Perfect 4-Night 5-Day Seoul Itinerary for First-Time Visitors (2025)
Planning a trip to South Korea? Seoul is a dynamic city that blends tradition with cutting-edge modernity. This 4-night, 5-day itinerary is tailored for first-time visitors who want to explore the best of Seoul, from palaces and street food to K-pop and
scenic views. Let’s dive in!
🛬 Day 1: Arrival & Introduction to Seoul
- Arrival at Incheon International Airport
- Take AREX Express Train or airport limousine to your hotel (preferably in Myeongdong, Hongdae, or Insadong)
- Check-in and freshen up
- Evening: Explore Myeongdong – street food, shopping, skincare stores
- Dinner: Korean Fried Chicken & Beer (Try Kyochon or BHC)
🏯 Day 2: Historic Seoul & Traditional Culture
- Morning: Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace (wear hanbok for free entry!)
- Walk through Bukchon Hanok Village
- Afternoon: Stroll around Insadong for souvenirs & traditional tea houses
- Lunch: Bibimbap or Korean set meal (hanjeongsik)
- Evening: Cheonggyecheon Stream walk + optional visit to Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
🌇 Day 3: Modern Seoul & K-pop Vibes
- Morning: Explore Gangnam – COEX Mall, Starfield Library, SMTOWN K-pop center
- Lunch: Samgyeopsal (Korean BBQ) in Gangnam
- Afternoon: Head to Lotte World Tower – visit observation deck (Seoul Sky)
- Evening: Stroll around Seokchon Lake or check out a live K-pop performance (if available)
⛰️ Day 4: Nature & Relaxation
- Morning: Take the cable car up to Namsan Seoul Tower (N-Seoul Tower)
- Visit the love lock area & enjoy panoramic views
- Lunch: Tteokbokki and street food in Gwangjang Market
- Afternoon: Relax at a jjimjilbang (Korean spa) – recommend Siloam Sauna or Dragon Hill Spa
- Evening: Night shopping or cafe hopping in Hongdae
🎁 Day 5: Last-Minute Shopping & Departure
- Morning: Shopping at Namdaemun Market or Duty Free Shops (Lotte, Shilla)
- Try last-minute snacks: Hotteok, Gimbap, or Korean pancakes (jeon)
- Check-out and head to Incheon Airport (Allow 3 hours before flight)
🧳 Tips for a Smooth Seoul Trip
- Get a T-money card for public transport
- Use apps like KakaoMap, Naver Map, Papago for easy navigation
- Free public Wi-Fi is available, but a SIM card or pocket Wi-Fi is recommended
- Carry some cash – not all street vendors accept cards
Conclusion
This 4-night, 5-day itinerary is packed with the highlights of Seoul—perfect for first-time travelers who want a mix of history, culture, food, and fun. Whether you’re into K-pop or quiet temples, Seoul has something for everyone. Safe travels and enjoy your journey to Korea!
🗓️ 4-Night 5-Day Seoul Itinerary Overview
| Day | Main Areas | Highlights | Recommended Food |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 (Arrival) | Myeongdong | Street food, shopping, skincare stores | Korean Fried Chicken & Beer |
| Day 2 | Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon, Insadong | Palace tour, Hanok village, tea house | Bibimbap, Korean Set Meal (Hanjeongsik) |
| Day 3 | Gangnam, Jamsil | COEX Mall, K-pop, Lotte Tower | Samgyeopsal (Korean BBQ) |
| Day 4 | Namsan, Gwangjang, Hongdae | Seoul Tower, Market food, Jjimjilbang | Tteokbokki, Jeon (Korean Pancake) |
| Day 5 (Departure) | Namdaemun, Duty-Free Shops | Souvenir shopping, snack tasting | Hotteok, Gimbap |
