Seoul is an exquisite metropolis to find. Stunning communities, thrilling actions, and loads of (clear) road meals are only a few of the issues you are able to do in Seoul. The colourful metropolis has trendy, fashionable, and cutting-edge expertise 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. However,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.
When 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 driving on a hop-on, hop-off bus is usually a extra sensible methodology of transferring in regards to the metropolis than strolling.
Earlier than Korea’s capital metropolis turns into too mainstream, take a look at 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 motive. Namdaemun Market is Korea’s essential 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 wish to discover the market absolutely, go in with no particular vacation spot in thoughts and let the market lead you astray. Nevertheless, if you happen to can’t or don’t wish 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. When you’re into make-up like me, this place may 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?
In fact, 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 in style 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 movie star. I subsequently confirmed it to my buddy, who believes that actress Tune Hye-Kyo is in it.
You’ll wish to go to these uncommon actions in Seoul if you happen to’re a fan of Ok-pop and Ok-dramas. In Myeongdong, you could get a photoshoot dressed up in a Hanbok for an reasonably priced worth!
Tip:The Namdaemun market is a brief ten-minute stroll from Myeongdong. You possibly can take the metro to both market, however I feel strolling is healthier 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. When you’re searching for modern locations, that is primary on the record–there are charming shops down each alleyway. Not solely does it have designer labels and stylish cafes/eating places, however everybody right here is completely beautiful. The ladies appear like 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 facet streets branching off the principle road, together with artistic stationery producers similar 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, nearly all of them are used as cultural sights, eating places, and teahouses. Put together to work up a sweat; there are many climbs forward of you.
Changdeokgung Palace
Changdeokgung is certainly one 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 situated in Seoul was destroyed throughout the Fifties.
PRO TIP: Bear in mind to buy tickets for entrance into the Palace a minimum of 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 so that you could study 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, alternatively, has a plethora of eating places which might be higher than the one I simply noticed. Though this avenue was not on my itinerary, I discovered it whereas looking for a Kyobo store. As a result of I didn’t have time to dine inside, I did some window-shopping for meals earlier than transferring on to the next spot.
Dongdaemun Buying City
Dongdaemun is the right vacation spot for avid buyers, because it provides 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 essential sections: the retail purchasing space and the wholesale purchasing space. Yow will discover every kind 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 resort and acquire my belongings earlier than heading to the airport. Luckily, I had buffer, which helped me compensate for all the time I wasted taking a unsuitable 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 pretty mountain climbing trails with terrific views, and if you happen to get uninterested in mountain climbing, there’s all the time one thing to do in neighbouring Busan!
