A Week in Seoul: Exploring the Hidden Gems of South Korea
South Korea has always been one of my favourite countries that I've ever been to, and I will always have a soft spot for this country. Seoul has amazing things to do and see, from ancient palaces to modern skyscrapers, traditional markets to trendy boutiques, and mouthwatering street food and restaurants in alleyways frequented only by the locals. Here is my one-week itinerary in Seoul. I've stayed in 3 different hotels during my stay, alternating between Myeongdong, Dongdaemun and Mapo. It allowed me to discover plenty of things in each neighbourhood. And I have also included some tours that I went on, which was incredibly amazing! I hope this itinerary will help you find your way to the best places in Seoul, just like I did and fell in love with this city all over again. Save this guide for your next trip to South Korea!
65 Places • 15 Saves • ago
Free

Where To Stay In Seoul

Hanok Traditionnal Stays

Dajayon Hanok Stay
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
서울이야기한옥 SeoulStory Hanok
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details

Myeongdong

If you’re a first time and would like to save your time travelling on public transport, here are some of the top area recommended by my Korean friends

Artravel Myeongdong
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
L7 Myeongdong
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Stanford Hotel Myeongdong
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details

Sinchon / Hongdae

Wegoinn Hostel
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
신촌 케이스테이 K'STAY guesthouse
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
L7 Hongdae
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Mercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details

Insadong

ibis Ambassador Seoul Insadong
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
HOTEL KURETAKESO INSADONG
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details

Mapo

Seoul Garden Hotel
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Roynet Hotel Seoul Mapo
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Shilla Stay Mapo
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details

📌Day 1 

Cafe Mamas (City Hall)
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Myeongdong Cathedral
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Sungnyemun
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Namdaemun Market
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
The Best Grilled Mackerel in Universe (Former Myeongdong Grilled Fish & Kimchi Soup)
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Namsan Ormi Elevator (Bottom Entrance)
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
N Seoul Tower
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Busanjib
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details

📌Day 2

Mio Bre Bakery & Cafe
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Sejong Center
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Gwanghwamun Square
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
참한복 Cham Hanbok Rental 경복궁한복대여 眞韓服租賃
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Gyeongbokgung Palace
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Insadong Sujebi
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Insadong Street
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Myeong-Dong Walking Street
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Kampungku Restaurant
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details

📌Day 3

THE NORTH FACE, MYEONGDONG
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Starfield Coex Mall
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
홍수계찜닭 코엑스점
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Statue of Gangnam Style
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
K-Star Road
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Apgujeong Rodeo Street
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Troy Kebab
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details

📌Day 4

DDP │ Dongdaemun Design Plaza
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Dongdaemun Market
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
청계천 (동대문)
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Heunginjimun
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Gwangjang Market
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Bukchon Hanok Village 북촌 한옥마을
@Kellytoday
Bukchon Hanok Village houses more than 900 hanoks (traditional houses) dating back to the Joseon Dynasty. Surrounded by Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changeokgung Palace and Jongmyo shrine, this hanbok village is home to hundreds of traditional houses called hanok which date back to the Joseon dynasty. It’s a great place to explore and get lost in. If you have time when you rent your hanbok you can visit this spot for some nice photos [Refer to the link for the FREE hanbok rental guide]. Nearby there are also cute stores to shop for souvenirs and also cafes to check out. I am guilting of buying a few postcards here.
Add to
Details
Changdeokgung
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details

📌Day 4

Looking for some folklore and traditional village? Head down to Andong for a day tour and experience another side of Korean culture!

Andong Hahoe Folk Village
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details

Take the train to Andong and get the bus to reach to the village.

Or, you can also book a tour to the small town. It’s much more convenient, less effort and you get to keep your energy to wander around the village.

Here is one of the tour that I went for:  

PS: I like to use the TRAZY app because sometimes certain tours have subsidies from the Korean government to promote their cultural villages/activities to travellers. So the price can drop up to 70%! Just like mine ;)

📌Day 5

If you're a fan of Winter Sonata, then you will have to go and visit Nami Island. It's located outside of Seoul and is normally combined together with a stop at Alpaca Wold and Petite France. 

Alpaca World
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Nami Island
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Petite France
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details

You can book a tour like I did and take away the travelling stress and enjoy the view outside. 

Here is the tour that I booked :

📌Day 6

If you're planning to go to Everland, you'll need to reserve one full day for this! It is Korea's largest amusement park for all ages (yes, it's for everyone!) equipped with world's famous wooden roller coaster, T- Express & a zoo to experience feeding animals up close.

Everland 에버랜드
@Kellytoday
Foreign passport holders can get huge discounts on 1-day attraction passes to Everland by booking in advance. Check out the attached link! I recommend spending a whole day at this themepark. If you book with KLOOK you can use the code KELLYTODAY for 5% of your booking!
Add to
Details

📌Day 7

Ewha Womans University
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Meerkat Friends
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Hongdae Street
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Fritz Coffee Company Dohwa
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Kkanbu Chicken Gongdeok Ogeori
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details

Other Places That You Can Visit

Hiking Spots

Bukhansan National Park
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Seoraksan National Park
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Jirisan National Park
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details

Shopping Spots

대도종합상가-D동 수입상가
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Gotomall Underground Shopping Mall
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Shinsegae Department Store Main Store
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details

Places I've Stayed In Seoul

Seoul Garden Hotel
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Hotel Skypark Kingstown Dongdaemun
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Artravel Myeongdong
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details

* * *
CURATED BY
Hi, Bonjour and Selamat Sejahtera! I'm Maryam, the founder of YumsItchyFeet, your ultimate blog source for quirky stories and extraordinary places. I'm a storyteller, a heavy coffee drinker, and a dear multilingual traveler. Currently living a life between crispy croissants and good old teh tarik. Big love for skydiving! Also, I am a scuba diver and soon-to-be licensed tour guide! I am so happy you are here & I can't wait to share my experiences with you! Here, I will be sharing guides on my favorite places I've been and activities that have been checked out of my once-in-a-lifetime bucket list. As someone who has lived in France, Malaysia, and Australia, I can offer insider knowledge to enhance your itinerary! It's essential to make the most out of your stay, so I'll make sure to include all the roads not taken, the hidden corners, the food hawker stalls you need to go to, and, of course, the must-see landmarks in the country! Ready to take on the world and travel differently? Get in touch with me! Email: hello@yumsithcyfeet.com Instagram: @yumsithcyfeet
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A Week in Seoul: Exploring the Hidden Gems of South Korea
South Korea has always been one of my favourite countries that I've ever been to, and I will always have a soft spot for this country. Seoul has amazing things to do and see, from ancient palaces to modern skyscrapers, traditional markets to trendy boutiques, and mouthwatering street food and restaurants in alleyways frequented only by the locals. Here is my one-week itinerary in Seoul. I've stayed in 3 different hotels during my stay, alternating between Myeongdong, Dongdaemun and Mapo. It allowed me to discover plenty of things in each neighbourhood. And I have also included some tours that I went on, which was incredibly amazing! I hope this itinerary will help you find your way to the best places in Seoul, just like I did and fell in love with this city all over again. Save this guide for your next trip to South Korea!
65 Places • 15 Saves • ago
Free

Where To Stay In Seoul

Hanok Traditionnal Stays

Dajayon Hanok Stay
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
서울이야기한옥 SeoulStory Hanok
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details

Myeongdong

If you’re a first time and would like to save your time travelling on public transport, here are some of the top area recommended by my Korean friends

Artravel Myeongdong
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
L7 Myeongdong
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Stanford Hotel Myeongdong
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details

Sinchon / Hongdae

Wegoinn Hostel
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
신촌 케이스테이 K'STAY guesthouse
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
L7 Hongdae
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Mercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details

Insadong

ibis Ambassador Seoul Insadong
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
HOTEL KURETAKESO INSADONG
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details

Mapo

Seoul Garden Hotel
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Roynet Hotel Seoul Mapo
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Shilla Stay Mapo
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details

📌Day 1 

Cafe Mamas (City Hall)
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Myeongdong Cathedral
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Sungnyemun
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Namdaemun Market
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
The Best Grilled Mackerel in Universe (Former Myeongdong Grilled Fish & Kimchi Soup)
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Namsan Ormi Elevator (Bottom Entrance)
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
N Seoul Tower
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Busanjib
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details

📌Day 2

Mio Bre Bakery & Cafe
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Sejong Center
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Gwanghwamun Square
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
참한복 Cham Hanbok Rental 경복궁한복대여 眞韓服租賃
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Gyeongbokgung Palace
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Insadong Sujebi
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Insadong Street
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Myeong-Dong Walking Street
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Kampungku Restaurant
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details

📌Day 3

THE NORTH FACE, MYEONGDONG
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Starfield Coex Mall
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
홍수계찜닭 코엑스점
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Statue of Gangnam Style
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
K-Star Road
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Apgujeong Rodeo Street
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Troy Kebab
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details

📌Day 4

DDP │ Dongdaemun Design Plaza
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Dongdaemun Market
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
청계천 (동대문)
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Heunginjimun
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Gwangjang Market
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Bukchon Hanok Village 북촌 한옥마을
@Kellytoday
Bukchon Hanok Village houses more than 900 hanoks (traditional houses) dating back to the Joseon Dynasty. Surrounded by Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changeokgung Palace and Jongmyo shrine, this hanbok village is home to hundreds of traditional houses called hanok which date back to the Joseon dynasty. It’s a great place to explore and get lost in. If you have time when you rent your hanbok you can visit this spot for some nice photos [Refer to the link for the FREE hanbok rental guide]. Nearby there are also cute stores to shop for souvenirs and also cafes to check out. I am guilting of buying a few postcards here.
Add to
Details
Changdeokgung
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details

📌Day 4

Looking for some folklore and traditional village? Head down to Andong for a day tour and experience another side of Korean culture!

Andong Hahoe Folk Village
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details

Take the train to Andong and get the bus to reach to the village.

Or, you can also book a tour to the small town. It’s much more convenient, less effort and you get to keep your energy to wander around the village.

Here is one of the tour that I went for:  

PS: I like to use the TRAZY app because sometimes certain tours have subsidies from the Korean government to promote their cultural villages/activities to travellers. So the price can drop up to 70%! Just like mine ;)

📌Day 5

If you're a fan of Winter Sonata, then you will have to go and visit Nami Island. It's located outside of Seoul and is normally combined together with a stop at Alpaca Wold and Petite France. 

Alpaca World
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Nami Island
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Petite France
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details

You can book a tour like I did and take away the travelling stress and enjoy the view outside. 

Here is the tour that I booked :

📌Day 6

If you're planning to go to Everland, you'll need to reserve one full day for this! It is Korea's largest amusement park for all ages (yes, it's for everyone!) equipped with world's famous wooden roller coaster, T- Express & a zoo to experience feeding animals up close.

Everland 에버랜드
@Kellytoday
Foreign passport holders can get huge discounts on 1-day attraction passes to Everland by booking in advance. Check out the attached link! I recommend spending a whole day at this themepark. If you book with KLOOK you can use the code KELLYTODAY for 5% of your booking!
Add to
Details

📌Day 7

Ewha Womans University
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Meerkat Friends
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Hongdae Street
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Fritz Coffee Company Dohwa
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Kkanbu Chicken Gongdeok Ogeori
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details

Other Places That You Can Visit

Hiking Spots

Bukhansan National Park
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Seoraksan National Park
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Jirisan National Park
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details

Shopping Spots

대도종합상가-D동 수입상가
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Gotomall Underground Shopping Mall
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Shinsegae Department Store Main Store
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details

Places I've Stayed In Seoul

Seoul Garden Hotel
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Hotel Skypark Kingstown Dongdaemun
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details
Artravel Myeongdong
@maryamzaidi
Add to
Details

* * *
CURATED BY
Hi, Bonjour and Selamat Sejahtera! I'm Maryam, the founder of YumsItchyFeet, your ultimate blog source for quirky stories and extraordinary places. I'm a storyteller, a heavy coffee drinker, and a dear multilingual traveler. Currently living a life between crispy croissants and good old teh tarik. Big love for skydiving! Also, I am a scuba diver and soon-to-be licensed tour guide! I am so happy you are here & I can't wait to share my experiences with you! Here, I will be sharing guides on my favorite places I've been and activities that have been checked out of my once-in-a-lifetime bucket list. As someone who has lived in France, Malaysia, and Australia, I can offer insider knowledge to enhance your itinerary! It's essential to make the most out of your stay, so I'll make sure to include all the roads not taken, the hidden corners, the food hawker stalls you need to go to, and, of course, the must-see landmarks in the country! Ready to take on the world and travel differently? Get in touch with me! Email: hello@yumsithcyfeet.com Instagram: @yumsithcyfeet
Send A Tip
Support Maryam Zaidi’s work.
Select your tip amount
$5
$10
$20
$50
Or type in other amount
Powered by Thatch
The home for unique & authentic travel
Powered by Thatch: Where great trips are made.
© Maryam Zaidi Privacy Terms