For the primary time customer to South Korea, a lot of the time can be spent getting acquainted with town of Seoul. Our Seoul 4-day itinerary will take you on a journey to a spot the place the modern-day vibrancy of Okay-pop meets a metropolis with a wealthy cultural heritage and a culinary scene that’s the envy of the world.
Why Go to Seoul Korea?
Over the previous few years, it might be laborious to flee the influences of the “Korean Wave.” Excessive power Okay-Pop live shows thrill audiences worldwide and Okay-Dramas have opened the window into life in South Korea.
Alongside the best way, these mediums have given us a glimpse into South Korean customs and language, historical past and landmarks, vogue, and delicacies.
For those who too have fallen below the spell of South Korea, 4 days in Seoul is about immersing your self within the locations which have turn out to be acquainted by way of the Okay-Dramas we have now watched.
It’s lastly time to say “Annyeonghaseyo” to Seoul and I can assure it’s every part you ever dreamed it might be.
4 Days in Seoul South Korea Itinerary
What number of days in Seoul is sufficient? We suggest staying for at the least 4 days. This gives you sufficient time to find the essence of this dynamic metropolis. In fact, in case you have extra time to spare you’ll be able to discover town at a extra leisurely tempo.
Deciding what to do round Seoul in 4 days will rely in your pursuits, how a lot you wish to pack into your vacation and funds.
We start our Seoul journey weblog with each day suggestions for a Seoul 4-day itinerary which provides a choice of probably the most type after excursions. We additionally spotlight a superb assortment of Seoul points of interest for the impartial traveller.
The Greatest Seoul Excursions
We’ve got discovered that most individuals visiting Seoul for the primary time will take at the least one tour. That is very true for the impartial traveller as it’s a strategy to cowl a number of floor, leaving loads of time to discover by yourself.
For those who select to take excursions all through your keep you might be in for an actual deal with as there’s a world of marvel sitting on Seoul’s doorstep. Prepare for an journey that may take you throughout the centuries as you stroll throughout the neighbourhoods of this thriving trendy metropolis.
Seoul 4 Day Itinerary – Day 1
This Seoul 1 day tour covers the historic facet of Seoul, with the tour taking you to many Joseon interval vacationer points of interest.
Locations visited embrace the Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palaces, the Jogyesa Temple, the standard teahouses and retailers of Insadong and the bustling Namdaemun Market.
- Go to the Royal Palace, Temples & Markets
Click on right here to ebook Small Group Royal Palace Tour
Seoul 4 Day Itinerary – Day 2
The Korean Demilitarized Zone was created below the Korean Armistice Settlement following the Korean Warfare in 1953. This 250 km (160 mile) buffer zone separates North Korea from South Korea and is a well-liked day tour for anybody visiting Seoul.
We completely loved our DMZ Tour from Seoul, and you may learn extra about it right here.
Click on right here to ebook a DMZ tour
Seoul 4 Day Itinerary – Day 3
One of many high issues about Seoul is the delicacies and among the best methods to find the secrets and techniques of Korean cooking is to take a Korean cooking class.
- Take a Korean Cooking Class
Click on right here to ebook a Korean Cooking Class with Full-Course Meal
One other enjoyable Seoul foodie exercise is to pattern a variety of Korean delicacies on a Evening Market meals tour.
Click on right here to ebook a Evening Market Meals Tour
Seoul 4 Day Itinerary – Day 4
Seoul is a shopaholics dream and one of many trendiest locations to expertise it’s within the Myeongdong space of Seoul. Inside its streets you can see a superb assortment of outlets promoting an intensive vary of merchandise.
This energetic purchasing district can be residence to LOTTE Division Retailer which showcases all kinds of merchandise together with title model fashions and cosmetics.
- Go Purchasing at Myeongdong
Seoul Royal Palaces
Throughout the Joseon period, Seoul housed 5 royal palaces, they have been the Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, Changgyeongung and Gyeonghuigung Palaces.
Attributable to Korea’s turbulent historical past of invasion, all palaces have at one time been destroyed. Two of crucial throughout the reign of the Joseon Dynasty have been the Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Changdeokgung Palace.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
The Gyeongbokgung Palace was in-built 1395 and is among the 5 royal palaces that may be discovered within the metropolis of Seoul. The palace was as soon as the first residence for the Joseon dynasty and over the centuries has had a checkered historical past.
Gyeongbokgung Palace was destroyed by fireplace throughout the Imjin Warfare with the Japanese between 1592 and 1598. The palace was restored within the 19th century solely to be destroyed once more within the early 20th century throughout the Japanese occupation of Korea.
Fortunately within the 1990’s the palace was restored to its former glory and the splendour of the Joseon interval can now be loved by all.
Strolling throughout the grounds you’ll be able to simply think about exquisitely dressed royalty, ministers and servants going about their each day rituals throughout the confines of this large walled palace complicated.
Additionally housed throughout the complicated is the, Nationwide Folks Museum of Korea and Nationwide Palace Museum of Korea.
Changdeokgung Palace
Changdeokgung Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site which can be well-known for its secret backyard. The palace was used as a secondary palace to the principle royal residence of Gyeongbokgung Palace.
After Gyeongbokgung Palace was destroyed by the Japanese in 1598, Changdeokgung Palace turned the first royal palace.
Changgyeonggung Palace
Changgyeonggung Palace is the third palace complicated to be constructed after Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace.
Constructed by King Seongjong, the palace turned a residence for the aged dowager queens after Changdeokgung Palace turned overcrowded with the ever-growing royal household.
The palace borders the close by Changdeokgung Palace and encompasses a throne corridor which has remained intact since 1616. The palace grounds supply huge open areas that home the Grand Greenhouse and wildflower gardens.
Seoul Historical past & Tradition
Amid a contemporary metropolis stuffed with glass and metal, it’s refreshing to find areas devoted to the historical past and tradition of Seoul and South Korea.
Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon Hanok Village pays tribute to the standard structure of Korea. These merely designed homes are known as Hanok and so they have been as soon as the properties of high-ranking officers throughout Joseon period Korea.
These finely constructed properties exude a quiet class and are a major instance of Korean craftsmanship and ingenuity.
Baek In-je’s Home
Additionally positioned within the Bukchon Hanok Village is Baek In-je’s Home. The museum encompasses a well-preserved Hanok constructed within the conventional Korean architectural type with delicate trendy parts. This constructing showcases wealthy wood textures, pure mild, and peaceable gardens.
Jongmyo Shrine
Bordered by excessive partitions, the Jongmyo Shrine hides a posh of buildings, nicely shaded gardens, and decorative ponds.
This Royal Ancestral Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site which homes the spirit tablets of the deceased kings and queens of the Joseon dynasty.
The shrine is closed on Tuesdays (Wednesday if Tuesday falls on a Nationwide vacation). Entry is free to these below 19 & 65 and above.
Widespread Seoul Neighbourhoods
Seoul is made up of an everchanging mixture of neighbourhoods which have their very own identification and elegance. Listed below are three of our favourites, every stand out as Seoul’s most trendy neighbourhoods.
Myeongdong
Myeongdong is a energetic purchasing district crammed with Korean and worldwide eating places. Of a night the streets come alive with meals stalls providing all kinds of Korean road meals.
Insadong
Insadong is an extended, character stuffed pedestrian road famend for its tea and occasional homes, eating places, and purchasing.
Itaewon
Itaewon is a bohemian neighbourhood, well-known for its social gathering environment and vibrant nightlife. The world is crammed with worldwide eating places, bars, and nightclubs.
Seoul Meals
You can be spoilt for alternative on the subject of meals in Seoul. Not solely do you have got a wealth of worldwide cuisines, however additionally it is the place to strive Korean staples comparable to Korean barbeque, gimbap, tteokbokki and bibimbap.
Seoul road meals stalls supply an limitless number of quick meals and are the right place to pattern these tasty morsels that usually have a starring position in your favorite Okay-drama.
Seoul Markets
Seoul has a superb choice of markets which can be scattered throughout town. Three of the most well-liked and simple to entry from the centre of Seoul are the Myeongdong Evening Market, Namdaemun Market and Gwangjang Market.
Myeongdong Evening Market
The brilliant lights of Myeongdong are the right backdrop to the hustle and bustle of this vibrant road meals market. Right here you’ll be able to watch road stall distributors cook dinner up a scrumptious vary of candy treats and savoury snacks.
Namdaemun Market
Namdaemun Market is a brief stroll from Myeongdong and the place to buy a discount. Right here you can see a surprising vary of toys, clothes, baggage, equipment, and small eating places serving a scrumptious array of genuine Korean delicacies.
Gwangjang Market
Gwangjang Market or Kwangjang Market as additionally it is identified, is known for its delectable array of Korean meals. Pull up a stool and pattern a few of South Korea’s most iconic dishes.
See unique elements on the moist market or store for homewares and conventional Korean clothes within the rabbit warren of shops which can be scattered all through the market.
Seoul Tower, Commentary Deck
N Seoul Tower or Namsan Tower as additionally it is identified is Seoul’s most recognised landmarks. From a distance the needle like spire of the communication tower seems to pierce the skies above Namsan Mountain, making it an immediate orientation level for exploring town.
Of a night the colorful lights of the tower stand out in opposition to the evening sky. The Seoul Tower Commentary Deck gives sweeping 360-degree views of Seoul.
Click on right here to ebook Seoul Tower, Bukchon and Korean Folks Village Full day Tour
Seoul Korea Itinerary 5 Days
When you’ve got the luxurious of 5 days in Seoul or longer, listed below are just a few added extras to our Seoul 4-day itinerary.
5-Day Korea Golden Route Tour
This fabulous 5-day Korean tour takes you to the cities of Busan, Gongju, Suncheon, Yeosu and Wonju. This tour takes in an intensive itinerary of Korea, guaranteeing an excellent overview of the Korean landscapes, customs, points of interest, and life-style.
Click on right here to ebook 5-Day Korea Golden route tour from Seoul
The place to Keep in Seoul
Seoul has an enormous choice of lodging which absorb a variety of kinds and budgets. A lot liked areas embrace Myeongdong and resorts close to Seoul Station for simple connections to Incheon Airport.
Click on right here for Seoul resorts opinions and costs
Getting Round Seoul
Getting round Seoul is straightforward by foot as town is comparatively flat. The town additionally has an excellent subway system which takes you near a lot of Seoul’s most important vacationer points of interest.
*Observe that entry to most subway stations is through steep flights of stairs and isn’t person pleasant for these with mobility points.
Transport From Incheon Airport to Seoul
There are a selection of how to get from Incheon Airport to Seoul together with non-public airport transfers, the AREX Incheon Airport Categorical Prepare, bus and taxi.
We determined to check drive just a few of those transport choices and you may learn our Incheon Airport to Seoul article for extra in-depth info.
Test right here for pricing of personal Airport transfers
Final Phrases on a Seoul 4 Day Itinerary for the First Time Customer
I hope you favored studying our article on a Seoul 4 day itinerary for the first-time customer. As I stated at first, most individuals visiting Seoul for the primary time will take at the least one tour. This lets you leisurely immerse your self within the dynamic Seoul vibe.
We completely loved our time in Seoul and hope you fall in love with this vibrant metropolis as a lot as we have now. One factor for positive, as soon as visited, it would be best to return to Seoul time and time once more.
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