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 historical wonders which implies 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 possibly can 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 profit from your in the future in Seoul. It’s stuffed with tradition, delicacies, gorgeous views, historical past, structure and nice buying too!
When you solely have 24 hours in Seoul – that is learn how 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 profit from spending solely in the future in Seoul.
Morning
1. Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace is likely one of 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 biggest of the 5 Grand Palaces constructed through the Joseon Dynasty. It served as the principle 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!
A number of highlights of the palace embody Geunjeongjeon, the principle throne corridor, the place the king formally granted audiences to his officers, presided over giant official occasions, and carried out state affairs. One other is Gyeonghoeru Pavilion and is located on a man-made island in a stupendous pond; and if pavilions set on islands are proper up your road then you’re in luck as there’s 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 principle palace – the lifetime of a King is tough work!
When you love all of the pomp and ceremony of the Altering of the Guard Ceremony within the UK then you definitely’ll be completely satisfied to know that there’s additionally an analogous ceremony that happens on the major gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace. It options guards wearing vibrant uniforms impressed by historic clothes and may be very well-liked with vacationers – that could possibly 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 provides reveals 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 every day lives of Koreans all through historical past.
When you like being taught all concerning the historical past of the place you’re visiting then a guided tour is at all times an important 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.
When you actually need 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, reminiscent of conventional ceremonies and performances. Verify the schedule to see if any occasions coincide along with your go to.
Opening Hours: Gyeongbokgung is mostly open from the morning to late afternoon however it’s closed on Tuesdays.
3. Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon Hanok Village is a stupendous residential space in Seoul, identified for its conventional Korean homes known as hanoks. You possibly can wander via 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 steering on the perfect routes for exploring the village. It’s nonetheless a residential space although, not only a type 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 right subsequent cease in your in the future in Seoul after the palace and museum.
The village is dwelling to a whole bunch of those conventional Korean homes that are characterised by their wood 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 structure 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 possibly can 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 searching for a really distinctive expertise in your Seoul journey, then what higher technique to get pleasure from a conventional Korean keep.
Bukchon Hanok Village provides 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 important place to go to in your in the future in Seoul.
Lunch
4. Insadong
Insadong is understood 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 have got 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 important concept to attempt 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 , reminiscent of hotteok (candy pancakes), odeng (fish cake skewers), and tteokbokki (spicy rice truffles). Immerse your self within the native culinary delights while in Seoul.
In addition to delectable road meals there’s additionally the choice of stopping by one of many quite a few conventional tea homes generally known as ‘hanjeongsik’ or ‘jeontong chatjip’. It’s an exquisite technique to get pleasure from Korean tea and conventional snacks.
Insadong has extra to supply than simply meals! It’s generally known as a really creative district too and subsequently has tons for followers of the humanities. You’ll discover quite a few artwork galleries showcasing a variety of art work, from conventional to up to date. There’s additionally a road devoted to antiques – I hope you introduced your bank card!
5. Insadong Vintage Road
This space is dwelling to quite a few vintage retailers and artwork sellers, apparently over 70 of them in 700 metres roughly! . You will discover quite a lot of antiques, together with ceramics, furnishings, and conventional Korean art work.
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 dwelling with you to maintain eternally as an exquisite memento of your in the future in Seoul. After all, you may 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’s a lot to see and do.
Insadong is especially vigorous on weekends, with road performances and a bustling environment. 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 reminiscent of pottery or calligraphy; after which there’s additionally Ssamziegil Mall, a novel buying advanced identified for its spiralling, open-air design.
As you possibly can inform there’s a lot to do in Insadong so you actually have to go to, even when there’s extra to do than may be accomplished in simply in the future in Seoul – however take your decide 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 need to come again for longer!)
Insadong provides 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 need to benefit from the environment – 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 important meals tour on this bustling alleyway, to study extra concerning the South Korean road meals on supply.
It was a gastronomic journey, that includes a various array of conventional Korean delicacies like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), tteokbokki (spicy rice truffles), and gimbap (seaweed rolls).
Adventurous eaters can savour uncooked octopus and stay seafood, whereas others can take pleasure in scorching, savoury soups and savoury snacks. With its vigorous environment 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 properly well worth the journey only for that! It’s the major temple of the Jogye Order, one of many main Korean Buddhist sects, and its major corridor, Daeungjeon, homes the principle Buddha statue which is a wonderful attraction. Guests can typically take part meditation classes or witness monks participating in prayer and chanting.
Jogyesa Temple was initially established in 1395 through the Goryeo Dynasty however was later relocated to its present location in 1910 through the Japanese occupation of Korea. Relying on the time of 12 months, you would possibly see festivals or gorgeous ceremonies going down so examine forward to see in case your dates coincide with some spectacular taking place.
For instance, Jogyesa is known for internet hosting the annual Lotus Lantern Competition, which celebrates Buddha’s birthday. Throughout this competition, 1000’s of lanterns enhance the temple and its environment, making a mesmerising show of color and lightweight.
The temple is understood for its symbolic timber, together with an historical locust tree and Chinese language juniper timber. These timber are thought of 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 study and expertise Korean Buddhism. Whether or not you’re within the architectural magnificence or non secular practices, Jogyesa Temple has a lot to supply in your in the future in Seoul.
8. Cheonggyecheon Stream
The almost 7 mile lengthy Cheonggyecheon Stream flows via downtown Seoul and provides a refreshing escape amongst the city panorama.
Cheonggyecheon has a protracted historical past, relationship again to the Joseon Dynasty when it was created as a drainage stream to handle water stream within the metropolis. Within the mid-Twentieth century, the stream had grow to be uncared for and lined by an elevated freeway. In 2003, an formidable city renewal venture led by town authorities reworked the realm 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 numerous 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 loosen up, have a picnic, or get pleasure from particular occasions. Amongst them is the Seoul Lantern Competition, the place the stream is stuffed with vibrant lanterns making it magical!
Cheonggyecheon is fantastically illuminated at evening, so if you happen to’re searching for a romantic environment this may be a beautiful place to come back in your in the future in Seoul.
9. Namsan Seoul Tower
Namsan Seoul Tower, often known as N Seoul Tower, is an icon of the realm and is positioned on Namsan Mountain within the coronary heart of Seoul. When you fancy it you may take a hike or a cable automotive to the highest of Namsan Mountain for breathtaking views of Seoul. Through the years, the tower has grow to be a preferred vacationer attraction, providing panoramic views of town which you actually can’t move up if you happen to’ve solely bought in the future in Seoul.
For many who favor to not hike, a shuttle bus service, known as the Namsan Sunhwan Shuttle Bus, operates from numerous areas in Seoul and takes guests to the bottom of the tower. The tower has two commentary decks that provide 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 known for its ‘love locks’ the place {couples} connect padlocks to the fence as a logo of their love. It has grow to be a romantic custom for each locals and vacationers, so possibly you possibly can go away your mark there in your in the future in Seoul. Sundown and night are well-liked instances to go to attributable to the potential for being fortunate sufficient to have a wide ranging view to absorb.
Namsan Seoul Tower isn’t solely a outstanding landmark but in addition a must-visit vacation spot for these searching for superb views of Seoul. The journey to the highest, whether or not by cable automotive 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 considered one of Seoul’s hottest buying districts. Not solely does it have large title shops but in addition 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.
On your night meal in Seoul, Myeongdong provides a variety of choices from conventional Korean delicacies to worldwide flavours. You will discover all the things 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, generally known as ‘gogigui’ in Korean, the place you possibly can grill your personal meat on the desk. Tables are geared up with built-in grills the place diners can cook dinner their very own meat, how typically do you get an expertise like that again dwelling (exterior of your personal kitchen after all!). Widespread decisions embody 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 possibly can get pleasure from all of the leisure Myeongdong has to supply on your one evening in Seoul! Discover extra of the perfect locations to eat in my high cafes in Seoul listing.
In the future in Seoul itinerary quicklist
As you possibly can inform there’s lots 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 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 may be fairly a whirlwind expertise, which is why it is advisable plan forward. Key points of interest like Gyeongbokgung Palace, the bustling streets of Myeong-dong for buying, and a go to to the N Seoul Tower for panoramic metropolis views may be fitted into a good schedule. Sampling native delicacies, reminiscent of Korean BBQ or road meals at an area market, can also be a should.
Is Seoul an inexpensive vacation spot?
The price of visiting Seoul can range relying in your journey fashion and preferences. Typically, it’s a metropolis the place you will discover choices to swimsuit a spread of budgets. Consuming out in Seoul may be fairly low cost, particularly if you happen to take pleasure in native road meals or dine at conventional Korean eating places. Public transportation in Seoul is environment friendly and fairly priced, making it a cheap technique to get round. You’ll additionally want to contemplate various kinds of lodging in Seoul.
Can you permit the airport throughout a layover in Seoul?
In case you have a layover in Seoul, particularly a protracted one, you might have the chance to depart the airport and discover a little bit of town. Incheon Worldwide Airport provides transit excursions, that are a handy technique to see a few of Seoul’s highlights with out the stress of planning logistics by yourself. These excursions range in size and may embody key sights like temples, markets, or perhaps a temporary metropolis tour.
Nonetheless, 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.