Key Highlights
Planning a trip with your bestie? Seoul is the ultimate destination! This vibrant city is brimming with cultural gems, mouth-watering food, and an unbeatable shopping scene. Imagine picking out the latest cosmetics, trendy outfits, and unique souvenirs together, all while snapping photos with breathtaking backdrops. Ready to dive into your dream itinerary? Let’s go!
Day 1
Yeouido Hangang Park: "The Largest Urban Park in South Korea"
Welcome to our first destination: Yeouido Hangang Park, right in the bustling core of Seoul's political, financial, and media hubs. This sprawling park is packed with a range of amenities, from an ecological lotus pond and a speedboat dock to a water square, a waterside stage, and sports trails. It’s a hotspot for seasonal celebrations like the Spring Flower Festival and the International Fireworks Festival.
Whether you’re here to swim, take in the scenery, or visit the popular jogging and cycling trails often showcased in Korean dramas, this park has something for everyone! Many park-goers love to hit up the convenience stores scattered around the park to whip up some instant noodles and snack on treats, making it easy to enjoy a meal while basking in the park's lush greenery and Seoul’s dynamic urban vibe. The views are breathtaking no matter the time of day—be it under the bright sun, during a golden sunset, or against the twinkling city lights at night. So, grab your friends, pack some tasty bites, and relish in good company amidst this scenic haven!
Official Website: https://reurl.cc/L6XRLX
Address: 330 Yeouidong-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Directions: Just a quick 3-minute stroll from Exit 2 of Yeouinaru Station
"A Journey to Beauty Wonderland" - Olive Young
When you touch down in South Korea, a trip to a beauty store should be at the top of your list. Bringing along friends can make the experience even more fun as you help each other choose the best products! Olive Young, a popular chain with over 1,300 locations throughout South Korea, has everything you could need—from cosmetics and skincare to fragrances, snacks, and everyday necessities. Doing a bit of research before your visit can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed by the vast selection. Among the must-try items are their bagel chips, which are not only delicious but also low in calories—ideal for a guilt-free snack while dieting. Don’t forget to add them to your shopping list!
Official Website: https://global.oliveyoung.com/
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Address: 39-1 Dohwa-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
How to Get There: Just a short 4-minute stroll from Exit 2 of Mapo Station
Day 2
"Tender Chicken Soup Feast" at Chen Yuhua's Whole Chicken
No sister trip is complete without indulging in some delectable food, and Chen Yuhua's Whole Chicken is a must-visit for this very reason. With a rich history spanning 45 years, this beloved eatery is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The star of the show here is the whole chicken, served in a mouthwatering garlic broth. The chicken, sourced from 35-day-old chicks, is incredibly tender, and the broth is both savory and sweet. To make the most of your meal, save some of the broth to add to noodles or rice – it’s the perfect way to wrap up your dining experience! Many diners suggest starting with the original broth and then experimenting with your favorite seasonings or pickled vegetables to enjoy a range of flavors.
Image Source: https://bit.ly/3M7hvwq
Opening Hours: 10:30 AM - 1:00 AM
Address: 18 Jong-ro 40ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Directions: Take Bus No. 7212 to Jongno 6-ga, Dongdaemun Comprehensive Market Station, and walk for 2 minutes
“Famous Filming Locations for Historical Dramas” Gyeongbokgung Palace
If you're a fan of historical Korean dramas, Gyeongbokgung Palace is a must-visit spot! This iconic palace, a symbol of the Joseon Dynasty, boasts breathtaking architecture surrounded by serene waters. It's an ideal location for a memorable photo shoot with friends. To fully immerse yourself in the cultural experience, consider renting traditional Hanbok attire. Not sure where to get one? Check out "Hanbok Man" for a fantastic selection of beautiful Hanboks, plus professional hairstylists to help you achieve that perfect look. You'll leave with stunning photos and unforgettable memories!
Official Website: https://reurl.cc/y6m9E8
Rental Experience for Korean Costumes: https://bit.ly/46yQOZr
Business Hours: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM (subject to monthly variations)
Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
How to Get There: Walk 5 minutes from Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit 5
"A Microcosm of Traditional Culture": Gwangjang Market
Step into the vibrant world of Gwangjang Market, where the energy of Korean dramas comes to life at night! As Seoul's largest traditional market, it boasts an impressive array of goods, from delicious Korean snacks and treats to clothing and miscellaneous items. Even if you don't speak Korean, you'll find it easy to navigate, as most shops offer menus in both Chinese and English. Don't miss out on trying the live octopus - it's fresh, chewy, and has a delightful sweetness. Recently, blankets have become a hot souvenir choice here, known for their variety and top-notch quality. The vendors are happy to vacuum-seal them to save space, and if you need to ship them home, just ask the friendly shopkeepers for help.
Official Website: http://www.kwangjangmarket.co.kr/en/?ckattempt=1
Purchase Tour Guide: https://bit.ly/3Q5ycte
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Address: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea
Yeji-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea
How to Get There: Just a 4-minute walk from Jongno 5-ga Station, Exit 8
Day 3
Cafe Onion: An Industrial Chic Coffee Spot
If you're on the lookout for a place to enjoy delicious desserts and snap some Instagram-worthy photos, Cafe Onion in Seong Su-dong is the place to be. This trendy café is famous for its unique blend of hanok (traditional Korean house) architecture and modern industrial design. The result is a stunning, photogenic setting that's perfect for your social media feed! With a wide selection of desserts and drinks, Cafe Onion is a delightful stop on your travel itinerary. After enjoying your treats, take a leisurely walk around the area to explore the nearby indie fashion boutiques.
Official Website: Check us out on Instagram
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and on weekends from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Address: 8, Achasan-ro 9-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
Directions: Just a 5-minute stroll from Seongsu Station, Exit 2
"The Ultimate Shopping Destination" - LOTTE Mart
Looking for the perfect place to pick up some souvenirs? LOTTE Mart is your go-to spot! As South Korea’s largest supermarket chain, LOTTE Mart has an impressive range of products to suit all your needs, and the prices are wallet-friendly too. From tasty snacks to beauty products, there’s something for everyone. Plus, you can get a tax refund—just make sure you have your passport and credit card handy. Popular items include snacks, instant noodles, and beauty products, but we highly recommend grabbing some squid tempura and sweet potato cookies to bring home!
Official Website: https://reurl.cc/QZ4p7b
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Address: 85 Gwangnaru-ro 56-gil, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
Directions: Walk for a few minutes from Gangbyeon Station, Exit 1
Day 4
“Unwind and Rejuvenate at the Korean Jjimjilbang” Linzhong Herbal Paradise
On your last day, don't miss the chance to treat yourself to an authentic Korean jjimjilbang experience! This unique spa culture is perfect for relaxing both body and mind, boosting blood circulation, and enhancing your natural beauty. Linzhong Herbal Paradise, tucked away in the mountains, provides a peaceful setting with fresh air. The facility offers a variety of jjimjilbang options to help you unwind completely. Besides the jjimjilbang, you can enjoy BBQ areas, massage chairs, and Korean restaurants, giving you a taste of scenes straight out of Korean dramas. Plus, this jjimjilbang is a favorite among celebrities, so you might even spot a star during your visit!
Opening Hours: 6:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Address: 75-7 Bongwonsa-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea
How to Get There: Hop on Bus No. 7024 and get off at Bongwonsa-gil Station, then enjoy a short 3-minute stroll to your destination
"24-Hour Authentic Cuisine" Second Generation Potato and Pork Rib Soup
If you're craving a hearty meal at any hour, this 24-hour gem is the place to be. Famous for its rich, flavorful broth and melt-in-your-mouth pork ribs, this potato and pork rib soup is a must-try. The magic happens when fresh potatoes and pork ribs are simmered together, creating a delightful herbal aroma. But that's not all – the menu also features a variety of Korean favorites like crispy fried chicken, tangy kimchi stew, and savory bibimbap. Just a heads-up, this spot is quite popular, so try to visit during off-peak times to avoid the crowds.
Image Source: https://bit.ly/492QnbJ
Opening Hours: Open all day, every day
Address: 196 Donggyo-ro, Donggyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
How to Get There: Hop on Bus No. 7737 to Hongik Univ. Station, then enjoy a quick 2-minute stroll
