex-fee card
Check visa requirements for South Korea
Copies of passport and bookings (paper + phone)
Tell your bank your travel dates and check foreign transaction fees
Leave your itinerary, emergency contacts and a passport copy with someone at home
Register with your embassy's traveler program (STEP for US citizens)
Register for Discover Seoul Pass
Passport (valid 6+ months past your return)
Wallet with ID and payment cards
Transit card: T-money (also Cashbee) · Seoul
Pen for arrival forms
The plan centers Seoul as a single destination to allow for a deep dive into its spiritual and architectural layers. We front-load the heavy historic palace and market visits during the first three days when energy levels are highest for walking. The middle days focus on the evolving art and spiritual scene in Itaewon, serving as a social bridge between traditional roots and modern life.
The final days use the established familiarity with the city to explore scenic viewpoints and lingering spiritual sites at a slower, final-stretch pace. This itinerary prioritizes the dense spiritual and historical layers of central Seoul over outward expansion. It skips the day-long mountain treks at Bukhansan National Park, where the granite peaks and steep temple trails require a full day of exertion.
This is the right cut for a traveler focused on historical urban texture; pick a different plan if you require a nature-first trip dominated by outdoor hiking. Add two days to journey south to Gyeongju. You can walk through the Tumuli Park to see the grass-covered royal burial mounds that dominate the city center.
Interest coverage
3 of 3 coveredEntry and safety
| Visa & entry | US, UK, EU, and Australia citizens get 90 days visa-free entry, while India requires an e-Visa. Ensure your passport has 6 months of validity remaining. All travelers must register for a K-ETA online at least 72 hours before departure. |
|---|---|
| US risk level | Exercise normal precautionsUpdated May 27, 2025 |
| Official advice | US State Department · UK Foreign Office |
| Emergency | Police 112 · Ambulance 119 · Fire 1191330 for tourism hotline (English) |
Money and tipping
| Tipping: restaurants | Not expected — can be considered rude |
|---|---|
| Tipping: taxis | Not expected |
| Tipping: hotels | Not expected |
| Cards | Universally accepted, even at small shops |
| Contactless | Widely used — Samsung Pay, Apple Pay, T-money |
| Cash | Korea is nearly cashless — cards accepted everywhere |
| Payment tip | Cards work almost everywhere. T-money card useful for transit and convenience stores. |
Plugs
| Plugs | Type C, F220V · 60Hz |
|---|
Staying connected
| SIM | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|
| KT Olleh eSIM | $18 for 7 days / unlimited data | Incheon Airport arrival hall or online via KT website |
| LG Uplus physical SIM | $25 for 10 days / unlimited data | Any CU or GS25 convenience store in Seoul |
Carry a portable battery; high-speed 5G usage in Seoul drains phones quickly. PC bangs offer cheap wired access if your roaming data fails.
About USD 2,584 for 2 travelers · 1 room · 7 days: hotels, food, activities, local transport and travel between places. Flights from your city not included.
Many nationalities enjoy visa-free entry, but all visitors must apply for a K-ETA online before travel. Check the official immigration website to verify your specific requirement based on your passport.
It is one of the safest countries globally. Even solo night travel is standard and low-risk, though staying on well-lit main streets is recommended.
Always carry South Korean Won (KRW). While cards are accepted everywhere, small street stalls and markets prefer cash.
No. Tipping is not a part of the culture. Simply paying the bill is sufficient.
Use the subway system and buses with a T-money card. It is the cheapest and fastest way to bypass traffic.
October is ideal because the weather is mild and the autumn colors are visible across the parks.
In Seoul, stay in Myeong-dong for shopping or Mapo for nightlife. In Busan, Haeundae is the hub for beach access.
The AREX train from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station is the most efficient option. It takes about 45 minutes.
These 2 experiences didn't make it into this itinerary
Specialty Korean Dessert Cafe
e.g., Sulbing, O'sulloc Tea House
Traditional Korean Liquor Bar
e.g., Wolhyang, Baekgom Makgeolli
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