5-Day Seoul Highlights Tour｜A sensory feast through the past and present

#Seoul Itinerary From Gyeongbokgung Palace to Hongdae, from Namsan Tower to Ewha-dong Mural Village Day 1: Tour the Ancient Capital｜Touch the Historical Context of the Joseon Dynasty 1. Gyeongbokgung Palace • Highlights: ◦ The main palace of the Joseon Dynasty, built in 1395, is the most complete Korean wooden structure complex in existence. ◦ Must-do experience: Rent a hanbok (about 10,000 won/day), free admission, and watch the "Changing of the Guard Ceremony" in the early morning (10:00 and 13:00 every day). • Hidden tricks: The “National Palace Museum” in the palace houses treasures of the Joseon royal family and is free to visit. 2. Bukchon Hanok Village • Address: Bukchon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul • feature: ◦ There are more than 600 traditional Korean houses preserved here, with blue tiles and white walls intertwined with modern cafes. We recommend the "Samcheong-dong Art Street" for taking photos. ◦ Experience the Hanok cafe "BEANSBINS", where you can overlook the mountain-shaped rooftops from the terrace. 3. Michelin-starred restaurants in Samcheong-dong • Recommended restaurants: ◦ “Haerim” Korean royal cuisine (50,000 won per person): Ginseng chicken soup with ginseng wine, exquisitely presented on a 10% discount plate. ◦ “Cafe Layered” French dessert: Strawberry éclair is a must-try. Day 2: Urban Pulse｜Collision of Modernity and Tradition 1. N Seoul Tower • Transportation: Exit 3 of Myeongdong Station and walk 10 minutes to the cable car station. The round-trip ticket price is 16,000 won. • Highlights: ◦ Namsan is 480 meters above sea level. The observation deck at the top of the tower overlooks the Han River and the city skyline, and you can check in at the Love Lock. ◦ Hidden camera spot: The pink sea of ​​flowers in spring at the Shibazakura Park under the tower. 2. Multicultural Experience in Itaewon • Must-see: ◦ “Global Village” neighborhood: Mexican restaurants, Middle Eastern barbecues and Japanese izakayas coexist. ◦ The 63 Building’s magical 360° observation deck (ticket price: 20,000 KRW) offers a spectacular view of the Han River sunset at dusk. 3. Han River Park Nightlife • Recommended activities: ◦ Rent a bicycle (10,000 won/hour) and go to Yeouido Park to see the light show on the Han River Bridge. ◦ Night market snacks: spicy rice cake, seaweed rice rolls, banana milk ("Princess's House" is recommended). Day 3: Art and Fashion | Creative Planet for Young People 1. Ihwa Mural Village • Address: Ewha-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul • feature: ◦ More than 200 street art murals, and filming locations for Korean dramas such as Rooftop Prince. ◦ Hidden route: Go through Yeonnam-dong and discover a graffiti wall and a small art gallery. 2. Hongdae Free Market and Nightclubs • Daytime gameplay: ◦ Free Market (13:00-18:00 every Saturday): handmade accessories, independent designer brands. ◦ “Egg Drop”, an internet-famous ice cream shop: its unique design attracts young people to queue up. • Night out: ◦ Club recommendations: “Octagon” electronic music sanctuary, “Le Chamber” jazz bar. 3. Seoullo 7017 • Highlights: ◦ The abandoned viaduct was transformed into a sky garden, with a 500-meter trail connecting the cafe and the observation deck. ◦ Recommended restaurant "Cafe Layered", with a terrace overlooking the entire Seoul Station. Day 4: Natural healing | Escape from the hustle and bustle of the city 1. Olympic Park • Activity: ◦ Cycle or walk along the green trails and visit the 1988 Olympic Torch Tower. ◦ National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art permanent exhibition (ticket price: 10,000 won), the building was designed by Zaha Hadid. 2. Nami Island • Transportation: 40 minutes by bus from Gapyeong Station. It is recommended to purchase an express ticket (including shuttle bus + ticket). • Seasonal Limited: ◦ Cherry Blossom Tunnel in spring, Ginkgo Avenue in autumn, and Snow Festival in winter (December-February). ◦ Animation IP linkage: Check in at the filming location of "Winter Sonata". Day 5: Shopping and food 1. Myeongdong: Shopping Paradise • Must-buy list: ◦ Beauty: 3CE, CLIO, Amorepacific. ◦ Street food: Grilled lobster with cheese, strawberry daifuku, honey cream churrasco. 2. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) • Highlights: ◦ Futuristic architecture, light show at night (starts at 20:00). ◦ APM Place Night Market (7pm-1am) to buy hanbok and accessories at wholesale prices. 3. Last meal: authentic experience at Gwangjang Market • Recommended stalls: ◦ “Hong Seok-cheon’s recommendation” live octopus (served with sesame oil dipping sauce). ◦ Myeongdong Dumplings Sliced ​​Noodles: The sauce is rich and perfect with sweet and sour pork. Practical strategy summary transportation: • The subway + walking is the most convenient, and you can buy a T-money card (rechargeable at convenience stores). • Orange/silver taxis are recommended (cheaper), and a 20% surcharge will be added late at night. Accommodation recommendations: • Myeongdong area: Lotte City Hotel (conveniently located, close to the subway). • Gangnam luxury: InterContinental COEX (with aquarium, great for families). Tips for avoiding pitfalls: • Most of the “tour guides” who approach you near Gyeongbokgung Palace are scammers. • If a taxi refuses to take you, call the 1330 tourism hotline to complain. 📸 Top 5 photo-taking spots: 1. Backlit portraits at the Gyeongbokgung Palace incense burner ceremony 2. Nanshan Tower Lock Bridge Sunset Silhouette 3. Ihwa-dong Mural Village Mural "Rooftop Prince" 4. Hongdae Free Market Graffiti 5. DDP Future Architecture Light and Shadow Whether you're exploring history, watching Korean drama scenes, or immersing yourself in trendy culture, Seoul can satisfy your expectations with its diverse charm. Put on your backpack and start this adventure where tradition and modernity interweave! 🇰🇷✨