Seoul is a ravishing metropolis to find. Stunning communities, thrilling actions, and loads of (clear) avenue meals are just some of the issues you are able to do in Seoul. The colourful metropolis has fashionable, trendy, and cutting-edge know-how mixed with fascinating historical past, making it an thrilling place to go to.
Admittedly, I used to be exhausted by the tip of every day as a result of my itinerary was very formidable. Nonetheless,I loved seeing the highlights of Seoul. It ought to come as no shock that my journey plans had been targeted on consuming Korean meals, exploring markets, and discovering cute Korean stationery shops.
For those who’re visiting Seoul for the primary time, don’t be discouraged by the truth that there are such a lot of issues to do on this bustling metropolis. Biking or driving on a hop-on, hop-off bus is usually a extra sensible methodology of shifting concerning the metropolis than strolling.
Earlier than Korea’s capital metropolis turns into too mainstream, try these locations to get an actual style of Seoul.
Namdaemun Market
Namdaemun market is big that it wants its personal weblog submit, and for good motive. Namdaemun Market is Korea’s predominant and oldest market, with over 10,000 distributors and a wealth of avenue meals. From electronics to jewellery and residential items, there are many one-of-a-kind merchandise on sale.
If you wish to discover the market absolutely, go in with no particular vacation spot in thoughts and let the market lead you astray. Nonetheless, if you happen to can’t or don’t need to get misplaced, search for one of many English-speaking guides on key intersections all through {the marketplace} who will hand you a map detailing all vendor names and areas.
Go on an empty abdomen; there are many scrumptious Korean avenue meals to be discovered all through the market.
Myeongdong
Myeongdong is a famend procuring district in Seoul, Korea that’s particularly well-liked with cosmetics, attire, and meals. You’ll discover each Korean and worldwide manufacturers right here, in addition to mid-to-high finish retail shops. For those who’re into make-up like me, this place could have your whole favourite well-known Korean beauty manufacturers!
You’re a go-getter if you happen to attempt to discover out when this space is much less crowded; it’s by no means going to occur! In an space of lower than one sq. kilometre, Myeongdong has a every day floating inhabitants of over a million. Isn’t that insanity?
After all, there are numerous meals distributors in Myeongdong.
Don’t go away with out stopping by Line Associates to take a photograph with Brown, the enormous bear! He’s so well-liked that there are Even ready traces for individuals hoping to get an image with him. Don’t be astonished if you happen to see Korean celebrities on this space. I adopted the screaming crowd that was gathering close to a retailer’s entrance, I cautiously superior and snapped a photograph of the superstar. I subsequently confirmed it to my buddy, who believes that actress Tune Hye-Kyo is in it.
You’ll need to go to these uncommon actions in Seoul if you happen to’re a fan of Okay-pop and Okay-dramas. In Myeongdong, it’s possible you’ll get a photoshoot dressed up in a Hanbok for an inexpensive worth!
Tip:The Namdaemun market is a brief ten-minute stroll from Myeongdong. You possibly can take the metro to both market, however I believe strolling is best due to how fairly the surroundings is.
Garosu Gil
As soon as I completed exploring Myeongdong, I went to Garosu-gil within the Sinsadong space. For those who’re on the lookout for modern locations, that is primary on the listing–there are fascinating shops down each alleyway. Not solely does it have designer labels and stylish cafes/eating places, however everybody right here is totally beautiful. The ladies appear like they could possibly be strolling straight off a modelling shoot!
Insadong Gil
Insadong is a singular, artsy, and historic space with many alleyways branching off the primary highway and attention-grabbing outlets. There are a number of facet streets branching off the primary avenue, together with inventive stationery producers akin to customized stamps.
Bukchon Hanok Village
As a result of there are a number of steep hills to climb, put together for a rigorous exercise. In the course of the Joseon Dynasty, this space was residence to Korea’s aristocracy and has magnificent structure. Whereas some hanoks now have individuals dwelling in them, the vast majority of them are used as cultural points of interest, eating places, and teahouses. Put together to work up a sweat; there are many climbs forward of you.
Changdeokgung Palace
Changdeokgung is one in every of 4 charming palaces located in Seoul and a UNESCO World Heritage website. Though Changdeokgung was constructed as a secondary residence in 1405, it served as the first royal residence after the unique palace positioned in Seoul was destroyed in the course of the Fifties.
PRO TIP: Bear in mind to buy tickets for entrance into the Palace at the least two hours earlier than its closing time; in any other case, they won’t allow you entry. This occurred to me as soon as; I arrived an hour earlier than it closed however wasn’t allowed entry. Even better- go along with a information to be able to study this palace’s fascinating historical past!
Avenue of Youth
The Avenue of Youth is a tiny Myeongdong with procuring outlets and Korean beauty firms. This avenue, however, has a plethora of eating places which are higher than the one I simply noticed. Though this avenue was not on my itinerary, I discovered it whereas trying to find a Kyobo store. As a result of I didn’t have time to dine inside, I did some window-shopping for meals earlier than shifting on to the next spot.
Dongdaemun Buying City
Dongdaemun is the proper vacation spot for avid customers, because it gives loads of malls that keep open from 10 am till 5 am! With 26 procuring malls and over 30,000 specialty outlets, Dongdaemun is Korea’s largest procuring district. It consists of two predominant sections: the retail procuring space and the wholesale procuring space. Yow will discover all types of merchandise right here, starting from silks and materials to garments and electronics, in addition to leather-based items, sporting items, and pet merchandise.
Sungnyemun Gate
It was instantly time to return to the lodge and gather my belongings earlier than heading to the airport. Luckily, I had buffer, which helped me compensate for all the time I wasted taking a incorrect subway prepare.
Different Locations to go to close to Seoul
For some superb day journeys that received’t break the financial institution, Bukhansan Nationwide Park is ideal. There are beautiful mountaineering trails with terrific views, and if you happen to get bored with mountaineering, there’s all the time one thing to do in neighbouring Busan!
