If you're visiting Seoul, you can check out most of the famous landmarks in 3 days. Of course, the more days, the better! There are various tour companies that go to the popular spots but these places are easily accessible if you're looking to do it on your own, which is always much more fun. Here are some of the must-see places:
N Seoul Tower (hike or tram car to the top) I've done both! The tram car is 8,000 KRW for a round trip.
How to get there: Myeongdong Station Line 4 Exit 3 and go towards the Pacific Hotel, walk the street on the right of the Pacific Hotel for about 10 minutes. The stairs to the tram car will be on your right.
Gyeongbokgong Palace is closed on Tuesdays (adults 3,000 KRW)
How to get there: Gyeongbokgung Palace Station (Line 3), Exit 5 or Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5), Exit 2
Changdeokgung Palace is closed Mondays (adult 3,000)
How to get there: Jongno 3 (sam)-ga Station (Line 1, 3 or 5), Exit 6. Walk for about 10-min to arrive at the palace entrance. Or, Anguk Station (Line 3), Exit 3. Walk straight from the exit (towards east) for about 5-min to arrive at the palace entrance.
Bukchon Hanok Village Open all year round (free)
How to get there: Anguk Station (Line 3), Exit 2. Go straight for about 300m to arrive at Bukchon Hanok Village.
Blue House is closed on Sunday, Monday & Holidays (free but you must register online)
How to get there: Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3), Exit 5
Cheonggyecheon Stream is open all year round
How to get there: City Hall, Jonggak, Jongno 3(sam)-ga, Jongno 5(o)-ga, Dongdaemun, Sinseol-dong Stations (Line 1) - City Hall, Euljiro 1(il)-ga, Euljiro 3(sam)-ga, Euljiro 4(sa)-ga, Sindang, Sangwangsimni Stations (Line 2) - Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station (Line 1, 3 and 5) - Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station (Line 4) - Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5) [caption id="attachment_2107" align="aligncenter" width="513"]📷 Cheonggyecheon stream by Gwanghwamun area[/caption]
How to get there: Daebang Station (Line 1), Exit 6. Take the free shuttle or Bus No. 11. Yeouinaru Station (Line 5), Exit 4. Walk to the intersection, turn left and walk to the bus stop. Take the free shuttle across Sambu APT, 80m away from Exit 4.Yeouinaru Station (Line 5), Exit 1. - Take Bus No. 5534, 5633 or 261. Yeoido Station (Seoul Subway Line 5), Exit 5. - Take the free shuttle or Bus No. 11 in front of St. Mary’s Hospital Bus Stop. Saetgang Station (Seoul Subway Station 9), Exit 1. Take the free shuttle bus.
Noryangjin Fish Market is open after 1 pm Noryangjin Station (Seoul Subway Line 1), Exit 1. Walk about 100m over the bridge before arriving at the destination.
Namsangol Hanok Village is closed on Tuesday (free)
How to get there: 3/4 line Chungmuro Station Exit 3 or 4 and a 5 min, walk from Satsugiro
DDP aka Dongdaemun Design Plaza is a neo-futuristic infrastructure and it great to see at night, not much going on inside unless there are exhibitions. It is closed on Mondays (free)
How to get there: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station (Seoul Subway Line 2, 4, 5) and Exit 1.
Here is an itinerary I created for my friend. I've grouped them according to their location.
***The places that are italicized are great areas to explore, eat or shop. They are famous neighborhoods for locals as well as tourist.
- Blue House, Changdeokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Gyeongbokgong Palace, Anguk area, Gwanghwamun area and walk to the Cheonggyecheon stream to Dongdaemun area.
- Namdaemun Market, Myeongdong, N Seoul Tower, Noksapyeong, and Itaewon area, Namsangol Hanok Village.
- 63 Building, Noryangjin Fish Market, Yeouido Park, Time Square Mall, Cheongdam, and Gangnam area, Express Bus Terminal, and Sinsa-dong area.
Running around the city can be exhausting so in between these places fuel up on some yummy street food! According to my friend, “Korea is the best place to get street food!”
Below are the best places to go!
Myeongdong Shopping area has street carts with an assortment of delicious food as well as desserts. The best time to go is in the evening, preferably after 3 pm (IMO the best place to get street food). How to get there: Myeongdong Station Line 4 Exit 6
Gwanjang Market is one of the oldest in Seoul. If you’re looking to get your fix on some good old comfort food, this is the place to go.
How to get there: Jongno 5-ga Station (Seoul Subway Line 1), Exit 8 or Euljiro 4-ga Station (Seoul Subway Line 2 & 5), Exit 4.
Tongin Market is another place that has been around for a long time. It is filled with food stalls and shops. A person must purchase coins and use them to purchase food.
How to get there: Gyeongbokgung Station Line 3 Exit 2, walk straight and it will be on your left.
Namdaemun Market has some street food vendors, but it is more for shopping.
How to get there: Hoehyeon Station (Line 4, Exit 5)
I've provided a link to a pdf file of a tourist (view) map for you to get a better idea of the city and the whereabouts of each place.
If you think I have missed any place, leave a message below!
Let me know if you have any questions or need help with your itinerary.
Happy Exploring Seoul!
Comments