WANDER WITHIN A DAY
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Seoul, Korea

This picture was taken from the observation deck at the N Seoul Tower.
Updated June 2024.

The Soul of Asia

The capital of the Republic of Korea (ROK), although officially known as South Korea, it is the most populated urban area in South Korea and is the 4th largest metropolitan economy.

Baekje was the first kingdom to rule Seoul, before Seoul was officially the capital during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) with a fortress wall surrounding it.
 
Its name stems from a common noun in native Korean seoul (서울) which means “capital city”, even though during the Joseon dynasty, the official name was Hanseong (한성). French missionaries, hearing the common use of seoul, called it Séoul, which led to its current naming. 

Its nicknames are wide and plenty. The most common one refers to the fact that it is the birthplace of K-pop, Korean cuisine, and traditional Korean arts and crafts while also influencing fashion and technology, while playing on its homophone of “soul”. Another favorite of mine is the Bandwidth Capital of the World, as it has some of the fastest internet speeds.
Tips
1-Day Plan
North of Han River
South of Han River
Food

Overview

Seoul is a massive city with delicious food and sightseeing. As such, I’ve provided a rudimentary itinerary, but would recommend you spend at least 3 days to see it all and take time to wander the malls and neighborhoods.
  • 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM: Royal Palaces - former palaces rebuilt post-Japanese invasion​
    • ​Visit 2 or 3 of the 5
      • ​Changdeokgung: Known for its secret gardens
      • Gyeongbokgung: Grandest palace
      • Changyeonggung: Palace for dowager queens
      • Gyeonghuigung: Smallest palace
      • Deoksugung: Most modern palace
  • 12:30 - 1:30 PM: Lunch
  • 2:00 - 4:30 PM: Insadong - historic neighborhood
  • 5:00 - 6:30 PM: Namsam and N Seoul Tower - hill and observation deck
  • 7:00 - 9:00 PM: Banpo Hangang Park - culture complex and bridge fountain show
  • 9:00 - 11:00 PM: Street Markets - filled with great food and stalls

​Click the star to add the map to your Google Maps!​ To view it, simply open Google Maps, navigate to the Menu, choose “Your Places,” click "Maps", and voila, the map should be added.
 

Tips

Getting To/From the City
From Incheon International Airport (ICN), follow signs to the Airport Railroad and ignore signs that say Maglev Train (this has been discontinued as of January 2023). The AREX Airport Railroad has two trains:
  • Express train (₩9,500) that reaches Seoul Station in 43 minutes.
  • All-stop train (₩4,150) that reaches Seoul Station in 58 minutes.
​Alternatively, one can also book different buses that will take you to the city center. These are located on the Arrivals floor.
Getting Around the City
T-Money Card
T-Money Card Vending Machines
Top-up machine
Deposit Refund Machine
Getting around Korea requires purchasing a T-Money card, a reloadable card used for the metro, buses, and taxis.
  • Terminal 1: Purchase cards for ₩5000 from vending machines (cash only)
  • Terminal 2: Buy from G25 or 7/11 Convenience Stores.
  • At stations, all top-offs will require using cash payment, but elsewhere, one can use card.
  •  If there’s any money left on the metro ticket, you can return your card at any metro ticket office at a deposit refund machine to get your money back (up to ₩20,000)
Seoul Metropolitan Subway (5:30 AM – 12:00 AM)
  • This is the main method of getting around Seoul.
  • The base fare starts at ₩1,250.
  • There are 23 different lines and make sure you know which entrance and exit you should take. These are well-marked with numbers.
  • One will need the card to tap in and tap out.
  • There are restrooms inside of subway stations!
NAVIGATION: Use CityMapper or Kakao Maps.
(KAKAO MAPS REQUIRES SOME KOREAN KNOWLEDGE)
Signs in Subway cars are in Korean and English
Waiting area
Sliding doors to interior
Entrance/Exit marked with a Number
Signage inside stations
Turnstile Kiosks
Beauty Products
Olive Young
Olive Young
Nature Republic
  • Beauty products can easily be found throughout Myeongdong as shops will be selling them late into the night. Alternatively, one can find the most common cosmetic store, Olive Young, everywhere throughout Seoul.
  • For sunscreen, I’d recommend are “The Beauty of Joseon” or “Round Lab Birch Juice”; however, I’m not well-versed enough in Korean beauty products to offer too much insight. Store workers can help direct you to beauty brand sections, but you should know what brands you're interested in buying,
  • Note that if one buys directly from the retailer, they will offer beauty bundles, so be sure to have extra room inside your suitcase for these!
Water
​
  • Tap water is safe to drink throughout the city.
  • Water is also freely provided at restaurants
  • Most parks also have drinking water fountains too!
Water Filling Station at Namsam Bus Stop
Water Fountain at N Seoul Tower
Tiered Water Fountain at Olympic Park
SIM Cards
Picture
Free Wifi Hotspot at Songpa Naru Park

There are 3 major companies that all offer great service. They all offer similar prices and it truly depends on the length of stay
  • SK Telecom: The largest provider with fastest download speeds but only has unlimited plans for 1 or 3 days.
  • KT Olleh: The recommended data provider if traveling throughout career with unlimited data plans for 1, 5, 10, 20, or 30 day plans.
  • LG U+: Considered the most tourist-friendly with the best options for longer stays.

There are many free Wifi spots throughout the city, which have surprisingly good Wifi. Spots include in the subway and in most of the parks!
Passes
There are 3 passes one can consider; however, given how affordable most of the attractions are and that most museums are free, one should consider these passes if one is visiting specific attractions such as the Lotte World, Nanta Cooking Show, or a DMZ Tour or if one is considering a Hanbok Korean Costume or School Uniform Rental.
  • GoCity Seoul Pass (Best for first-time visitors): All-inclusive Seoul Pass for 1-5 days or selection of 3-7 choices through the Seoul Explorer Pass.
  • Discover Seoul Pass (Museums and major attractions): Access pass for 1-3 days.
  • Klook Seoul Pass (Discounts for theme parks and great for families): Select 2,3, or 4 attractions out of 8 for a 30-day period.
 

1-Day Plan

9:00 AM - 12:30 PM: Royal Palaces (Closed on Mondays)
There are a total of 5 palaces you can visit. While they are all located around the same area, you probably will only have time for 1 or 2. I’ve listed them out based on my favorites:

Note: “Gung” in Korean means palace, so adding "palace" after each one is redundant.

If one is visiting all 5 palaces and the Jongmyo Shrine, check out the Integrated Ticket of Palaces (₩10,000): Provides access to all the palaces and the Secret Garden at Changdeokgung.
Jinseonmun Gate
Nakseonjae Complex (Interior)
Nakseonjae Complex (Exterior)
Huijeongdang: King's Residence
Old Seonwonjoen: Old Royal Shrine
Old Seonwonjoen: Old Royal Shrine
Old Seonwonjoen: Old Royal Shrine
Injeongjeon: Throne Hall
Injeongjeon: Throne Hall
Daejojeon: Queen's Residence
Daejojeon: Queen's Residence
Secret Garden Walkway
Buyongji Pond and Juhamnu Pavilion
Gate of Longevity at Yeongyeongdang Complex
Jondeokjeong Pavilion View
Jondeokjeong Pavilion View


​1. Changdeokgung (₩3,000 + ₩5,000 for Secret Gardens):  “Palace of Prospering Virtue"
  • Built in 1405 CE, it is the second royal villa for royalty during the Joseon Dynasty. Destroyed in the Japanese invasion in 1592, it was rebuilt in 1610 and served as the main palace for 270 years. It is the most intact of the five palaces and the longest lived-in residence.
  • It has the Secret Gardens, majestic gardens with pavilions and ponds that can be visited through a 70-minute guided tour. English tours are offered at 10:30, 11;30, 14:30, and 15:30 (March through November).
    • This area is where the kings and royal families relaxed and carried out outdoor activities away from the court. Military exercises, archery contests, and banquets were held here. Princes would study and read books, while kings would fish and enjoy the beauty of nature.
2. Changyeonggung (₩1,000): “Palace of Flourishing Joy”
  • Built in 1483, it housed the dowager queens and concubines. It also served as a secondary palace. It is connected to Changdeokgung and during the Japanese occupation, the place grounds became a zoo, botanical garden, and museum; however, restoration efforts removed these features and reconstructed the former buildings. Today, besides the multiple halls, one can wander through the beautiful gardens with the Chundangji Pond.
Heungnyemun Gate
Geunjeongjeon
Geunjeongjeon
Geoncheonggung Residence
Jibokjae
Hyangwonjeong Pavilion
Gyeonghoeru Pavilion
Gyeonghoeru Pavilion
3. Gyeongbokgung (₩3,000): “Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven.”
  • The grandest of the five palaces in Seoul. Built in 1395 CE during the Joseon Dynasty. Like Changdeokgung Palace, it was destroyed in the Japanese invasion in the 1590s but wasn’t rebuilt until 1867. Unfortunately, the Japanese destroyed it again during WWII and built the Japanese General Government Building here. Restoration efforts in the 1990s helped restore the palace to its historical state.
  • This is one of the most crowded palaces, so make sure you arrive early in the morning to see it.
  • Changing of the guard occurs at the main gate at 10 AM and 2 PM.

​​4. Gyeonghuigung (FREE): “The Palace of Serene Harmony”
  • Built on the slopes of Mount Inwangsam in 1616, such that it harmonizes well with the landscape.
  • The smallest of the five and served as the secondary palace, used in emergencies or if Gyeongbokgung or Chandeokgung Palace were under repair.
  • Destroyed during the Japanese occupation during WWII, its restoration began in the 1990s. ​
  • Don't forget to check out the gardens before the main gate which are beautifully maintained and much quieter than spaces in the other palaces.
Heunghwamun
Sungjeongjeon (Main Hall)
Interior of Sungjeongjeon
View from top of Gyeonghuigung
Seoam Rocks
Gardens
5. ​Deoksugung (₩1,000): “Palace of Virtuous Longevity”
  • Built as a residence for a high-ranking official and not initially a palace, this changed when King Seonjo relocated the court here during the Japanese invasion of Korea in the 1590s. It was renamed in 1907 when Emperor Gojong moved here and abdicated in favor of his son, Emperor Sunjong.
  • Compared to the other palaces, this one has more Western-style buildings, with the neoclassical Seokjojeon completed in 1910 and the Jeonggwanheon Pavilion used as a place of relaxation and entertainment built in 1900.
  • The changing of the guard occurs at 11 AM, 2 PM, and 3:30 PM.
12:30 - 1:30 PM: Lunch
2:00 - 4:30 PM: Insadong
  • A popular neighborhood known for its art galleries, teahouses, and Korean ceramics. One can stop for a quick break to go shopping, try some tea, or wander the streets to explore the neighborhood and culture.
  • During the Joseon Dynasty, the National Department of Painting was located here, as such, some of the best calligraphy materials and Hanji (traditional paper) can be found here.
  • Bukchon Hanok Village: One can wander through a neighborhood of traditional Korean houses (hanok) that are over 600 years old, dating back to the Joseon Dynasty. While most are privately owned, the shops around the place can easily be visited and seen. There are 40 different galleries scattered throughout.
  • Ssamziegil: A shopping complex of over 70 small boutiques that has a spiral continually ascending walkway to reach the roof. The popular Ddong Cafe (the poop cafe), which as its name suggests, serves food shaped like poop, is here.
Insadong Main Street
Bukchon Hanok Village
  • The Museum Kimchikan (₩5,000): A whole museum dedicated to kimchi, discussing regional differenceswith opportunities to make your own kimchi!
  • The Alive Museum (₩12,000): Illusion museum with many Instagrammable-spots.
  • Jogyesa Buddhist Temple: An easily accessible Buddhist temple that was the temple of the resistance against Japanese efforts to suppress Korean Buddhism.
5:00 - 6:30 PM: Namsam and N Seoul Tower
Sky deck filled with padlocks
N Seoul Tower
West-facing view
East-facing view
North-facing view
View from the observation platforms
Namsam Cable Car
Bus up the mountain
  • One of the best places for a bird’s eye view of the city with free views at the Palgakjeong. Otherwise, head to the observation platform on the N Seoul Tower, a 1574-foot-tall wonder (₩21,000 entry cost), that has a 360 view around Seoul.
  • The sky deck (near the cable car) is filled with padlocks on a fence where couples can lock in their everlasting love.
  • Historically, this was where 5 warning beacons and the city wall were located during the Joseon Dynasty.
  • The 20-30 minute hike starts from Hoehyeon Subway Station (Line 4) ; otherwise, the cable car leaves from Myeongdong Subway Station (Line 4). One can also take the Circular Bus #1.
If you head down the path south towards the Botanical Garden along the Namsam Pine Trail, you will also find curved benchs and a lovely place to rest in the woods, where many locals come to rest and escape the afternoon heat.
Picture
7:00 - 9:00 PM: Banpo Hangang Park
Right beside the Han River, this park is a popular destination on summer evenings and note that during the winter season, many of these activities might be closed.
  • Banpo Bridge Moonlight Fountain Show (April to October): On the double-decker bridge, 20-minute-long shows run every half-hour from 7:30 to 9:00 PM. It is the World’s Longest Bridge Fountain with 380 nozzles and 200 lights.
    • Recommend watching it from the shore then moving to watch it from the bottom level (Jansu Bridge).
  • Some Sevit (Sebitseom/Sevit Island): Culture complex composed of three man-made floating islands. It’s translated to “Awesome” as it’s the world’s first cultural center to float on water with retail stores open 24/7. The buildings are meant to represent blooming flowers.
    • One can rent TUBESTER boats, 6-seater party round boats, to dine on the water.​
Bridge Fountain from Banpo Hangang Park
Fountain view from the Jansu Bridge
Rainbows colored lights
Pedestrian crosswalk and alcoves on the lower part of the bridge
9:00 - 11:00 PM: Street Markets
Gwangjang Market
Myeongdong Night Market
Namdaemun Market
Namdaemun Market
  • Gwangjang Market (5 PM – 11 PM): One of the oldest traditional markets in Seoul, where shoppers frequent to pick up groceries. Unlike other markets, it’s located indoors and one can sit at stalls where the food is served in front of you. Note that this marketplace has more unique foods such as beef lungs, intestines, chicken feet, pig trotters, beef tartare, and raw octopus—which might not make it palatable for everyone. It is known for its bindaetteok, mung bean flour pancakes.
  • Myeongdong Night Market (5 PM – 1 AM): Besides all the shopping one can do, there are plenty of delicious restaurants and street stalls serving more grilled and fried foods like skewers, eggbread, and taksim. One of the famous dishes to try is cheesy lobster tail and other seafood dishes.
  • Dongdaemun Night Market: A 24-hour complete shopping complex consisting of several malls selling different types of things on each floor. This is the best place to shop for clothes with the street vendors operating quite late (8 PM – 3 AM, many vendors closed on Sundays).
  • Namdaemun Market: Largest and oldest market in South Korea with ~10,000 stalls. It is open 24 hours and is less flashy than Myeongdong. Head to Kalguksu Alley and Galchi Gorim Alley for delicious food and one of the best foods to try here is the braised hairtail fish stew.
 

Districts North of Han River

Jongno (Gwanghwamun)
The neighborhood where former Joseon Dynasty structures were built and preserved.

Besides the palaces, this area has a few important places to visit​​:
Vehicles of Emperor Sunjong and Empress Sunjeong
Royal Event Scenes Observed in the "Folding Screen of King Jeongjo's Royal Procession to Hwaseong"
Cheomseongdae
  • National Palace Museum of Korea: A museum wtih over 40,000 artifacts and royal treasures from the palaces of the Joseon Dynasty and Korean Empire. One of the coolest things to see is the Joseon Water Clock and the Cheomseongdae, a stone astronomical observatory to track and observe celestial bodies.
​
  • National Folk Museum of Korea: Museum with exhibits about traditional Korean life and culture with information about daily lives, agricultural practices, and cultural rituals. There are interesting displays about traditional clothing and historical village scenes.
Folk Museum Temple
Zodiac Animal Statues
Traditional Clothing
Tongin Market Entryway
Brass Token Bento Box
West Entrance Information
  • Tongin Traditional Market: A smaller market in an alleyway filled with great options for lunch. It’s well-known for using a brass coin token bento box, where one exchanges money for these tokens that can then be used to purchase food. However, one can still pay with cash for food.
  • Jongmyo Shrine (₩1,000): One of the oldest and best-preserved Confucian royal shrines in the world. Royal family members would carry out ancestral rites, walking along a stone path. It was destroyed during the 1590 Japanese invasion and rebuilt in the 1600s.
    • There are multiple buildings one can visit. The main shrine is Jeongjeon (under repair until October 2024) and the Hall of Eternal Peace (Yeongnyeongjeon). Every year, the “Jongmyo Jerye” ritual occurs to honor the Joseon dynasty ancestors
Jeongjeon
Path of the Spirits
Jongmyo Shrine Fountain
  • Ikseon-dong Hanok Village: Another historic village (similar to Bukchon Hanok Village) with traditional Hanok houses in a less touristy area.​
  • Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House): The presidential compound is north of the Gyeongbokgung Palace and offers a free 60-minute tour in Korean with audioguides providing translations.
  • Seoul Museum of History: Provides information about the city, located beside the Gyeonghuigung Palace.
Jung
  • Seoul City Hall: Sleek modern design with a glass dome appearing behind the historic facade with a basement having free art exhibits.
  • Seoul Station: The main station where most of the KTX (normal trains) and all the ITX (high-speed trains) trains operate. Many of the tourist trains operate from here as well.
  • Dongdaemun Design Plaza: A futuristic cultural complex due to the flowing curves and metallic surfaces. At night, the plaza lights up with LED lights. It serves as a design market and for fashion shows.
  • Myeongdong: Heart of Seoul’s shopping district with high-end outlets, boutiques, eatieres, street food vendors and souvenir shops (visit at night, but it can be quite crowded). Myeondong is the ninth most expensive shopping street in the world.
  • Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA): A contemporary art museum in the former Korean Supreme Court with multiple branches.
  • MMCA (National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art) Seoul (₩5000): The main modern art museum in Seoul.
  • MMCA Deoksugung: A branch museum located in one of the buildings of Deoksugung showcasing modern art.
  • Jeongdong Observatory: Head to the top floor cafe for a panoramic view of the entire Deoksugung Palace.
  • Seoullo 7017: Seoul's "High Line". It's an bandoned road that's turned into a walkway park that takes you from Seoul station to the south gate.
Dongdaemun
Although it's name means "Large East Gate", this district doesn't include the East Gate of Seoul and is located further east. Here one can find the following:
  • Gyeongdong (Kyungdong) Market: A market established in 1960 that's known for medicinal herbs, produce, and spices. One can still find street food in a more traditional setting.
  • ​King Sejong Memorial: In Gwanghwamun Plaza, a 31-foot tall statue of King Sejong sitting honors the former king who is known for helping to invent the Korean alhabet, Hangul, which is shown on the base.
Yongsan
Geographically the center of Seoul, it is where Mount Namsan is located.
  • Itaewon: The neighborhood between Namsam and Yongsan Park, this is an American-influenced hub in Seoul due to the close proximity to the Yongsan Garrison U.S. Military base. It has quite an international vibe since it was the first special tourist zone in Seoul and where many foreign immigrants have moved to. 
    • Leeum Samsung Museum of Art: A museum with contemporary art and treasures from Korean history.
Korean War Monument
  • War Memorial of Korea: 
    • Museum dedicated to preserving South Korea’s military history. The bottom floor is dedicated to Korea’s long history of war with a replica of a turtle ship (Geobukseon) used by the Royal Korean Navy to defeat the Japanese during the invasion, the middle floor is about Korea’s involvement in the Korean War along with the Memorial Hall, and the top floor is dedicated to the efforts from each UN country in the Korean War and information about South Korea’s troop’s deployment overseas.
    • Outside, one can see statues, sculptures, and an open-air exhibition area to see 70 war vehicles used during the Korean War, which include a life-size replica of the actual vessel attacked during the Second Yeonpyeong Naval Battle.
    • Walking towards the museum entrance, the main monument is the Korean War Monument, constructed to commemorate the 50th anniversary, followed by the Monuments for the UN Forces.
    • At 14:00 on Fridays from April – June, October – November, the South Korea Military Band hosts a parade here.
  • South Plaza
    • Contains a mirror lake, a beautiful pavilion, and a pagoda garden.
    • National Museum of Korea (FREE):
      • One of Korea's best museums dedicated to Korean history and art. It contains over 310,000 pieces with about 5% on display at any time.
      • The 6 Permanent Exhibitions showcase Prehistory and Ancient HIstory, Early Modern HIstory, Calligraphy and Painting, Asian Art, Sculpture and Crafts, and Donations.
      • The museum is divided into 3 floors with the left side (upon entering) representing the past and the right side representing the future.
    • ​National Hangeul Museum (FREE): 
      • ​​Extensively provides insight into how Hangul, the Korean alphabet, was created. The permanent exhibit provides information about the history, development, and cultural significance, while the temporary exhibits explore more linguistic aspects. ​
National Museum of Korea
Entrance to National Museum of Korea
National Museum of Korea Hallway
Room of Quiet Contemplation
Mirror Lake
Mirror Lake
Dragon Falls
National Museum of Korea
National Hangul Museum
Mapo
Neighborhood around Hongik University and three other universities that is filled with some of the best bars, clubs, restaurants and shops as it is where the young adults frequent. At night, some of the best clubs are located here.
  • Hongdae
    • ​Markets are held on weekends in the playground in front of the Hongik University’s entrance.
      • Saturdays (1-7 PM): The “Free” Market
      • Sundays (1-7 PM): The “Hope” Market
      • “Club Day”: Hosted on the last Friday of the month, one can pay a small sum to club-hop around the area.
    • Nanta Cooking Show (Hongdae Nanta Theatre): The second location of the popular non-verbal performance show which combines traditional Korean percussion music ("samul nori") with comedy, circus tricks, culinary skills, and martial arts.
Hongdae Theater
Hongdae Theater
Hongdae
  • Seoul World Cup Stadium:
    • One of the venues for the 2002 World Cup that continues to be operational to watch FC Seoul Tickets which can be bought online at fcseoul.com or interpark.com.
    • It's known for its roof that's shaped like a traditional Korean kite.
    • One can also visit the stadium by visiting the museum (open 9-5) for ₩1,000.
Seodaemun
  • Seodaemun Prison History Hall (₩3,000): A prison built during the Japanese colonial period in 1907 to suppress Korean independence movements. The site is where Koreans were tortured and executed, but has transformed into a symbol of Korea's resistance and struggle for independence. Supposedly, when one visits, they can still hear voices whenever they set foot.
  • Bongwonsa Temple: At the base of Ansan Mountain, the temple was originally founded in 889 before being relocated in 1748. During the Korean War, part of the temple was destroyed and rebuilt later in 1966. It is known for the Hall of 3000 Buddhas and the 16 Arhat (Enlightened ones) in the garden.
Jungnang
  • Yongma Land (₩10,000): An abandoned Scooby-Doo amusement park that now serves as a place for photographers and filmmakers to visit as it has an eerie and nostalgic atmosphere.
 

Districts South of Han River

Dongjak
Exterior of Noryangjin Fish Market
Entrance sign
Fish Market Floor 1
Fish Market Floor 1
Steamed Oysters
Steamed Fish

​Mostly a residential district, it is known for the commercial Noryangjin area and the Seodalsan mountain where the cemetery is located.
  • Noryangjin Fish Market: This is one of Korea’s largest seafood markets. They host daily auctions of shellfish at 1 AM and live fish at 3 AM. One can also buy live seafood on the ground floor to be prepared at any restaurant on the second floor; however, many of the seafood stores will have “designated” restaurants upstairs. Note that the latter option can be on the expensive side, with the seafood costing ₩30,000-60,000 and then each preparation method can cost from ₩10,000 - ₩15,000. Always inquire about the price beforehand.
​
  • Han River Cruise: A boat ride up the Han River with options for a regular, Sunset, Starlight, or Moonlight cruise. It's recommended to buy tickets here in advance. Note that the boat ride doesn't go very far and other than the Mapo Bridge, which was where the Avengers 2 movie was filmed, there aren't many highlights of the trip.
    • One fun thing many passengers do is buy fish to feed the seagulls from the top deck druing the regular cruise.
Mapo Bridge
Seagull Feeding
  • Seoul National Cemetery: A cemetery reserved for Korean veterans and South Korean presidents, it was Korea's only national cemetery when it first opened in 1956 but Daejeon National Cemetery was established in 1976.
Gangnam (Yeoksam)
A neighborhood popularized by Psy’s 2012 hit of “Gangnam Style”, which supposedly refers to the hip and trendy people in the neighborhood.
  • Starfield COEX Mall: The largest underground mall in Asia underneath the Korea World Trade Center.
    • Of significant note is the Starfield Library, one of the largest libraries in South Korea with towering bookshelves, natural light, and cafés located in every corner.
Panjeon (Tripitaka Hall) - Maitreya Buddha
Sides of Panjeon (Tripitaka Hall)
Stupa / Commemorative Stele
Jinyeomun Gate


​
  • Bongeunsa Temple:
    • Dating back to 794, it is one of the oldest temples in Seoul. The Buddhist temple was the head temple for the Seon (Zen) sect during the Joseon dynasty.
    • Maitreya Buddha at the Panjeon (Tripitaka Hall) : Crowds are drawn to the 75-foot tall Future Buddha statue, the tallest Maitreya statue in Korea that is surrounded by buddha statues around its base.
    • 2-Hour Program (₩10,000): A temple tour, meditation, and tea ceremony with monks is held from 2-4 PM on Thursdays and requires no reservation.
  • Gangnam Style Horse Dance Stage: Near the Gangnam Station, this stage honors the iconic "Gangnam Style" song and is an instagrammable spot that lights up at night.
  • Gangnam Seoul Arts Center: A concert hall known for its acoustics, but it also has a beautiful exterior with a musical fountain and grassy lawn where one can spend time relaxing.
  • Simone Handbag Museum: A museum boasting a collection of 300+ luxury handbags through the ages.
Songpa (Jamsil)
The most populated district in Seoul with numerous apartment complexes. It is the former silkworm breeding neighborhood 
Olympic Park: 
  • This landscaped park was built to host the 1988 Summer Olympics. Today, many of the sports facilities remain used for different sporting events. As a visitor, one can appreciate:
  • Olympic Park World Peace Gate: A landmark 79-foot tall gate representing the harmony and unity of the nations with a Torch of Peace, an eternal flame burning beneath.
  • Peace Plaza: 222 flags are arranged in a semicircle representing the 222 nations that participated in the summer Olympics.
  • One Tree (Nahollo Namu) Hill: A peaceful hill where one can find a single tree in the center of it.
  • Mongchontoseong Fortress: The former earthen fortifications from the Baekje period can be seen in the park.
  • Seoul Hanseong Baekje Museum (FREE): A museum telling the history of Hanseong Baekje, one of the 3 major dynasties in Korean history.
  • SOMA – Seoul Olympic Museum of Art (₩5000): Contemporary art museum with rotating exhibits.
Peace Plaza
Olympic Park World Peace Gate
The Thumb Statue (commissioned during the 1988 Olympics)
One Tree Hill
One Tree Hill (Zoomed Out)
Mongchon Lake
Lotte World Tower
Lotte World Mall
Lotte World Tower (from Seokchon Lake)
  • Lotte World Tower: 
    • South Korea’s tallest building and the 6th tallest in the world (1,819 feet tall) with 123 stories.
    • It houses a mall, an art gallery, a luxury hotel, and the most elevated observation deck with a glass-floored skywalk called Seoul Sky.
    • Instead of paying the entry fee, one can visit some of the restaurants on the upper levels such as Sky31, a cafe on the 31st floor, by asking for a pass from reception and ordering food to observe the view.
  • Lotte World:
    • This amusement park resembles Disney World with its princess-like castle, roller coasters, and “magical” feel.
    • It is the largest indoor theme park in the world and it has Lotte World Adventure, the outdoor theme park situated on an island in a lake.
    • PROTIP: it’s busy on weekends, so one should come after 4 PM on a weekday for shorter lines and a reduced ticket price.
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Lotte World Adventure
 

Food to Try

​This list is rated in the order of my favorite dishes I had in Seoul, but all of them taste delicious and well-worth!

  1. Kalguksu: Hand-made knife-cut noodles in soup (Myeongdong Kyoja)​
  2. Jjigae: Korean spicy stews usually with tofu, kimchi, and/or meats (오모리찌개전문점 Omori Stew)
  3. Naengmyeon: North Korean origin cold noodle dish​ (Woo Lae Oak)
  4. Ganjang Gejang: Raw crab marinated in a soy sauce concoction (Keunkiwajip, 큰기와집; Jinmi Sikdang, 진미식당; Hwa Hae Dang
    화해당
    )
  5. ​​Samgyetang: Ginseng chicken soup (Tosokchon Samgyetang)
  6. Chimaek: Korean Fried Chicken & Beer, combining the words chi-cken and maek-ju (the Korean word for “beer”) (BHC Chicken but the entire Myeongdong 7-gil is all fried chicken stores)
  7. Chueotang: Loach (freshwater mudfish) medicinal soup (Yonggeumok)
  8. Bokkeum: A type of stir-fry with my favorites as jeyuk (spicy marinated pork) or nakji (chopped octopus)
  9. Mandu: Korean-style dumplings (Bukchon Son-mandu)
  10. ​KBBQ: Meat grilled atop charcoal with favorites like Bulgogi, Samgyeopsal, and Galbi (Maple Tree House)
  11. Gimbap: Cooked rice and ingredients wrapped in seaweed (like sushi)
  12. Bibimbap: "Mixed rice" with assorted toppings
  13. Jjajangmyeon: Chinese-inspired black bean noodles
  14. Banchan: Side dishes that come with most main dishes.
  15. Gomtang/Gomguk: Beef bone soup. Another variant is Seolnongtang, a Korean ox bone soup.
Kalguksu
Jjigae
Naengmyeon
Ganjang Gejang (Source: maangchi.com)
Samgyetang
Chimaek
Chueotang (Source: 21food.com)
Jeyuk Bokkeum
Mandu
KBBQ
Gimbap
Bibimbap
Banchan
Jjajangmyeon
Other Restaurants to Try:
  • Isaac Toast: A stand with multiple locations throughout the city that sell affordable and delicious breakfast sandwiches.
  • Duriban: Hongdae spot for kalguksu, maggoli, and mandu soup
  • Gyeonglidan 578: Korean BBQ known for their galbi
  • The Grazing Pig: Korean BBQ spot known for their pork belly​
  • Jaedong Sundubu: Known for their extra soft tofu stew (sundubu-jjigae)

Desserts:
  • Bingsoo: Korean milk shaved ice
    • Sulbing (Chain): Can't go wrong and haa an extensive collection
    • POEM Cafe: A little more expensive but has unique options.
    • 더설 잠실직영점 (near Olympic Park): Mostly known for their classic red bean bingsoo

Street Food

  • Bindaetteok: Mung bean pancake
  • Bungeobbang: Fish-shaped sweet cakes stuffed with red bean or custard
  • Crispy Crablets: Small deep fried crabs​
  • Eomuk (Odeng): Korean fishcake
  • ​Flaming Ice Cream: Block of ice cream wrapped in marshmallow than toasted with a blowtorch.
  • ​Gamja Dog: Corn dog coated in chopped up french fries
  • Grilled Squid: Delicious squid
  • ​Gyeranppang: Egg bread
  • Haemul Pajeon: Fried seafood pancake
  • Hotteok: Sweet Korean pancake with brown sugar, honey, chopped peanuts, and cinnamon (MY FAVORITE!)
  • Jokbal: Pig trotters braised in a seasoned soy-based broth
  • Kkochi: Skewers but my favorite is the steamed conch and octopus that is then charbroiled with a blowtorch
  • Lobster Tails: Topped with melted cheese, and one of the more expensive dishes
  • Sannakji: Octopus sashimi seasoned with sesame oil and sesame seeds
  • Scallops: Torched scallops with butter and cheese
  • Schnee Pang: Originating from Germany, this consists of strips of rolled out shortcrust dough into balls
  • Soondae: Korean blood sausage with pig intestines stuffed with pig's blood, glutinous rice, and cellophane noodles
  • Tanghulu (Candied Fruit): Fresh fruit coated in a sugary syrup over strawberries, grapes, and tangerines!
  • Ten Cent Wan Pancake: Pancake filled with cheese that looks like a ten cent wan piece.
  • Tornado Potato: Deep-fried spiral cut potato on a skewer
  • Tteokbokki: Soft, cylindrical-shaped rice cakes drizzled with either a spciy gochujang or non-spicy ganjang-based sauce.
  • Twigim: Korean-style tempura
Bindaetteok
Bungeobbang
Crispy Crablets
Eomuk
Flaming Ice Cream
Gamja Dog
Grilled Squid
Gyeranppang
Haemul Pajeon
Hotteok
Jokbal
Kkochi (Conch and Octopus)
Sannakji
Soondae
Tanghulu
Ten Cent Wan Pancake
Tteokbokki
Twigim
One treat I was sadly unable to find at the street markets was Beongdeg, stewed silkworm larvae.
Haitai Pear Juice
Makgeolli
Sikhye
Coco Grape Drink
Mogu Mogu
Chilsung Cider
Milkis
Corn Silk Tea
Pine Bud Drink
Drinks
  1. Haitai Pear Juice: 100% pear juice that is considered the best hangover drink with small chunks of pears inside too!
  2. Makgeolli: Korean alcoholic beverage made from rice or wheat mixed with nuruk, a Korean fermentation starter. 
  3. Sikhye: Non-alcoholic rice drink/rice punch made with malt barley and cooked rice. Sweet in flavor but not overly so.
  4. Coco Grape Drink: A mixture of grape juice with coconut chunks. It's not bad and the flavors mix well together. 
  5. Mogu Mogu: A drink filled with chewy fruit jelly cubes.
  6. Chilsung Cider: Korean's version of Sprite
  7. Milkis: Carbonated water mixed with milk to create a creamy drink. It tastes similar to Calpico.
  8. Corn Silk Tea: Tea that's made from corn with multiple flavors. It tastes like drinking popcorn soaked in water.
  9. Pine Bud Drink: Korean soda reminiscent of pine but tastes more like you're drinking artificial air freshener.

Other Resources

  • Official Tourist Site​
  • The Soul of Seoul - a local living in Seoul since 2006 provides in-depth perspectives
  • Dame Cacao - a former English teacher who lived in South Korea who also shares her passion for chocolate
  • I Visit Korea - a couple provides their insight about visiting South Korea.

Wander Within a Day


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