For the primary time customer to South Korea, a lot of the time shall 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 Ok-pop meets a metropolis with a wealthy cultural heritage and a culinary scene that’s the envy of the world.
Why Visit Seoul Korea?
Over the previous few years, it could be onerous to flee the influences of the “Korean Wave.” High vitality Ok-Pop concert events thrill audiences worldwide and Ok-Dramas have opened the window into life in South Korea.
Along the best way, these mediums have given us a glimpse into South Korean customs and language, historical past and landmarks, style, and delicacies.
If you too have fallen beneath the spell of South Korea, 4 days in Seoul is about immersing your self within the locations which have grow to be acquainted via the Ok-Dramas we have now watched.
It is lastly time to say “Annyeonghaseyo” to Seoul and I can assure it’s every thing you ever dreamed it could be.
4 Days in Seoul South Korea Itinerary
How many days in Seoul is sufficient? We advocate staying for no less than 4 days. This offers you sufficient time to find the essence of this dynamic metropolis. Of course, when you’ve got 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 need to pack into your vacation and price range.
We start our Seoul journey weblog with every day suggestions for a Seoul 4-day itinerary which supplies a choice of essentially the most type after excursions. We additionally spotlight a superb assortment of Seoul sights for the unbiased traveller.
The Best Seoul Tours
We have discovered that most individuals visiting Seoul for the primary time will take no less than one tour. This is particularly true for the unbiased traveller as it’s a strategy to cowl a whole lot of floor, leaving loads of time to discover by yourself.
If you select to take excursions all through your keep you’re in for an actual deal with as there’s a world of marvel sitting on Seoul’s doorstep. Get prepared for an journey that may take you throughout the centuries as you stroll inside 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 sights.
Places visited embody the Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palaces, the Jogyesa Temple, the standard teahouses and outlets of Insadong and the bustling Namdaemun Market.
- Visit the Royal Palace, Temples & Markets
Click right here to e-book Small Group Royal Palace Tour
Seoul 4 Day Itinerary – Day 2
The Korean Demilitarized Zone was created beneath the Korean Armistice Agreement following the Korean War 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 totally loved our DMZ Tour from Seoul, and you’ll learn extra about it right here.
Seoul 4 Day Itinerary – Day 3
One of the highest issues about Seoul is the delicacies and probably the greatest methods to find the secrets and techniques of Korean cooking is to take a Korean cooking class.
- Take a Korean Cooking Class ⬇️
Another enjoyable Seoul foodie exercise is to pattern a variety of Korean delicacies on a Night Market meals tour.
- Night Market Food 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. Within its streets you will see a superb assortment of outlets promoting an in depth vary of merchandise.
This energetic procuring district can be house to LOTTE Department Store which showcases all kinds of merchandise together with title model fashions and cosmetics.
- Go Shopping at Myeongdong
Seoul Royal Palaces
During the Joseon period, Seoul housed 5 royal palaces, they have been the Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, Changgyeongung and Gyeonghuigung Palaces.
Due to Korea’s turbulent historical past of invasion, all palaces have at one time been destroyed. Two of an important throughout the reign of the Joseon Dynasty have been the Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Changdeokgung Palace.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
The Gyeongbokgung Palace was inbuilt 1395 and is without doubt one of 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 War 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.
Thankfully 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.
Walking inside the grounds you’ll be able to simply think about exquisitely dressed royalty, ministers and servants going about their every day rituals inside the confines of this large walled palace complicated.
Also housed inside the complicated is the, National Folk Museum of Korea and National Palace Museum of Korea.
Changdeokgung Palace
Changdeokgung Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage 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 grew to become the first royal palace.
Changgyeonggung Palace
Changgyeonggung Palace is the third palace complicated to be constructed after Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace.
Built by King Seongjong, the palace grew to become a residence for the aged dowager queens after Changdeokgung Palace grew to become overcrowded with the ever-growing royal household.
The palace borders the close by Changdeokgung Palace and contains a throne corridor which has remained intact since 1616. The palace grounds supply broad open areas that home the Grand Greenhouse and wildflower gardens.
Seoul History & Culture
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 they usually have been as soon as the houses of high-ranking officers throughout Joseon period Korea.
These finely constructed houses exude a quiet magnificence and are a chief instance of Korean craftsmanship and ingenuity.
Baek In-je’s House
Also positioned within the Bukchon Hanok Village is Baek In-je’s House. The museum contains a well-preserved Hanok constructed within the conventional Korean architectural fashion with delicate trendy components. This constructing showcases wealthy wood textures, pure gentle, and peaceable gardens.
Jongmyo Shrine
Bordered by excessive partitions, the Jongmyo Shrine hides a fancy of buildings, effectively shaded gardens, and decorative ponds.
This Royal Ancestral Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage 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 National vacation). Entry is free to these beneath 19 & 65 and above.
Popular Seoul Neighbourhoods
Seoul is made up of an everchanging mixture of neighbourhoods which have their very own id and magnificence. Here are three of our favourites, every stand out as Seoul’s most trendy neighbourhoods.
Myeongdong
Myeongdong is a energetic procuring district stuffed 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 a protracted, character stuffed pedestrian road famend for its tea and low homes, eating places, and procuring.
Itaewon
Itaewon is a bohemian neighbourhood, well-known for its occasion environment and vibrant nightlife. The space is stuffed with worldwide eating places, bars, and nightclubs.
Seoul Food
You shall be spoilt for alternative on the subject of meals in Seoul. Not solely do you’ve gotten a wealth of worldwide cuisines, however it is usually the place to attempt Korean staples akin to Korean barbeque, gimbap, tteokbokki and bibimbap.
Seoul road meals stalls supply an countless number of quick meals and are the proper place to pattern these tasty morsels that always have a starring function in your favorite Ok-drama.
Seoul Markets
Seoul has a superb choice of markets which can be scattered throughout town. Three of the preferred and simple to entry from the centre of Seoul are the Myeongdong Night Market, Namdaemun Market and Gwangjang Market.
Myeongdong Night Market
The shiny lights of Myeongdong are the proper backdrop to the hustle and bustle of this vibrant road meals market. Here you’ll be able to watch road stall distributors prepare 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 cut price. Here you will see a shocking 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 it is usually 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 substances 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, Observation Deck
N Seoul Tower or Namsan Tower as it is usually 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 on the spot orientation level for exploring town.
Of a night the colorful lights of the tower stand out towards the evening sky. The Seoul Tower Observation Deck affords sweeping 360-degree views of Seoul.
Click right here to e-book Seoul Tower, Bukchon and Korean Folk Village Full day Tour
Seoul Korea Itinerary 5 Days
If you’ve gotten the posh of 5 days in Seoul or longer, listed below are a couple of 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 in depth itinerary of Korea, guaranteeing overview of the Korean landscapes, customs, sights, and life-style.
Click right here to e-book 5-Day Korea Golden route tour from Seoul
Where to Stay in Seoul
Seoul has an enormous choice of lodging which absorb a variety of kinds and budgets. Much cherished areas embody Myeongdong and accommodations close to Seoul Station for straightforward connections to Incheon Airport.
Click right here for Seoul accommodations critiques and costs
Getting Around Seoul
Getting round Seoul is straightforward by foot as town is comparatively flat. The metropolis additionally has subway system which takes you near lots of Seoul’s predominant vacationer sights.
*Note that entry to most subway stations is through steep flights of stairs and isn’t consumer pleasant for these with mobility points.
Transport From Incheon Airport to Seoul
There are quite a lot of methods to get from Incheon Airport to Seoul together with personal airport transfers, the AREX Incheon Airport Express Train, bus and taxi.
We determined to check drive a couple of of those transport choices and you’ll learn our Incheon Airport to Seoul article for extra in-depth info.
Check right here for pricing of personal Airport transfers
Last Words on a Seoul 4 Day Itinerary for the First Time Visitor
I hope you preferred studying our article on a Seoul 4 day itinerary for the first-time customer. As I stated to start with, most individuals visiting Seoul for the primary time will take no less than one tour. This means that you can leisurely immerse your self within the dynamic Seoul vibe.
We totally 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, you’ll want to return to Seoul time and time once more.
PIN THIS TO YOUR TRAVEL PINTEREST BOARDS ↓
