10 Greatest Issues to Do

Go to villages, pattern meals, and wander round iconic, historic landmarks in my one-day itinerary for Seoul. And also you HAVE to take a look at the Gwangjang Market Meals Alley, you’ll see why beneath…

Seoul is a metropolis of each hanging modernity and historical wonders which suggests there are many locations to discover, take pictures of and customarily be wowed by!

From historic palaces to bustling markets, Seoul invitations guests to delve into its many sights, sounds, and flavours. Within the span of a single day, you’ll be able to go to the centuries-old alleys of Bukchon Hanok Village, benefit from the scrumptious tastes of Korean BBQ in Insadong, and witness the cityscape vistas from the heights of Namsan Seoul Tower, on the very least.

I’ve put collectively this information that will help you benefit from your sooner or later in Seoul. It’s full of tradition, delicacies, gorgeous views, historical past, structure and nice procuring too!

In case you solely have 24 hours in Seoul – that is the right way to get to the essence of it, ASAP!

Morning

1. Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace is likely one of the most iconic palaces in South Korea so in case you solely have sooner or later in Seoul then this can be a should.

Initially constructed in 1395, Gyeongbokgung is the most important of the 5 Grand Palaces constructed throughout the Joseon Dynasty. It served as the primary royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty and was the first residence of the kings. There‘s a lot attractive structure throughout the palace and loads of alternatives for nice vacation snaps!

A number of highlights of the palace embrace Geunjeongjeon, the primary throne corridor, the place the king formally granted audiences to his officers, presided over giant official occasions, and performed state affairs. One other is Gyeonghoeru Pavilion and is located on a man-made island in a good looking pond; and if pavilions set on islands are proper up your road then you’re in luck as there may be one other gorgeous one too! Hyangwonjeong Pavilion is one other lovely pavilion positioned on an island throughout the palace grounds so that you can admire.

Lastly, Geoncheonggung Residence is a smaller palace inside Gyeongbokgung, constructed for the king to flee from the inflexible ceremonial duties of the primary palace – the lifetime of a King is difficult work!

In case you love all of the pomp and ceremony of the Altering of the Guard Ceremony within the UK then you definately’ll be completely happy to know that there’s additionally an identical ceremony that happens on the predominant gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace. It options guards wearing vibrant uniforms impressed by historic clothes and may be very fashionable with vacationers – that could possibly be you!

2. Nationwide Folks Museum of Korea

As an added further, the Nationwide Folks Museum of Korea is positioned throughout the palace grounds. It provides displays on conventional Korean life, together with agricultural practices, clothes, and people artwork. The museum enhances the historic expertise of Gyeongbokgung by offering insights into the day by day lives of Koreans all through historical past.

In case you like being taught all concerning the historical past of the place you’re visiting then a guided tour is at all times an incredible concept. Gyeongbokgung offers such excursions and they’re a great way to get a extra in-depth understanding of the historical past of the palace.

In case you actually wish to get into the spirit of the event and drench your self in conventional tradition then some guests select to hire conventional Korean hanbok garmonts to put on throughout their expertise and take pictures throughout the palace grounds.

All year long, Gyeongbokgung hosts particular occasions and festivals, similar to conventional ceremonies and performances. Examine the schedule to see if any occasions coincide along with your go to.

Opening Hours: Gyeongbokgung is usually open from the morning to late afternoon however it’s closed on Tuesdays.

3. Bukchon Hanok Village

Bukchon Hanok Village is a good looking residential space in Seoul, identified for its conventional Korean homes known as hanoks. You’ll be able to wander by way of slim alleys lined with these well-known and picturesque homes, a few of that are open to the general public.

The Bukchon Hanok Village Heart is an effective place to begin for guests. It offers maps, data, and steerage on the most effective routes for exploring the village. It’s nonetheless a residential space although, not only a form of mannequin village so please bear that in thoughts while exploring!

Located between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village is within the coronary heart of Seoul and makes the proper subsequent cease in your sooner or later in Seoul after the palace and museum.

The village is residence to tons of of those conventional Korean homes that are characterised by their picket constructions, tiled roofs, and courtyards known as marues. Lots of the hanoks have been preserved, providing guests a glimpse into conventional Korean structure. Some homes are open to the general public, functioning as cultural centres and museums.

The format of the village has been maintained to resemble the city design of the Joseon Dynasty. It’s not only a place to easily stroll round nevertheless; you’ll be able to discover the quite a few hanok cafes, artwork galleries, and small retailers tucked away within the alleys. Some hanoks within the village even function as guesthouses, so in case you’re on the lookout for a really distinctive expertise in your Seoul journey, then what higher solution to get pleasure from a standard Korean keep.

Bukchon Hanok Village provides a singular alternative to step again in time and expertise the fantastic thing about conventional Korean structure amidst the trendy metropolis. It’s a peaceable vacation spot that gives a distinction to the bustling city panorama of Seoul and an incredible place to go to in your sooner or later in Seoul.

Lunch

4. Insadong

Insadong is thought for its vintage retailers, artwork galleries, conventional tea homes, and road meals so there is no such thing as a higher place to have lunch in your sooner or later in Seoul! For lunch you’ve a plethora of choices from conventional road meals or a cease at one of many quite a few conventional tea homes Insadong has to supply.

It’s at all times an incredible concept to attempt among the native delicacies if you find yourself travelling as that’s what it’s all about, having new experiences and broadening our horizons – and your palette!

There’s loads of scrumptious Korean road meals you’ll discover in Insadong , similar to hotteok (candy pancakes), odeng (fish cake skewers), and tteokbokki (spicy rice muffins). Immerse your self within the native culinary delights while in Seoul.

In addition to delectable road meals there may be additionally the choice of stopping by one of many quite a few conventional tea homes often called ‘hanjeongsik’ or ‘jeontong chatjip’. It’s a beautiful solution to  get pleasure from Korean tea and conventional snacks.

Insadong has extra to supply than simply meals! It’s often called a really creative district too and due to this fact has tons for followers of the humanities. You’ll discover quite a few artwork galleries showcasing a variety of paintings, from conventional to up to date. There may be additionally a road devoted to antiques – I hope you introduced your bank card!

5. Insadong Vintage Avenue

This space is residence to quite a few vintage retailers and artwork sellers, apparently over 70 of them in 700 metres roughly! . You will discover a wide range of antiques, together with ceramics, furnishings, and conventional Korean paintings.

We’ve talked about Hanbok, the normal Korean apparel, already when discussing your first cease on the palace. Nonetheless, Insadong has a number of retailers the place you should purchase Hanbok to really take residence with you to maintain eternally as a beautiful memento of your sooner or later in Seoul. After all, you would additionally select to put on it while you’re there so as to add one other dimension to your journey.

Happily there’s a vacationer data centre that gives maps, brochures, and useful data for vacationers which is especially helpful as there may be a lot to see and do.

Insadong is especially energetic on weekends, with road performances and a bustling ambiance. Some venues in Insadong host performances of Ssitkimkut, a Korean conventional masks dance; some venues hosts arts workshops that will help you create your individual Korean crafts similar to pottery or calligraphy; after which there may be additionally Ssamziegil Mall, a singular procuring complicated identified for its spiralling, open-air design. 

As you’ll be able to inform there may be a lot to do in Insadong so you actually have to go to, even when there may be extra to do than could be carried out in simply sooner or later in Seoul – however take your decide and make of word of the belongings you’d like to do (and what to do in case you fall in love with Seoul and wish to come again for longer!)

Insadong provides a singular mix of custom and modernity, making it a must-visit vacation spot whether or not you’re into artwork, historical past, or just wish to benefit from the ambiance – Insadong has one thing for everybody.

6. Gwangjang Market Meals Alley

Gwangjang Market Meals Alley is a vibrant culinary haven in Seoul, famend for its delectable road meals and genuine Korean dishes. Nestled throughout the historic Gwangjang Market, I did an incredible meals tour on this bustling alleyway, to be taught extra concerning the South Korean road meals on provide.

It was a gastronomic journey, that includes a various array of conventional Korean delicacies like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), tteokbokki (spicy rice muffins), and gimbap (seaweed rolls).

Adventurous eaters can savour uncooked octopus and reside seafood, whereas others can take pleasure in scorching, savoury soups and savoury snacks. With its energetic ambiance and wealthy cultural expertise, Gwangjang Market Meals Alley is a must-visit vacation spot for meals fanatics exploring the colourful culinary panorama of Seoul. The meals tour was a particular spotlight of my journey to Seoul.

Afternoon

7. Jogyesa Temple

Jogyesa Temple is the centre of Zen Buddhism in Korea and is positioned within the coronary heart of Seoul,  making it simply accessible by public transportation. The structure is breathtaking and properly well worth the journey only for that! It’s the predominant temple of the Jogye Order, one of many main Korean Buddhist sects, and its predominant corridor, Daeungjeon, homes the primary Buddha statue which is a wonderful attraction. Guests can typically take part meditation periods or witness monks partaking in prayer and chanting.

Jogyesa Temple was initially established in 1395 throughout the Goryeo Dynasty however was later relocated to its present location in 1910 throughout the Japanese occupation of Korea. Relying on the time of yr, you may see festivals or gorgeous ceremonies happening so verify forward to see in case your dates coincide with some spectacular occurring.

For instance, Jogyesa is known for internet hosting the annual Lotus Lantern Competition, which celebrates Buddha’s birthday. Throughout this competition, hundreds of lanterns adorn the temple and its environment, making a mesmerising show of color and lightweight.

The temple is thought for its symbolic timber, together with an historical locust tree and Chinese language juniper timber. These timber are thought-about sacred and are a part of the temple’s historical past and great heritage.

Jogyesa Temple offers a peaceable escape within the midst of bustling Seoul and provides a possibility for guests to find out about and expertise Korean Buddhism. Whether or not you’re within the architectural magnificence or religious practices, Jogyesa Temple has a lot to supply in your sooner or later in Seoul.

8. Cheonggyecheon Stream

The practically 7 mile lengthy Cheonggyecheon Stream flows by way of downtown Seoul and provides a refreshing escape amongst the city panorama. 

Cheonggyecheon has an extended historical past, relationship again to the Joseon Dynasty when it was created as a drainage stream to handle water circulate within the metropolis. Within the mid-Twentieth century, the stream had change into uncared for and lined by an elevated freeway. In 2003, an bold city renewal challenge led by the town authorities reworked the world into a contemporary public house.

The stream options strolling paths on each side, permitting guests to walk alongside the water and benefit from the greenery. It’s also adorned with varied artwork installations and sculptures that add to the sweetness and curiosity of Cheonggyecheon.

All through the stream, there are waterfalls, stepping stones, open plazas and seating areas the place guests can calm down, have a picnic, or get pleasure from particular occasions. Amongst them is the Seoul Lantern Competition, the place the stream is full of vibrant lanterns making it magical!

Cheonggyecheon is fantastically illuminated at night time, so in case you’re on the lookout for a romantic ambiance this might be a beautiful place to return in your sooner or later in Seoul.

9. Namsan Seoul Tower

Namsan Seoul Tower, also called N Seoul Tower, is an icon of the world and is positioned on Namsan Mountain within the coronary heart of Seoul. In case you fancy it you would take a hike or a cable automobile to the highest of Namsan Mountain for breathtaking views of Seoul. Through the years, the tower has change into a preferred vacationer attraction, providing panoramic views of the town which you actually can’t go up in case you’ve solely received sooner or later in Seoul.

For many who choose to not hike, a shuttle bus service, known as the Namsan Sunhwan Shuttle Bus, operates from varied areas in Seoul and takes guests to the bottom of the tower. The tower has two statement decks that supply gorgeous 360-degree views of Seoul and its surrounding areas. On clear days, guests can see so far as the distant mountains!

As you’ll have most likely seen on many bridges throughout European vacationer locations, the terrace of the tower is known for its ‘love locks’ the place {couples} connect padlocks to the fence as an emblem of their love. It has change into a romantic custom for each locals and vacationers, so perhaps you’ll be able to depart your mark there in your sooner or later in Seoul. Sundown and night are fashionable occasions to go to as a consequence of the potential of being fortunate sufficient to have a panoramic view to soak up.

Namsan Seoul Tower is just not solely a distinguished landmark but in addition a must-visit vacation spot for these looking for superb views of Seoul. The journey to the highest, whether or not by cable automobile or on foot, is one thing you’ll keep in mind eternally and I couldn’t suggest it extremely sufficient.

Night

10. Myeongdong and Korean BBQ

Myeongdong is one among Seoul’s hottest procuring districts. Not solely does it have huge title shops but in addition road markets and stalls providing an array of equipment, clothes, and is a mecca for Ok-Magnificence merchandise. It’s additionally well-known for road meals, eating places, and leisure.

To your night meal in Seoul, Myeongdong provides a variety of choices from conventional Korean delicacies to worldwide flavours. You will discover every little thing from Korean barbecue to pizza and pasta. 

As you solely have sooner or later in Seoul, you merely have to decide on a Korean BBQ restaurant, often called ‘gogigui’ in Korean, the place you’ll be able to grill your individual meat on the desk. Tables are outfitted with built-in grills the place diners can cook dinner their very own meat, how usually do you get an expertise like that again residence (exterior of your individual kitchen after all!). Widespread decisions embrace bulgogi (marinated beef) and samgyeopsal (pork stomach).

Myeongdong is commonly alive with road performances, together with music, dance, and different spectacles. So after your distinctive night meal you’ll be able to get pleasure from all of the leisure Myeongdong has to supply in your one night time in Seoul! Discover extra of the most effective locations to eat in my high cafes in Seoul checklist.

At some point in Seoul itinerary quicklist

As you’ll be able to inform there may be loads to see and do in Seoul, far more than can simply match into 24 hours. Nonetheless I’ve given you some prime highlights to get pleasure from and I don’t assume you’ll be dissatisfied. Seoul actually is a metropolis with one thing for everybody!

1. Gyeongbokgung Palace
2. Nationwide Folks Museum of Korea
3. Bukchon Hanok Village
4. Insadong
5. Insadong Vintage Avenue
6. Gwangjang Market Meals Alley
7. Jogyesa Temple
8. Cheonggyecheon Stream
9. Namsan Seoul Tower
10. Myeongdong and Korean BBQ