(FREE DOWNLOAD TEMPLATE) Explore South Korea: 5-Day Seoul Itinerary for First-Timers

South Korea is often on the bucket list of many people, especially K-pop and K-drama fans. Among the many famous destinations in the land of Kimchi, Seoul, the bustling capital, is always at the top. However, there are also many attractions here that, if you do not have a specific schedule with tips, it will be difficult to fully enjoy the trip. With that in mind, Cabin Zero has researched and compiled the most detailed information for a Seoul, Korea itinerary 5 days, including locations, prices, and things to note right in the article below. Best of all, you will also be able to download a completely free summary for even easier navigation.

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There are plenty of activities in a Seoul travel plan. Photo by Masakazu Tokashiki on Adobe Stock

Must-have Pre-purchases for Easier Access

• AREX Express e-ticket

Most visitors to Seoul will arrive at Incheon International Airport, located approximately 48 kilometres from the city centre. The AREX Express e-ticket will allow you to use the AREX Express Train (~7 USD), a non-stop train from the airport to Seoul Station in just 45 minutes, or the AREX All-Stop Train (~3 USD) if you don't want to stop at Seoul Station. You can also take a taxi or rideshare, but it will be much more expensive, and there will be more traffic.

If you are flying from Asian countries, landing at Gimpo International Airport will be much closer to Seoul. Take the AREX All-Stop Train or hop on Subway Line 5 or Line 9 to your destination.

• T-money card

T-money cards are used for travelling within the city and can be purchased at convenience stores, ticket counters at train stations, or airports near currency exchange counters or Tourist Info. The fare will be between 1.7 and 2.8 USD, but there will be no money inside, so please recharge (or top up) right at the above locations. 

T-money cards help you pay for public transportation at a lower price than buying tickets individually. You can also use the card to pay at convenience stores. Remember to download the T-money Balance Check app to check regularly and top up immediately when necessary. You don't want to get off the train or bus just because you don't have enough money on the card! You will be refunded the money on the card if there is still some left at the end of the trip at the locations where you purchased.

• E-SIM

Get a SIM/eSIM or pocket WiFi at Incheon Airport for data (unlimited plans from SKT/KT/LG U+) upon arrival. If your phone allows 2 SIMs, don't forget to turn off data roaming to avoid extra charges. And also make sure to activate while you’re on the airport’s wifi, else you won’t be able to connect to it once you step outside.

Your Detailed 5-Day Korea Schedule

Day 1

Ikseon-dong Hanok Village is the best place to kick off an itinerary of 5 days in Seoul. Photo by Eric Akashi on Adobe Stock

The first popular destination for tourists when coming to Seoul is Ikseon-dong Hanok Village, Seoul's oldest hanok village, with over 100 years of history and many Korean houses. Thanks to the city's renovation efforts, this place has become one of the most famous tourist destinations.

The best time to visit this place is in the afternoon when there will be fewer visitors. So, you can spend the morning having a leisurely breakfast, walking around, or staying at a hotel and recovering from the flight the day before. Take the train to Jongno 3-ga Station, which is closest to Ikseon-dong Hanok Village, or to Anguk Station, which is only a 6-minute walk away. Download Naver Maps to easily look up transportation. Don't forget to wear comfortable shoes for walking and exploring the neighbourhood.

Whilst being here, visit Nakwon Station Cafe to see a train track running through a cafe, experience a conveyor belt of cakes, and definitely try their popular iced maple cream latte. For cake and sweet lovers, Jayeondo Salt Bread is a hot spot, and their freshly squeezed OJ is a highlight. There are plenty of other cafes, restaurants, and attractions, so an hour and a half at Ikseon-dong Hanok Village is a good amount of time.

A short walk from the village will take you to Insadong, an area with a rich culture and art scene. You can experience traditional wooden teahouses, see antique shops, and enjoy street performances. Insadong Shopping Street is the most famous place here for calligraphy materials, ceramics, and hanbok (traditional Korean clothing). 

Another must-do things is to visit candy vendors and try the famous Korean King’s Candy, then stop by a tea house and sip traditional tea while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. You will be lost for a while.

If you are interested in Buddhism, visit Jogyesa Temple. Otherwise, head to Ssamziegil Mall, which has impressive spiral architecture and the whimsical Poop Café on the roof. You are guaranteed to have lots of beautiful photos after your visit.

Eat till your stomach is full at Myeongdong. Photo by Roman Babakin on Adobe Stock

The rest of the day will be spent in Myeongdong, the busiest and most bustling shopping and tourist area in Seoul. From Insadong, it only takes about 15-20 minutes to walk to Myeongdong, but if your feet are tired, you can take a taxi or subway line 1. As a famous tourist destination, there are many interesting activities for you to participate in, such as experiencing the night market. Your mouth can never stay still because there are so many delicious dishes. Make a caricature as a souvenir, it is very fun!

If the sky is clear, try going up Namsan Mountain by Namsan Cable Car to have a panoramic view of Seoul, or go up to N Seoul Tower at the top for even more views. 

South Korea is the paradise of skincare products, and in Myeong-dong, you can find literally anything you want. Be careful not to overspend.

In addition, Myeongdong NANTA Cooking Show and Customise Nike Clothing are also quite special activities here, but they are quite popular, so book tickets in advance. There is a Micheline restaurant, but very cheaply priced, called Myeongdong Kyoja. Not many dishes on the menu, and even though it’s quite crowded, you won’t have to wait; they’re very efficient.

So you have finished the first day of your Seoul Korea itinerary 5 days with a full stomach and quite tired legs.

Day 2

The second day in Seoul will be spent exploring Korean culture, with the highlight being Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village. The first place is Gyeongbokgung Palace. To get here, you can take the Seoul Metro Line 3, exit at Gyeongbokgung Station, and follow the signs to Exit 5, which leads directly to the palace entrance. If the train is not convenient, buses or taxis are also suitable alternatives. 

Always include a Gyeongbokgung Palace tour in your Seoul Korea itinerary 5 days. Photo by jon_chica on Adobe Stock

If you wear Hanbok (traditional Korean clothing), you’ll get to enter the palaces for free; otherwise, the entrance fee will be ~2 USD for adults and ~1 USD for children under 18. There are many places to rent costumes near Gyeongbokgung Palace, with prices starting from 6 USD for basic ones for 1.5 hours and from 20 USD for premium ones. Wear your own shoes because you will be walking around quite a lot, and the shoes that come with the Hanbok are not very comfortable. 

There are 5 grand palaces in total, but most tourists only go to Gyeongbokgung as it is the largest and most beautiful. If you go early, you will have plenty of time to see the Changing of the Royal Guard (Sumunjang) ceremony at 10 am. Otherwise, there is another change at 2 pm. However, it is better to go early in the morning, as you do not want to be overwhelmed by the crowds.

Right next to Gyeongbokgung Palace is a market called Tongin, where you can enjoy an early lunch and other traditional Korean food like oil tteokbokki, chicken skewers, kimbap, etc. Unlike other markets, this one sells smaller portions of food, which is more suitable for newcomers. They will sell a string of coins for about ~1 USD for you to use at different stalls in the market. There is also the Dae-o Bookstore, which is a place where big stars like BTS's RM and IU have visited.

Stop by LEEDORIM Coffee & Vegan Bakery nearby and take a break before starting your afternoon journey. This is a very popular cafe with over 1000 positive reviews on Google thanks to its airy space, delicious coffee and cakes, unique decor, and friendly staff. 

The next highlight of the second day of your Seoul Korea itinerary 5 days is Bukchon Hanok Village. It is only about 1.5 km from Gyeongbokgung Palace, so you can walk. This is a place that is on the plan of all tourists when coming to Korea, so expect it to be crowded. However, despite its fame, it’s not a tourist destination, so keep your voice down and be careful with private properties. There are many small alleys for you to walk around and take pictures. If you still have an appetite for coffee and cakes, visit the famous Onion Cafe nearby.

Taking a good picture at Bukchon Hanok Village is a must. Photo by Noonan on Adobe Stock

Only about a 10-15-minute walk from Bukchon Hanok Village is Changdeokgung Secret Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Book tickets online in advance or come to Changdeokgung Palace early to buy tickets, as the slots are limited.

After a long day of exploring, enjoy the famous Korean BBQ. There are many restaurants all over the country, so you can just go back to your hotel, find a restaurant nearby, and enjoy.

Day 3

On the third day of your Seoul Korea itinerary 5 days, you will experience the luxury and bustle of the capital. The first destination is Gangnam, the birthplace of the billion-view song and global phenomenon Gangnam Style. Gangnam is a symbol of prosperity, home to the wealthiest people in the country. One of the most famous places here is the COEX Mall. The place is a large underground shopping, dining, and entertainment complex in Seoul with over 300 stores from various famous brands.

There is the Instagrammable Starfield Library with many cafes next to it. Starfield Library is famous for its 13m high bookshelf with over 70,000 books, with free access for everyone. Upon finished reading a book, return it or leave it in the book carts that lies everywhere because no one manages or monitors this place.

One attraction in this complex that you cannot miss is the COEX Aquarium. You will see more than 40,000 sea creatures in 14 themed zones. There are also interesting shows such as Mermaid Performance or Shark Feeding. Buy tickets online to enjoy discounts instead of buying tickets directly, and check the opening hours because they will change depending on the season.

The complex has many places to explore, so take your time here. Before leaving, take a photo with the Gangnam Style Sculpture right outside or record a TikTok video of you dancing the horse dance.

Take a gander at Starfield Library’s impressive collections of books. Photo by Itza on Adobe Stock

In the afternoon, walk around Garosu-gil, a street with trendy boutiques, chic cafes, and vibrant art galleries. While you are walking, stop by K-Star Road. Like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, you will see large, colourful bear statues representing famous K-pop groups such as EXO or BTS.

Take a break at Nudake Cafe, a hot coffee shop with a very unique design in the Gentle Monster properties. Here, you can take pictures with interiors designed in the shape of desserts, such as large croissant installations or a dog-shaped choux pastry. If you prefer a dining experience, you can visit Selected Nick's with highly rated drinks and desserts.

In the evening, after returning to the hotel to rest and eat nearby, you can see a Baseball Game at Jamsil if you are interested. To find the most convenient way to travel between locations, just use the Naver Map app to look it up.

Day 4

Get your wallet and your spending spirit ready, as on the 4th day of your Seoul Korea itinerary 5 days, you will visit Hongdae, the “entertainment paradise”, and Seongsu, the “Brooklyn of Korea”. Hongdae’s shops open quite late, from 10 am due to the nightlife the night before, but you can still have breakfast at Egg Drop or Isaac Toast, two places famous for inexpensive gourmet egg sandwiches, then visit Seongsu.

Seongsu is just a short ride on Seoul Subway Line 2. This used to be a place of printing shops and garment factories in the 1960s; now it has become a trendy playground full of modern collections in fashion, beauty, art, and food, with creative shops opening almost every week. It would take a whole day to see everything here, but since time is limited, maybe just pick one highlight among these.

AMORE Seongsu is a paradise for beauty lovers with over 1,000 beauty products from different brands. Here you can experience unique services such as creating your own customised makeup.

Common Ground is a special shopping complex located in eye-catching blue containers. Over 200 containers offer a variety of experiences from shopping to dining.

Monami Seongsu is where you can create your own unique, personalised stationery.

Another interesting thing to do in Seoul is to find all 15 Pow! Wow! murals concentrated in alleys around main streets such as Achasan-ro and Yeonmujang-gil. You will have to walk quite a bit, so wear comfortable shoes.

Visiting all the above places in Seongsu-dong and then returning to Hongdae around late afternoon is just the right time for you to have the best experience in this nightlife paradise. Start the bustling evening with chicken and beer, the perfect and most famous combo when it comes to Korea. Then wander the streets to see live music and other buskers. 

Besides dancing or vibing at one of the many clubs here, consider visiting a "norebang" (karaoke room) for a private singing session with friends. The street food here is also very diverse and affordable. Always take good care of your personal belongings because this place is very crowded, and enjoy every moment here before your last day in Seoul tomorrow.

Day 5

After a busy night in Hongdae, you’re likely to be pretty beat up, so your last day will start late. For a gentle start, head to Yeouido Hangang Park next to the Han River and try 7-11 Ramen and street foods. There are plenty of blankets and small tables for rent for picnics.

You’ll get to see a unique architecture when visiting DDP. Photo by kampon on Adobe Stock

Next up is Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), a distinctive architectural complex with modern, innovative buildings and a unique cultural and arts destination in Korea. Admission is $8, and it’s open from 10 am to 7 pm Tuesday to Sunday. The easiest way to get there is by train using exits 1 or 2 at the Dongdaemun History and Culture Park station on lines 2 and 4. 

Some popular, special exhibitions here may have limited slots, so book in advance, or you can still admire the unique architecture for free. To learn more about this attraction, there is a free guided tour in English starting at 1:30 pm, a good time to visit after you have had a good rest and lunch at Han River. Remember to bring cash, as many smaller shops in the surrounding Dongdaemun markets prefer cash.

Right next to DDP is Cheonggyecheon Stream walk, a location that has appeared in many famous K-dramas. This is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and watch the beautiful sunset. The total length of the walk is 11km, but you don't need to walk the whole way, just long enough to see the man-made waterfalls and some art installations.

Gwangjang Market Tour will be the final destination of your 5 days Seoul Korea itinerary. You can explore on your own, but it's recommended that you go on a tour, as you will save time waiting at famous spots like Cho Yonsoon (the famous Netflix knife-cut noodle lady) and get to experience it like a local. Don’t forget to try Chapssal Kkwabaegi (Glutinous Rice Twist), the OG of Korean pastries, and join in some drinking games like Rosé BlackPink’s APT.

This will be the perfect end to your 5 days in Seoul before you head back to your hotel and pack your bags for the return trip the next day. Take the AREX Express Train for the fastest way to get to the airport without any stops. If you’ve done a lot of shopping in Korea, don’t forget to get your tax refund at the airport at the tax refund kiosk.

Estimated South Korea Travel Budget for 5 Days

Here is how much you will spend on 5 days in Seoul. Photo by DD25 - stock.adobe.com

Flight

Airfares are often volatile and depend on the season. Peak season fares are usually higher, but on average, they cost around $700 for a round trip from US cities and around 800 Euros from UK cities. The peak tourist months in Korea are from April to June because of the beautiful cherry blossoms and mild weather, so if you are planning to go during these months, book your tickets early. Otherwise, you can go during the off-peak months from November to March.

Accommodation

Seoul is the capital of Korea, with a large number of tourists, and for the convenience of visiting places in your Seoul Korea itinerary 5 days, the accommodation will be in the mid-high average price range, especially in the central area, such as Gangnam. Hotel prices in this area are usually around 47 USD to 500+ USD with full facilities and a convenient distance to travel to tourist attractions.

If you want to save money, you can rent a hostel in the area far from the centre, such as Myeongdong, Dongdaemun, or Insadong, with prices from only 15 USD/night. Seoul has an efficient public transport system connecting important points, so you don't have to worry about moving.

Transportation

South Korea has a very convenient and cheap public transportation system that can take you anywhere in Seoul. Unless you want a private experience and have a high budget and often use taxis, each train ride will cost you about $1 or $1.50 per bus ride. 

The good news is that from 2024, Seoul has launched the Climate Card Tourist Pass, with options from 1 to 5 days. A 5-day pass costs about $12 and offers unlimited use of Seoul’s public transportation. You can buy the Climate Card at customer service areas in the Seoul Metro (Lines 1-8) or at convenience stores near subway stations (e.g., GS25, CU, 7-Eleven).

However, if you think you won't be travelling too much, use T-money cards, which will save you about $0.07 per trip, and you can get a refund on the card if you don't spend it all, unlike the Climate Card.

Food

Food in Korea is quite diverse and can range from mid-low to mid-high and upscale.

• You can enjoy street food for as little as $1 to $5, such as teokbokki, odeng, or hotteok. Casual dishes like bibimbap or bulgogi will cost from $5 to $11 at popular restaurants.
• A BBQ meal, a typical dish in Korea, usually costs around $30-$40/person, with or without drinks. The same applies to mid-range restaurants.
• High-end meals, including Michelin-starred restaurants or traditional hanjeongsik, can start at $80 per person and go much higher.
• Drinks like water or soda, if bought at a convenience store at the listed price, will cost around $1-$2. Cafes, depending on the decoration or popularity, will range in price from $5.
• A pint of domestic beer can range from $3-$6, and a bottle of soju (a popular traditional liquor) costs from $1.10-$1.30.

Activities

Many of Seoul's cultural sites are free or have low entry fees. Photo by Richie Chan - stock.adobe.com

Based on our Seoul Korea itinerary 5 days above, you won't have to pay too much for attractions. The most expensive is going to the COEX Mall and entering the aquarium for about 25 USD. However, if you have other plans and want to go to more places like LOTTE WORLD, Disney Land, etc, you can buy the Discover Seoul Pass with packages like 3 days, 5 days, or 72h, 120h, starting at $49. In addition to sightseeing, the Discover Seoul Pass also gives you free data for eSIM, free use of public transportation, a city tour bus, and offers coupons when making purchases.

On average, regular tourists spend about 100 to 200 USD on shopping, but if you want to buy branded goods or high-quality cosmetics, the total can reach 1000 USD+. If you buy at Lotte Mart, Emart, or traditional markets like Myeongdong or Namdaemun, you can buy at lower prices. Make a list of items you want to buy and your expected budget before the trip.

Sample Daily Budgets for Seoul (per person)

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Seoul Is Waiting for You!

A Seoul, Korea itinerary 5 days will require proper preparation so that you can have a complete and memorable trip. Cabin Zero hopes that with the effort to synthesize the most important and useful information above, you will arrange your budget and time reasonably to enjoy your trip to the land of kimchi. Leave a comment below and let us know what you want to know more about. Don't forget to follow Cabin Zero on social media pages to be updated with new and useful travel information, as well as discounts and promotions.

Ky Duyen