Things to do in SEOUL

6 November 2015

I've made it to SEOUL, Korea this time. 

Well, It is a bit rush for a 5D4N, don't really have enough time to explore all the places. But it's okay, i will save it for my next visit in the future. By the way, this is the second time visiting seoul, the first time was 12 years back with my family. Obviously, it's way to long and i guess it is necessary to revisit seoul again this time and YES! Seoul surprises me in a way, it is so much different now. 

Like Japan, South Korea has four seasons — Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. The most popular times to visit Seoul are during the Spring (March-May) and Fall (Mid-September-Early November) months when the weather is ideal and the landscape is at its most beautiful views.

Almost all international flights land at Incheon International Airport. It’s about an hour from the airport to our hotel which is located in Hongdae. We decided to take taxi because there are 3 of us, carrying 5 luggages. So i guess it would be easier for us to take a taxi right to the hotel. Remember to take the orange taxi because it is the cheapest compare to others taxi. The fare is around 55,000-60,000 WON. Which is around RM226, divide by 3 means RM75 per pax. It's expensive i know but no choice :(

Seoul is a massive city with much to see. If you ask me what do i like about Seoul, i would say Shopping and Food. I'm a big fans of Korean Food, so yea! 

Here's some highlight for my trip, 

1. Gyeongbukgung Palace 

One of Seoul’s most renowned historical attractions and most visited sites in the city is the Gyeongbukgung Palace. The entrance fee is around 3000 won per pax. 

It is one of the MUST VISIT in Seoul! 

Opening Hours: 9 am – 6 pm 

How to get there: Take the Subway to Gyeongbokgung Station and Exit #5

2. Bukchon Hanok Village  

Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul, located near to the Gyeongbukgung Palace, is one of a very interesting place to go in Seoul. You can go there after visiting Gyeongbukgung palace. It's just one/two station away if not mistaken. 

 Exploring the streets and checking out the Korean traditional homes was a lot fun. Stroll along the street and you will run into small courtyards, cafés, art galleries and nice restaurants. Don't forget to add Bukchon Village to your list, because it's a must-visit place while you are in Seoul.

Opening Hours : Daily 10 am until about 6 pm
How to get there : Take the subway to Anguk Staion and Exit #1 or #2

3. SEOUL TOWER

Seoul tower, also known as Namsam tower. It is 236.7m high. N Seoul Tower is at the top of the Namsan mountain. Going to the top of the Seoul tower offers the opportunity to get one of the best overall views of the city of Seoul. This is also where the love lock ( symbol of love ) are – one of the most romantic things to do in Seoul if you are traveling with your love one. 

Definitely a good spot for signature tourist photo to prove that you are in Seoul. 

I would suggest you to take the subway Myeongdong station (line 4), take exit 7 or 8 and take a orange taxi to the cable car station if you're lazy to walk. The fare is only around 3000-4000won. Around RM10. After that, take a cable car up the to the peak of the mountain and pay to go up to the top of the tower if you want.

N Seoul Tower Observatory Admission fee: Children (Ages 4-12): 3,000 won/ Teens and Adults (Ages 13-64): 7,000 won / Senior (Ages 65+): 5,000 won

Cable car Fare: Round-trip: 6,300 won, One-way: 4,800 won

Opening Hours: 10:00~22:30

Nearest Station : Myeongdong Station ( line 4 ) exit 3 

4. SHOPPING

Shopping is my favorite part of the trip! Seoul is a shopaholic’s paradise. There is a lot of shopping district like Myeongdong, Hongdae, Dongdaemun, Insadong, Itaewon, Gangnam etc. As i said, i don't have much time to explore all of them. I only went to Myeongdong, Hongdae and Dongdaemun. They each have their own unique personality. Insadong is known for its artsy-craftsy items, Myeongdong for its brand names and cosmetics, and Hongdae for its hip, college town vibe. So far, Hongdae and Myeongdong is my favorite shopping place.

Remember to buy the socks! It's available in many many design, so adorable. Only 1000won each.

From the latest Korean cosmetics and fahion to the brightest neon colored sneakers, there’s all kinds of stores in this outdoor mall. Along with trendy expensive stuff, in the afternoon hours, street shopping stalls also set up shop. 

How to get to Dongdaemun Market : Dongdaemun Station (Line 1 & 4, Exit 8 or 9) 

Dongdaemun History and Culture Park (Line 2, Exit 2 or 14)

Basically, you can just shop till you drop, really drop. 

 If shopping is not your thing, don’t worry, there’s a massive selection of restaurants, street food stalls, fancy ice cream, and snacks everywhere you look. Don't worry! HAHAHA

5. EAT THE STREET FOOD 

Tteok Galbi Meatball is one of my recommended street food! It is super yummy! 

Try the spicy one if you love spicy food! 

Also, i found this! Prettiest ice cream i've seen! 

I spent most of my time in Hongdae because i'm staying there. In Hongdae, it is always happening. it felt like no matter where you went, there would always be something exciting going on. Especially at night. Hongdae also happens to be one of Seoul’s biggest nightlife destinations. There is a lot of bars and clubs around there. 

So, If you happen to visit Hongdae, don't miss this 

How to get there : Subway Hongdae University Station (Line 2, Exit 9)

6. VISIT THE TRICK EYE MUSEUM

( It is located in Hongdae )

It is a fun spot, make sure you fully charges your camera before you go.

Trick eye museum is originally from SEOUL. The museum has eight thematic exhibits, including historical, twists of familiar masterpieces, romantic, luxurious, domestic, traditional, style, and finally, a house of mirrors. It certainly doesn’t matter how old you are because as long as you have a good sense of fun and silliness, you’ll have a grand time posing next to the 3D paintings.

 We enjoy it!

Basically, it is an art technique that turns two-dimensional paintings into three-dimensional images. That's is how our eyes got trick!You can take as many photo as you can. Like me.

 We also visited the ICE MUSEUM which is just right next to Trick Eye Musuem. It was super cold inside. You won't spend more than 15 minutes inside. 

Everything inside is made up of ICE , Complemented with beautiful lightings

Trick Eye Museum (+ Ice Museum) Admission: Adult (15,000 won) Children (12,000 won)

 Senior citizens get 50% off

7. THE HANBOK EXPERIENCE 

Hanbok is the traditional korean dress. It is a symbol of Korean culture. A trip to Korea will never be complete if you have not tried on the HANBOK. By visiting Trick Eye Museum, we saw this Go Guan Studio and we decided to experience it too!  

 Hanboks have different designs, used on different occasions like first birthdays and holidays and with their history Hanbok was used as a symbol of society status too. 

 An assistant will help you wear the clothes. After you finish wearing it, you will choose one of the headbands you like. If you are all set, you can start taking pictures freely at the studio

 The price for make-up + hairstyle + one dress + two photo in an album is 60000won.

FYI, here's the price list for the package. 

If you're planning a trip to Seoul, don't miss out on this unique experience!

Hongik University Station (Seoul Subway Line 2), Exit 9.  Go straight 150m, cross the road, and turn left onto Hongik-ro Street.  Go straight 120m, and turn right down the second side street (in between TONYMOLY and Holika Holika).  Continue going 100m to arrive at Trickeye Museum on the right

Open daily from 10am-10pm 

 8. EAT  Korean BBQ  

Korea's swarming with good BBQ places on every street! We are so lucky we found one good BBQ nearby our hotel, it is just walking distance. I'm not sure what's the name of the restaurant because it's in Korean words which i don't understand. lol. 

Korean BBQ is the more traditional meal that you will find all around Korea. It is something you CANNOT MISS! All of these restaurants are pretty similar, where you'll sit down at a table with a fire grill in the middle, and then you get to cook your marinated meat how you want it to be. During your meal, you will get an unlimited supply of side dishes. Kimchi, etc. 

It's very common to paired it with beer, rice wine and soju during your meal. 

 It's the best combination ever! Especially during spring! AWESOME!

That's about it for this round :)

Hopefully this will inspire you to come out here and experience Korea culture! Eat the Korean BBQ and drink all the soju! I hope you all enjoy everything that Seoul has to offer! I will be coming up some travel tips to Seoul and my Korea Travel Vlog soon in my Youtube Channel! Stay Tuned! 

Thanks for reading! xoxo