Seoul, the metropolitan city, is the working capital alphabetic quality of Republic of Korea too is oft seen every bit the melting pot for civilization too fundamental concern hub for the country. The country's economic scheme has boomed inward recent years too is now, inward the top 10 listing of the world's nearly economically powerful province spell the country's tourism has received a lot of international spotlight due to Hallyu, the Korean Wave. There are countless of exciting things to do inward Seoul but amongst such a express time, nosotros could only consummate a handful of them:
1) Gyeongbokgung Palace (景福宫)
Direction: Exit 5 of Gyeongbokgung Station (subway business 3) too walk towards Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Opening Hours: nine am to six pm on March to May, September to October; nine am to 6:30 pm on June to August; nine am to 5 pm on Nov to February. Closed on Tuesdays.
Admission: 3,000 KRW for adults
One of the must-see tourist attractions inward Seoul (for first-timer)- Gyeongbokgung Palace, is the start royal palace built inward the Joseon Dynasty too i of the largest v grand palaces remaining inward Seoul. Visitors would live able to witness the grandeur too violet of the Korean empire.
If y'all are inward the mood, rent too vesture Hanbok (at the cost of 10,000 to 15,000 KRW for few hours) volition grant y'all costless access to all these palaces. It makes a keen sense to tour the expanse inward traditional Korean attire. Also, it adds a lot of interesting elements to your photographs too. But do construct sure that y'all stimulate got some fourth dimension to spare.
Don't forget to come across the changing of Guard ceremony happening at Gwanghwamun twice a twenty-four threescore minutes menstruation at eleven am too 1 pm.
2) National Museum of Korea Contemporary History
Direction: Exit 2 of Gwanghwamun Station (subway business 5) too walk for to a greater extent than or less 5 minutes.
Opening Hours: nine am to nine pm on Wednesdays too Saturdays; nine am to six pm on other days. Closed on Mondays.
Admission: Free
National Museum of Korea Contemporary History is correct adjacent to Gyeongbokgung Palace, so y'all may excogitation your itinerary inward a agency to see both places inward i go. The expanse is huge too would pick out some fourth dimension to explore. Similarly to all palaces, if y'all are wearing Hanbok, the admission to all these palaces would ordinarily live free.
3) Bukchon Hanok Village
Direction: Exit 2 of Anguk Station (subway business 3) too walk towards the Bukchon Hanok Village direction. It volition live quite a long walk of 10 minutes. Keep going at i time until y'all come across observe the expanse on your left. The fine art too arts and crafts middle volition live on the correct though.
Opening Hours: N/A *a housing district filled amongst traditional Korean houses*
Admission: Free
Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 stone's throw distance away from Gyeongbokgung Palace is Bukchon Hanok Village... a house where the influential too wealthy families used to live... during the Joseon Dynasty. Today, it remains every bit a residential expanse so tourists are advised to live respectful spell touring the area. The entire house is similar a well-preserved ancient Korean village, existing inward this modern metropolitan city. Every corner of the house is picturesque too nearly suitable for portraiture too hipstery Instagram posts; specially amongst those Hanok (traditional Korean houses) every bit background. There's also a Bukchon Traditional Crafts Experience Center nearby if y'all are interested (opens daily from 10 am to six pm during Summer, 10 am to 5 pm during Winter).
4) Tosokchon Samgyetang (土俗村 参鸡汤)
Direction: Exit 2 from Gyeongbokgung Station (subway business 3). Go at i time later on y'all stimulate got leave of absence the subway station until the tertiary junction (with a GS 25 convenient store on your left), plough inward the alley (named Jahamun-ro 5-gil) too walk for some other 2 minutes. You volition observe the eating seat on your left, amongst a long queue of regular patrons patiently waiting for their turn.
Business Hours: 10 am to 10 pm. Opens Daily.
Contact Number: +82 02-727-7444
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No
Tosokchon Ginseng Chicken Soup (16,000 KRW)
When it comes to Samgyetang/ Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup, Tosokchon is the de-facto place. The Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup specialist has received numerous awards too has been recommended past times many netizens. Locating the eating seat was hassle-free but the queue took us quite a spell to clear. The eating seat takes diners to the traditional agency of enjoying Korean food, where diners are to sit down on the flooring too savor their food. The carte du jour is convenient for non-Korean speaking guests, English linguistic communication translation is inscribed to the menu.
The measure serving would cost 16,000 KRW but at that topographic point are other selections too. For us, nosotros played security past times ordering their signature Ginseng Chicken Soup. It was served to us pipage hot, the broth seemed to live inward murky-white hue spell the Chicken stuffed amongst Glutinous Rice was well-cooked to an extremely soft condition; piffling endeavour was necessary to slit through the Chicken. It was delicately salted (though some would recollect the flavor's a piffling thin). Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 modest serving of Ginseng Wine volition live given, y'all tin opt to precisely drinkable it every bit it is or to pour it over the Ginseng Chicken Soup. The Ginseng-flavor was discernible too tin live easily accepted past times all age-range.
All inward all, nosotros thought the nutrient was good. My partner inward criminal offense vouched that Tosokchon serves amend Samgyetang than the eating seat he previously visited (in Seoul).
5) Gwangjang Market (广场市场)
Direction: 3 minute-walk from Exit seven or Exit 8 of Jongno 5-ga Station (subway business 1)
Business Hours: nine am to six pm. Opens Daily.
Admission: Free
Boribap/ Mixed Vegetables amongst Barley Rice (5,000 KRW)
Mandu/ Korean Steamed Dumplings (5,000 KRW)
Red Bean Pancake (2,000 KRW)
If y'all are staying inward fundamental Seoul, construct sure Gwangjang Market is top on your listing for breakfast. There plenty of local delicacies available here, at wallet-friendly prices. Though at that topographic point are many nutrient stalls inward the vicinity but nearly of them are selling the same products. We wandered about too found a stall amongst Mandarin-speaking lady manning the stall (for slow communication sake).
We had Boribap, a type of mixed-vegetable Rice; Barley-Rice was role inward lieu of the common White Rice too served amongst a splash of Gochujang sauce. The concoction was delicious- crunchy, sweetness too savory. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1
healthy dish that could potentially assuage our guilt for over-indulgence inward the trip.
We also had Mandu, Korean dumplings to share. The sizes tin live terrifying (up to the size of a fist), at that topographic point were 2 types available- ordinary too Kim Chi flavored. Both striking the standard-average score but nosotros thought the pastry peel was a tad also thick to our liking. Other notable highlights include
Jeon/ Korean Pancake,
Tteokpokki/ Stir Fried Rice Cake, raw-live Squid, Blood Sausage,
Gimbap/ Korean-styled Sushi etc.
6) Andongjang (安东庄) Jajangmeyon
Direction: Exit 10 at Euljiro-3-Ga Station (subway business 2) too walk at i time for to a greater extent than or less 3 minutes. You volition observe the store on your left shortly.
Business Hours: 11:30 am to 10 pm on Mondays to Fridays, 11:30 am to nine pm on Saturdays, 11:30 am to 8 pm on Sundays.
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No
Seafood Ramen (8,000 KRW)
Jajangmyeon (5,000 KRW)
Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 brusque walk away from the prepare station volition solid ground y'all correct inward front end of Andongjang, said to live i of the oldest Chinese establishments inward South Korea. The Chinese eating seat is similar an upscale chu-char house inward Penang. We found a considerable amount of familiar Chinese dishes on the carte du jour (prices start from 10,000 KRW per dish) but nosotros were non keen to try... for obvious reasons.
Andongjang is famous for its Jajangmyeon (炸酱面), a type of Korean noodles served amongst thick, savory Black Bean sauce. Jajangmyeon is fairly mutual inward Republic of Korea but non ubiquitous. It does pick out some endeavour to observe i (though at that topographic point is i stall selling this type of delicacy at Myeong Dong Shopping Street). Andongjang's comes inward a bountiful serving, generously ladened amongst the sauce. The texture of the noodles was amazing, to a greater extent than similar Japanese Ramen; slightly chewy too al-dente, the thick sauce clung good to the fat-round noodles. It may appear saltish due to the black-hue but the flavor was well-balanced. It carried a sleek salinity amongst a impact of sweetness. Just nosotros thought the dimension would live flat, the diced raw Onions introduced some other layer of pungency to the dish. Diners having Jajangmyeon would ordinarily club some other stir-fry dish to share.
The possessor speaks decent Standard Mandarin so if y'all are having problem inward ordering the nutrient too could speak Mandarin, seek to speak to him inward Standard Mandarin too he would live glad to assist. Best to see earlier seven pm, live prepared to queue otherwise.
7) Cheonggyecheon Stream
Direction: Exit 8 of Gwanghwamun Station (subway business 5) too walk over the entrance of Cheonggyecheon Stream.
Opening Hours: 24 hours, seven days a calendar week unless stated otherwise past times the authorities
Admission: Free
While shopping is meant for those amongst deep pockets, those who are watching the budget could die for a casual even walk at Cheonggyecheon Stream; a 10.84 km long current flowing from Gwanghwamun to Dongdaemun, The restoration took 3 years, at that topographic point volition live 22 bridges smooth throughout the nighttime too it is of course, best to savor the astonishing lighting at night.
The current is only interesting at both ends, it tin live dark inward the midway so if y'all want to pick out some photos, it is the best that y'all start from Gwanghwamun entrance. We tried walking for an hour, though nosotros stimulate got reached Dongdaemun prepare station, nosotros stimulate got notwithstanding to accomplish the other terminate of the stream. Physically exhausted, nosotros threw the white flag.
8) Myeong-dong Shopping District
Direction: Exit six of Euljiro 1-ga Station (subway business 2), walk towards the Lotte Department Store direction. Walk across the street (or follow the crowd) too y'all volition observe Myeong Dong Shopping district.
Business Hours: belatedly afternoon to eleven pm.
No trip to Seoul is consummate without a see to Myeong Dong, the fundamental shopping district of Seoul. The house is oft thronged amongst crowd, at that topographic point are plenty to watch, purchase too consume here. Stalls selling nutrient volition live available from 4 to 5 pm spell the retail boutiques opened upwardly every bit early on every bit 10 am. You tin observe nearly Korean brands (as good every bit international brands) here. If y'all are looking for cosmetic products, construct sure to enquire for to a greater extent than liberate samples. There are a lot of currency central providers about the expanse but the rates for Malaysian Ringgit are oft real low. Thus, it is advisable for y'all to convey to a greater extent than cash or convert them to U.S Dollars. Big retail boutiques do pick out too merchandise USD, at fairly reasonable rates.
Lemonade (3,000 KRW)
Lower Ground of Lotte Department Store Business Hours: 10:30 am to 8 pm on every Mon to Thursday; 10:30 am to 8:30 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays too Public Holidays.
The Bake Cheese Tart (2,800 KRW each)
While those hunt for cosmetics, branded apparels should rush to higher levels for tax-free shopping (if y'all want to purchase Laneige, Nature Republic, The Face Shop or Sulwahsoo); higher terminate products tin live purchased at lower floors (tax-deductible). Shoppers that spent to a greater extent than than 50,000 KRW may opt for instant tax-rebate at Lotte but the counter ceases its operations every bit early on every bit seven pm. To play safe, construct sure y'all tin larn at that topographic point every bit early on every bit y'all can. You may ever claim your taxation render at the airdrome otherwise. The procedures are dissimilar so delight enquire accordingly.
At the lower the world floor... Korean snacks are available to live bought every bit souvenirs or gifts but inward the lawsuit that y'all stimulate got ample breadbasket infinite left, facial expression for this Hokkaido Bake Cheese Tart (operating on the same floor). Selling at 2,800 KRW per piece, it for certain did non come upwardly inexpensive but it was lip-smacking! The Cheese was inward half-melted form, it oozes out amongst the slightest prick on top. The pastry peel was slightly harder than expected but it was the soul of the dish. The cheesy filling carried a hint of sweetness amongst a zesty-tangy end. The flavor lasted long on the palate... it for certain reminded me of Lemon Cheese Cake, good inflected inward the shape of half-melted Cheese Tart. Though expensive, it was fun to seek (more for novelty experience).
9) O' Sulloc Tea House [Myeong Dong Branch]
Direction: Exit six of Euljiro 1-ga Station (subway business 2), walk towards the Lotte Department Store direction. Enter from Myeong Dong Street management (with Zara boutique on your right), walk at i time until the 2d junction. You volition observe it on your left (an alley on your left, McDonald's is precisely a stone's throw distance away).
Business Hours: nine am to 10:30 pm. Opens Daily.
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No
Chocolate Swiss Roll amongst Green Tea Cream (5,000 KRW)
Green Tea Bingsu amongst Green Tea Brownie too Ice Cream (14,000 KRW)
O' Sulloc Tea House is a large cite too should live specially familiar for dark-green tea frenzy. The Green Tea specialist has branches all over the province spell sure products are existence exported to other countries also (for instance, their Green Tea spread)!
Look out for their monthly promotion, a bundle-promotion that is ordinarily cheaper when 2 items are purchased together. The Green Tea lover inward us insisted that nosotros must club their Green Tea Bingsu. The texture was coarser than expected but i time nosotros popular the spoonful of shaved Ice inward our mouth, nosotros reacted amongst a warm-gleaming smile. The vegetal Green Tea chemical element was heavy, every bit though they stimulate got poured an extremely concentrated Green Tea juice to the shaved Ice; fifty-fifty tastier to die amongst their creamy Green Tea Ice Cream too sweet-chewy Green Tea Brownies. Though the vegetal flavor was bold, at that topographic point was a nary of bitter-after taste. Every constituent seems to stimulate got amalgamated good here. The only setback? The hefty toll tag.
The Chocolate Swiss Roll amongst Green Tea Cream on the other hand, was standard-average. The sponge layer of the Cake was moist too nearly chocolaty but the Green Tea Cream did non stand upwardly out; every bit though I was having an ordinary slice of Swiss Roll.
10) Namsan Park too due north Seoul Tower
Direction: Exit 1 of Hoehyeon Station (subway business 4) too walk towards Banporo (towards Namsan no. 3 Tunnel). You volition observe a Namsan Oerumi (a special elevator for visitors to Namsan Park) there. Use the elevator too y'all volition observe yourself correct inward front end of the cable motorcar station.
Business Hours: 10 am to eleven pm. Available daily.
Cable Car Cost: 8,500 KRW per render trip per adult/ 5,500 KRW per render trip per children
Admission to Observatory Tower of due north Seoul Tower: 10,000 KRW per adult/ 8,000 KRW per children
One of the most-visited parks inward fundamental Seoul would live Nam San Park, a common situated at the peak of a 860-feet mountain; conveniently located nigh to Myeong Dong expanse (only a few subway stations away). It's a house filled amongst beloved inward the air; at that topographic point are 2 ways of getting to the peak of the mountain. You tin either walk or pick out the cable car; for those taking cable car, precisely walk to the cable motorcar station too purchase your pass. Wait for your plough too board the cable motorcar to the peak. Temperature seems to live cooler over there, depending on season, it mightiness live a practiced thought to seat on a wind-breaker.
At the top of the mountain, y'all volition observe plenty of "love locks" along your agency to the middle of the park; to a greater extent than tin live found at the observatory deck. There's a souvenir gift store correct nether Seoul Tower... selling "Love Locks" from 8,000 KRW each (large ones could cost upwardly to 12,000 KRW).
The exclusively rangers may maintain at i time to Seoul Tower but the entrance tickets are priced exorbitantly too nosotros did non desire to depository fiscal establishment gibe it out (I've been to Tokyo Tower too Taipei 101; did non observe them spectacular).
11) Hongik University (Hongdae Area)
Direction: Exit nine of Hongik University Station (subway business 2)
Business Hours: 1 pm to evening
Admission: Free
Hongik University (also known every bit Hongdae area) has emerged every bit i of the latest shopping destinations inward Seoul, thank y'all to the pupil population staying inward the vicinity. There are plenty to shop, consume too play here; all at relatively-lower prices every bit compared to Myeong Dong (to adjust the spending ability of students). If fourth dimension permits, y'all may fifty-fifty pick out a leisure stroll at the university; maintain at i time to the marketplace otherwise. If y'all are lucky, at that topographic point volition live street performances too. Skip this house if y'all are non into shopping.
Kingdom of Belgium Liege Waffles (1,000 KRW per piece)
12) Nami Island (南怡岛)
Direction: You may opt to pick out direct coach to Nami Island (more convenient but also costly), if y'all want to, y'all may refer to this
website. We took the common prepare route. Exit Gapyeong Station (Gyeongchun Line) too walk to the coach station contrary the prepare station. Take Bus #33-5 or Bus #33-24, the Bus runs from 7:45 am to 8:25 pm spell the frequency is thirty minutes to threescore minutes (it costs 1,100 KRW per adult).
Opening Hours: 7:30 am to 9:30 pm. Opens Daily.
Admission: 8,000 KRW (Foreigner amongst Passport)
The Bus from Gapyeong Station volition drib y'all off nigh the entrance to the Ferry Terminal. When heading back, facial expression for the queue correct adjacent to GS 25 convenience store nigh to the Bungee Jump corner. The Ferry ride from the mainland to the isle takes to a greater extent than or less 8 minutes. Once there, y'all are liberate to explore the isle or maintain yourself busy amongst all sorts of recreational activities available through the isle (at additional costs).
Nami Island is famous due to its appearance inward i of the nearly successful Korean dramas- Winter Sonata. The beautifully tree-lined roads are nearly suitable for photography spell the nature lovers could explore the water-sports available. One downwards side though... the isle is constantly thronged amongst crowd (not only tourists but locals every bit well) too every bit a effect of that, taking wonderful photos die impossible. It was to a greater extent than similar a walk inward the common instead of visiting a nature-wonderland.
If nutrient is your concern, at that topographic point are plenty of restaurants available throughout the isle but no, nosotros did non depository fiscal establishment gibe them out. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 cool house but non also sure if it's worth the travelling fourth dimension too endeavour precisely to larn here... to observe the clamoring crowd. Skip this house if y'all are brusque of fourth dimension (in my opinion).
Wood Fire- Steamed Red Bean Bun (1,000 KRW)
13) Chun Cheon Dak Galbi (春川炒鸡) Direction: Opposite the motorcar common inward front end of the entrance to Ferry Terminal of Nami Island (right inward front end of Bungee Jump Station).
Business Hours: Lunch too Dinner
Halal
Chun Cheon Dak Galbi (16,000 KRW/ 2 person)
If y'all stimulate got decided to pass a twenty-four threescore minutes menstruation precisely to see Nami Island, construct sure your luncheon is planned at the nearby restaurants. Nami Island is precisely one-half an threescore minutes away from Chun Cheon, thus, finding a eating seat that serves authentic Chun Cheon Dak Galbi is easy. When approaching the Ferry Terminal of Nami Island, y'all volition notice countless of restaurants offering Dak Galbi along the way. The Korean delicacy has stirred upwardly many's involvement inward the nation... amongst many Korean restaurants offering the similar product. Unfortunately, none tin vanquish (referring to Korean restaurants inward Penang) the ones offered hither at this detail restaurant.
Chickens were already cooked when they served to us, nosotros necessitate non muddy our hands. We beloved the brilliantly balanced sweetness amongst a gentle spicy kicking too salinity. The handful of fresh Sesame Leaves were amazing, they stimulate got definitely added some other layer of dimension to the dish. We enjoyed the dish past times wrapping the Chicken (and condiments such every bit raw Garlic) amongst fresh Lettuce. The portion was to a greater extent than than keen plenty for us. If y'all want to seek out the delicacy, seek your luck at whatsoever i of these restaurants nigh the entrance to Nami Island (or Ferry Terminal).
Have Fun Exploring Seoul!
