Seoul is a good looking metropolis to find. Beautiful communities, thrilling actions, and loads of (clear) road meals are only a few of the issues you are able to do in Seoul. The vibrant metropolis has trendy, fashionable, 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 bold. Nevertheless,I loved seeing the highlights of Seoul. It ought to come as no shock that my journey plans had been centered on consuming Korean meals, exploring markets, and discovering cute Korean stationery shops.
If you’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 using on a hop-on, hop-off bus generally is a extra sensible methodology of transferring concerning the metropolis than strolling.
Before 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 put up, and for good purpose. Namdaemun Market is Korea’s principal and oldest market, with over 10,000 distributors and a wealth of road meals. From electronics to jewellery and residential items, there are many one-of-a-kind merchandise on sale.
If you need to discover the market absolutely, go in with no particular vacation spot in thoughts and let the market lead you astray. However, 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 road meals to be discovered all through the market.
Myeongdong
Myeongdong is a famend purchasing district in Seoul, Korea that’s particularly in style with cosmetics, attire, and meals. You’ll discover each Korean and worldwide manufacturers right here, in addition to mid-to-high finish retail shops. If you’re into make-up like me, this place may have all your favourite well-known Korean beauty manufacturers!
You are 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?
Of course, there are various meals distributors in Myeongdong.
Don’t go away with out stopping by Line Friends to take a photograph with Brown, the large bear! He’s so in style that there are Even ready strains 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 celeb. I subsequently confirmed it to my buddy, who believes that actress Song Hye-Kyo is in it.
You’ll need to go to these uncommon actions in Seoul if you happen to’re a fan of Ok-pop and Ok-dramas. In Myeongdong, you might 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 may take the metro to both market, however I believe strolling is healthier due to how fairly the surroundings is.
Garosu Gil
Once I completed exploring Myeongdong, I went to Garosu-gil within the Sinsadong space. If you’re in search of trendy 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 completely beautiful. The girls appear to be they may very well be strolling straight off a modelling shoot!
Insadong Gil
Insadong is a novel, artsy, and historic space with many alleyways branching off the principle highway and attention-grabbing outlets. There are a number of aspect streets branching off the principle road, together with inventive stationery producers similar to personalised stamps.
Bukchon Hanok Village
Because there are a number of steep hills to climb, put together for a rigorous exercise. During the Joseon Dynasty, this space was house to Korea’s aristocracy and has magnificent structure. While some hanoks now have individuals residing in them, nearly all of them are used as cultural sights, eating places, and teahouses. Prepare to work up a sweat; there are many climbs forward of you.
Changdeokgung Palace
Changdeokgung is one in all 4 charming palaces located in Seoul and a UNESCO World Heritage web site. Although Changdeokgung was constructed as a secondary house in 1405, it served as the first royal residence after the unique palace positioned in Seoul was destroyed in the course of the Nineteen Fifties.
PRO TIP: Remember 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 together with a information as a way to find out about this palace’s fascinating historical past!
Avenue of Youth
The Avenue of Youth is a tiny Myeongdong with purchasing outlets and Korean beauty firms. This road, however, has a plethora of eating places which might be higher than the one I simply noticed. Although this avenue was not on my itinerary, I discovered it whereas looking for a Kyobo store. Because I didn’t have time to dine inside, I did some window-shopping for meals earlier than transferring on to the next spot.
Dongdaemun Shopping Town
Dongdaemun is the proper vacation spot for avid buyers, because it presents loads of malls that keep open from 10 am till 5 am! With 26 purchasing malls and over 30,000 specialty outlets, Dongdaemun is Korea’s largest purchasing district. It consists of two principal sections: the retail purchasing space and the wholesale purchasing space. You can 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 accumulate my belongings earlier than heading to the airport. Fortunately, I had buffer, which helped me compensate for the entire time I wasted taking a improper subway prepare.
Other Places to go to close to Seoul
For some wonderful day journeys that received’t break the financial institution, Bukhansan National Park is ideal. There are pretty climbing trails with terrific views, and if you happen to get uninterested in climbing, there’s at all times one thing to do in neighbouring Busan!