Itinerary Summary
Arrive and check into Myeongdong. Day two is the Myeongdong beauty street and Lotte duty-free. Day three is Apgujeong and The Hyundai Seoul in Gangnam. Day four browses Hongdae's creative shops before…
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Incheon arrival and a first evening on the Myeongdong beauty street
14:00
1h
AREX express to Myeongdong and hotel check-in
Clear immigration, ride the AREX express to Seoul Station and transfer to Myeongdong by subway. Buy a T-money card at the airport, and keep your passport handy for duty-free shopping later in the trip.
📍 Incheon Airport to Myeongdong
17:30
1.5h
Myeongdong beauty street first look
Walk the main beauty lane to compare sheet masks and skincare sets, then eat at a street stall. Many stores hand out samples and stay open late; carry a small bag for purchases and note prices before you commit.
📍 Myeongdong
💡 Pro Tip: Entry rules depend on your passport, so check the South Korea visa section before booking. Duty-free purchases need your passport and onward flight details, and goods are collected at the airport. Busy shopping lanes get crowded after 18:00, so keep bags zipped and carry only what you need.
Days 2-4 are member-only
Members get the complete day-by-day plan with timing, transport and on-the-ground tips.
Budget Breakdown
AccommodationUS$42035%
Myeongdong hotels, 3 nights
Food & DiningUS$24020%
BBQ, fried chicken, cafe desserts and street snacks
Remaining cost categories are member-only
Members see the full breakdown for flights, hotels, food, tickets and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does duty-free shopping work at Incheon Airport for visitors?+
Show your passport and departing flight details when buying at Lotte and other duty-free stores. Items are either collected at an airport pick-up desk after security or delivered to your gate; keep receipts and arrive early, since claim counters close before departure.
How much should I budget for a 4-day shopping trip to Seoul?+
This itinerary is planned around roughly $900-1,500 per person excluding international flights, covering a mid-range hotel in Myeongdong, meals and transport. Shopping is extra, so set a separate beauty and fashion budget, and remember duty-free limits on what you can bring home.
When are the best sales for beauty shopping in Seoul?+
January to February and July to August bring the biggest duty-free and department-store promotions, which is why this plan is timed then. Korea also runs major sale events in these periods. Weekday mornings at Lotte duty-free are calmer than weekends.
Can I claim a tax refund on purchases in Seoul shops?+
Yes. Many stores offer tax refunds on purchases above a minimum spend; ask for a refund form and show your passport at the till. Claim at the airport refund counter or self-service kiosk before check-in, and allow extra time. Rules and minimums depend on the shop.
Attractions in This Guide
Guide at a Glance
- Duration: 4 days
- Budget: Shopping · approx. $900–1,500 (≈ €780–1,300), excl. int'l flights
- Difficulty: easy
- Best for: Shopping
Budget Spreadsheet
Download the customizable budget template for this itinerary.
Unlock Budget DownloadPrint / Save as PDF
Open a print-ready version, then choose Save as PDF in the print dialog.
Unlock Print / PDFYou May Also Like
- Korea Food Trail: Seoul to Jeonju in 4 DaysSouth Korea · 4 days · Foodie · approx. $750–1,120 (≈ €650–980), excl. int'l flights
- Seoul Family Trip: Lotte World, Everland & N Tower in 4 DaysSouth Korea · 4 days · Family · approx. $750–1,120 (≈ €650–980), excl. int'l flights
- Seoul Palaces & History in 3 DaysSouth Korea · 3 days · Comfort · approx. $520–750 (≈ €460–650), excl. int'l flights