Seoul has long been one of my dream destinations for a free and easy getaway. However, the trip kept getting postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It wasn’t until a casual dinner with friends that the topic of travel came up, and someone mentioned wanting to visit Korea. In that spontaneous moment, we decided to book our tickets on the spot—just like that, our 4 days in Seoul adventure was born.
Although the primary goal of this trip was to do some aesthetic treatments, we still managed to explore many iconic spots, enjoy delicious food, and fully experience the charm of Seoul. In this post, I’ll be sharing my itinerary and expenses for our October 2024 Seoul trip—hopefully it’ll be helpful for your own travel plans!
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4 Days Free & Easy Seoul Itinerary Overview
Day 1
Arrive at Incheon Airport → Take AREX Express to Seoul Station → Stroll past Seoul Skygarden to Sungnyemun Gate → Lunch at Namdaemun Market → Check-in at Fresta Inn → Dinner at Uda-ri-ga Soy Sauce Crab → Explore Myeongdong Night Market
Day 2
Hanbok experience at Gyeongbokgung Palace → Street food and shopping in Seongsu-dong → Sticker photo booth → Knife-cut noodles at Jojo → Return to Myeongdong for more night market fun
Day 3
Abalone porridge at Seowon → Facial treatment at a skincare clinic → Ginseng chicken soup → Explore Myeongdong Night Market
Day 4
Breakfast at Sinseon Seolleongtang → Take subway + AREX back to the airport → Fly home
4 Days in Seoul Itinerary in Detail
[Day 1] Arrival in Seoul — Sungnyemun Gate & Namdaemun Market
I had absolutely no fixed plan for the first day. After arriving at Incheon Airport, I decided to explore spontaneously using Google Maps and stumbled upon some unexpected surprises!
A Fun Surprise: Free Art Exhibits at the Airport
I arrived around noon, cleared immigration smoothly, and was headed for the AREX train when two free exhibitions inside the station caught my attention.
The first one was “VIVI SPACE,” an immersive creative exhibit blending interactive installations with digital visual art.
There was even a kids’ zone where you could scan your own hand-drawn buildings and see them transformed into 3D animations projected on the wall. It felt like walking into your own creation—super fun.
Just as I was about to hop on the AREX, I also discovered a pop-up booth by the famous caricature brand “Acorn Caricature.” They were offering free portraits. Since we had time before the next train, I joined the short queue.
The artist improvised based on my facial features, and the result turned out cuter than I imagined!
Taking the AREX from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station
After the exhibitions, I picked up our Wowpass from the station kiosk and boarded the AREX Express to Seoul Station.
Compared to Japan’s express trains, the AREX is much cheaper but just as fast and frequent. I booked my tickets on Klook, which gave me a great deal.
Where to Book Online
✔️Trip.com AREX One-way Ticket
✔️KKday AREX One-way Ticket
✔️Klook AREX Voucher
First time using Klook? Use promo code “SP9YHJ” for a discount! [Click here to book on Klook]
Bonus Tip: Get a Wowpass Transportation Card
Wowpass is Korea’s version of Taiwan’s EasyCard or Japan’s Suica. You can use it for public transport and shopping, and it’s super handy. What’s even better is that you can recharge it with a credit card and earn cashback. I recommend bringing half your spending money in cash, and topping up the rest on Wowpass.
Make sure to pre-order your card online and pick it up from a designated kiosk. You can then recharge it either at the kiosk with cash or via their mobile app.
(Use my referral code HRD9AV7C for an extra 0.5% cashback on foreign currency top-ups!)
WOWPASS Online Reservation
✔️Klook: Pick up from local machines
✔️KKday: Pick up from local machines
Tip: If it’s your first time using Klook, enter the promo code “SP9YHJ” to get a discount!
Related Articles:
✔️ [My AREX Airport Line Review]
A Happy Accident: Seoul Skygarden “Seoullo 7017”
Originally, I planned to take the subway from Seoul Station to Myeongdong, but after checking the map, I noticed the two weren’t that far apart. Since I was only pulling a small carry-on, I decided to walk.
While walking, I stumbled across the elevated walkway called Seoullo 7017（서울로7017）, which was unexpectedly charming. The path was lined with lush plants and decorative flower beds, offering a bird’s-eye view of Seoul Station. Strolling above the city bustle felt like discovering a peaceful oasis nestled among the skyscrapers.
A Lucky Encounter: The Changing of the Guard at Sungnyemun
As I walked along our route, I passed by one of Korea’s National Treasures—Sungnyemun Gate (also known as Namdaemun). This historic gate stands in the heart of Seoul, just a short distance from Seoul Station.
At first, I thought it was just another historic site, similar to other city gates or temples. But suddenly, the sound of vibrant music—reminiscent of a festive parade—drifted in from a distance. As I approached, I found a crowd of guards dressed in traditional uniforms, standing before the gate while tourists gathered around to watch. The scene was unexpectedly ceremonial.
After looking it up online, I realized it was the Sungnyemun Guard Ceremony (숭례문 파수의식), a traditional performance with deep historical significance. If I hadn’t passed by at that exact time, I might have missed this rare and fascinating cultural experience!
Tasting Grandma Han’s Handmade Knife-Cut Noodles at Namdaemun Market
Not long after, we arrived at Namdaemun Market, one of the most iconic traditional markets in Seoul. By then, I was starting to feel hungry—after all, I hadn’t eaten anything since landing. So I went straight for one of the market’s most famous eateries: Grandma Han’s Handmade Knife-Cut Noodles (한순자손칼국수집).
The handmade noodles were delightfully chewy, although the broth was lighter than I expected. But the portion size was huge, and they were generous with the kimchi as well. It was way too much for one person! I even overheard a nearby group (also Taiwanese) joking about whether I could finish it all by myself.
Exploring Namdaemun Market & Sampling Korean Hotteok
After the noodle feast, I continued exploring Namdaemun Market. The variety of street food was dazzling—every food stall looked delicious, and I found myself wanting to try them all.
Eventually, I gave in and bought a Hotteok (호떡), a beloved Korean street snack. These stuffed pancakes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. There were multiple flavors available, but I went with the vegetable and cheese version, and it was absolutely delicious!
Checking in at Our Myeongdong Hotel
After satisfying my hunger, I walked over to our hotel in Myeongdong to check in, take a short rest, and wait for my travel buddy, Mayoi, to arrive.
We chose the Sotetsu Fresa Inn, a Japanese chain hotel, because accommodations in Myeongdong are generally pricey. This hotel was not only reasonably priced, but also conveniently located right on the Myeongdong night market street, making it the perfect choice for us.
Trying Korea’s Famous Soy Sauce Marinated Crab at Odarijip
That evening, after meeting up with Mayoi, we headed to her must-visit Korean restaurant—Odarijip (오다리집). This place serves a wide variety of classic Korean dishes, but its signature item is undoubtedly Ganjang Gejang (간장게장), or soy sauce marinated raw crab.
To be honest, I’m usually not a fan of raw seafood, so I had never tried this kind of marinated crab before. But when traveling, I believe it’s important to step outside your culinary comfort zone. So, I mustered up some courage and gave it a try. While the texture was still a bit unfamiliar to me, I was proud of myself for tasting something so uniquely Korean—and it turned out to be a memorable food adventure!
Strolling Through the Bustling Myeongdong Night Market
After dinner, we wandered around the lively Myeongdong Night Market, and it certainly lived up to its reputation. From Korean fried chicken to spicy tteokbokki and fish cake skewers, the sheer variety of food made it hard to choose. Although different from Taiwanese night markets, the vibrant atmosphere, endless rows of food stalls, and throngs of excited visitors made me feel right at home.
Among all the treats, my personal favorite was the chocolate croissant taiyaki. Compared to traditional Japanese taiyaki, this version had a flakier, crispier pastry shell, with buttery layers and a rich chocolate filling inside. I really wanted to get a second one—but I held back so I could leave room for more night market snacks!
【Day 2】 Hanbok Experience at Gyeongbokgung & Exploring Seongsu-dong
Bus Ride to Gyeongbokgung for a Hanbok Experience
On the morning of our second day, we took a bus to the Gyeongbokgung area and rented hanbok at a shop called Palace Fox. They offer a wide selection of gorgeous traditional dresses and allow you to freely choose matching accessories like mini handbags.
They also offer professional hairstyling services on-site, which you can choose to add on. We waited a bit for our turn, but it was worth it—styling really completes the hanbok look!
The whole process took nearly an hour, but the moment I saw myself dressed in full hanbok in the mirror, I felt it was completely worth it. A long-time wish of mine—to stroll through Gyeongbokgung in hanbok—was finally fulfilled.
Hanbok Experience
We booked the 4.5-hour Fashion Hanbok plan at Gungnyeo Fox: Approx. $15.37 USD
✔️Check it on KKday
What’s interesting is that almost everyone visiting the palace was also dressed in hanbok. It truly felt like we had slipped back in time to historical Korea.
Hanbok Experience
We booked the 4.5-hour Fashion Hanbok plan at Gungnyeo Fox: Approx. $15.37 USD
✔️Check it on KKday
A Heartwarming Moment
Before boarding the bus from Myeongdong, my travel buddy realized her Wowpass was out of balance, and the bus only accepted cash. Just as we were panicking, an elderly Korean woman behind us offered to pay our fare. We were deeply moved by her warmth—it was one of those little moments that makes travel so memorable.
Strolling & Sticker Photos in Seongsu-dong
In the afternoon, we took the subway to Seongsu-dong (성수), a neighborhood that reminded us of Tokyo’s Omotesando.
Both sides of the street were lined with chic boutiques—perfumes, fashion, handmade goods, and more.
We couldn’t resist trying the viral bear-shaped bread, served with whipped cream and honey. It was sweet but not overwhelming—surprisingly delicious!
This area is also known for its trendy photo booths. We initially wanted to try the most popular one with a fish tank background, but the queue was massive. So instead, we went with the elevator-themed booth—still a fun and cute memento of our trip.
Dinner: Clam Knife-Cut Noodles at Jojo Kalguksu
For dinner, we headed to the popular Jojo Kalguksu (조조칼국수) near Seongsu Station. We ordered their signature clam soup, knife-cut noodles, and a side of Korean pancake. The amount of clams they gave us was incredibly generous—we couldn’t even finish the meal!
Back to Myeongdong for Beauty Shopping
We took the subway back to Myeongdong and spent the rest of the evening shopping for skincare and beauty products at local drugstores. The prices for sheet masks and cosmetics were fantastic—we ended up hauling a full bag home!
【Day 3】 Abalone Porridge & Skincare Treatment
Our third day was centered around aesthetic skincare, which was the main reason for this trip to Seoul. We didn’t undergo any major cosmetic procedures—just facial care—so if you’re someone who regularly gets facials, you might find this section useful.
Seowon Abalone Porridge: A Nutritious Breakfast
Before heading to the skincare clinic, we stopped around 10 AM for breakfast at the highly acclaimed Seowon Abalone Porridge.
This porridge shop has been featured in Japanese travel magazines, and true enough, a long line had already formed outside when we arrived.
Although the prices were on the higher side, it was absolutely worth it. The taste and quality lived up to the hype.
Related Article
✔️[Seowon Abalone Porridge — Myeongdong’s Popular Porridge Spot]
Skincare Clinic Experience: Professional Facial Treatment
After breakfast, we headed to the YOU&I skincare clinic, carefully selected by my travel buddy Mayoi.
The clinic has staff who speak both Chinese and Japanese, which made communication effortless—it didn’t even feel like we were in Korea!
Upon arrival, the staff performed a detailed skin analysis using a high-tech device, then recommended suitable treatments based on the results.
To my surprise, my skin age was rated at 36—totally shocking!
Based on the consultation and my skin condition, I decided to go with the Rejuran Red (the “red box” version of the skin booster, as the black box sounded too intense), along with a Hydrafacial. Compared to prices in Japan or Taiwan, these treatments were much more affordable—truly great value for money.
The entire process—from consultation to treatment—took about 4 hours. Afterward, the clinic even recommended a specific pharmacy where we could buy post-treatment skincare medications. They gave us a prescription slip, making it easy to purchase what we needed.
Overall, aesthetic treatments in Korea are highly professional and reasonably priced, though the whole process is quite standardized—it felt a bit like an assembly line. That said, the results speak for themselves: about two days after the Rejuran injection, my skin looked almost completely healed.
I may write a full blog post on this experience later. If you’re curious or considering a similar treatment, feel free to leave a comment or DM Tsubaki on Instagram for more details!
Dinner: Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup)
After finishing our skincare and picking up the medicine, I was still quite red from the treatment, so we decided to take it easy and have dinner near Myeongdong.
Fun fact: it’s totally normal to see people with bandaged heads or gauze on their faces walking around Myeongdong—it’s a hotspot for cosmetic procedures, so no one bats an eye. If you’re planning to get aesthetic treatments in Korea, there’s absolutely no need to feel self-conscious.
We had originally planned to try a restaurant famous for pork bone and potato stew, but it was fully booked. Instead, we found another well-rated spot nearby that served Samgyetang.
Along with the soup, we ordered a side platter that included Korean blood sausage (sundae). The texture reminded me of Taiwanese rice cakes or sticky rice sausages, so it wasn’t unfamiliar to me—but I imagine this dish could be a bit challenging for visitors from Western countries.
After dinner, we returned to the Myeongdong Night Market for one last round of street food adventures.
【Day 4】 Sinseon Seolleongtang & Heading Home
The final day of our trip was relaxed, as our flight was scheduled around noon, meaning we had to head to Incheon Airport early in the morning. But just before that, we had the chance to meet our mutual friend Elsa, who had just returned to Korea from Taiwan. We managed to enjoy a lovely farewell breakfast together—a perfect wrap-up to the trip.
Farewell Breakfast: Sinseon Seolleongtang
Our breakfast spot was Sinseon Seolleongtang, highly recommended by Elsa, who had been living in Korea short-term to study Korean.
This restaurant is famous for its rich yet non-greasy ox bone broth. While it may taste a bit mild for those used to stronger flavors, I really enjoyed it—perhaps because it felt healthy and guilt-free (lol).
Spending this last morning with friends over warm soup was a perfect way to close out the journey.
Related Article
✔️[Sinseon Seolleongtang — Nourishing Ox Bone Broth You’ll Love]
Heading Back to Incheon Airport
After breakfast, we returned to the hotel to pack up, then took the subway to Seoul Station, where we transferred to the AREX Airport Express Line bound for Incheon Airport.
Fortunately, we had registered for Korea’s Smart Pass facial recognition system ahead of time, so we skipped the long lines and breezed through security. I highly recommend anyone traveling to Korea to take a few minutes to register—it will save you tons of time at the airport.
4-Day Trip to Seoul — Personal Expenses Breakdown
The following expenses are rough estimates based on the October 2024 exchange rate.
・Transportation (local subway, bus, etc.) About ₩28,000 → USD $20.00
・Myeongdong hotel (3 nights) → USD $220.00
・Food & drinks (went all out!) About ₩181,000 → USD $127.00
・Photo booth + Hanbok experience About ₩43,000 → USD $31.00
・Shopping (personal purchases) About ₩265,000 → USD $186.00
・Aesthetic facial treatment (Rejuran) About ₩1,000,000 → USD $713.00 (after tax refund)
・Flight (Tokyo – Seoul round trip) → USD $239.00
(Note: Flight prices may vary depending on season. Be sure to check current rates when planning!)
Total (excluding flight, shopping, and aesthetic treatments) → ~USD $558.00
Spending Breakdown
Food made up about 23% of my total spending.
This trip was a treat-yourself moment—I indulged in just about every street snack I laid eyes on. If you’re on a tighter budget, this is definitely an area where you can scale back.
Transportation and entertainment combined made up about 10%.
Compared to my usual solo trips, where this category tends to take up 20–30%, this trip was relatively inexpensive. Korea’s public transit is much more affordable than Japan’s, and because our itinerary was quite focused around Seoul Station and Myeongdong, we didn’t need to travel long distances.
Accommodation took up about 40% of my budget.
We chose a hotel right along the Myeongdong Night Market. Although the price was on the higher side, the location was unbeatable—it was convenient for both transit and nighttime shopping. If you’re looking to save, consider hostels or Airbnbs. But from my research, the price difference wasn’t significant, so we opted for a more comfortable and convenient option.
This first-time trip to Seoul was filled with unexpected discoveries and exciting new experiences—from spontaneous city explorations to aesthetic treatments. Each day brought something memorable. I’m already looking forward to my next visit and the chance to explore even more hidden gems!
Hope this itinerary and expense breakdown helps with your planning—and may your Seoul adventure be unforgettable!
📌Korea Travel Planning
[4 days itinerary] 4 Days in Seoul Easy Trip itinerary
[Airport Transportation] Getting from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station: AREX Express Guide
[Essential Transportation] Must-Have WOWPASS Transit Card for Korea
[Korea eSIM] Unlimited data eSIM on KKday｜Various flexible eSIM options on Klook
🍜Seoul Food Recommendations
[Traditional Abalone Porridge] Myeongdong Classic: Seowon Abalone Porridge
[Seolleongtang] A Must-Eat in Seoul: Sinseon Seolleongtang
Notice for this article:
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