5 Days in Seoul: Shopping, Palaces, Museums Itinerary

Begin your day with a visit to Changdeokgung Palace, another UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases beautiful gardens and traditional Korean architecture. The Secret Garden tour is highly recommended for its serene beauty. Enjoy breakfast at BeansBins Coffee, where you can savor delicious waffles and coffee.

Head over to Myeongdong, one of Seoul's premier shopping districts. Here you'll find an array of shops ranging from international brands to local cosmetics stores. It's also an excellent spot for street food lovers. For lunch, stop by Myeongdong Kyoja, famous for its handmade noodles and dumplings.

Conclude your day with a visit to Namsan Seoul Tower for panoramic views of the city skyline as it lights up at night. The tower offers various attractions including observation decks and restaurants. Have dinner at N Grill, located within the tower itself, providing both great food and stunning views.

Start your morning with a visit to the National Museum of Korea, which houses an extensive collection of artifacts spanning Korea's history from ancient times to modern days. It's an educational experience that shouldn't be missed by museum enthusiasts. Enjoy breakfast at Cafe Mamas, known for its fresh sandwiches and salads.

Afterward, explore Bukchon Hanok Village where you can wander through narrow alleys lined with traditional Korean houses (hanoks). This area provides fantastic photo opportunities and insights into historical living conditions in Seoul. For lunch, try Samcheongdong Sujebi, offering hearty bowls of hand-pulled dough soup.

End your day at Namdaemun Market, one of Korea's largest traditional markets where you can shop for everything from clothing to souvenirs while sampling various street foods along the way. Have dinner at Yukjeon Hoekwan, specializing in grilled meat dishes.

Begin your day with a visit to the Bukchon Hanok Village. This charming area is home to hundreds of traditional Korean houses, known as hanoks, which date back to the Joseon Dynasty. Wander through the narrow alleys and take in the beautiful architecture. For breakfast, head to Plant Cafe, a popular spot for healthy and delicious vegan options.

After exploring Bukchon Hanok Village, make your way to Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), an iconic landmark known for its futuristic design and cultural exhibitions. Spend some time browsing through the various shops and galleries within DDP. For lunch, try Jinokhwa Halmae Wonjo Dakhanmari, famous for its chicken hotpot.

In the evening, explore Dongdaemun Night Market, one of Seoul's most famous shopping destinations. The market comes alive after dark with countless stalls selling fashion items, accessories, and street food. It's a great place to shop for unique finds and enjoy the lively atmosphere. For dinner, dine at Kkangtong Mandu, known for its delicious dumplings.

Start your final day in Seoul with a visit to COEX Mall in Gangnam. This massive underground shopping mall offers a wide range of stores, from high-end brands to local boutiques. Don't miss the Starfield Library within the mall, a stunning open space filled with bookshelves that reach up to the ceiling. Enjoy breakfast at A Twosome Place, a popular coffee chain offering pastries and coffee.

After shopping at COEX Mall, head over to Lotte World Tower & Mall in Jamsil. This skyscraper is one of the tallest buildings in Korea and offers breathtaking views from its observation deck on the 123rd floor. Spend some time exploring the mall's shops and attractions before having lunch at Vatos Urban Tacos, which serves delicious Korean-Mexican fusion cuisine.

Conclude your trip with a relaxing evening at Cheonggyecheon Stream, an urban renewal project that transformed an old highway into a beautiful stream running through downtown Seoul. Stroll along the water's edge and enjoy the serene atmosphere before heading to your farewell dinner at Mugyodong Bugeokukjib, famous for its dried pollack soup.