Trip Overview
Seoul is one of those cities that rewards repeat visits. Every time you go back, you find a new neighbourhood, a new alley, a new stall that makes you rethink what you thought you knew about Korean food.
This itinerary is built for Singaporeans. The distances, the budget, the pace. It accounts for the fact that you are coming from a tropical country and Korean winters hit differently.
Day 1: Arrival + Myeongdong
Land at Incheon, take the AREX to Seoul Station (43 minutes, 9,500 won). Drop your bags at the hotel and walk to Myeongdong for dinner. The neighbourhood is touristy but the street food is legitimately good, especially the egg bread and hotteok stalls near the main strip.
Day 2: Jongno + Bukchon + Insadong
Start early at Gwangjang Market for bindaetteok (mung bean pancake) and mayak gimbap. Then walk through Bukchon Hanok Village. The alleys are narrow, the rooftops are curved, and if you time it right the morning light is incredible.
The trick with Bukchon is going before 9am. After that it becomes a selfie queue.
Day 3: Hongdae + Mapo-gu
Hongdae is where the energy is. Start at a cafe (there are 400+ in this neighbourhood alone), then walk through the free market near the university entrance. Lunch at any of the Korean BBQ joints along the main drag.
Practical Tips
Day 4: Itaewon + Yongsan
Itaewon has changed a lot in the past few years. The international food scene is strong but the real gems are the Korean-fusion spots that locals go to. Walk through Haebangchon (the hill behind Itaewon station) for vintage shops and craft coffee.
Day 5: Day Trip to Nami Island or DMZ
If it is your first time, do the DMZ. The JSA tour is one of the most surreal experiences you can have. Book through Klook at least a week in advance. If you have been before, take the train to Chuncheon and ferry to Nami Island. Especially beautiful in autumn.