5-Day Cultural and Culinary Exploration of Seoul Itinerary

Explore the historical side of Seoul with a visit to the Changdeokgung Palace and its beautiful Secret Garden. Then, immerse yourself in the local culture at the Gwangjang Market, one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in Seoul, where you can enjoy a variety of Korean street food for breakfast.

After the market, take a short trip to the Third Tunnel of Aggression as part of the DMZ experience. Learn about the history of the Korean War and the division between North and South Korea. For a late lunch, try the savory dumplings at Bukchon Son Mandu.

Spend the evening at the vibrant Namdaemun Market, the largest traditional market in Korea. Enjoy the bustling atmosphere and sample local delicacies. For dinner, head to Gogung to taste their famous bibimbap, a traditional Korean mixed rice dish. Afterward, take a leisurely walk around the market to digest your meal.

Start your day with a visit to the Jogyesa Temple, the center of Zen Buddhism in Korea. Then, enjoy a guided foodie tour at night, exploring the Seoul Palace, Temple and Market with tastings at local eateries. Learn about the history and significance of Korean cuisine as you sample a variety of dishes.

After the tour, take some time to relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere of the Bukhansan National Park. You can take a short hike to enjoy the panoramic views of the city. For lunch, try the traditional Korean chicken soup at Baekje Samgyetang.

Experience the traditional Korean attire, the hanbok, with a Gyeongbok Palace with Gigibebe Hanbok Rental. After dressing up, take a stroll around the palace grounds and capture memorable photos. For dinner, enjoy the elegant ambiance and modern Korean cuisine at Jungsik, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant.

Escape the city for a day and take a trip to the beautiful Nami Island and Garden of Morning Calm. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and the stunning landscapes. Have breakfast at one of the island's cafes.

After returning to Seoul, spend your afternoon at the Sinheungsa Temple and the Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market (Jungang Market) in the nearby city of Sokcho. Explore the temple and enjoy the local market delicacies for lunch.

Return to Seoul and prepare for a different kind of evening. Start with a visit to the Dark Side of the City and Ghost Stories Walking Tour, where you'll hear chilling tales of Seoul's past. Afterward, warm up with a pub crawl through the city's best bars and enjoy the vibrant nightlife. End the night with a visit to Baekje Samgyetang for a late-night bowl of their famous ginseng chicken soup.

Begin your last day with a visit to the Bukchon Hanok Village to witness the traditional Korean houses. Then, take a leisurely walk through the Blue House (Cheong Wa Dae) area, the official residence of the South Korean President.

For lunch, enjoy the serene atmosphere and the panoramic view of the city at Dora Observatory. Afterward, take a trip to the Imjingak Park to reflect on the history and the division of the two Koreas.

Conclude your trip with a memorable dinner at Gaeseong Mandu Koong, where you can enjoy the flavors of Gaeseong-style mandu. After dinner, take a relaxing walk around the Namsan Park and reminisce about your time in Seoul.