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5-9 Days Trip Itinerary for First Timers to Seoul, Korea

KoreaToDo has put together a step-to-step detailed trip itinerary for first timers (or any busy travellers with little time for planning) to Seoul, Korea.

 

It offers ONE central page of information for all your key travel needs to Seoul. They include, where to stay, important mobile apps to use, how to get from Incheon International Airport to your hotel in Myeongdong (the most popular and central place to stay in Seoul), day-by-day itinerary with detailed transport/walking guides on getting from one attraction to another, recommended tours, shops and restaurants.

The itinerary covers 8 out of 9 Korea's Top 100 Must-Visit Places in Korea (2023-2024) in Seoul (e.g. N Seoul Tower, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Hongdae), as released by Korean Tourism Organization. It also covers previous attraction winners like Myeongdong.

Itinerary Highlights

 🎖 Present/Past Top 100 Must-Visit Destinations in Korea

Top 10 Most Popular Attractions in Korea | KoreaToDo

Before Departure

1. Recommended Activities, Tours & Tickets to pre-purchase before trip (optional)

N Seoul Tower Observatory Ticket

N Seoul Tower Observatory Ticket

4.6★

enjoy breathtaking views

4G Pocket WiFi (KR Airport Pick Up) - SK TELECOM (Unlimited Data)

4G Pocket WiFi (KR Airport Pick Up) - SK TELECOM (Unlimited Data)

4.8★

max 3 devices / 24 hrs pick up

eSIM South Korea with high-speed & stable Internet connection (Data only)

eSIM South Korea with high-speed & stable Internet connection (Data only)

4.7★

per day data/total data option

4G SIM Card (KR Airport Pick Up) - SK TELECOM (Unlimited, 3/5/10/20/30D)

4G SIM Card (KR Airport Pick Up) - SK TELECOM (Unlimited, 3/5/10/20/30D)

4.8★

data, calls & texts/24 hrs pick up

4G Pocket WiFi (KR Airport Pick Up) - KT OLLEH (Unlimited Data)

4G Pocket WiFi (KR Airport Pick Up) - KT OLLEH (Unlimited Data)

4.7★

max 3 devices / 24 hrs pick up

Unlimited 4G Data eSIMs - SK TELECOM (3/5/10/20/30 days, calls & texts options)

Unlimited 4G Data eSIMs - SK TELECOM (3/5/10/20/30 days, calls & texts options)

4.3★

QR via email. local nbr option.

4G SIM Card (KR Airport Pick Up) - KT OLLEH (Unlimited data, 3/5/10/20/30 days)

4G SIM Card (KR Airport Pick Up) - KT OLLEH (Unlimited data, 3/5/10/20/30 days)

4.8★

data, calls & texts/24 hrs pick up

[Incheon Airport] Airport Limousine Bus Ticket (One-way/Round-trip)

[Incheon Airport] Airport Limousine Bus Ticket (One-way/Round-trip)

4.6★

Myeongdong, Dongdaemun, etc

2. Recommended Hotel Location: anywhere near Myeongdong Station, preferably on the same side of the road as 'Nine Tree Hotel Myeongdong' (i.e. 2 mins walk to airport limousine bus drop off/pick up bus stop, near exit 8 of Myeongdong Station)

3. Download Mobile Apps

a) Korea Subway Info App - Metroid HD (/KakaoMap/Naver Map)

b) Location/Walking Direction Map - KakaoMap or Naver Map

Day 1: Arrived Seoul / Check in / Namsan Seoul Tower / Myeongdong

At Incheon Airport - Arrival Hall (public area after collecting luggage)

  • Pick up pre-purchased WIFI Router & SIM Card at Incheon Airport (where applicable).

  • Recommend to purchase T-money Card at any convenience store at the arrival hall of Terminal 1 (T1) or Terminal 2 (T2). Card deposit is ₩4,000. Suggest to top up at least ₩20,000 to ₩30,000 as the airport limousine fare is ₩17,000.

(The card can be used on airport limousine bus to city, bus, taxi, subway and convenience stores. Top up at any downtown convenience stores or subway stations. More details...)

 

💡If you can't get the card at the convenience store, you can walk a bit further to the subway station to purchase the card. Alternatively, you can get it at most convenience stores when you arrived in Myeongdong. Different stores carry different designs and you can pick your favourite too!

Take Airport Limousine Bus from Incheon Airport (T1/T2) to City (i.e. Myeongdong Station Bus Stop)

Bus #: 6015

Interval: 2-6 departures per hour

Duration: 80 mins

Fare: ₩17,000 (discount may apply when used with T-money Card)

No reservation required. Just join the queue and it is free seating on board.

Airport Limousine Bus - 6015 | KoreaToDo

Departing from T1 to Myeongdong Station

First bus 05:40 | Last Bus 23:00

Walk outside of arrival hall (1F) at Gate 5, look for Bus #6015 to Myeongdong at bus platform 5B.

Departing from T2 to Myeongdong Station:

First bus 05:20 | Last Bus 22:40

Go to Basement 1 for platform No. 28

Tab the T-money Card on boarding.

alternatively, bus ticket can be purchased at counters/machines (recommended) outside arrival hall (T1, 1F), bus waiting area (T2, B1) or by cash to driver.

Incheon International Airport - T2 - Platform 28 (6015 Bus to Myeongdong)

Notes:

Refer to Incheon International Airport official website on the latest bus schedule and updates.

 

Alternative ways to get to Myeongdong from Incheon International Airport:

a) book your Private Airport Transfer by Car  OR

b) take the non-stop AREX Airport Railroad express train from Incheon International Airport direct to Seoul Station (Terminal 1: 43 mins / Terminal 2: 51 mins, ₩11,000) and transfer to subway for Myeongdong Station (line 4, 3 mins, 2 stops, ₩1,400). Luggage carrying up/down the stairs might be required. There are taxi stands outside Seoul Station too.

Check into accommodation booked after alighting from Airport Limousine Bus at Myeongdong Station Bus Stop.

Top 10 Most Popular Attractions in Korea | KoreaToDo

From N Seoul Tower, take the Shuttle Bus No. 01B to the last stop (i.e. Namsan Yejang Bus Transfer Parking Lot). 13 mins bus ride. From there, walk towards Myeongdong Station, 4 mins.

💡Myeongdong's main shopping area is right at Myeongdong Station's exit 5-8.

Top 10 Most Popular Attractions in Korea | KoreaToDo

Day 2: Seoul Plaza / Cheonggyecheon Stream / Gwanghwamun Square / Gyeongbokgung Palace / Tosokchon Samgyetang / Bukchon Hanok Village / Insadong

Depart 9:00 or earlier [in time for the 10:00 changing of guard ceremony at palace]

Using KakaoMap or Naver Map, take an easy leisure walk from your accommodation to Seoul Plaza (15 mins), located right next to City Hall Station (line 1, exit 5) and facing The Plaza Seoul (hotel). The very popular Lotte Department Store (main branch) and the established Lotte Hotel Seoul that every taxi drivers know even in English are located nearby too.

Walk along the straight road, Sejong-daero at the side of Seoul Plaza (passing by City Hall Station, line 1, exit 4/5) towards Gyeongbokgung Palace (20 mins), bypassing Cheonggyecheon Stream and Gwanghwamun Square along the way. This is a nice, spacious and modern area in Seoul.

Top 10 Most Popular Attractions in Korea | KoreaToDo

To arrive before 10:00 for the Changing of the Royal Guard Ceremony (20 mins), followed by the optional Free English Guided Tour at 11:00 (1-1.5 hrs). No reservation required.

The next Changing of the Royal Guard Ceremony is at 14:00.

For those who wish 'conserve' energy, you can take a taxi direct from Myeongdong to Gyeongbokgung Palace (20 mins, ₩7,200) or subway to Gyeongbokgung Station with 1 transfer (15 mins, ₩1,400). Use subway mobile app Metroid HD or KakaoMetro for the lines and transfer station.

Hanbok Experience (Hanboknam Gyeongbokgung Store)

Hanbok Experience (Hanboknam Gyeongbokgung Store)

4.5★

incl. basic hairstyling & inner skirt

Hanbok Rental (& Photoshoot) Experience by Hanbok That Day

Hanbok Rental (& Photoshoot) Experience by Hanbok That Day

4.6★

3 mins walk fr. Gyeongbokgung

Walk from Gyeongbokgung Palace to the popular Tosokchon Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup) Restaurant. 10 mins.

Top 10 Most Popular Attractions in Korea | KoreaToDo

Walk back to Gyeongbokgung Station (line 3).

Take the subway from Gyeongbokgung Station to the next stop, Anguk Station (line 3, exit 2). Walk to Bukchon Hanok Village (10 mins).

Walk from Bukchon Hanok Village back towards Anguk Station to Insadong. 3 mins walk from exit 6.

Dinner at one of the quaint restaurants at Insadong.

After dinner, walk back to Anguk Station (line 3). Take the subway back to Myeongdong Station (line 4, 1 line transfer, 10 mins).

Alternatively, at any point along Insadong, you can take a taxi back to Myeongdong (11 mins, ₩5,600).

Day 3: Day Trip from Seoul

1. Recommended Day Tours from Seoul

DMZ 3rd Invasion Tunnel & Korea Traditional Boat Voyage Day Tour

DMZ 3rd Invasion Tunnel & Korea Traditional Boat Voyage Day Tour

4.9★

river flowing out of North Korea

Everland Day Tour (Admission, Tour Guide & Round Trip Transfer)

Everland Day Tour (Admission, Tour Guide & Round Trip Transfer)

4.8★

Eng./Mandarin speaking guide

Nami Island, Petite France, Italian Village & The Morning Calm Day Tour

Nami Island, Petite France, Italian Village & The Morning Calm Day Tour

4.7★

Samaksan Cable Car, Alpaca World and Nami Island Day Tour

Samaksan Cable Car, Alpaca World and Nami Island Day Tour

4.6★

longest cable car in Korea!

Day 4: Gwangjang Market / Hongdae / Ikeongdong Hanok Village

Take the subway from Myeongdong Station to Euljiro 4-ga Station (line 2/5, 1 line transfer, 11 mins, exit 4). 5 mins walk to Gwangjang Market.

Take the subway from Euljiro 4-ga Station to Hongik Univ. Station (line 2, 14 mins journey, exit 9).

Top 10 Most Popular Attractions in Korea | KoreaToDo
Seoul Personal Color & Make-up Analysis in Hongdae

Seoul Personal Color & Make-up Analysis in Hongdae

4.9★

with English speaking expert

Nail Art & Hairstyling Experience at OLRANG, Hongdae

Nail Art & Hairstyling Experience at OLRANG, Hongdae

4.5★

onsite English translation

K-Beauty Make Up Experience at ROA.MAKEUP in Hongdae

K-Beauty Make Up Experience at ROA.MAKEUP in Hongdae

5.0★

transform your beauty routine

Nanta Show Seoul @Myeongdong / Hongdae

Nanta Show Seoul @Myeongdong / Hongdae

4.8★

Korea's longest running show

Walk back to Hongik Univ. Station. Take the subway to Jongno 3-ga Station (line 1/3/5, 1 line transfer, 23 mins, exit 4/6).

Top 10 Most Popular Attractions in Korea | KoreaToDo

After visiting the hanok village, take the subway from Jongno 3-ga Station back to Myeongdong Station (line 4, 1 line transfer, 8 mins).

Day 5... : Self-explore based on your interest

1. Recommended Day Tours from Seoul

Hwaseong Fortress, Starfield Library Suwon & Korean Folk Village Day Tour

Hwaseong Fortress, Starfield Library Suwon & Korean Folk Village Day Tour

4.8★

modern & historical tour

Incheon Day Tour (Ganghwa Luge, Rail Bike, Wolmido & Fairy Tale Village)

Incheon Day Tour (Ganghwa Luge, Rail Bike, Wolmido & Fairy Tale Village)

4.7★

enjoy the best of Incheon!

Alpaca World, Nami Island & The Garden of Morning Calm Day Tour

Alpaca World, Nami Island & The Garden of Morning Calm Day Tour

4.7★

walk with adorable alpacas

Legoland Korea & Samaksan Mountain Lake Cable Car Day Tour

Legoland Korea & Samaksan Mountain Lake Cable Car Day Tour

4.6★

longest 3.61km cable car ride!

3. or Explore more on North of Han River / South of Han River (i.e. Gangnam)

Day before departure: last minute shopping / chilling out

Last Minute Shopping

or Chill Out...

Hairstyling at Franck Provost in Myeongdong

Hairstyling at Franck Provost in Myeongdong

4.6★

premium hair salon

O HUI & WHOO SPA Myeongdong

O HUI & WHOO SPA Myeongdong

4.5★

25% off skin care kits

Art De La Peau Massage Shop in Myeongdong

Art De La Peau Massage Shop in Myeongdong

4.8★

K-beauty by the professionals

Nanta Show Seoul @Myeongdong / Hongdae

Nanta Show Seoul @Myeongdong / Hongdae

4.8★

Korea's longest running show

Last Day: Getting to Airport...

Take the Airport Limousine Bus, #6015 (or #6001) from the same drop off stop (Myeongdong Station) to Incheon Airport (T1/T2)

Bus stop location: near exit 8 of Myeongdong Station and right in front of KB Bank.

Interval: 2-6 departures per hour

Duration: 80 mins (T1) / 90 mins (T2)

Fare: ₩17,000 (discount may apply when used with T-money Card)

No reservation required. Just join the queue and it is free seating on board.

First bus 04:35 | Last Bus 20:15 (refer to the information at bus stop for the latest schedule)

Alternatively, you can book on a private car transfer to Airport as well.

Private Transfer: Incheon Airport (ICN) to Seoul (1-3 or more pax/car)

Private Transfer: Incheon Airport (ICN) to Seoul (1-3 or more pax/car)

4.7★

Myeongdong, Hongdae, etc

🎄 SEASONAL HOT PICKS🎄 Handpicked Experiences from Seoul

Vivaldi Park Ski World & Eobi Ice Valley Day Tour

Vivaldi Park Ski World & Eobi Ice Valley Day Tour

20 Dec - 5 Mar 2025

₩66,400

gondola✚Snowy Land✦ski✦lift pass

Cheongyang Ice Festival, Strawberry Picking & Suspension Bridge Day Tour

Cheongyang Ice Festival, Strawberry Picking & Suspension Bridge Day Tour

23 Dec - 13 Feb 2025

₩73,500

optional winter activities (e.g. snow sledding)

Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort, Eobi Ice Valley & Nami Island Day Tour

Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort, Eobi Ice Valley & Nami Island Day Tour

16 Dec - 28 Feb 2025

₩61,400

sightseeing✦sled✦ski lesson

Eobi Ice Valley, Nami Island & Garden of Morning Calm Day Tour

Eobi Ice Valley, Nami Island & Garden of Morning Calm Day Tour

16 Dec - 11 Mar 2025

₩71,800

incl. Morning Calm Lighting Festival

Yongpyong Ski Resort (Balwangsan Cable Car) & Samyang Ranch Day Tour

Yongpyong Ski Resort (Balwangsan Cable Car) & Samyang Ranch Day Tour

3 Dec - 20 Feb 2025

₩85,300

longest cable car to Balwangsan's peak

Maebawi Ice Wall & Snow Wondae-ri Birch Forest Day Tour

Maebawi Ice Wall & Snow Wondae-ri Birch Forest Day Tour

18 Dec - 21 Feb 2025

₩62,500

a hidden winter treasure!

 KoreaToDo recommends Klook.com, Asia leading in-destination service provider.

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