Hello, Seoul-searching traveler! My name is Sharen and I am a 28-year-old English teacher here in Seoul since 2018. I want to share my curated Seoul Itinerary for travelers interested in Seoul! This is the short version, but I highly suggest taking a look at my long, detailed version with tips and important details.
Seoul 12-Day Itinerary Table of Contents
Day 0: Arrival Date: Eat Jeju Black Pig KBBQ
Day 1: Rent Hanboks and Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace & Bukchon Hanok Village
Day 2: Hongdae Cafes and Shopping, Nightlife, Yeouido Han River Park
Day 3: Ikseondong, Dongdaemun Plaza, Gwangjang Market (Cheonggyecheon Stream), Gwanghwamun Plaza
Day 4: Itaewon: Haebangchon, Namsan Tower, Myeongdong
Day 5: COEX Mall, Bongeunsa Temple, HYBE INSIGHT 2023, Gangnam, Banpo Bridge Park
Day 6: Seongsu, Seoul Forest, Ttukseom Han River Park
Day 7: Songpa-gu: Seokchon Lake, Lotte World Mall, Lotte Tower Observatory, Lotte World Amusement Park, BTS Jin's Brother Joong's Restaurant
Day 8: Flea Markets, Changdeokgung Palace, Marronnier Park, Naksan Fortress Wall, BTS Jungkook & Jimin's Fave KBBQ
Day 9: The Hyundai Seoul, IFC Mall, Times Square, 63 Building, Yeouido Park
Day 10: BTS Tour, Sinsa Garousugil, Cheongdam, Apgujeong Nightlife
Day 11: The Blue House, Tongin Market, Daeo Bookstore (BTS RM), Gwanghwamun Plaza, HiKR Ground, Jeongseon Raw Crab Meat Restaurant
Here is my public Naver Maps folder curated especially for you, made by me. Everything I've mentioned, plus more that I find cool, is in this Seoulful Diaries Public Naver Maps Collection. I truly hope you appreciate my itinerary!
Day 0: Arrival Into Korea: Jeju Black Pig for Dinner
1. Jeju Black Domestic Pig Dinner
Black pig almost tastes as meaty as a steak. Black Pig is Jeju's domestic breed so it's not commonly found anywhere outside of Korea. It's presentation is beautiful for your first KBBQ dinner in Korea.
RECOMMENDATION: 제줏간 Jejutgan
If there is none near you, type in Naver Maps "흑돼지" for black pig,
and all of the restaurants that specialize in Jeju Black Pork will pop up!
Jejutgan in Guro Digital Complex Station
Day 1: Rent Hanboks & Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace
& Bukchon Hanok Village
1. Gyeongbokgung Palace: 10am Guards Change Show at the Front Gates
Your first day in Seoul should be at the heart of Seoul, the Gyeongbokgung Palace. Today will be very cultural with beautiful photos and a lot of walking, but take your time! Everything you will do today is in one area. We usually check out the 10am show of the guards changing first. I suggest doing this first, so you don't rush your first meal and hanbok rental.
2. 청수정 Cheongsujeong: (11 am opening) Lunch at a Famous Korean Restaurant
I suggest this highly popular traditional Korean restaurant that's been featured on TV twice. Getting here from the palace takes you through the cute streets on the other side of the exit from the station. In the Autumn season, all the yellow ginkgo trees make this place look so magical! They open at 11 am, so coming here after the 10 am guards changing show from the Gyeongbokgung Palace and before renting hanboks is ideal!
3. Renting Hanboks
After brunch, head straight to the Hanbok rentals! They are everywhere. There are a lot of Hanbok rental places all around the palace and in Bukchon Hanok Village with relatively all the same amenities! They all have lockers for you to leave your things in until you return. I've been in a Hanbok 3x last year (2022: summer, autumn, winter), and I went somewhere different each time.
All are marked in the Seoulful Diaries Public Naver Maps Collection
and a review of some is in the long version of this blog.
4. Gyeongbokgung Palace: Photos & Touring Around!
Head back to the palace! Wearing a hanbok gets you into the main palace areas free of charge, and no matter the season, you will look beautiful in your traditional Korean clothes (men and women). The guards change at 10 am and 2 pm, so keep this in mind when getting into the area. You don't need to pay to watch the guards change as they do this at the entrance gates of the palace (if you go before Hanbok rentals).
5. Bukchon Hanok Village
Make your way to Bukchon Hanok Village from the Gyeongbokgung Palace in your Hanbok! It's the thing to do, and surely you wouldn't be the only one walking in your traditional clothing.
TIP: Many tourists take photos at the top of the hill, but there are always so many people on this street. I highly suggest going to the street over. Photos are a little gray in the colder months, so try not to come too late into the day! The top of the street faces south, and no sunlight peeks over to this hanok street from the east.
6. Dinner at Halmae Jip 할매집 Michelin Star 2023 Restaurant
Good job today! Reward yourself with gamjatang, a pork back-bone spicy Korean stew after returning your hanboks. This gem is in the alleyways by exit 7 of Gyeongbokgung Palace. Halmae Jib or "Grandma's House" runs by Grandmother Moon. She has been running Halmae Jip for 45 years.
Day 2: Hongdae Cafes, Shopping, Nightlife,
Yeouido Han River Park
1. Lunch at Bukchangdong Soft Tofu (Hongik-ro Univ. Branch) 북창동순두부 홍대점
Start your day at this popular sundubu restaurant that has a variety of different sundubu jiggae. Sundubu is a hot, spicy Korean stew with soft tofu with seafood or meat. At this restaurant, you can also get mackerel, sweet and sour pork, bulgogi, galbi-flavored grilled pork neck, and oysters. We got a set menu that had almost all of the mentioned.
2. Hongdae/Yeonnam-dong Cafes & Activities
Hongdae is the home of trendy cafes, shopping, and nightlife. Since yesterday we did cultural things, let's explore the trendy things. This area is always busy, with so many fun cafes to visit all within distance of each other. There are dessert cafes, animal cafes, activity cafes, and art studios!
CAFE RECOMMENDATIONS:
3. Hongdae Shopping
Hongdae isn't just cafes and activities, but also SHOPPING! Shopping is all around you in Hongdae. Keep in mind that a lot of the stores. areone size fits all, or goes up to asian sizing M/L. There are still branded stores with bigger varities.
5. Iberico KBBQ Dinner at Hyeong Nim Jeoyo 형님저요
If you're looking for a dinner place to eat in the heart of Hongdae's busking street, I highly recommend Hyeong Nim Jeoyo 형님저요. Out of all the KBBQ places, I really like this one for its Iberico (Spanish) pork neck. The pigs are raised by eating only grass, acorn, and grains raised in open sunny fields! I get menu #2 "이베리코꽃등심 (neck loin)! I also would get naengmyeon (cold ice noodles) to pair with!
6. Nightlife in Hongdae
Hongdae isn't just cafes, activities, and shopping. We got the best nightlife here! You can explore streets in Yeonnam-dong and the main strip of Hongdae between exit 9 of Hongik University to Sangsu Station.
NIGHTLIFE RECOMMENDATIONS:
7. Yeouido Han River Park/Banpo Bridge Park
If you want to skip out on the nightlife, take a short bus ride over the bridge to Yeouido Park and see the city skyline at night to end your day. You can get a beautiful view of the famous 63 Building from there, too.
Day 3: Ikseondong, Dongdaemun Plaza,
Gwangjang Market (Cheonggyecheon Stream),
Gwanghwamun Plaza
1. Ikseondong Cafe Hanok Village
Ikseondong is the cutest little area with trendy cafes and shopping. It's in the center of Seoul with aesthetic brunch restaurants and cafes. You can find cute shops and the cafe content always turn out beautiful.
CAFE RECOMMENDATIONS:
2. Dongdaemun Design Plaza
Now we're going to see the more modern side of Seoul! The beautiful architecture of the Dongdaemun Design Plaza. DDP hosts Seoul Fashion Week along with numerous famous exhibitions like Tim Burton, Disney, and BTS Connect. There are many areas to get lost in and just wander around at. Take your time and enjoy one of the gems of Seoul. If you happen to stay here until the sun sets, the outside of the building is even more beautiful at night with its panels lit up. This is one landmark that I suggest seeing in both daylight and nighttime.
3. Gwangjang Market
After exploring DDP, head back towards Ikseondong to get to Gwangjang Market. The market looks best at night with all of its lights against the hundreds of little flags that cover the area. Gwangjang Market is a Korean traditional street marketplace. It's one of the oldest and largest in South Korea!
Things to try at Gwangjang Market:
파전: Korean scallion pancakes also known as "Korean pizza
육회: raw beef
꼬마김밥: mini kimbap rolls
산낙지: fresh octopus that still wiggles when dead because of the nerves
칼국수: rice cut noodle soup featured on Netflix
만두: Korean dumplings
빈대떡: mung bean pancake with vegetables and meat
떡볶이: Korean rice cakes with spicy sauce
쑨대: blood sausage made by steaming cow or pig's intestines stuffed with vegetables and clear noodles. usually eaten with tteokbokki
꽈배기: Korean twisted doughnuts
호떡: Korean honey brown sugar pancake dessert
Check out my Imokase experience here in Gwangjang Market from April 2023:
4. Cheonggyecheon Stream
While you are here in the area, you can check out the Cheonggyecheon Stream nearby! It's really pretty at night when the lights of the buildings reflect on the water. Even better if there's a festival going on!
Day 4: Itaewon HBC, Namsan Tower, Myeongdong
1. Itaewon's Haebangchon Foreigner Neighborhood
Head to HBC to get a taste of an ex-pat community full of entrepreneurs that have opened up restaurants and bars. Although COVID and recent accidents have harshly affected Itaewon, stopping here for brunch instead of nightlife can still check off a box of the must-visit areas in Seoul.
2. Brunch at One of HBC's Greatest Spots
I would not skip out on eating a meal before heading to the Namsan Tower. Itaewon holds a lot of foreign-owned restaurants and pubs! They also have Korean food too. But the views of the many cafes and brunch restaurants are unlike any other in Seoul. Itaewon's Haebangchon area is very hilly with narrow streets. There's such a cool city vibe to this area that is different than the other regions on this itinerary. We will be doing a lot of walking today, so it's best to eat a good meal before dinner.
2. Namsan Cable Car ----> Namsan Tower
Visit Namsan Tower by cable car, Seoul's major landmark. Check out the observatory and see the entire city day and night!
3. Myeongdong
Myeongdong is a top tourist destination in Seoul with its lively food stalls and major shopping areas! There is lots to see here and lots to check out. Especially during the holiday season. Ever since restrictions have lifted, we have seen Myeongdong coming back to life! This is also a major area for buying k-pop merchandise, official and nonofficial!
4. Dinner at Myeongdong Kyoja
You can try the trending restaurant Myeongdong Kyoja which has two branches on the same street in Myeongdong. People get confused about it being Michelin Star from Michelin Guided, but it doesn't really matter. It's still a great restaurant for Kalguksu and mandu (knife-cut wheat noodle soup and Korean dumplings). I went a long time ago and remembered it being just as popular, and they want you up and out because there are limited items on the menu and a long wait always (even before it was trending).
Day 5: COEX Mall (Starfield Library), Bongeunsa Temple, HYBE INSIGHT 2023, Gangnam, Banpo Bridge Park
Today we will explore Gangnam! Gangnam is the heart of the fancy side of Seoul. It holds a lot of entertainment businesses, luxury neighborhoods, and is pretty much the most expensive area to reside in. Let's first head to Starfield COEX Mall.
1. COEX Mall: Starfield Library
Starfield Library is one of the top things to see in Seoul. It's not a tourist destination, as in, it's not intended to be a tourist destination, so expect a library. Because it's a library. People come here to study and check-out books.
This library is absolutely beautiful during both daytime and nighttime. Enjoy people watching as tourists and locals come here often. There's also a Starbucks conveniently in here so take a look at Starbucks Korea's seasonal merchandise and drinks.
2. COEX 3D Screen
There's this big 3DX TV screen that everyone loves seeing. Sometimes it has really cool graphics on there that make everything look super 3D, but oftentimes I've only seen things that were flat 2D... but you should still go! XD (There's another new one by the Gwanghwamun Square that shows 3D graphics of dogs much more often)
3. Bongeunsa Temple
Right outside of COEX is the Bongeunsa Temple. If you come around May during Buddha's Birthday, the entire temple is decorated with brightly colored lanterns and it's absolutely beautiful. If you are also visiting during the Seoul Lotus Lantern Festival, there is a celebration here during the weekend of the festival, too! It's one destination that is even a worthy shortstop.
photo by my friend Jordan Pearson :)
5. HYBE's New Exhibition
As of May 8th, 2023, HYBE just announced that their next exhibition is being held at HYBE Insight's new location in Gangnam. It used to be in Yongsan until they announced they were moving in January 2023. HYBE's new location is right next to COEX and the Bongeunsa Temple.
6. Gangnam Station
Gangnam is the center of modern Seoul with an upscale lifestyle. Head to Gangnam Station (line 2) from Samseong Station (accessible through the mall). It's only two stops away! Outside of exit 11, you can take a photo with the PSY Gangnam Style statues.
Gangnam Station has a busy underground mall with the latest fashion trends that are much trendier than in Myeongdong. If you didn't do too much shopping at COEX, Gangnam is definitely a top-recommended place to shop like Hongdae! Just note that almost everything is one size fits all, but they have a lot of accessories, dog fashion, replica fashion, and cosmetics.
Other recommended things to do:
Muse Clinic - beauty clinic: facial treatments, facials, botox & filler,
and obesity diet pills (affordable! Contact through KakaoTalk)
5. Dinner: 60 Years Traditional Grilled Beef Tripe
Tripe is the stomach lining that is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. You can find many gopchang restaurants in Seoul, but being in the heart of Gangnam, this popular restaurant has 60 years under its belt and is the oldest business in South Korea. Gopchang, tripe/intestines, is personally one of my favorite types of KBBQ. Towards the end of finishing almost all that's on the grill, you can make the rest into kimchi fried rice!
photo from Naver reviews
NIGHTLIFE RECOMMENDATIONS:
5. Starbucks Seoul Wave Art Center Branch
Check out one of the coolest Starbucks in Seoul nearby Gangnam! This branch is located on top of the Han River, it's literally floating! You can get a full panoramic view of the river here. It's exceptionally beautiful during sunset. Lots of visitors come as tourists and as locals. It's one of the unique Starbucks destinations in South Korea. I recommend the Seoul mug as a souvenir. Korea has 5 special tourist mugs and they can only be bought in Korea.
7. Banpo Bridge Park
If you've realized by now, you're pretty much at Banpo Han River Park when you are visiting the floating Starbucks. This is the park you see in many K-dramas and Korean variety shows. Even in movies...! It's popular for its water fountain bridge that lights up at night time as it shoots out water. There are also seasonal/annual night markets going on throughout the year. Be sure to stay tuned to my socials for the news.
Day 6: Konkuk Uni, Seongsu, Seoul Forest,
Ttukseom Han River Park
Today, let's explore Seongsu! Seongsu is a newer area of Seoul. It's located above the Cheongdam area near Konkuk University. Seongsu is known for being between Seoul Forest and Seoul Children's Grand Park with lots of trendy cafes and photo spots. This is also an area with a lot of dog-friendly establishments! Let's take a look at some things to do!
1. Common Ground Shipping Container Mall
Seongsu has an entire mall built from shipping containers!
2. Dior Flagship Store & Trendy Areas
The Dior Flagship Store became an Instagram favorite over the past year. The glass-mirrored windows look so fancy that everyone still flocks to get a photo of themselves at the front. To get here, you pass by a lot of cute trendy cafes and restaurants!
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Some other places to check out in Seongsu/Konkuk Uni area:
4. Seoul Forest
Nothing is more romantic & relaxing than having a little rest on a picnic mat in the warmer months in Seoul Forest. There are cherry blossoms in late March at Seoul Children's Grand Park and Tulips at Seoul Forest in late April!
@ Seoul Forest during the late April tulip season
ARMY TIP: Look for a tunnel that Suga had a photoshoot in for Love Yourself!
4. Ttukseom Island Han River Park
Let's visit another popular park along the Han River. Here at Ttukseom Resort Station (Line 7), or Ttukseom Park, you can see the Lotte Tower on the left and Namsan Tower on the right. The Park is covered by a massive bridge, and in the summer and winter seasons, there are activities set up like flea markets or sledding/swimming pool.
There is also a big structure out here called the Ttukseom Outlook Cultural Complex. It's a 3-story structure that has a library, cafes, and study space. It's really neat inside!
Day 7: Songpa-gu: Seokchon Lake, Lotte World Mall,
Lotte Tower, Lotte World, BTS Jin's Brother's Restaurant
Let's explore the famous Songpa-gu area today. I'd start off at the Lotte World Mall. Depending on if you're just in the mood to check out the mall or doing actual shopping, you could wind up spending all day here. So in my opinion, it's best to have another destination afterward (Seokchon Lake/Lotte World) to stay on track.
1. Lotte World Mall
Lotte World Mall is a really huge mall and it's definitely something to check out. The bathrooms are so fancy, and my mom loved how they all had bidets! There is a beautiful bookstore called Arc & Book, and Gordon Ramsay's Burger restaurant.
The mall also has a HUGE aquarium that I really enjoyed. Just when you think the aquarium is over, it's not. It's that big! You can see a beluga whale and a sea lion!
*These are popular stairs that change every season that people love taking photos in*
2. Lotte Sky Tower
If you're up for another observatory, make your way to the very top of the Lotte building! You can get there without leaving the mall. It's got transparent floors and you can even go outside to the Sky Terrace for an outdoor view of the city. If you're feeling adventurous, book a reservation for the Skybridge Tower, and walk between the two buildings where it opens at the top!!
Hours of operation:
Sky Bridge Tour: 1 pm to 7 pm
Observatory: 10.30 am to 10-11 pm
Check www.seoulsky.lotteworld.com for more information!
TIP: Most visitors suggest going before sunset so that you can catch
both daytime and nighttime views.
3. Take a walk around Seokchon Lake
After you're done exploring the mall, make your way outside to Seokchon Lake! If you're visiting during autumn, spring, or summer, the views are stunning with the fall foliage, cherry blossoms, or bright green leaves. I would walk towards the right once reaching outside the mall so that you can end up at Lotte World at the end of the stroll!
TIP: The field outside of the mall in front of Seokchon Lake frequently has festivals with live performances. markets, pop-ups, and activities.
4. Lotte World Amusement Park (optional)
Lotte World has the biggest indoor amusement park "Adventure" in the world, and their outdoor park is called "Magic Island". It's definitely a park to visit if you enjoy rides or the ambiance of an amusement park. It could get really busy on weekends and holidays, so plan accordingly!
5. Dinner at Osseu Seiromusi 오쓰세이로무시 Restaurant by Joong, Brother of BTS Jin
End the day eating Japanese-style steamed meats and veggies from Joong's first restaurant branch! He is the brother of BTS Jin. Check Naver Maps for times of operation and booking through CatchTable. He also just opened up his second branch in Yeouido if you wanted. to try their higher-scale menu, too!
Day 8: Flea Markets, Changdeokgung Palace, Marronnier Park, Naksan Park Fortress Wall, BTS JK & Jimin Fave Restaurant
Let's take a look into the flea market areas of Seoul! Dongmyo and Namdaemun hold the biggest area for second-hand markets. Seoul isn't all about fancy cafes and malls, and a lot of the areas are very rural.
1. Dalguksu: Chicken Noodle Soup
Start the day off with a nice bowl of soup with Korean cut wheat noodles and a whole chicken. This is served hot, but even in the summer, Koreans eat hot soup to help overcome the fatigue from the heat. This popular restaurant has only 4 options ranging from ₩7-8,000.
LOCATION: 동묘백숙닭국수 (restaurant name)
서울 종로구 종로 372
photo from Naver reviews
2. Dongmyo/Namdaemun Flea Market
A lot of people who live here enjoy finding baking goods and sewing materials here. They also have so many vintage Nike/Adidas windbreakers here! There are always treasures to be found, and it's really fun being in places that show a more authentic side of Korean culture. It's not always fancy cafes and big malls!
2. Changdeokgung Palace
Besides the Gyeongbokgung Palace (nearby), there is also another beautiful palace called the Changdeokgung Palace.
photo taken from Naver reviews
3. Marronnier Park (Twenty-Five Twenty-One K-Drama Filming Location)
Not so far away is Marrionnier Park. You might recognize this place in a popular K-Drama series Twenty-Five Twenty-One. This is where Na Hee Do waits for her online friend with a yellow rose.
4. Gappeul [개뿔]
After a day of exploring the flea markets, the palace, and the park, make your way to the Naksan Park Fortress Wall. I suggest going to Gaeppul by sunset time. It's a museum cafe with a view of the city.
photo from Naver reviews
5. Naksan Park Fortress Wall
Once nightfall hits, I would then make my way to the Fortress Wall! In my opinion, it's prettier at night, with all the lights contrasting the sky. You can see the whole city light up with the mountains in the back. It's absolutely beautiful.
photo collage by koreabyme
5. Dinner at BTS Jungkook & Jimin's Favorite KBBQ Restaurant
Tired of KBBQ? Perhaps not. Geumdwaeji Sikdang is a must if you want to try all kinds of quality KBBQ on this itinerary. BTS' Jungkook and Jimin are known to love this Michelin Guided Seoul KBBQ restaurant.
LOCATION: 금돼지식당 (restaurant name)
서울 중구 다산로 149
Day 9: The Hyundai Seoul, IFC Mall, Times Square Mall,
63 Building, Yeouido Han River Park
Get ready for another day of exploring malls in Seoul!
The malls in Seoul are honestly the best to explore, especially if it's rainy outside. Aside from the already mentioned Lotte World Mall, we have the newest department store, The Hyundai Seoul, which is right across from the IFC Mall. Times Square is a short distance away, and all are honestly worth visiting!
1. The Hyundai Seoul
The Hyundai Seoul is the newest mall that was recently finished being built during COVID. This mall has so much to see.
They also have pop-ups on this floor (and the top floor in the indoor garden/park area). I've been to the HYBE BTS/Seventeen In The Soop pop-up here!
Enjoy the beautiful architecture of this mall because it's definitely a sight to see. The thing I love about Korea is that you can really see how they spend their money.
Make your way to the top floor and embrace the indoor park. You can get a full view from one end of the floor and take a photo with it in the background! You can also enter the indoor park area and have a coffee from Blue Bottle Coffee! They also have so many pop-ups here too. Be on the lookout on Instagram for these!
2. Times Square Mall
Times Square Mall is one of my favorites as I can spend the whole day here shopping and walking around. Unlike The Hyundai Seoul, I can afford most of the stores here and the brands that I enjoy shopping in are inside this mall! As a teacher and/or tourist, you'd probably do most of your shopping in this mall for Korean-brand clothing.
My favorite part about this mall is the Shinsegae Food Market. Indulge yourself in the prettiest-looking treats, foods, and snacks. There is so much to see here. If you go further into the back, they have another food court area with more meal-like dishes from other vendors.
Usually, when my boyfriend and I come to Times Square, we have a set routine like this:
Going straight to the Shinsegae Food Market to eat
Exploring the same level & below Art Box, Olive Young, Shoopen, Charles & Keith, 8Seconds, Emart, Electromart, Modern House
Making your way to the ground floor: usually, there's an event or an interactive activity going on in the center
Getting lost in YP Bookstore (sooo much to see!)
Exploring other stores and ALL the basement floor sales!
3. 63 Building
Take a look at the 63 Building. Either from the outside or exploring the inside...! The 63 Building is a landmark of Seoul. It used to be the tallest building in the city before the Lotte Tower. The windows are 24-carat gold-plated that look rose-gold when catching the sun.
5. Yeouido Han River Park
End the day at Yeouido Han River Park! Even if you've already gone, Yeouido is actually really huge. They have an area with walking water baths and if you go during the season of canola oil flowers, you can frolic around in a beautiful field of yellow in May. This is also a perfect time to do the Han River Boat Cruise which you can pre-book tickets on Trazy and Klook (pets allowed). You can take a ride on the river and see the skyline from a yacht. They have live music and end the ride with a small fireworks show.
Day 10: BTS Tour, Sinsa, Cheongdam, Apgujeong Nightlife
Today, let's explore more of the luxury parts of the Gangnam area! This stretches out to the Sinsa, Apgujeong, and Cheongdam areas. If you're a BTS fan, you're going to love exploring these parts. This itinerary has both BTS-related destinations plus the Sinsa, Apgujeong, and Cheongdam areas all in one. If you are not a BTS fan, you can omit the purple titled destinations.
1. Check out BTS' First Apartment (Turned into a cafe!)
BTS' first apartment building has turned into a cafe called Hyuga 휴가. They have kept the cafe in a BTS theme, so don't worry! There are photographs and sticky notes everywhere for ARMY. You can walk on the same grounds where all of the members lived in. They have kept the blueprints the same and marked each room so you know who lived in them!
photo from Naver reviews
2. Have brunch at Yujeong Restaurant (BTS Trainee Days Restaurant)
Yujeong Restaurant is a popular destination for BTS Army. This is where the boys would eat almost every day after practices. The restaurant is filled with BTS photos and letters. It's definitely photo worthy and experience-worthy. There, you can eat a lot of Korean dishes!
photo from Naver reviews
3. Visit Big Hit's First Location
It is where BigHit Entertainment was first established. There are notes written on the building in Sharpie by Army from all over the world! It’s definitely a must-see. BigHit Entertainment now goes by BigHit Music under HYBE. HYBE’s last location was in Yongsan, but they’ve just announced that they are opening in Gangnam with its newest exhibition.
LOCATION: 서울 강남구 도산대로28길 14
photo from Naver Maps
4. Sinsa's Garousu-gil Road
Garousugil is a popular upscale trendy shopping street in Sinsa. It's also known for being called the "tree street" by its yellow ginko trees in the autumn. Unlike Cheongdamdong Luxury Brands Street, these stores in Garousugil are still branded stores but affordable, so you can find yourself doing some shopping here if you aren't shopping for luxury!
photo by Matt Kelley from discoveringkorea.com
5. Apgujeong Rodeo: K-Star Road
If you're following the full itinerary for this day, head to K-Star Road after Garousugil and/or Yejong Restaurant. Take a stroll down this road if you're a K-pop lover! It has bear statues with popular K-pop groups' logos painted on them from a few years ago. The artists include BTS, SHINee, and many more!
LOCATION: 서울 강남구 압구정동 394
photo from Naver reviews
5. Apgujeong Rodeo and Cheongdam-dong
Apgujeong and Cheongdam are well-known spots for upscale cafes and restaurants. There is not too much sightseeing, but a lot of people want to visit luxurious areas on their trips. Locals and celebrities enjoy these areas and if you're lucky, you might recognize someone on the street.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Mamma Mia Cafe
6. Cheongdam Luxury Brands Street
I, myself, work in Cheongdam and I've seen Son Suk Gu (male lead actor from Liberation Notes) leaving the restaurant nearby, and I also work near all the entertainment industries where BTS RM has been spotted in a cafe below us, and students have spotted EXO members at the stoplight! There are hundreds of entertainment industries in this area, so it's definitely a luxury neighborhood. Take a stroll in this area and indulge in the beautiful buildings of designer brands.
7. Nightlife in Apgujeong Rodeo
Apgujeong Rodeo is also known for all the boujee, trendy bars, and hunting bars. Hunting bars are where people go to have intentions of getting hit on or wanting to meet other singles. Coming back here to end the day for drinks is ideal if you want to experience nightlife in an upscale region of Seoul. Keep in mind that you do need to dress nicer in these parts, or you might be rejected. A lot of these places have a dress code because they are for an older, classier crowd.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
-Times 서울 압구정로 54길 25 @timesapu
-Low Key 서울 강남구 압구정로46길 75 @lowkeyseoul
-Hype 서울 강남구 선릉로157길 16 @hype_seoul
-Six Night 서울 강남구 언주로174길 13 @sixnight.seoul
Day 11: The Blue House, Tongin Market, Daeo Bookstore (BTS RM), Gwanghwamun Plaza, HiKR Ground, Jeongseon Raw Crab Meat Restaurant
1. The Blue House
Cheongwadae is known as The Blue House, where the former presidents would reside. After 74 years, they’ve finally opened it up to the public as the newest tourist attraction! So people who were always curious can now walk through all of the premises.
photo source: Kim Myoung-jin
2. Tongin Market
From The Blue House, take a short 4-minute walk over to Tongin Market!! This traditional market is a lot less crowded and easier to navigate through than the Gwangjang Market. So if you felt overwhelmed there, it’s not as bad. Here, you exchange your cash for tokens. All the vendors take tokens, and they have signs for you to see the prices.
3. Daeo Bookstore
Check out the oldest known bookstore in Seoul. Its unique ambiance is a reason why celebrities like BTS RM have visited more than once! So add this to your BTS itinerary as well.
4. Gwanghwamun Plaza
You might have recognized this area from being around Gyeongbokgung Palace. If you didn't have time to stop by, now is the perfect chance. It holds the statue of King Sejong, one of the most respected kings in Korean history for creating the Hangul (Korean alphabet). There are also seasonal markets or festivals held here, too. Be sure to use Instagram for the latest news! This is a newly built area during COVID so check it out.
5. HiKR Ground
A free exhibit nearby the Gwanghwamun Square located along the Cheonggyecheon stream that features 4 floors of K-culture (K-art, K-film, K-tourism, and K-pop)! It’s a newly built tourist attraction that seeks to express the K-wave in Hallyu. We had a lot of fun here exploring the different floors and activities. They have interactive things to do!
6. Dinner in Anguk: Raw Crab Meat
End the day with trying one of my favorite Korean dishes… marinated raw crab meat! Jeongseon Halmae Gondre Rice Restaurant has been running for 20 years in a traditional Hanok. Raw crab meat is packed with the taste of the sea alongside special sauces that complement well with sucking the meat from the shells. There are many ganjang gejang restaurants in this area, but I purposely included this restaurant because of how the rice is prepared.
Jeongseon is the hometown of the traditional folk song “Jeongseon Arirang” which has its own Korail Tourist Train from Cheongnyangni Station in Seoul. The region of Jeongseon has a lot of Korean history!! In Jeongseon, they are most famous for the gondre vegetable that they include in their rice.
“Gondre is rich in nutrients such as protein, calcium, and vitamin A, which are for digestion and prevention of adult diseases. It is good for the elderly because it has a lot of rough fiber, so it is good for lowering blood cholesterol, preventing constipation, dieting, and is used for medicinal purposes. It is also good for dieting because it is low in calories and rich in fiber.”
So if you don’t have time to visit the Jeongseon region, then your perfect opportunity is to visit Jeongseon Halmae Gondre Rice.
LOCATION: 정선할매곤드레밥본점 (restaurant name)
서울 종로구 인사동8길 16 1층
Summary of Seoulful Diaries' Seoul 12-Day Itinerary:
Regions of Seoul covered:
Other neighborhoods that might interest you:
Mangwon-dong, Insadong Street, Daerim Chinatown, Mullae Creative Town, and surrounding areas of universities in Seoul: Ewha Women's University, Konkuk University (Seongsu), Yonsei University (Sinchon), Seoul National University (Silim)...
Welp! That is all for my suggested Seoul itinerary for 12 days and 11 nights. I've tried to include as many must-haves to do, but this modern city is always changing and there are always new trendy places to visit alongside the traditional places.
You can easily spend two weeks (14 days) and more in just Seoul, but I've stopped myself from adding more to this itinerary because it's an estimated 40-minute read LOL.
A MESSAGE FROM @SEOULFULDIARIES:
This blog post has taken me quite a long time, about 6 months to be exact.
From the very first About Me blog post on this website, is when I started this blog post!
I've been really wanting to move all of my videos in written-out format on this new blog, but it's been really challenging trying to carry out all these projects as my genuine hobbies. There just aren't enough hours in the day to curate and post everything I want for new travelers to South Korea. I strongly advise you to follow my Instagram and Youtube for more up-to-date information!
I've been working on this itinerary on and off in between my content creation for Instagram and YouTube while working full-time as an English teacher. If I have helped you greatly and you would like to show your appreciation, I would be very, very thankful.
Please leave me a comment, send me a DM, or if you have the means to,
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Thank you so much for your support! I really hope my itinerary helps you!!
-Sharen Hau