Korea Travel Guide: Read This for Spots, Routes, Food, Shopping All in One – Enjoy Korea to the Fullest

When I first went to Korea, were you also flustered and at a loss like me? So before going to Korea, you must have a Korea travel guide. I will now summarize my own experience and introduce my exclusive Korea travel guide~

As a first-time visitor to Korea with language barriers, it is not impossible to enjoy a 4-day, 3-night trip. With a well-planned travel route and public transportation, you can surely explore Korea without worries! So here is my 4-day, 3-night Korea travel guide!

On the first day of the trip, most of the time is spent on the road. From Incheon Airport to the hotel, you can take the subway or bus. I stayed at the Nine Tree Premier Hotel in Gangbuk, located in Myeongdong. The price was relatively cheap, and the hotel was clean with a great location. If you, like me, are traveling to Seoul, it's better to book a hotel in Gangbuk, as most attractions are also in Gangbuk. Near Myeongdong, recommended food includes grilled pork belly at Dajeon Sikdang (다전식당) and seasoned periwinkles at Pungnam Golbaengi (풍남골뱅이).

If you prefer to stay in Gangnam, I recommend Gangnam Peyto Hotel or Yeoksam Station Shilla Stay Hotel. The prices are relatively acceptable, and the environment is good.

If you book a hotel near Gangnam, famous places include Gangnam's grilled beef intestines restaurant (Gangnam Gop), BOOYAS Grilled Intestines (BuYas Gopchang Gangnam Station Branch) for grilled intestines, Mapo Galbi (Mapo Ribs) or grilled pork belly at a meat restaurant (Gogijip Yeol).

Transportation info: Take a shuttle bus from the airport to the hotel, then choose based on the hotel's location.

On the second day, you can go shopping on the streets of Insa-dong.

Visit Jogyesa Temple. Across from the temple, there is a temple stay center with monks who speak foreign languages; you can go there if you need help. For lunch, I had soft tofu stew at Jaedong Soft Tofu Stew House. Nearby, there is also a Morang store at Jongno-gu Office that is very famous. Morang's signature dishes include seafood hotpot, beef gochujang butter stone pot rice, kimchi flying fish roe rice, etc. After lunch, you can take a stroll on Bukchon Gahoe-ro. Before sightseeing and taking photos, you can first go to the Bukchon Cultural Center to pick up a map, and then search for the attractions marked on the map one by one.

Next, you can visit the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (Seoul Branch), then take a certification photo in front of the Blue House. From the fountain square, walk about 5 minutes to the right to reach the photo spot. Afterwards, you can rent a hanbok and stroll around Gwanghwamun Square. The Gwanghwamun guard mount guard is held three times a day at 10:00, 13:00, and 17:00, and is closed every Tuesday. After visiting Gwanghwamun, you can go to Ikseon-dong Coffee Street to see the retro streets, and then Gwangjang Market, where there is a famous mung bean pancake place called Suni's (순희네). After dinner at Gwangjang Market, the day's itinerary will have made you tired; return to the hotel and rest well for the third day's trip~

Transportation info (for reference only):

Departing from Myeongdong: Take subway line 4 to Chungmuro Station, transfer to line 3, get off at Anguk Station, exit 5, and walk 676 meters to Insa-dong.

Departing from Gangnam: At Gangnam Yangjae Station, take subway line 3, about 42 minutes, get off at Anguk Station, exit 5, and walk 676 meters to Insa-dong.

On the third day, you can go to Yeonnam-dong, a treasure neighborhood popular among young Koreans. Stroll through small shops, cafes, and restaurants, have lunch, then explore Cheonggyecheon Stream, head to Namsan Tower, and finally go shopping in Myeongdong, Korea's shopping center. On the way down from Namsan Tower, you'll see a very prominent building—Shinsegae Department Store. Shinsegae Duty Free is also in this building. Duty-free shops are a must-visit on a Korea trip; you can buy any product you want to purchase in Korea. Make a list in advance and head straight to the counter to save time. Related promotions can be found on the official platforms of Shinsegae Duty Free.

Next to it is the Myeongdong shopping street. In the evening, have a bowl of dumpling soup at Myeongdong Kyoja, then visit Myeongdong Cathedral. If you have too many things, you can drop them off at the hotel. If you still have time, go to Banpo Hangang Park in Gangnam or Hangang Park at Ichon Station to relax with beer and the river breeze—it's so comfortable.

Transportation info (for reference only):

Departing from Myeongdong: At Euljiro 1-ga Station, take subway line 2, get off at Hongdae Station, exit 3, and walk 860 meters to Yeonnam-dong.

Departing from Gangnam: At Gangnam Yangjae Station, take subway line 3, transfer to line 2 at Euljiro 3-ga Station, get off at Hongdae Station, exit 3, and walk 860 meters to Yeonnam-dong.

On the last day, it's time to pack up and leave. From the hotel to Incheon Airport, if there are things you didn't buy the previous day, you can shop at the airport. If your schedule on the return day is too tight, I recommend purchasing from Shinsegae Duty Free online. After arriving at the airport, you can pick up your items at the airport counter.

Transportation info: Take a shuttle bus or subway to the airport.

Here are a few tips for first-time travelers to Seoul:

1. Book a hotel near Myeongdong. Near Myeongdong, there are many high-end hotels and guesthouses, and it's close to most must-visit attractions!

2. After choosing the attractions you want to visit, learn about the nearby restaurants and shopping streets or malls to better enjoy food and shopping!

3. Use public transportation as much as possible. Seoul's transportation network is really convenient and extensive, making it easy to reach the surrounding Gyeonggi Province city clusters and Incheon! Not only is it cheap, but it also helps you learn more about the city during your trip.

Ok! That's my 4-day, 3-night Korea travel guide. It covers both popular and off-the-beaten-path attractions, a full schedule, and shopping included. If you're planning a trip to Korea, be sure to refer to this guide!