Suggested Itinerary with Meals and Breaks:

  1. Gyeongbokgung Palace
    • Time: 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
    • Highlight: Changing of the Guard Ceremony at 10:00 AM
    • Public Transport: Take Subway Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit 5.
  2. Cafe Break: Cafe Bora
    • Time: 10:30 AM - 10:45 AM
    • Location: Near Gyeongbokgung Palace
    • Highlight: Famous for its sweet potato desserts and coffee.
    • Address: 74-7 Yulgok-ro 3-gil, Sogyeok-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul.
  3. Bukchon Hanok Village
    • Time: 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
    • Activity: Stroll through the traditional Korean houses.
    • Public Transport: 15-minute walk from Gyeongbokgung Palace.
  4. Changdeokgung Palace and Huwon (Secret Garden)
    • Time: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
    • Highlight: Secret Garden tour (make sure to book in advance if required)
    • Public Transport: 10-minute walk from Bukchon Hanok Village.
  5. Lunch: Tosokchon Samgyetang
    • Time: 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
    • Location: Near Gyeongbokgung Palace (return trip from Changdeokgung)
    • Highlight: Famous for its traditional ginseng chicken soup (samgyetang).
    • Address: 5 Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Chebu-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul.
  6. Insadong
    • Time: 2:45 PM - 3:30 PM
    • Activity: Explore traditional tea houses, art galleries, and antique shops.
    • Public Transport: 10-minute walk from Tosokchon Samgyetang.
  7. Myeongdong Shopping Street
    • Time: 3:45 PM - 5:15 PM
    • Activity: Shop and try street food.
    • Public Transport: Take Subway Line 3 from Anguk Station to Euljiro 1-ga Station, Exit 5.
  8. Cafe Break: O’Sulloc Tea House
    • Time: 5:15 PM - 5:30 PM
    • Location: Myeongdong
    • Highlight: Offers a variety of teas and green tea-based desserts.
    • Address: 12 Myeongdong 7-gil, Myeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul.
  9. N Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower)
    • Time: 5:45 PM - 7:15 PM
    • Activity: Take the cable car for panoramic views and enjoy the observation decks.
    • Public Transport: Take a short bus ride or cable car from Myeongdong (Exit 3, walk towards the Namsan Cable Car station).
  10. Dinner: N Grill (at N Seoul Tower)
    • Time: 7:15 PM - 8:30 PM
    • Location: N Seoul Tower
    • Highlight: A fine dining restaurant with a rotating view of the city.
    • Reservation: Recommended due to popularity.
  11. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
    • Time: 8:45 PM - 10:00 PM
    • Activity: Explore the futuristic design, exhibitions, and night market.
    • Public Transport: Take Subway Line 4 from Myeongdong Station to Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station, Exit 1.

Timing and Transport Summary:

Tips:

This itinerary includes cultural experiences, shopping, panoramic views, and traditional Korean cuisine, providing a well-rounded day in Seoul.