This 5-day itinerary focuses on the most popular places in Seoul and surrounding areas (including Gyeonggi-do). Visit the most famous places in Seoul that have been featured in many popular Korean movies and TV shows. Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, Namsan Mountain, and the iconic N Seoul Tower. We have planned an itinerary that focuses on the latest trends and popular places, allowing you to enjoy various cultures and nature.
Highlights
- Explore Korean Culture in the Movie Setting of Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Visit the Seoul suburbs, famous for being a drama filming location.
- Visit Korea’s Hippest Drama Filming Locations
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
| Day 1 | Arrive in Seoul, Explore the City | Seoul |
| Day 2 | Seoul Highlights & K-Drama Tour | Seoul |
| Day 3 | Seoul K-Drama Film Locations | Seoul |
| Day 4 | Nami Island & European Village K-Drama Spots | Seoul |
| Day 5 | Eunpyeong Hanok Village and Hongdae | Seoul |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Seoul – Get familiar with Seoul around you.
<If you arrive at Incheon Airport in the morning>
After arriving in Seoul from Incheon Airport, the first place to visit is Gyeongbokgung Palace and its surrounding areas.
1. Gyeongbokgung Palace, the representative palace of Seoul, can be visited wearing a hanbok, and you can freely tour the inside of the palace. After touring the palace, take a quick look at the nearby Gwanghwamun Gate and the statue of King Sejong.
Recommended points: Gyeonghoeru and Geunjeongjeon are especially recommended at Gyeongbokgung Palace.
2. Bukchon Hanok Village is a place where you can appreciate traditional hanok architecture. Here, you can take a leisurely walk or take pictures with hanoks in the background. You can feel the atmosphere of old Seoul as you walk along the narrow alleys.
3. Insa-dong is a cultural street where tradition and modernity coexist, and it is a place where you can buy various crafts and souvenirs. You can enjoy traditional Korean food such as hanjeongsik, bulgogi, and bibimbap in Insa-dong. If you have time, it is also good to have a cup of tea at a traditional tea house.
4. N Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower). If you take the cable car up to N Seoul Tower on Namsan, you can see the whole view of Seoul at a glance. Enjoy a leisurely time looking out over Seoul from the top of the tower.
<If you arrive at Incheon Airport in the afternoon>
After checking in at the hotel,
You can enjoy the evening in Myeongdong, where you can enjoy shopping and street food, or Hongdae, the street of youth. Or, you can visit the cafe alley in Ikseon-dong and the street of food trucks (pocha) right next to it.
If you are staying near Seongsu, Seongsu Yeonmujang Fashion Street or Gangnam Apgujeong-dong are also good choices.
Day 2: The truly wonderful south/east of Seoul
1. Bongeunsa Temple
Bongeunsa Temple is a traditional Buddhist temple located in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu. It is located in the middle of the city, so it is a place where you can enjoy nature and tradition together. It is especially popular as a peaceful meditation space in the city.
2. COEX & Starfield in Samseong-dong
COEX, which represents the modern side of Seoul, is a place where various complex cultural spaces such as a large shopping mall, aquarium, movie theater, and Starfield Library are gathered. Starfield COEX Mall is a place where you can enjoy shopping and leisure at the same time, and it is a good place to enjoy K-pop related products or the latest fashion.
3. Seongsu-dong Cafe Street and Seoul Forest
Seongsu-dong has many unique vintage cafes. Cafes that have been renovated from factory buildings are popular, and there are many places where you can enjoy coffee with a stylish interior. Seongsu-dong is also a center of design and art, and there are many designer brand shops, galleries, and workshops. In particular, there are various cultural spaces near Seoul Forest, so it is recommended for those who love art.
4. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
DDP, a representative modern building in Seoul, is a uniquely shaped building designed by Zaha Hadid, representing the modern image of Seoul. Various exhibitions and cultural events are held at DDP, and Dongdaemun Market is located nearby, making it a great place for fashion lovers.
5. Gwangjang Market
A traditional market in the heart of Seoul, where you can enjoy various foods such as Yukhoe Bibimbap and Bindaetteok.
Day 3: Nami Island & Nearby place
Leave Seoul and visit more K-drama filming locations. First stop is the Garden of Morning Calm, a popular Korean arboretum with beautiful landscapes. Stroll along paved paths connecting 20 different gardens with about 5,000 plants. Visit locations featured in popular films like Love in the Moonlight, Lovely Horribly, and She Was Pretty, starring Park Bo-gum. Don’t forget to visit the Starlight Garden in winter.
In the afternoon, visit Nami Island on the Bukhangang River. The island is adorned with cherry blossoms in spring, and in summer, it’s perfect for a leisurely picnic on the lawn or a bike ride under the giant pine trees. If you arrive in the fall, you’ll be treated to stunning fall foliage as the trees in Maple Alley turn fiery orange and brilliant red. Winter turns the island into a winterland with snow covering the pagodas and birches.
Stop by the statue commemorating the main characters of the classic K-drama “Winter Sonata,” which was set on Namiseom Island.
In winter, visit Eobi Valley before coming to Seoul. Take some great photos with the beautiful ice walls as the background.
Afterwards, return to Seoul and spend your last evening in the city. Taste some street food and browse the night market for souvenirs.
Day 4: City of Lovely Runner : Suwon Hwaseong
Now, let’s leave Seoul and visit Suwon City, the hottest area in 2024.
Suwon City, located about 1 hour and 30 minutes away from Seoul, is a place loved by many people as the filming location for the tvN drama <Lovely Runner>. Suwon is also the filming location for popular dramas such as <Strange Lawyer Woo Young-woo> and <That Year, Us>.
Thanks to the Hwaseong Palace, it is a regular setting for historical films and dramas. The Haengridan-gil road near the palace is full of delicious restaurants and cafes, making it a popular date course.
Visit famous filming locations for dramas such as Monted Cafe, Hwahong Mart, Hwahongmun Square, Yongyeon, Suwoncheon, Shinpung Yeonrip, and Haengridan-gil, where cafes, delicious restaurants, and workshops are located in traditional Korean houses and old houses.
And on the way back, stop by Suwon Starfield Library and take some great pictures.
Day 5: Eunpyeong Hanok Village and Hongdae
1. Eunpyeong Hanok Village
Eunpyeong Hanok Village is a beautiful village where traditional hanok houses and nature come together. Take a walk through the hanok village, admire the traditional architecture, and enjoy the natural scenery that blends in with the surrounding Bukhansan Mountain. There are also places where you can experience wearing hanbok and traditional crafts.
2. Hongdae
Hongdae is the center of young culture and art in Seoul. This is a neighborhood where various cultures such as indie music, street art, and fashion coexist. In the streets of Hongdae where you can walk, go shopping, explore various cafes and restaurants, watch street performances, and visit artistic galleries or small studios.
3. Mangwon Market
Mangwon Market is a place where you can feel the traditional market atmosphere in Seoul, and sells various traditional Korean foods and fresh ingredients. Enjoy various street foods such as tteokbokki, sundae, and gimbap inside the market, and see fresh agricultural products and items that can only be found in traditional markets.
4. Cafe Pokpo
Features: Cafe Pokpo is a famous cafe on Instagram, and its unique interior features a large waterfall flowing inside. Enjoy coffee or dessert while listening to the sound of the waterfall, and take pictures with the unique interior. The surrounding area is quiet, so you can spend your time leisurely.
5. Itaewon
Features: Itaewon is a multicultural street with an international atmosphere, and it is a place where you can enjoy the culture and food of various countries. It is also famous as a foreign street, and the nightlife is also lively with Itaewon clubs and restaurants.
