Your First 5 Days in Seoul: A Realistic Itinerary for Foreigners

Your First 5 Days in Seoul: A Realistic Itinerary for Foreigners

After three years living in Seoul, I've learned that the best itineraries aren't the ones that cram 47 temples into five days. They're the ones that let you actually *experience* the city instead of just checking boxes. Here's what I'd actually do if I had a friend visiting for five days.

Day 1: Ease Into It (Myeongdong + Namsan)

Arrive at Incheon Airport? Grab a T-money card (4,500 KRW) at the convenience store and hop on the Airport Railroad Express (9,000 KRW, 43 minutes) straight to Seoul Station. Don't overthink it—just follow the signs.

Head to Myeongdong to get your bearings. It's touristy, sure, but you'll need to find cosmetics anyway, and Olive Young and the cosmetic shops here have English-speaking staff. Grab lunch at a street stall (8,000-15,000 KRW for tteokbokki or kimbap).

In the afternoon, cable car up to Namsan Tower (14,000 KRW). The views are genuinely stunning, and it's a nice way to orient yourself to Seoul's layout. Pro tip: buy tickets on Naver or Kakao Map's app to skip the line.

Dinner: Find a restaurant with a picture menu in Myeongdong. Korean BBQ is everywhere, and most places are used to foreigners.

Day 2: History Day (Gyeongbokgung + Bukchon)

Start early at Gyeongbokgung Palace (3,000 KRW). You can rent a hanbok (traditional dress) for 10,000-30,000 KRW and wear it free that day. It's a bit touristy, but honestly, the photos are fun.

Walk to Bukchon Hanok Village (it's literally a 15-minute walk). Wander the narrow alleyways with actual traditional houses. Grab coffee at one of the charming cafes (5,000-8,000 KRW for a latte).

For lunch, hit Insadong (another 10-minute walk) for a proper lunch set (10,000-15,000 KRW). The traditional Korean restaurants here aren't trying too hard.

Dinner: Find a pojangmacha (street food tent) near Jongno 3-ga subway station. It's authentic, cheap (5,000-8,000 KRW), and you'll see actual Korean people.

Day 3: Modern Seoul (Hongdae + Gangnam)

Take Line 2 to Hongdae. This neighborhood is where you'll see Seoul's creative side. Browse the indie shops, vintage stores, and street art. Lunch at a hole-in-the-wall ramen shop (7,000 KRW).

Afternoon: Head to Gangnam (it's just one stop on the subway). Yes, it's where that song is from. Walk around Apgujeong, hit Starfield Library in Coex Mall (free, just insanely beautiful for photos), or shop the underground malls.

Dinner: Splurge a bit. Get Korean BBQ in Gangnam where the meat is actually high quality (40,000-80,000 KRW per person). It's worth it once.

Day 4: Nature Break (Han River or Day Trip)

Skip the city for a day. Either rent a bike at Han River Park (5,000 KRW for 2 hours) and cycle the riverside paths, or take a KTX train to Nami Island (30 minutes, around 25,000 KRW return).

If you stay in Seoul