@CalebSeah

I'll summarize the 7-day itinerary based on the transcript, following the order of attractions mentioned and providing detailed descriptions for each day.

Day 1: Northern Seoul History Tour Part 1

1. Gwanghwamun Square
   - Important landmark dating back over 600 years
   - Features statues of King Sejong (creator of Korean alphabet) and Admiral Yi Sun-sin (famous for naval victories)
   - Surrounded by embassies and Ministry of Foreign Affairs

2. Gyeongbokgung Palace
   - Main palace of Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897)
   - Largest of five grand palaces
   - Features traditional Korean architecture (Kiwa roofs, Dancheong designs)
   - Palace guard ceremonies available to watch
   - Peaceful and tranquil on weekdays

3. Bukchon Hanok Village
   - 600-year-old village with traditional Korean houses (hanoks)
   - Popular spot for photos, especially in hanbok (traditional Korean clothing)
   - Small gift shops in alleyways selling traditional souvenirs

4. Jogyesa Temple
   - Center of Korean Buddhism
   - Built in 14th century
   - Features three golden Buddha statues
   - Peaceful atmosphere in the middle of the city
   - 450-year-old pine tree in the courtyard
   - Gift shop selling Buddhist goods

5. Cheonggyecheon Stream
   - 11km stream across downtown Seoul
   - Restored in 2005 as part of urban renewal project
   - Peaceful spot below busy streets, good for relaxing and people-watching

6. Sewoon Plaza
   - Old electronics shopping arcade
   - Retro vibe with old gadgets (karaoke machines, radios, cameras)
   - Second-floor walkway with views of hardware alleyways

7. Gwangjang Market
   - One of the oldest and largest traditional markets in South Korea
   - Over 5,000 shops and 20,000 employees
   - Famous for food stalls, especially bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes)
   - Offers traditional market atmosphere

8. Euljiro Nogari Alley (optional evening activity)
   - Popular for dried young pollack and beer
   - Unique atmosphere for nightlife
   - Good place to experience Seoul's office worker culture

Day 2: Northern Seoul History Tour Part 2

1. Insadong
   - Traditional shopping area with galleries, cafes, and restaurants
   - Insadong Culture Street with branching alleyways
   - Best area for traditional Korean tea houses
   - Ssamziegil shopping plaza for specialized goods
   - Great for traditional Korean souvenirs and fine art

2. Changdeokgung Palace
   - UNESCO World Heritage site
   - Built in 1405, used as royal residence until 1989
   - Features 13 buildings and 28 pavilions
   - Secret Garden available for guided tours (additional fee)

3. Jongmyo Shrine (optional, under repair until April 2025)
   - UNESCO World Heritage site
   - Built in 1394 for royal ancestral rites
   - Features one of the longest buildings of its time

4. Dongdaemun Gate (Heunginjimun)
   - Major Eastern Gate from Joseon Dynasty
   - Built in 1398
   - Surrounded by department stores and Pyounghwa Fashion Town

5. Dongdaemun Design Plaza
   - Futuristic landmark completed in 2013
   - Hosts Seoul Fashion Week
   - Features galleries, gift shops, and restaurants
   - Beautiful nighttime illumination

6. Ikseon-dong
   - Area with traditional hanok houses
   - Many restaurants and cafes in renovated hanoks
   - Popular for both locals and tourists

Day 3: Relaxing Day at Yeouido

1. Hongdae area (morning visit)
   - Center of independent youth and art culture
   - Many restaurants, gift shops, and street vendors

2. Yeouido
   - Man-made business district island, former airport
   - Large department stores (Hyundai Department Store, IFC Mall)
   - Han River Park for biking and relaxation
   - Picnic and sunset views at Yeouido Han River Park
   - Optional: Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain show at night

Day 4: Central Seoul

1. Seoul Plaza and City Hall
   - Central area with occasional events
   - Ice skating rink in winter

2. Deoksugung Palace
   - One of the five grand palaces
   - Mixture of traditional and modern Seoul architecture
   - Contemporary art museums inside

3. Sungnyemun Gate (Namdaemun)
   - One of the eight gates of Seoul's fortress wall
   - Oldest wooden structure in Seoul (reconstructed after 2008 fire)

4. Seoul Station
   - Major transportation hub
   - Old Seoul Station building now used as a cultural complex

5. Seoullo 7017
   - Elevated walkway converted from an old overpass
   - Great views of Seoul's busiest intersection

6. Namdaemun Market
   - One of the largest traditional markets in Korea
   - Sells a wide variety of goods
   - Great for exploring and trying street food

7. Namsan Mountain and N Seoul Tower
   - Cable car or hiking options available
   - 360-degree views of Seoul
   - Love locks area
   - Various viewpoints and sunset views

8. Myeongdong
   - Famous tourist and shopping area
   - Many stores selling clothing, cosmetics, and K-pop souvenirs
   - Lively street food market at night

Day 5: Modern Seoul in Gangnam

1. COEX Mall or Lotte World Mall
   - Massive shopping centers
   - Starfield Library in COEX (over 70,000 books)
   - Lotte World Tower observatory (Seoul Sky) on 118th floor

2. Bongeunsa Temple
   - Buddhist temple from 794
   - Peaceful atmosphere in modern Gangnam area
   - Large Buddha statue and natural surroundings

3. Gangnam Station area
   - Center of Gangnam district
   - Trendy shops and restaurants
   - Good place to experience current Korean trends

4. Sinsa-dong and Apgujeong Rodeo
   - Luxury brands and upscale shopping area
   - High-end cafes and restaurants
   - Center of plastic surgery in Korea

Day 6: Eastern Seoul

1. Seoul Forest
   - Large park, feels like getting out of the city
   - Bike rental available
   - Various playgrounds, gardens, and even deer
   - Good for picnics and relaxation

2. Seongsu-dong
   - Hipster area with converted industrial buildings
   - Many cafes, stores, and restaurants
   - Popular for Instagram photos
   - Blend of old and new atmospheres

3. Ttukseom Resort
   - Popular Han River park in eastern Seoul
   - Great for sunset views and outdoor dining
   - Good views of Lotte World Tower

4. Konkuk University Station area (optional nightlife)
   - Popular with university students
   - Many bars, arcade games, and shooting galleries

Day 7: Western Seoul

1. Morning options:
   a. Hike Inwangsan Mountain
      - 340m elevation, 2-3 hour hike
      - Stunning views of Seoul
   b. Explore Itaewon (international district)
      - Variety of international restaurants and shops
   c. Visit Yeonnam-dong
      - Trendy area with cafes and narrow alleyways
   d. Check out Sinchon
      - University area (Yonsei and Ewha Womans University)
      - Cheap restaurants and occasional events

2. Mangwon Market
   - Traditional market with affordable produce
   - Popular street food stalls
   - Caters to young demographic

3. Mangwon Han River Park
   - Relaxing area by the river
   - Good for picnics with market snacks

4. Hongdae (evening)
   - Center of independent arts and music scene
   - Many restaurants, cafes, clothing stores, and gift shops
   - Arcades and photo booths
   - Vibrant nightlife with bars and clubs
   - Perfect place to end the trip

This itinerary provides a comprehensive tour of Seoul, covering historical sites, modern attractions, local markets, and popular districts, suitable for first-time visitors to the city.

@lovesbeautiful1004

My husband came across this video while planning our next visit to Seoul.  We have been back many times but wanting to know what is new, our search brought us to this channel.  This is the best video we have watched when planning a trip to Seoul!  The insight and knowledge of the areas, their history, backgrounds, tips only locals know, and all the additional information you would give to a friend visiting this amazing city are all here.  This is an outstanding guide to the city you would only get after reading many guide books, and watching many videos.  The visual of the areas and subway maps are very helpful.  Wow.  I think Seoul Tourism should work with you.  Thank you so much~!

@ICDeadPeeps

This video easily surpasses most travel guide videos made with much higher production budgets. Amazing work, video footage, overall attention to detail and documentation of links provided in the description. I've been to Seoul many times before, but even I found some things I've overlooked in my prior travels. 

I've said this before and I'll say it again, the Korea Tourism Organization should sponsor this channel πŸ‘

@cloudyda10

I'm Korean, and I think this video guide is perfect for tourist. Just follow this guide, you'll never regret.

@jyay4397

I'm Korean and you know so well where to go in Seoul

@κΉ€λ―Έκ²½-f8f2h

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@kimcristina

Just came back from two weeks in Seoul and Busan. My family used a lot of what was in this video! Wanted to say thank you!

@ciaociaopark

This is by far the best video for a person who wants to travel Seoul, Korea. Full of Info and very succinct as well. Seoulite approved:))

@ahmetatalay

I've been planning a 1 month trip to seoul, taipei and japan, watched dozens of travel guides but this is by far the best I've ever seen. Simple, thoughtful and with dozens of instructions. Thank you for all the time and effort you put into this.

@reiearth2024

Wow this is the best Seoul travel itinerary i ever watch. I’m a foreigner working here in Korea from hwaseong and this is very good walking tour.

@PaulVoorberg

08:23 - Euljiro Nogari Alley
09:13 - Insadong alleys with restaurants
14:07 - Dongdaemun design plaza at night
14:47 - Ikseon-dong

@oliboli.1899

I lived in Korea for 6 months and am now going back for the first time since, this video really helped me plan my trip and enabled me to show my loved ones every facet of Seoul. Thank you so much!

@shamsa971

Ive been to Seoul twice and this a perfect summary of the best places to go. This will save people hours of research

@marcomorales920

You really were made for this. Your videos make me feel like I have visited Korea.

@Runjinrun2

This is a fantastic guide for anyone, not just a first time traveler. It’s a little ambitious but is an excellent framework for folks that want to really experience the city. Seriously, if you are headed to Seoul….this channel has some of the very best advice on YouTube.

@Fausto.Realtor.Houston

You are trully amazing! Soo much detailed. You are great and bright!

@Jediact

This is so much better than any other videos I have seen on this topic in YT. I especially appreciate the thoughtful components such as maps, historical context and correct pronunciation of Korean names for places.

@λ‚¨ν˜„μ£Ό-m1k

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@marlenereiss4316

This is extremely helpful to send to friends asking where to go. Especially with all the maps

@ojotut

I lived and worked in Seoul for 11 years, and I think this video is a fantastic guide!  It certainly hits the most important highlights of the city and a lot more.  It covers some things I didn't even know about!  Of course, Seoul is so big that there are many things that you can see and do that aren't mentioned here, depending on your interest or taste, but if you do even 75% of these recommendations, you will have a very good feel for Seoul and its version of Korean culture today.  

One suggestion (which might already be covered in another video?) is to offer some tips and strategies for people who have dietary restrictions (vegetarians and vegans).  Seoul is swimming in great places to eat if you can eat anything, but if you don't eat meat or seafood, it can be very frustrating to have a whole street full of restaurants but realize there is nothing that you can eat at any of them!