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 placing modernity and historic wonders which suggests there are many locations to discover, take images of and usually 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 in the future in Seoul. It’s full of tradition, delicacies, gorgeous views, historical past, structure and nice buying too!
If you happen to solely have 24 hours in Seoul – that is the right way to get to the essence of it, ASAP!
Final itinerary for in the future in Seoul
From iconic landmarks to museums and vintage buying, right here’s out to benefit from spending solely in the future in Seoul.
Morning
1. Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace is among the most iconic palaces in South Korea so if you happen to solely have in the future in Seoul then this can be a should.
Initially constructed in 1395, Gyeongbokgung is the most important of the 5 Grand Palaces constructed in the course of 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 beautiful structure inside the palace and loads of alternatives for excellent vacation snaps!
Just a few 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 synthetic island in a phenomenal 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 inside 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!
If you happen to love all of the pomp and ceremony of the Altering of the Guard Ceremony within the UK then you definately’ll be comfortable to know that there’s additionally the same ceremony that happens on the essential gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace. It options guards wearing vibrant uniforms impressed by historic clothes and could be very common with vacationers – that might be you!
2. Nationwide Folks Museum of Korea
As an added additional, the Nationwide Folks Museum of Korea is positioned inside the palace grounds. It affords 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.
If you happen to like being taught all concerning the historical past of the place you’re visiting then a guided tour is all the time an awesome thought. Gyeongbokgung gives such excursions and they’re a great way to get a extra in-depth understanding of the historical past of the palace.
If you happen to actually wish to get into the spirit of the event and drench your self in conventional tradition then some guests select to lease conventional Korean hanbok garmonts to put on throughout their expertise and take images inside the palace grounds.
All year long, Gyeongbokgung hosts particular occasions and festivals, equivalent 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 phenomenal residential space in Seoul, identified for its conventional Korean homes referred to as hanoks. You possibly can wander by way of slender 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 efficient start line for guests. It gives maps, data, and steering on the most effective routes for exploring the village. It’s nonetheless a residential space although, not only a sort 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 in the future in Seoul after the palace and museum.
The village is residence to tons of of those conventional Korean homes that are characterised by their wood constructions, tiled roofs, and courtyards referred to as marues. Most 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 nonetheless; 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 if you happen to’re in search of a really distinctive expertise in your Seoul journey, then what higher option to get pleasure from a conventional Korean keep.
Bukchon Hanok Village affords a novel alternative to step again in time and expertise the fantastic thing about conventional Korean structure amidst the fashionable metropolis. It’s a peaceable vacation spot that gives a distinction to the bustling city panorama of Seoul and an awesome place to go to in your in the future 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 in the future 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 all the time an awesome thought to strive a few of the native delicacies if you end up 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 , equivalent 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 an exquisite option 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 Road
This space is residence to quite a few vintage retailers and artwork sellers, apparently over 70 of them in 700 metres roughly! . You could find quite a lot of antiques, together with ceramics, furnishings, and conventional Korean paintings.
We’ve talked about Hanbok, the standard Korean apparel, already when discussing your first cease on the palace. Nevertheless, Insadong has a number of retailers the place you should purchase Hanbok to really take residence with you to maintain ceaselessly as an exquisite memento of your in the future in Seoul. After all, you might 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 personal Korean crafts equivalent to pottery or calligraphy; after which there may be additionally Ssamziegil Mall, a novel buying 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 finished in simply in the future in Seoul – however take your choose and make of notice of the belongings you’d like to do (and what to do if you happen to fall in love with Seoul and wish to come again for longer!)
Insadong affords a novel 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 inside the historic Gwangjang Market, I did an awesome 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 bask in sizzling, 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 lovers 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 effectively definitely worth the journey only for that! It’s the essential temple of the Jogye Order, one of many main Korean Buddhist sects, and its essential corridor, Daeungjeon, homes the primary Buddha statue which is an excellent attraction. Guests can typically take part meditation classes or witness monks participating in prayer and chanting.
Jogyesa Temple was initially established in 1395 in the course of the Goryeo Dynasty however was later relocated to its present location in 1910 in the course of the Japanese occupation of Korea. Relying on the time of 12 months, you would possibly see festivals or gorgeous ceremonies going down so test forward to see in case your dates coincide with some spectacular taking place.
For instance, Jogyesa is legendary for internet hosting the annual Lotus Lantern Pageant, which celebrates Buddha’s birthday. Throughout this pageant, 1000’s of lanterns enhance the temple and its environment, making a mesmerising show of color and light-weight.
The temple is thought for its symbolic bushes, together with an historic locust tree and Chinese language juniper bushes. These bushes are thought-about sacred and are a part of the temple’s historical past and great heritage.
Jogyesa Temple gives a peaceable escape within the midst of bustling Seoul and affords 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 in the future in Seoul.
8. Cheonggyecheon Stream
The practically 7 mile lengthy Cheonggyecheon Stream flows by way of downtown Seoul and affords a refreshing escape amongst the city panorama.
Cheonggyecheon has a protracted historical past, courting again to the Joseon Dynasty when it was created as a drainage stream to handle water move within the metropolis. Within the mid-Twentieth century, the stream had develop into uncared for and coated by an elevated freeway. In 2003, an bold city renewal venture led by the town authorities reworked the realm into a contemporary public area.
The stream options strolling paths on either side, permitting guests to walk alongside the water and benefit from the greenery. Additionally it is 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 chill out, have a picnic, or get pleasure from particular occasions. Amongst them is the Seoul Lantern Pageant, the place the stream is full of vibrant lanterns making it magical!
Cheonggyecheon is superbly illuminated at evening, so if you happen to’re in search of a romantic ambiance this may be a stunning place to return in your in the future in Seoul.
9. Namsan Seoul Tower
Namsan Seoul Tower, also called N Seoul Tower, is an icon of the realm and is positioned on Namsan Mountain within the coronary heart of Seoul. If you happen to fancy it you might take a hike or a cable automotive to the highest of Namsan Mountain for breathtaking views of Seoul. Over time, the tower has develop into a well-liked vacationer attraction, providing panoramic views of the town which you actually can’t go up if you happen to’ve solely obtained in the future in Seoul.
For individuals who desire to not hike, a shuttle bus service, referred to as the Namsan Sunhwan Shuttle Bus, operates from varied places in Seoul and takes guests to the bottom of the tower. The tower has two commentary 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 should have most likely seen on many bridges throughout European vacationer locations, the terrace of the tower is legendary for its ‘love locks’ the place {couples} connect padlocks to the fence as a logo of their love. It has develop into a romantic custom for each locals and vacationers, so perhaps you’ll be able to go away your mark there in your in the future in Seoul. Sundown and night are common occasions to go to attributable to the opportunity of being fortunate sufficient to have a wide ranging view to absorb.
Namsan Seoul Tower just isn’t solely a outstanding landmark but additionally a must-visit vacation spot for these searching for wonderful views of Seoul. The journey to the highest, whether or not by cable automotive or on foot, is one thing you’ll bear in mind ceaselessly and I couldn’t suggest it extremely sufficient.
Night
10. Myeongdong and Korean BBQ
Myeongdong is one among Seoul’s hottest buying districts. Not solely does it have massive title shops but additionally road markets and stalls providing an array of equipment, clothes, and is a mecca for Okay-Magnificence merchandise. It’s additionally well-known for road meals, eating places, and leisure.
To your night meal in Seoul, Myeongdong affords a variety of choices from conventional Korean delicacies to worldwide flavours. You could find all the pieces from Korean barbecue to pizza and pasta.
As you solely have in the future 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 personal meat on the desk. Tables are geared up with built-in grills the place diners can prepare dinner their very own meat, how typically do you get an expertise like that again residence (outdoors of your personal kitchen after all!). In style selections embrace bulgogi (marinated beef) and samgyeopsal (pork stomach).
Myeongdong is usually 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 evening in Seoul! Discover extra of the most effective locations to eat in my prime cafes in Seoul checklist.
In the future in Seoul itinerary quicklist
As you’ll be able to inform there may be a lot to see and do in Seoul, way more than can simply match into 24 hours. Nevertheless I’ve given you some prime highlights to get pleasure from and I don’t suppose you’ll be disenchanted. Seoul actually is a metropolis with one thing for everybody!
- Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Nationwide Folks Museum of Korea
- Bukchon Hanok Village
- Insadong
- Insadong Vintage Road
- Gwangjang Market Meals Alley
- Jogyesa Temple
- Cheonggyecheon Stream
- Namsan Seoul Tower
- Myeongdong and Korean BBQ
Is in the future in Seoul sufficient?
Spending simply in the future in Seoul could be fairly a whirlwind expertise, which is why you should plan forward. Key sights like Gyeongbokgung Palace, the bustling streets of Myeong-dong for buying, and a go to to the N Seoul Tower for panoramic metropolis views could be fitted into a decent schedule. Sampling native delicacies, equivalent to Korean BBQ or road meals at an area market, can be a should.
Is Seoul an inexpensive vacation spot?
The price of visiting Seoul can differ relying in your journey fashion and preferences. Usually, it’s a metropolis the place you’ll find choices to go well with a spread of budgets. Consuming out in Seoul could be fairly low cost, particularly if you happen to bask in native road meals or dine at conventional Korean eating places. Public transportation in Seoul is environment friendly and fairly priced, making it an economical option to get round. You’ll additionally want to contemplate several types of lodging in Seoul.
Can you allow the airport throughout a layover in Seoul?
If in case you have a layover in Seoul, particularly a protracted one, you’ll have the chance to go away the airport and discover a little bit of the town. Incheon Worldwide Airport affords transit excursions, that are a handy option to see a few of Seoul’s highlights with out the stress of planning logistics by yourself. These excursions differ in size and might embrace key sights like temples, markets, or perhaps a transient metropolis tour.
Nevertheless, if you happen to’re planning to enterprise out independently, it’s essential to contemplate the period of your layover, visa necessities, and the time wanted to return to the airport and clear safety.
