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 hanging modernity and historic 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’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 at some point in Seoul. It’s full of tradition, delicacies, beautiful views, historical past, structure and nice buying too!
In case you solely have 24 hours in Seoul – that is the right way to get to the essence of it, ASAP!
Final itinerary for at some point in Seoul
From iconic landmarks to museums and vintage buying, right here’s out to benefit from spending solely at some point in Seoul.
Morning
1. Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace is likely one of the most iconic palaces in South Korea so when you solely have at some point in Seoul then this can be a should.
Initially constructed in 1395, Gyeongbokgung is the biggest 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 attractive structure throughout the palace and loads of alternatives for excellent vacation snaps!
A number of highlights of the palace embrace Geunjeongjeon, the primary throne corridor, the place the king formally granted audiences to his officers, presided over massive official occasions, and performed state affairs. One other is Gyeonghoeru Pavilion and is located on a synthetic island in a gorgeous pond; and if pavilions set on islands are proper up your avenue then you’re in luck as there may be one other beautiful one too! Hyangwonjeong Pavilion is one other lovely pavilion positioned on an island throughout 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!
In case you love all of the pomp and ceremony of the Altering of the Guard Ceremony within the UK then you definitely’ll be pleased to know that there’s additionally an analogous ceremony that happens on the predominant gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace. It options guards wearing vibrant uniforms impressed by historic clothes and could be very well-liked with vacationers – that may very well be you!
2. Nationwide Folks Museum of Korea
As an added additional, the Nationwide Folks Museum of Korea is positioned throughout the palace grounds. It affords 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.
In case you like being taught all in regards to the historical past of the place you’re visiting then a guided tour is at all times a fantastic thought. Gyeongbokgung offers such excursions and they’re a great way to get a extra in-depth understanding of the historical past of the palace.
In case you 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 throughout the palace grounds.
All year long, Gyeongbokgung hosts particular occasions and festivals, resembling conventional ceremonies and performances. Verify the schedule to see if any occasions coincide together 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 gorgeous residential space in Seoul, identified for its conventional Korean homes referred to as hanoks. You may wander by slim alleys lined with these well-known and picturesque homes, a few of that are open to the general public.
The Bukchon Hanok Village Middle is an effective start line for guests. It offers maps, data, and steerage 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 right subsequent cease in your at some point in Seoul after the palace and museum.
The village is house to lots of of those conventional Korean homes that are characterised by their picket buildings, tiled roofs, and courtyards referred to 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 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 nevertheless; you’ll be able to discover the quite a few hanok cafes, artwork galleries, and small outlets tucked away within the alleys. Some hanoks within the village even function as guesthouses, so when you’re searching for a really distinctive expertise in your Seoul journey, then what higher method to take pleasure in a standard 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 trendy metropolis. It’s a peaceable vacation spot that gives a distinction to the bustling city panorama of Seoul and a fantastic place to go to in your at some point in Seoul.
Lunch
4. Insadong
Insadong is thought for its vintage outlets, artwork galleries, conventional tea homes, and avenue meals so there isn’t a higher place to have lunch in your at some point in Seoul! For lunch you have got a plethora of choices from conventional avenue meals or a cease at one of many quite a few conventional tea homes Insadong has to supply.
It’s at all times a fantastic thought to strive a few of the native delicacies when you find yourself 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 avenue meals you’ll discover in Insadong , resembling hotteok (candy pancakes), odeng (fish cake skewers), and tteokbokki (spicy rice desserts). Immerse your self within the native culinary delights while in Seoul.
In addition to delectable avenue meals there may be 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 method to take pleasure in 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 heaps for followers of the humanities. You’ll discover quite a few artwork galleries showcasing a variety of art work, from conventional to modern. There may be additionally a avenue devoted to antiques – I hope you introduced your bank card!
5. Insadong Vintage Avenue
This space is house to quite a few vintage outlets and artwork sellers, apparently over 70 of them in 700 metres roughly! . Yow 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. Nevertheless, Insadong has a number of outlets the place you should buy Hanbok to really take house with you to maintain ceaselessly as an exquisite memento of your at some point in Seoul. In fact, you might additionally select to put on it while you’re there so as to add one other dimension to your journey.
Fortuitously 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 full of life on weekends, with avenue 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 individual Korean crafts resembling 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 may be accomplished in simply at some point in Seoul – however take your decide and make of word of the belongings you’d like to do (and what to do when you 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 avenue meals and genuine Korean dishes. Nestled throughout the historic Gwangjang Market, I did a fantastic meals tour on this bustling alleyway, to study extra in regards to the South Korean avenue 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 desserts), and gimbap (seaweed rolls).
Adventurous eaters can savour uncooked octopus and dwell seafood, whereas others can take pleasure in scorching, savoury soups and savoury snacks. With its full of life 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 nicely well worth the journey only for that! It’s the predominant temple of the Jogye Order, one of many main Korean Buddhist sects, and its predominant corridor, Daeungjeon, homes the primary Buddha statue which is an excellent attraction. Guests can generally 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 may see festivals or beautiful ceremonies going down so test 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, hundreds of lanterns embellish 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 of sacred and are a part of the temple’s historical past and fantastic heritage.
Jogyesa Temple offers a peaceable escape within the midst of bustling Seoul and affords a chance 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 at some point in Seoul.
8. Cheonggyecheon Stream
The practically 7 mile lengthy Cheonggyecheon Stream flows by downtown Seoul and affords a refreshing escape amongst the city panorama.
Cheonggyecheon has an extended historical past, relationship 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 turn into uncared for and coated by an elevated freeway. In 2003, an formidable 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. It’s also adorned with varied artwork installations and sculptures that add to the wonder and curiosity of Cheonggyecheon.
All through the stream, there are waterfalls, stepping stones, open plazas and seating areas the place guests can calm down, have a picnic, or take pleasure in particular occasions. Amongst them is the Seoul Lantern Competition, the place the stream is full of vibrant lanterns making it magical!
Cheonggyecheon is superbly illuminated at night time, so when you’re searching for a romantic ambiance this is able to be a stunning place to return in your at some point 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. In case you fancy it you might take a hike or a cable automobile to the highest of Namsan Mountain for breathtaking views of Seoul. Through the years, the tower has turn into a well-liked vacationer attraction, providing panoramic views of the town which you actually can’t move up when you’ve solely bought at some point in Seoul.
For many who favor 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 provide beautiful 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 in all probability 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 an emblem of their love. It has turn into a romantic custom for each locals and vacationers, so perhaps you’ll be able to go away your mark there in your at some point in Seoul. Sundown and night are well-liked occasions to go to as a consequence of the potential for being fortunate sufficient to have a wide ranging view to soak up.
Namsan Seoul Tower isn’t solely a distinguished landmark but in addition a must-visit vacation spot for these searching for wonderful views of Seoul. The journey to the highest, whether or not by cable automobile 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 certainly one of Seoul’s hottest buying districts. Not solely does it have huge identify shops but in addition avenue markets and stalls providing an array of equipment, clothes, and is a mecca for Okay-Magnificence merchandise. It’s additionally well-known for avenue meals, eating places, and leisure.
To your night meal in Seoul, Myeongdong affords a variety of choices from conventional Korean delicacies to worldwide flavours. Yow will discover the whole lot from Korean barbecue to pizza and pasta.
As you solely have at some point in Seoul, you merely have to decide on a Korean BBQ restaurant, generally known as ‘gogigui’ in Korean, the place you’ll be able to grill your individual meat on the desk. Tables are outfitted with built-in grills the place diners can cook dinner their very own meat, how typically do you get an expertise like that again house (outdoors of your individual kitchen after all!). Well-liked decisions embrace bulgogi (marinated beef) and samgyeopsal (pork stomach).
Myeongdong is commonly alive with avenue performances, together with music, dance, and different spectacles. So after your distinctive night meal you’ll be able to take pleasure in all of the leisure Myeongdong has to supply to your one night time in Seoul! Discover extra of the most effective locations to eat in my prime cafes in Seoul checklist.
Sooner or later in Seoul itinerary quicklist
As you’ll be able to inform there may be lots to see and do in Seoul, far more than can simply match into 24 hours. Nevertheless I’ve given you some prime highlights to take pleasure in and I don’t suppose you’ll be dissatisfied. Seoul actually is a metropolis with one thing for everybody!
- Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Nationwide Folks Museum of Korea
- Bukchon Hanok Village
- Insadong
- Insadong Vintage Avenue
- Gwangjang Market Meals Alley
- Jogyesa Temple
- Cheonggyecheon Stream
- Namsan Seoul Tower
- Myeongdong and Korean BBQ
Is at some point in Seoul sufficient?
Spending simply at some point in Seoul may be fairly a whirlwind expertise, which is why it’s essential 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 decent schedule. Sampling native delicacies, resembling Korean BBQ or avenue meals at a neighborhood market, can also be a should.
Is Seoul an inexpensive vacation spot?
The price of visiting Seoul can differ relying in your journey fashion and preferences. Typically, it’s a metropolis the place you could find choices to go well with a spread of budgets. Consuming out in Seoul may be fairly low-cost, particularly when you take pleasure in native avenue meals or dine at conventional Korean eating places. Public transportation in Seoul is environment friendly and fairly priced, making it a cheap method to get round. You’ll additionally want to think about several types of lodging in Seoul.
Can you allow the airport throughout a layover in Seoul?
When you have a layover in Seoul, particularly an extended one, you will 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 method to see a few of Seoul’s highlights with out the stress of planning logistics by yourself. These excursions differ in size and may embrace key sights like temples, markets, or perhaps a transient metropolis tour.
Nevertheless, when you’re planning to enterprise out independently, it’s essential to think about the period of your layover, visa necessities, and the time wanted to return to the airport and clear safety.
