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Explore the exciting 5-day, 4-night travel plan for Seoul and Jeju. Take notes for your Ginseng Land adventure!
No matter how popular it becomes in the travel community, the timeless allure of South Korea for wanderers cannot be denied. From striking architectural landmarks, delightful cuisines to distinctive cultural traits, it all contributes to an unforgettable trip for any visitor. A perfect Korean journey entails experiencing both bustling urban life and serene natural landscapes with the sky and mountains embracing nature.
To embark on such an adventure, nothing beats the Seoul - Jeju travel itinerary. This journey will take you to discover the most prominent attractions in South Korea, spanning 5 days and 4 nights at a reasonable cost.
Seoul & Jeju 5-Day 4-Night Travel Itinerary Reference
Most of the Seoul - Jeju travel itineraries start from the capital city of Seoul due to its central location, convenient for public transportation. After landing at Incheon Airport, you can explore this beautiful city on your own before moving on to Jeju according to the following Klook itinerary!
Day 1: Myeongdong Area - Coex Aquarium - Yeo Yong Guk Spa
For a refreshing start, opt for an early morning flight landing in Seoul. Spend the first day resting and exploring the city. Since the initial day involves hotel check-in and travel, Klook suggests visiting less energy-intensive places such as pedestrian zones and indoor aquariums.
Myeongdong Shopping District
If you're a shopping enthusiast, Myeongdong is a haven you wouldn't want to miss in Korea. Renowned as one of Asia's top fashion markets, it features numerous iconic brands like &M, Zara, Forever 21, Nike, Adidas, The Face Shop, and Nature Republic. These stores are clustered together, offering a diverse shopping experience. Additionally, the area boasts various Korean specialty stores, craft shops, jewelry stores, fashion accessory outlets, and notably, high-quality Korean cosmetics stores at reasonable prices.
Moreover, Myeongdong is a hub for famous restaurants, cafes, and street food stalls. Enjoy local dishes such as fried chicken, Korean barbecue, stir-fried noodles, tteokbokki, kimchi, and other traditional delicacies. You can also take some time to savor aromatic Korean-style coffee at local cafes.
Myeongdong offers entertainment options like movies, gaming, karaoke, and budget-friendly shopping challenges at discounted stores. Don't forget to rent a hanbok for the first set of Instagram-worthy photos in the land of kimchi!
Explore Coex Aquarium
Coex Aquarium stands out as a fantastic South Korean tourist spot where you can delve into the vast world of the ocean. Located in the Gangnam area, this aquarium spans around 14,000m2, housing thousands of marine animals and plants across over 600 tanks.
Visitors at COEX Aquarium can tour and discover a variety of colorful, unique, and impressive tanks, including a giant pocket tank, a dry tank, a coral reef tank, and many other types of fish. A special feature is the opportunity for visitors to interact with species such as sharks, dolphins, and rays in a communal tank, or walk beneath the ocean floor and enjoy the stunning underwater scenery.
Additionally, COEX Aquarium features an exhibition area showcasing deep-sea marine life and other animals like turtles, lobsters, jellyfish, octopuses, and even rare fish like Japanese Koi. Visitors can come here to learn about the ocean's life and ecology and explore the marvels of the underwater animal kingdom.
- Address: 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Opening Hours: 10 AM - 8 PM
Experience Traditional Medicine Spa at Yeo Yong Guk
Feeling exhausted after a day of extensive travel? Treat yourself to a session of traditional medicine massage at Yeo Yong Guk Spa. Enjoy the blissful sensation, skilled masseurs, and valuable advice on diet and rest for optimal well-being.
Day 2: Explore Korean Palaces - Namsan Tower
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace stands out as one of the most historical and renowned palaces in Seoul. Built in the early 14th century, it served as the residence of the first Joseon dynasty kings. The palace boasts unique architecture, including sliding doors and massive stone columns. Additionally, it features the Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, a famous structure where Joseon kings hosted cultural events and banquets.
Changdeokgung Palace
Changdeokgung Palace holds significance as one of Korea's important historical and cultural landmarks. Constructed in the late 14th century, it was the residence of Joseon dynasty kings. The palace follows traditional Korean architecture, adorned with intricate patterns and expansive gardens, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere.
Changgyeonggung Palace
Changgyeonggung Palace stands as one of the remaining historical palaces in Seoul. Constructed in the early 15th century, it served as the governance residence for Joseon dynasty kings. The palace showcases beautiful architecture and expansive gardens, creating a peaceful and pleasant space for visitors.
Deoksugung Palace
Deoksugung Palace holds historical significance in Seoul. Built in the early 15th century, it functioned as an activity and administrative center for kings under the Joseon dynasty. The palace features stunning architecture, antiquity, and vast gardens, offering a unique virtual experience and transporting you back to imagine the lives of Korean people for centuries.
Gyeonghuigung Palace
Constructed in the early 17th century, this palace served as a crucial defensive point for the Joseon dynasty and was the residence of King Gwanghaegun and King Injo during the Joseon Empire era.
Gyeonghuigung Palace encompasses various areas, but much of it was either destroyed or reconstructed in the 1800s. Visitors can now witness some ancient palace architecture such as fortress walls, main gates, entrance gates, main buildings, memorial towers, and a water pond.
One notable feature of Gyeonghuigung Palace is the blend of traditional Korean and Western architecture. In this area, you'll find European-style structures like the Gyeonggi Royal Building, administrative offices, a cultural center, and residences for officials.
For those wanting to explore all five palaces without the hassle of directions, Klook suggests buying a Hop-On Hop-Off bus ticket for convenient transportation to these renowned palaces.
Namsan Hanok Village
Namsan Hanok Village comprises traditional Hanok houses built from the 14th to the 20th century. These Korean wooden houses, with distinctive architecture, tiled roofs, and frosted glass windows, create a vibrant and unique living space. Visitors can learn about Korean history and culture through activities like traditional cultural performances, experiencing traditional attire, and understanding the history of Korean house construction.
Alongside the Hanok houses, Namsan Hanok Village features small garden areas, fountains, and a fish pond, creating a tranquil and serene space for visitors to relax and enjoy the fresh air of Korea.
Additionally, Namsan Hanok Village features several traditional Korean bakeries, cafes, and souvenir shops. Visitors can stop here to indulge in traditional Korean treats like hotteok and rice cakes, or purchase distinctive Korean souvenirs such as jewelry, handmade crafts, and Feng Shui items.
Namsan Tower
Namsan Tower – the symbol of Seoul tourism, will be the final destination on your second day of exploring Seoul. The tower, illuminated at night, offers visitors a dazzling, romantic, and impressive panoramic view of the city. Adorned with thousands of LED lights in various colors, it creates a unique light show.
Beyond the romantic atmosphere, Namsan Tower at night provides visitors with many other exciting experiences. The area is filled with numerous eateries, souvenir shops, and entertainment activities such as movies and music performances.
Day 3: Explore Everland Theme Park
With its 'gigantic' size, you'll undoubtedly need an entire day to explore every nook and cranny of this amusement park. If you're an avid thrill-seeker, you might even consider spending two days here. However, since the enchanting Jeju Island awaits in the remaining days, limit your playtime here to a single day, focusing on your favorite rides and attractions!
Everland Theme Park is divided into various zones, each featuring unique entertainment and experiential attractions. Here are the main zones of Everland Korea and the highlights of each area:
- Global Fair: This area boasts the most diverse and exciting array of entertainment, including thrilling rides, racing games, children's activities, and a variety of light refreshments. A standout is the Tornado, a popular sports motion ride with powerful drives.
- Zoo-Topia: Experience different animal species in simulated environments. Engage in activities such as feeding animals, watching animal performances, and learning more about various species.
- European Adventure: Designed based on European architecture, this zone offers entertainment suitable for all ages, including areas for children and fun rides like Skyline Swing, T-Express, Peter Pan, and more.
- Magic Land: Ideal for children, this zone features entertaining rides such as a Snow White palace, mermaid club, fairy-tale theater, and more.
- American Adventure: Designed with American architecture in mind, this area offers thrilling entertainment such as Angry Birds, Amazon Express, Raptor, Eagle Fortress, and more.
- Aesop's Village: Inspired by Aesop's fables, this zone offers entertaining rides for children, including a storybook garden, Aesop's maze, Aesop's pond, and more.
Day 4: Explore Jeju from Seoul
With just about a 1-hour flight from Seoul to Jeju, travel time is minimal, allowing you to maximize your exploration. After checking in and resting, consider visiting Cheonjiyeon Waterfall and Spirited Garden as your first stops in Jeju.
Cheonjiyeon Waterfall
Cheonjiyeon Waterfall is one of Jeju's most beautiful and majestic waterfalls, with three different levels, the highest reaching approximately 22 meters and a width of 12 meters. Beyond the cascading white water, visitors can enjoy the serene atmosphere with a translucent pond and colorful swimming fish. If you seek a healing spot, indulge in the fresh air amidst the palm trees, pines, and ancient oaks found here!
Enchanting Spirited Garden
Spirited Garden is a flower and fruit garden nestled in Jeju Island, South Korea. Known as one of Jeju's most beautiful destinations, it captivates with its pristine beauty and the tranquility of nature.
The flower and fruit garden at Spirited Garden showcase rare and exquisite plant species, including roses, orchids, and various fruit trees such as lychee, plum, apple, orange, lemon, and more. Notably, the Spirited Tea Tree, an icon of this garden, is meticulously cultivated for optimum health and productivity.
Additionally, Spirited Garden features a small sunbathing and relaxation area where visitors can immerse in the beauty of the natural landscape.
Day 5: Explore Jeju Folk Village - Shop in Seogwipo - Return to Seoul
Jeju Folk Village
Explore the unique and vibrant architecture at Jeju Folk Village, where traditional Jeju houses are constructed with stone, bricks, and tiled roofs, forming a captivating tapestry of culture and history on the island. Additionally, immerse yourself in the charm of handcraft art shops, indulge in specialty shopping, and adorn yourself in the traditional attire of this island.
Apart from its distinctive architecture, Jeju Folk Village offers a range of entertainment and cultural experiences, including traditional Jeju games, baking classes, and horseback riding for adventurous travelers. Furthermore, delve into the island's history and culture at the Jeju History and Culture Museum to gain deeper insights into the local people's history, culture, and traditions.
Seogwipo Town
Seogwipo's Old Town is a fascinating destination for culture and history enthusiasts. Preserving traditional houses of Jeju islanders, the area hosts handicraft shops and specialty stores. Seogwipo is also a haven for savoring local delicacies, featuring seafood delights like salmon, shrimp, and scallops.
After an enchanting visit to Jeju, get ready to head back to Seoul and return to Vietnam, #teamKlook!
Seoul - Jeju 5 Days 4 Nights Travel Experience for #teamKlook
- Choose the Right Travel Season: The best seasons to visit Seoul and Jeju are spring and fall when the weather is pleasantly warm yet still cool, avoiding excessive heat. If you plan to explore Jeju in summer, be prepared for hot and humid weather.
- Book Tickets in Advance: Popular destinations like N Seoul Tower and Everland Park often sell out quickly, so book your tickets in advance to avoid queuing and save on costs.
- Utilize Tour Services: If you're unfamiliar with Korean locations and language, use tour services to help you explore the best destinations and move around effortlessly.
- Learn about Local Culture: Understanding local culture, customs, and cuisine will enhance your travel experience and prevent unintentional offense to the local people.
- Use Public Transportation: While Korea's transportation infrastructure is well-developed, public transportation like buses, subways, trains, bicycles, and self-driving rentals are convenient and reasonably priced, facilitating easy city navigation.
- Prepare Travel Documents: Ensure you have necessary travel documents like passports, ID cards, and visas (if required) before embarking on your trip.
- Pack Essential Personal Items: Don't forget to bring essential personal items such as water, sunscreen, shampoo, tissues, aloe vera, and medications to prevent illnesses and make your trip more enjoyable.
Seoul - Jeju 5 Days 4 Nights Travel Cost Reference
- Round-trip flight from Vietnam to Seoul: from 4,500,000 VND - 6,000,000 VND (depending on the time of ticket purchase)
- Round-trip flight from Seoul to Jeju: from 1,000,000 VND (depending on the time of ticket purchase)
- Visa fee: from 1,400,000 VND (if required)
- Hotel expenses: from 2,500,000 VND - 4,000,000 VND (depending on the hotel and room type)
- Cost of visiting famous attractions in Seoul and Jeju: from 1,000,000 VND - 2,000,000 VND
- Food and transportation expenses: from 2,500,000 VND
The total cost of Seoul - Jeju travel in 5 days and 4 nights can range from 12,000,000 VND - 18,000,000 VND or more, depending on your travel style. For budget-conscious travelers, choosing affordable accommodations, restaurants, and transportation, while exploring destinations independently, can help save costs. However, if you prefer luxury experiences, the expenses will be higher. Consider tour packages to save costs and enjoy your trip. Additionally, plan ahead to avoid wasting time and money.
Keep in mind that the mentioned prices are estimates and subject to change based on various factors. It's advisable to check for updated information and plan accordingly for a smooth and enjoyable journey.
Here's a 5-day, 4-night itinerary to explore Seoul and Jeju that you can consider if you're planning a trip to South Korea this year. However, the schedule can be adjusted based on your preferences and budget. Explore more Seoul travel destinations, Jeju travel spots for even more diverse options!
Wishing #teamKlook an unforgettable journey filled with captivating tourist spots, delicious local cuisines, and plenty of beautiful photos amidst the romantic landscapes of South Korea. Most importantly, don't miss out on the travel deals in Korea, the most enticing Korea tours, Solo Korea travel experiences, or check out the visa services for Korea trips to ensure a smooth journey!
Are you ready to embark on a 5-day, 4-night trip to Seoul and Jeju?
