Gyeongbokgung Palace I © jareed , Flickr Seoul’s principal royal palace has become a main destination for tourists from around the globe. This palace is South Korea’s former seat of power. You can take English tours for an in-depth look at Korean architectural traditions as well as the country’s court customs. Take the time to explore the grounds and absorb the beauty of its pavilions, halls, ornamental gardens, and minor museums after your palace tour. Opening hours:09:00 – 17:00 (January, February, November and December); until 18:00 (March to May; September to October); .....until 18:30 (June to August) — closed on Tuesdays Nearest station:Gyeongbokgung entry is located 22 Sajik-no, Jongno-gu. The nearest subway station is Gyeongbokgung Station, Station #327 on Line 3. Admission fee:Regular ToursAge 19~64: ,000 won / 2.400 won ( group, 10 or more ) Age 7~18: 1,500 won / 1,200 won ( group, 10 or more ) * Free: Children Ages 6 and under, Ages 65 and above *They offer FREE guided tours. Schedules for tours in foreign languages: Show less

Perched on top of Namsan is the N Seoul Tower, one of Seoul’s most iconic sights. You can do the awesome but slightly knackering hike up to the N Seoul Tower or you can take a cable car from close to Myeong-dong subway station. Views from Namsan and in particular the N Seoul Tower are spectacular. Visiting in the evening can give you some awesome city views, however the wait to get up the N Seoul Tower at night can be long, so just plan wisely and book ahead if you .....can. If you’re not fussed about going up the tower itself, the views from Namsan are still pretty awesome. This is definitely one of best evening’s Seoul attractions.  Show less

Korea has been the centre of a tug of war between China and Japan for the last couple of hundred years. Prior to Imperial Japan’s taking control following the first Sino-Japanese war (1894-95) Korea was a tributary of the Ming and then rather begrudgingly, Qing Dynasty; in effect it was China who was in control. When World War 2 ended in 1945 it still wasn’t an independent nation. Although its previous rulers had been vanquished and booted out, the country was split in two: the Russian backed North and the American backed .....South. Interestingly up until the 1970’s it was actually North Korea that was more developed, a far cry from today. After overcoming poor governance, military dictatorships and a faltering economy South Korea grew year upon year and now has roughly the 11th largest GDP (some analysts have it slightly lower) and is regarded as one of the most technologically advanced nations on earth. Seoul is the epicentre of this development. A city where the palaces of bygone dynasty’s stand alongside giant skyscrapers, K-Pop and night markets compete for pennies and attention and the Jaebeol’s are in and out the press (more often than not for something unpleasant). There truly is nowhere else like Seoul. Show less

This village, situated in between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung is home to roughly 900 Hanok (traditional Korean homes). It is full of small museums, art galleries and craft workshops and is a great place to explore. At sunset or early morning it can be especially nice. Do be aware that this place can get very busy with tourists who are in the area visiting Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung. In spite of all the museums, cafes and workshops this is still a residential area for some, so do bear that in mind when exploring.

Seoul is hemmed in by mountains and draped by waterways. The best place to see that beauty is from the needlelike N Seoul Tower on Mount Namsan. You can either take a cable car or trek for 45 minutes through the stone stairway. As I walked up to the base, I was greeted by the tens of thousands of ‘love locks’ hung on fences, gates, railings and ‘trees of love’. My local friend Kim told me love is a serious business in Seoul. So serious that couples match their blood .....groups to ensure a compatible long lasting relationship. So don’t be surprised if someone pops up the blood group question. But I wasn’t looking for love so I didn’t get swayed by love locks and took the elevator to the observatory deck of N Seoul Tower. Flabbergasted by the staggering immensity of Seoul I was looking at the panoramic view like an excited kid. The Seoul skyline was bejeweled with high rises after high rises and four guardian mountains cradled the city from four sides. The velvety mist was trying to play hide-and-seek with the city. Wherever my eyes could reach I saw the manicured landscape of Seoul. Show less

National Museum of Korea I ©Republic of Korea, Flickr The museum is the temple of South Korean history and art. The beautiful modernist architecture is home to Korea’s ancient treasures. Established in 1945, the museum continues their dedication in the study and research of history, art, and archeology. Opening hours:Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 10:00-18:00Wednesday & Saturday: 10:00-21:00Sunday & Public Holidays: 10:00-19:00 Nearest station: Take Line 4 or the Jungang Line, Munsan-Yongmun to Ichon Station, Exit 2. Then walk  around 150m toward Yongsan Family Park.  

Mike is a travel enthusiast, photographer and teacher. He loves adventure travel, meeting the locals and exploring new culture. As an outdoor enthusiast you can often find him hiking mountains or exploring forests trying to capture the beauty of mother nature. In 2013 he founded www.LiveTravelTeach.com as he left his home in America and has been teaching or traveling around the world ever since!

Namdaemun Market I ©Graham Hills, Flickr Dating back to 1414, the Namdaemun Market is the oldest and largest market in Seoul. Immerse yourself in the vastness of stalls offering a variety of goods and commodities. The most famous of which are food stalls offering authentic Korean delicacies from kalguksu noodles, bibimbap and sujebi. Opening hours: The operating hours vary by shop, however, the market is typically closed on Sundays. Nearest station: Take the subway and get off at Hoehyeon Station, Line 4 then Exit 5. Walk for around three minutes from Sungnyemun Five-Way .....Crossing toward Hoehyeon Intersection. Admission fees: No admissions fees required. Show less

Changdeokgung is one of the five Palaces built by the Joseon dynasty and is the most well preserved. Since 1997 it is part of the Unesco World Heritage. Changgyeonggung is connected to Changdeok so it’s nice to see both. We particularly enjoyed walking through the gardens where many flowers were blooming and the pond next to the Great Greenhouse.

Image credit: Everland If you’re looking for a different theme park experience while in Korea, Everland is where you need to be. It is South Korea’s largest outdoor theme park and houses five unique zones of rides and attractions. Among all the rides, Everland is proudly home to the world’s steepest wooden roller coaster and South Korea’s only safari! The best advice we have for you is to visit the park as early as you can. Based on past reviews, Everland has too many rides to squeeze into a day! Getting there: 199 .....Everland-ro, Pogog-eup, Cheoin-gu, Gyeonggi province. Take bus 5002 from Gangnam Station or 5700 from Jamsil Station. The ride will take around an hour and costs KRW2,500. Show less

So we had a second round of city tour during this return trip. During the ride, passengers got on and off the bus at designated stops. Before reaching our boarding point at the Cultural Park, we decided to get off and visit the Jongmyo Shrine. This attraction is located just one stop before reaching Dongdaemun. We walked to the ticketing booth, showed our Discover Seoul Pass and got our tickets. Entering this attraction, we found ourselves in a rather quiet area with few visitors. It was like a walk in the .....park with some old restored buildings. Show less

Lotte is one of South Korea’s most recognised and respected brands. This 5-star hotel offers all of the luxuries you would expect. Throw in its location in the heart of Myedong along with is swimming pool, sauna and hot spring spa it’s easy to see why this is one of the most popular luxury options in Seoul. It’s directly connected to Euljiro 1-ga subway station making travel around Seoul extremely convenient. In addition its central location means that there are plenty of awesome sights within walking distance.

The Palace of Virtuous Longevity is unique in that it’s the only Seoul landmark that you can visit at night. Naturally this is one of the best times to visit, it’s only a short walk from the neon craziness that is Myeong-dong. The perfect way to walk off an amazing meal and certainly a unique idea for what to do in Seoul! If visiting during the day you may be lucky enough to catch a changing of the guard ceremony or join a free guided tour of complex. For times check out .....their website here.  If you do wish to go on a private guided tour – book an evening tour with Get Your Guide Show less

Frequently known as the forgotten war in the Western World, the Korean War was a battle between the competing ideologies of the USA and China and the Soviet Union. The war raged from 1950 until 1953 when an armistice agreement was signed between the USA, China and North Korea. South Korea was not a signatory to this ceasefire and a formal peace treaty between the two Korea’s and their allies was never formally agreed meaning that the two sides are technically still at war. As well as a memorial to those that .....fought and died in Korean War the site is also home to a number of excellent exhibitions giving information into one of the most brutal conflicts of the 20th century.  The Korean War started in 1950 when North Korea launched a surprise invasion of the South. Initially the North made spectacular gains, partially thanks to weaponry and support from the Soviet Union. However the USA soon pushed the North close to the Chinese border and then China joined in. There are many who believe that without China’s intervention North Korea would have been ceased to exist. This museum offers a lot of insight into Korean history and for all wanting to get to know the culture better – it’s a Seoul must see! Show less

If you are looking for a market to stuff your face with amazing Korea street food then then this is the place! This place is positively buzzing most evenings, think the huge night markets in Tainan and Taipei as a rough comparison. Come with an empty stomach and be prepared to stagger back home, because eating really is one of the top Seoul tourist attractions. Without a shadow of a doubt this one of Seoul’s most brilliantly chaotic places. Even if you’re not here for the food it’s certainly one of the .....most interesting things to see in Seoul.  Show less

Seoul Arts Center I ©Jirka Matousek, Flickr Located in Seocho-gu district of Seoul, the Seoul Arts Center has five buildings; namely the Opera House, Seoul Calligraphy Museum, the Music Hall, Hangaram Art Museum and Hangaram Design Museum. Immerse yourself in the arts. If you can spare the time, watch performances from any of the following: Korean National Ballet, Korean National Opera, Korean Symphony Orchestra, Korea National Contemporary Dance Company or National Chorus of Korea. Opening hours:March-October: 11:00-20:00 November-February: 11:00-19:00 Closed on the last Monday of each month Nearby station: From Seoul Subway Line 3, .....Exit 4-1 or 4-2 then take Bus No. 406, 1500-2, 1553, Seocho11 or Seocho17. Get off  at Seocho-dong Seoul Art Center Bus Stop. Admission fee: Fees will depend on the on going performances or exhibits. For more details click here. Show less

After getting the bird’s eye view, it was time to experience the illustrious past of Korea. I started turning the history pages from the fourteenth century Changdeokung palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was the home of Korea’s last emperor. Cobblestoned corridors, elegant open courtyards, alluring Secret Garden, soothing ponds, and pagodas infused a dose of tranquility in a frenetic urban city. I wanted to spend more time exploring the colossal Changdeokung palace but being time-poor I had to sacrifice my wish in favour of attending the Royal Guard-Changing .....Ceremony at the Gyeongbokgung Palace. At 2 pm sharp the royal guards arrived in their colourful flowing robes, carrying traditional weapons and playing traditional musical instruments. The Ceremony gave goosebumps and transported me to the 14th century Joseon Dynasty when this tradition was enacted exactly as I witnessed. It further stoked my interest in the Korean history and I spend some time at the National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum of Korea, both housed in the palace itself. Within walking distance from the palace was Samcheong-dong, where tradition and artistic sensibilities meet. Samcheong-dong is famous for Bukchon Hanok (Korean traditional houses) village. A maze of 900 antique homes with angular roofs, decorative brick walls and heavy wooden doors were weaved together like a beehive. Chic galleries, distinctive cafes and accessory shops were seamlessly integrated into the calm environs of the traditional village. Show less

Full text of the story  Seoul – Old School to New Cool published in the March issue of Jet Airways in-flight magazine Seoul is called Special City for a reason. It is a city of contrasts that has something special for everyone. Fourteenth-century palaces hold their fort against 21st-century skyscrapers, while you can travel between ancient and modern, simply by crossing a street. Han River neatly bisects the old Seoul of palaces, markets, hanoks and government offices from the new Seoul of cloud-piercing high-rises, swanky stores, and avant-garde restaurants. Delivery boys race .....their motorbikes with Maseratis on the road, while gadget-toting fashionistas combat peddlers for walking space. A city as passionate about protecting its 600-years-old heritage as it is about K-Pop, while one moment you are in downtown the next you are at Bukhansan National Park. You can shop till you drop at ritzy department stores or haggle around at labyrinthine markets while gorging on affordable street food or relishing the cuisine of the kings. It is this diversity which makes Seoul truly special. So if you are visiting Seoul soon make sure you do explore the diversity of this Special City Show less

Looking for things to do in Seoul? Visit 3CE. Known for its bright lights, pink decor, and overall party atmosphere, the Pink Hotel’s 3CE store offers legitimate makeup products on Myeongdong shopping street in addition to trendy clothings. While many Myeongdong tourists flock to this store for Instagram-worthy photos, their quality of skincare products is unmatched. Koreans in Myeongdong love the makeup products at 3CE and agree that they are all highly pigmented and authentic Korean brands found in Myeongdong shopping street. Address: 37-8 Myeongdong 8-gil, Chungmuro 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

This 3D museum features interactive paintings that visitors can become apart of. The exhibition features everything from a boxing kangaroo to a Frozen-themed reindeer-drawn carriage. If you need a break from walking up and down the streets of Myeongdong, this museum gives you the perfect opportunity to do that. Address: 27 Myeongdong 8ga-gil, Chungmuro 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Once the means of transport is decided, there are a large number of tourist spots in Seoul for travelers to visit. Travelers fond of palaces can visit the magical Gyeongbokgung and Changgyeonggung Palaces. The Namsan, the Soeul Tower and Namdaemun (Great South Gate) are also interesting places to visit. The Korean Folk Village is an ideal place for cultural exploration.

Image credit: Korea Tourism Organization Lotte World is the world’s largest indoor amusement park. Comprising both an indoor theme park and an outdoor amusement park, Lotte World is also surrounded by a hotel and a large shopping complex! This top-notch attraction is great for families, kids and couples alike. Lotte World is more than just an ordinary theme park, it’s a massive entertainment hub that promises fun in epic proportions! Getting there: 240 Olympic-ro Songpa-Gu, Seoul, Korea. The park is connected to Jamsil Station on Line 2 and Line 8 of the Subway. .....Take Exit 4 and head to Lotte World. Show less

I heard that originally, the plan was to build a Disneyland in Seoul, but the developers haven’t managed to obtain the Disney license. Nevertheless, they did not want to give up on their plans so easily. In any case, Lotte World resembles its more famous Disney relative a lot, including the signature Cinderella castle. Divided into two parts – the Magic Island (outdoors) and Adventure (indoors), Lotte World is Korea’s top amusement park with everything you would expect from it. Including the long waiting lines for each of the attractions. ➯ .....Katie’s tip: Get a Lotte World day pass via Klook and save up to 45% of the price. Moreover, register first via this link and save another 3.2 USD. Show less

Until 2005, the Cheonggyecheon Stream existed just as a neglected waterway hidden by an overpass. However, the city government decided to transform it into one of its show off projects and invested huge money into revitalizing the area. Nowadays, the stream is still just a waterway going through the very center of the city, but it looks very cultivated. It is used for display of various cultural items or pieces of art, usually located in the middle of the stream, combining the art with the natural water element.

As the name implies, the AREX express (non-stop) train is the quickest way into Seoul. The train does the entire journey from Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 to Seoul Station in just 43 minutes. Trains run from ICN every 30 minutes starting at 5:23am with the last train leaving at 10:48pm. From Seoul Station to ICN, the first train leaves at 6:10am while the last departs for the airport at 10:50pm. A ticket for the AREX express train costs ₩9,000 plus a ₩500 deposit for a single-use travel card. There’s an additional one-way supplement .....of ₩100. TIP: If you’re flying with Korean Air, Asiana Airlines or Jeju Air, you can get a discounted price of ₩6,900 for your AREX ticket. There’s also a group discount. For 4 people or more, you’ll pay just ₩7,500 per person. Although it’s more expensive, the express train is far more comfortable than the regular commuter train. Unlike the regular subway, there’s room for your luggage here. You can place your carry-on luggage in the overhead racks and your larger check-in luggage at the compartments provided near the train cabin doors. There’s also free onboard WiFi for passengers. Show less

We finally located the Trick Eye and Ice Museum inside a mall. This museum is best enjoyed with a smart phone where downloading an apps is required to bring 3-D effects to life in the exhibits here. We didn’t spend a lot of time here as we wanted to conserve battery for our phone where we would be heading up to Namsan Seoul Tower after this visit. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); We also skipped the Ice Museum as we had to rent cold wear to enter .....the Museum. Perhaps we were already pretty tired having been out since early morning. We found the Alive Museum we visited the previous day more fun and interesting and of course the Teseum Seoul Teddy Bear Museum too, where my wife spent the most time there. Show less

Seoul in 7 Days: An Itinerary for First Time VisitorsK-Guesthouse Myeongdong 3 ReviewKorean Skincare Shopping HaulBukchon Hanok Village and InsadongN Seoul TowerMyeongdong Street FoodNamdaemun Market and Kalguksu AlleyGyeongbokgung Palace and National Folk Museum of KoreaEland Han River CruiseDongdaemun Toy Market30 Best Activities to do in Seoul with KidsPhoto Gallery: Seoul, South Korea Helpful Links:Everland Official WebsiteEverland Guide MapKlook Booking WebsiteTrazy.com Booking Website

Built upon the old picturesque Jungang railroad section which closed in 2008, this recent bicycle (and pedestrian too) road was opened in 2011. The road starts from Paldang Bridge – just across the Han river from Hanam district, and it connects with Yangpyeong and continues further on. It is a true paradise for bikers of all ages or even just hikers. The path is basically ‘flat’ with 3 lanes marked – two of them for bikers, the last one for pedestrians. It is totally car-free and safe for all the family. .....Most of the time, the lane is just winding along the river far from any car-road. You may take your own bike or rent one at several locations along the road. It’s also perfectly adapted for families with strollers or little kids, provided you use caution and respect the bikes-only lanes. Show less

Eating is the highlight of any trip to Seoul. The dazzling array of food on offer in Seoul in simply stunning, from cheap and cheerful street eats to Michelin Star restaurants. Kimchi maybe the first thing people think when they think of Korean food, however there is far more to the Korean palette than spicy pickled cabbage.

Located to the south of Changdeokgung this huge park is home a shrine of the same name as well as a number of others. It is the World Heritage-listed Jongmyo Shrine that is the most important. It is here that spirit tablets of Joseon kings, queens and most loyal government officials are kept. It is believed that their spirits reside in the special hole bored into the wooden tablets. Whilst the park is nothing too spectacular it’s certainly a nice break for the hustle and bustle of Central Seoul. 

This stream that flows from northern Seoul down to the Han River has undergone a major facelift in recent years. Roads and raised highways were torn down and replaced with walkways, waterfalls, footbridges and public artworks.  Understandably this has been a big hit with the people of Seoul with summer and is especially popular with families. 

Seoul’s main student area is home to funky live music venues, cafes and some awesome restaurants. Do not expect fine dining here, it’s all about keeping the prices down. The area is also home to some excellent hotpot and BBQ restaurants. If you’re looking to catch some of South Korea’s finest unsigned indie acts then this is the place to do it!

This area is home to two parks which are great to while away a sunny afternoon. Peace Park which is home to the World Cup stadium is east of Hongdae. Seonyudo Park is built on an island in the middle of the Han River that was formerly home to a water filtration plant. Now it’s full of ponds, plant nurseries and exhibitions – far more visually appealing.

This district will always be synonymous with Gangam Style, the song that has caused many a hangover riddled guy or girl to look back on the previous nights dancing with shame. When this song came out I had not yet been to Seoul, but a good friend of mine lived there for a year. It was him who informed me that Gangam was actually a very fancy, upmarket area in Seoul. Think Kensington or Mayfair in London. Not sure if the song “Mayfair Style” would sell as well. It’s certainly an interesting area .....to explore, with plenty of awesome and surprisingly affordable restaurants hidden in the cities back alleys. If that’s not your thing then there are plenty of fashion brands and expensive restaurants that have made Gangnam their home. Show less

Visiting a Jimjilbang is one of the best things to do in Seoul. A Jimjilbang is a Korean onsen/sauna/spa complex offering baths, massages, games rooms, saunas and a bunch of other bits and bobs. A number of Jimjibang’s have options to stay all night with various sleeping rooms within the complex and baths running throughout the night.  There are plenty of these in Seoul, however the price for day time rates and night time rates is likely to differ. Plan appropriately to make sure you don’t get a surprisingly large bill. All nighters .....can sometimes work out cheaper than a hotel, and you will feel fresh as a daisy the next morning. These do have a reputation for being seedy (understandable when you describe it). However the chances of you finding such a place through a google search is pretty slim. Alternatively you can ask your guesthouse or hotel for a recommendation. Show less

South Korea is home to some awesome live music. Dongdaemun has some excellent jazz and blues clubs whereas Hongdae is the place to go for Indie. If K-Pop is what you’re after, and with the an ever growing fan base you wouldn’t be alone, check out the best spots online. There are various gigs going on throughout the year hosting some of the genre’s biggest acts. To have the best K-Pop experience, you can book a tour with Get Your Guide, which will lead you to the K-Pop themed restaurant in Seoul’s .....posh area, Gangnam. Fantastic food, great tunes and amazing views of the Seokchon Lake and the city – a perfect recipe for a great night out! One of Seoul’s most unique cultural exports this is the best place to experience it and see what all the fuss is about (hint: it’s pretty awesome). Show less

Bukhansan National Park I ©bertconcepts, Flickr In the midst of a bustling metropolis, this park covers about 79.92 km of forested area with temples and granite peaks. It is one of the most popular hiking trails to date since its establishment in 1983. Apart from the 100 historical Buddhist temples found in the park, a  must-visit site is the Bukhansanseong Fortress. Don’t miss this 5-mile mountain wall when you decide on a hiking adventure at the Bukhansan National Park. Opening hours: The park is open all year round. For hiking restrictions and .....other details, click here. Nearest station: Take the subway and get off at Gupabal Station, Line 3, Exit 1. Take the Bus 704 bound for Bukhansanseong Fortress. Get off at the Bukhansan Mountain entrance bus stop. Walk for 10 minutes to arrive at the Dobong management office of Bukhansan National Park. Admission fees: No admission fees required. Show less

Seodaemun Prison History Hall I ©dom brassey draws comics, Flickr Today, this prison has been transformed into a museum to honor Koreans who fought against the Japanese Colonial Period. Kim Koo, who was a significant figure in Korean liberation movement, was imprisoned here in 1911. Part of the prison’s complex were made into historical monuments, while the History Hall has an exhibit detailing the stories of people who were imprisoned in these walls. Opening hours:March – October : 9:30-18:00November – February : 9:30-17:00 Nearest Station:Seodaemun Independence Park and Seodaemun Prison are accessible from .....exits 4 or 5 of the Dongnimmun Station on Seoul Subway Line 3. Admission fees:Adults over 19 :  3,000 won / Group 2,400 won Youths between 13 – 18: 1,500 won / Group 1,200 won Children between 7 – 12:  1,000 won / Group 800 wonFree: Children under 6, Seniors over 65, people with disabilities Show less

Kalguksu is a yummy Korean knife-cut noodle soup. Some of the kalguksu vendors at Gwangjang have received international media attention for their sumptuous dishes and have a dedicated following of local patrons. Kalguksu is not spicy, so it’s a perfect dish for those who have a low tolerance for hot foods.  Many of the Gwangjang vendors follow family recipes that they inherited from their mothers and grandmothers. There are several variations of the dish, with some people adding clams into it to make Bajirak Kalguksu (바지락 칼국수), or others using the .....addition of chicken to create delicious Dak Kalguksu (닭 칼국수). If you are lucky, you may be able to catch the vendors making the noodles by hand – depending on the time of your visit. Show less

Tteokbokki is perhaps my absolute favourite Korean street food delicacy. It is by no means exclusive to Gwangjang market – you can find this snack practically everywhere! Tteokbokki is comprised of thick, chewy rice cakes that are served in a spicy tomato sauce. In any case, it’s incredibly flavourful so I highly recommend that you try it.  For first timers, tteokbokki can seem pretty spicy so come armed with water and be warned! After I lived in Korea for a while I never really noticed it… probably because I’d already burned .....all of my taste buds off with spicy food at that point!  Show less

Just as you can spend several days eating around Korea, you can do the same when it comes to tea. If you’re a fan of good tea, consider taking a tea tasting tour through some of Korea’s best tea houses. One of Seoul’s best teahouses is Dalsaeneun Dalman Saenggakhanda (The Moonbird Only Thinks Of The Moon). Taking visitors back to the simple tea houses of old, this tea room is decorated with oil lamps, household tools of days gone by, older photographs, and features traditional music and soft lighting. With all the traditional teas .....that this market offers, visiting The Moonbird Only Thinks Of The Moon will give you the authentic tea experience you’re looking for. Address: 14-3, Insadong 12-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea Show less

The large shopping complex that is Noon Square is also at the center of the city. This culture and fashion powerhouse is the perfect outing for visitors wondering what to do in Meongdong. Visitors have their pick of the most iconic brands, fabulous restaurants, and many options for things to do in Myeong-Dong. Some of the big name brands you’ll find here are Steve Madden, Mango, Zara, and H&M. Address: 14 Myeongdong-gil, Myeongdong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

In the odd situation that the metro won’t do, there’s always the bus. Like the subway, Seoul’s bus system is extensive and cheap. For some routes, getting to your destination might actually be a little faster on a bus than the subway. The buses are, however, quite a bit more confusing to navigate for foreigners than the metro. Other than at major stops on major routes, bus maps and loud speaker announcements are generally only in Korean. On top of the language barrier, there’s a whole array of different coloured buses you’ll .....need to figure out to make sure you’re getting to the right place. Show less

The Dulle-gil Trail is 70 kilometres long. It connects forest paths and villages along Bukhansan and Dobongsan Mountain. There are 21 parts to the trail, with each section offering hikers a different style of journey. For example, you could choose to walk the Myeongsang-gil (Path of Meditation) one weekend, and the Sonamusup-gil (Pine Tree Forest Trail) the next weekend. I’m already thinking about how we can walk all of these trails eventually. 😉 More information about the Dulle-gil Trails can be found: HERE. Have you been on a memorable outdoor adventure? What’s the .....most challenging hike you’ve ever done? Show less

As Tokyo has its Shibuya, Seoul has its Myeongdong. A lively shopping and entertainment district, attracting hordes of both Korean teenagers and foreign tourists. No matter if you come to Myeongdong to shop on some high-end brands, enjoy kinky street food or great meals in its many restaurants, you won’t get disappointed. Especially once it gets dark and you will be able to enjoy the shiny forest of neon signboards. ➯ Check out: Available hotels in Myeongdong

Similarly to Japan, the Koreans have a thing for cute animals. And as such, Seoul is full of various animal cafés. These are basically places, where you can come, have a cup of your favorite beverage and observe or play with some particular animals. And the selection in Seoul is probably even crazier than in Tokyo. Our pick went to Blind Alley Racoon Cafe. I have actually never seen one alive before, as they don’t live in the Czech Republic. But in Blind Alley, they not only have Racoons but .....a capybara and a little guinea pig too. From other options in Seoul, you can also check a meerkat cafe, a sheep cafe or one with turtles and sugar gliders. Show less

Gaining world fame due to PSY’s dance hit Gangnam style, Gangnam is a vibrant young district full of great opportunities to shop, sit down with a café or go clubbing in the evening. Moreover, for everyone read to go crazy, you can get off the metro at Gangnam Station Exit 5, where you find a stage with an endless loop of PSY’s megahit. Release your inner “Gangnamness” and record yourself while performing the notorious dance moves. ➯ Check out: Prices of hotels in Gangnam

In the ancient times, Seoul used to be a fortified city, surrounded by a large fortress wall with 8 massive city gates. The walls had to step down to further expansion of the city, yet you can still find 6 out of the 8 original gates standing. The most famous of them is Namdaemun (the South Gate), also known as Sungnyemun, aka the Gate of Exalted Ceremonies. Unfortunatelly, just a few years ago, it had to be completely rebuilt, as a crazy arsonist decided to set it on fire in .....2008. Nowadays, back again in its full strenght, it carries the title of the No. 1 National Treasure of South Korea and it is guarded by a guard of honor in colorful traditional costumes. Show less

I love traditional Asian folklore costumes, being it Japanese Kimono, Chinese Qipao or Vietnamese Áo dài. Nevertheless, Korean Hanbok definitely belongs among the most beautiful ones and you will meet dozens of locals and tourists wearing if when wandering around the historical quarters of Seoul. No wonder, especially on girls, the beautiful colorful skirts make all of your photos look so much nicer and shinier. Another big advantage is that if you are wearing a hanbok, you have free entrance to basically all the historical palaces in Seoul! So you .....not only save money but also skip the horrible lines at the ticket counters. I got mine at One-day Hanbok, which has a perfect location exactly between the Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces and just a few steps from the Bukchon Hanok village. ➯ Katie’s tip: Book the Hanbok fitting in advance and rather for early morning hours. The shop is really popular and it gets very crowded, which makes the selection of available costumes much smaller if you come later in the day. Register first via this link before the booking and save 3.2 USD on the price. Show less

Do you want to get yourself pampered in the Korean style? The Dragon Hill Spa is probably the most famous spa in whole Seoul area. For a price of about 10 USD for a day pass, it offers dozens of different pools, saunas, massages, body scrubs or simply rooms where you can lay down and relax. There are both women and men only areas as well as mixed ones and you can even stay overnight, which makes it a great way how to save some money on accommodation for adventurous .....travelers. You can either sleep in some of the heated relaxation rooms (too hot and no blankets or pillows), or in a common sleeping room on a mattress and with a pillow, but with approx 40-50 other persons in the room. I tried it myself and even though I did not get much sleep (from 5 am on, you hear alarm clocks going crazy, as people are waking up to catch their flight), it was quite an experience to remember. ➯ Check out: Prices of hotels in Seoul Show less