We spent an incredible 72 hours in Seoul sight seeing, shopping, eating, and visiting the DMZ. In that brief period of time I saw more coffee shops in Seoul than any other city in the world. Along with coffee shops, shops selling beauty products and clothes are also ubiquitous.
My travel tips for visitors to Seoul
1. Google Maps has limited functionality in South Korea.
2. There’s a crazy amount of walking in Seoul’s metro stations.
3. Street vendors hate their photos being taken.
That aside, here are the highlights from our trip and things I’d recommend you could do when in Seoul.
1. Eat Street Food In Myeong-dong
Delicious gyozas in Myeong-dong, Seoul
After checking into our hotel in Myeong-dong we stepped out to grab some delicious street food. What I loved was the number of street food vendors, each selling a unique dish. From traditional ice-creams, to dumplings, chocolate covered strawberries, and even lobsters!
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- Freshly made egg tarts
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- Fried goodness in Myeong-dong, Seoul
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- Yummy street food at Myeong-dong, Seoul
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- Ice-cream vendor at Myeong-dong, Seoul
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- Korean Traditional Honey Cream Ice-cream
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- You want some street lobster?
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- Delicious street food at Myeong-dong, Seoul
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- Street food vendors in Myeong-dong, Seoul
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- Freshly made chocolate covered strawberries
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- Street food at Myong-dong, Seoul
Street food at Myeong-dong isn’t cheap by a long shot! But it’s delicious, and there’s loads of variety. So, grab a bite, walk around, shop, grab something else to eat.
2. Dine, Shop, Party at Hongik University
Hongik University comes to life after sundown. The area is filled with shops, bars, clubs, and restaurants. The moment we stepped out of the metro station, we could feel the buzz in the atmosphere.
The Hongdae Street, shopping at its finest in Seoul
Hongik University is also where Hongdae Street located – a street famous for its clothes, and accessories shopping.
3. Visit The Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace is probably the most beautiful, and largest of all five palaces in Seoul. The palace was destroyed by fire during the Imjin War (1592-1598). However, all of the buildings were later restored during 1852-1919.
The Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Bugaksan Mountain, Seoul
The National Palace Museum of Korea is also located south of Heungnyemun Gate, and the National Folk Museum is located on the eastern side within Hyangwonjeong.
As a photographer, I loved the contrasts from the inside the palace ground. Looking north, the palace sets itself against some of the tallest hills in Seoul. Looking south, the palace’s gates are contrasted by the modern skyscrapers of the city.
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- Spring arrived at the Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul
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- The courtyard at the Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul
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- The main throne hall of the Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul
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- The main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul
4. Walk Around Bukchon Hanok Village
A stone’s throw away from Gyeongbokgung Palace lies Bukchon Hanok Village. The village is home to hundreds of traditional houses, called hanok, that date back to the Joseon Dynasty.
Empty streets of Bukchon Hanok Village, Seoul
This isn’t some model village, but a fully functional real neighbourhood in the city. So keep that in mind when you decide to get a photo taken in a front garden or porch.
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- View from the Bukchon Hanok Village, Seoul
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- Samcheong-dong, Seoul
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- The quaint Bukchon Hanok Village, Seoul
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- Houses in Bukchon Hanok Village have a smaller side entrance for domestic help
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- Bukchon Hanok Village – a traditional Korean village in Seoul
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- The famous alley of Bukchon Hanok Village, Seoul
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- Traditional Korean homes in Bukchon Hanok Village, Seoul
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- Shops at Bukchon Hanok Village, Seoul
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- Alleys of Bukchon Hanok Village, Seoul
There are numerous fashion boutiques, restaurants, and tea houses in and around the village.
5. Visit The DMZ
The Bridge of Freedom, former railroad bridge which was used by repatriated POWs/soldiers.
Last but not least, visiting the DMZ was the absolute highlight of our trip! Can you imagine that the world’s most dangerous international border is only an hour’s drive away from Seoul? If you want to catch a glimpse of North Korea, read more about how to visit the DMZ in this post.
Bonus: Visit Yeouido Park
If you happen to be in Seoul around cherry blossom season, head to Yeouido Park. We caught a glimpse of the Yeouido Park on our way back from the DMZ and couldn’t believe all the colours. Luckily, our bus dropped us off close to the park and we walked back to the non-stop line of cherry blossom trees, and shrubs with colourful flowers.
Spring was in full bloom!
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- Picnicking at the Yeouido Park, Seoul
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- The National Assembly, Seoul
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- People enjoying a beautiful day at Yeouido Park, Seoul
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- Enjoying a stroll at Yeouido Park, Seoul
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- Cherry blossom falling after a breeze, Yeouido Park, Seoul
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- The streets of Yeouido Island, Seoul
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- The colours of spring at the National Assembly, Seoul
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- With Seoul in the background
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- Auburn leaves
Every time the wind blew, it looked like it was snowing cherry blossoms. It really was too beautiful for words! If you want to see beautiful cherry blossom in Seoul, I highly recommend walking around Yeouido Park.
Visiting Seoul Soon?
The main throne hall at the Gyeogbokgung Palace, Seoul
If you’re visiting Seoul soon, I would highly recommend the Discover Seoul Pass. It provides you free access to 35 of the top attractions in Seoul including Gyeongbokgung Palace (pictured above), Changdeokgung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, and with discounts at another 29 locations. It’s an incredibly amazing value-for-money card that anyone visiting Seoul must purchase!
And if you purchase now online, you can avail a 10% discount.
[Limited Offer] Discover Seoul Pass, 10% DiscountAnd if you haven’t already booked your hotel in Seoul, check out these amazing deals that are happening right now.
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