DAY 1
Today, we will be flying over to Seoul from Jeju Island. After checking out of the hotel, we proceed to Jeju Airport to return our rental car. Make sure that it is fully fuelled and check that you did not leave anything behind before handing it over.
The return process was quite fast and we boarded the shuttle bus shortly.
The Departure Gate was located at one end of the airport.
When the time came, we went through the customs.
Our aircraft, Korean Air, was waiting for us on the tarmac.
Up up and away. Goodbye Jeju.
The seats and entertainment provided by Korean Air were comfortable and sufficient.
After about an hour or so, we landed at Seoul Incheon Airport.
As it was noon when we arrived, we decided to have lunch at the airport.
From the Arrival Gate, we followed the Subway Sign.
Nearing the Metro station, we found the signboard that led us to the Airport Railroad (AREX), which would bring us to the city at a much faster speed.
Various sizes of lockers were available at the Metro station.
Special cards at a higher price were sold on these machines.
At the station, Self-service Metro Cards vending machines were available.
A few language selections were also available.
Look at our cards. Is the Bear Card cute?
The metro lines can be quite confusing at times. So planning out the route before heading out would save you time. However, English wordings were available.
The stations themselves were bright and clean.
The cabins were wide and airy.
We arrived at our hotel after an hour ride.
Our comfortable room for the next few days.
From a station within walking distance from our hotel, we took Bus service 01 to Namsan Seoul Tower.
Welcome to N Seoul Tower.
The whole place was full of love locks.
Standing at a height of 236 meters (774 feet), the tower offers panoramic views of the sprawling cityscape below.
Accessible via elevator or by hiking up Namsan Mountain, the observation deck offers both indoor and outdoor viewing areas, allowing visitors to enjoy the vistas in any weather conditions. Visitors can gaze out over the cityscape, spotting famous landmarks such as the Han River, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and Lotte World Tower.
In addition to its stunning views, the N Seoul Tower Observation Deck features various amenities and attractions to enhance the visitor experience. These include cafes, souvenir shops, photo zones, and interactive exhibits that provide insights into Seoul’s history, culture, and landmarks.
In the evening, we headed over to Myeongdong.
These bustling streets were lined with an eclectic mix of department stores, fashion boutiques, cosmetics shops, street vendors, and eateries.
On our first night, we decided to have Yoogane Chicken for dinner.
We ordered a mix of spicy and non-spicy.
After dinner, we continued walking the streets for a while before returning to the hotel.
DAY 2
The first destination we visited was Bukchon Hanok Village. We took the Metro and alighted at Anguk Station.
Follow Exit 2 to the Village.
Near the entrance, you will find shops renting out Hanbok.
Strolling through the narrow alleyways of Bukchon Hanok Village, visitors can admire the elegant buildings, with their curved tiled roofs, wooden beams, and intricate lattice windows. Many of these houses have been meticulously restored to their original splendor, providing a living museum of traditional Korean architecture.
In addition to its architectural treasures, Bukchon Hanok Village is home to a variety of cultural attractions, including museums, galleries, artisan workshops, and traditional tea houses. Visitors can immerse themselves in Korean culture through hands-on activities such as hanbok (traditional Korean attire) rentals, traditional tea ceremonies, and craft workshops.
Next to the Village was the Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup restaurant which had been awarded the Michelin Star for more than 3 years.
One of the Ginseng Chicken Soup we ordered came with Perilla Seeds and the other came with Black Garlic. Both were delicious. They cost about 21,000 Koren won each.
Next was the National Folk Museum of Korea.
The museum’s extensive collection includes artifacts, exhibits, and interactive displays spanning various aspects of traditional Korean life, such as agriculture, family customs, clothing, housing, and religious practices. Visitors can explore meticulously recreated village scenes, traditional dwellings, and cultural artifacts that provide a vivid portrayal of Korea’s cultural heritage.
A short walk from the National Folk Museum was the Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Originally built in 1395 during the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeongbokgung served as the main royal palace and administrative center for over 500 years.
The palace complex is renowned for its stunning architecture, expansive grounds, and picturesque setting against the backdrop of the Bukhansan Mountain. Visitors to Gyeongbokgung can explore a wealth of historic buildings, including the magnificent Geunjeongjeon Hall, the imposing Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, and the tranquil Hyangwonjeong Pavilion.
Gwanghwamun Square was next.
The square is a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike, offering a picturesque setting for strolls, cultural events, and civic activities. Visitors can admire the grandeur of Gyeongbokgung Palace, take in panoramic views of the city skyline, and explore the various monuments and sculptures that dot the square.
In addition to its cultural significance, Gwanghwamun Square holds historical significance as the site of numerous rallies, protests, and demonstrations throughout Korea’s modern history. The square has witnessed pivotal moments in the country’s democratic movement, making it a symbol of hope, resilience, and progress.
Overlooking Gwanghwamun Square was the statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin.
Born in 1545 during the Joseon Dynasty, Yi Sun-sin rose to prominence as a naval commander and is best known for his heroic exploits during the Imjin War (1592-1598) against Japanese invaders.
Yi Sun-sin is celebrated for his innovative naval tactics, including the development of the “turtle ship,” a heavily armored warship equipped with spikes and cannons that proved instrumental in defeating the Japanese navy.
Cheonggyecheon Stream is one of the most visited places in Seoul, Korea.
Spanning approximately 11 kilometers, the stream runs from the Cheonggye Plaza in downtown Seoul to the Han River, cutting through the bustling cityscape and providing a tranquil oasis amid the urban landscape.
Today, Cheonggyecheon Stream is a popular recreational area where locals and tourists alike can escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy a leisurely stroll along its banks. Lined with walking paths, bridges, and landscaped gardens, the stream offers a serene environment for relaxation and reflection.
Continuing from Cheonggyecheon Stream, we arrived at the statue of King Sejong.
King Sejong the Great, also known as Sejong the Great, was the fourth king of the Joseon Dynasty in Korea, ruling from 1418 to 1450. He is regarded as one of Korea’s greatest monarchs and is celebrated for his numerous contributions to Korean culture, science, and governance.
One of King Sejong’s most enduring legacies is the creation of the Korean alphabet, known as Hangul. Recognizing the need for a writing system that was accessible to all Koreans, regardless of social class or education, Sejong commissioned a team of scholars to develop Hangul, which was promulgated in 1446. Hangul revolutionized literacy in Korea and remains the official script of the Korean language today.
We took the Metro and alighted at Ewha Woman’s University as the evening approached.
Catering primarily to students and young adults, the shopping streets near Ewha offer affordable fashion-forward clothing, accessories, and beauty products.
Ewha Fashion Street, located just outside the university campus, is a bustling hub of activity where visitors can find an array of trendy boutiques, department stores, and street vendors selling the latest Korean fashion trends. From stylish clothing and accessories to shoes and cosmetics, the shops along Ewha Fashion Street cater to a diverse range of tastes and styles.
From Ewha Fashion Street, we walked to Hongdae Shopping Street.
Stretching along streets like Hongik-ro and Eoulmadang-ro, the shopping district offers an eclectic mix of shops, boutiques, and markets catering to a diverse range of tastes and budgets. Visitors can explore a wide variety of fashion boutiques, vintage shops, concept stores, and independent designers showcasing the latest trends in Korean streetwear and urban fashion.
In addition to fashion, Hongdae Shopping Street is also known for its vibrant art scene, with numerous galleries, studios, and street art installations dotting the area. Visitors can discover works by emerging artists, attend exhibitions and cultural events, and immerse themselves in Seoul’s dynamic arts and culture scene.
Beyond shopping and art, Hongdae Shopping Street boasts a lively atmosphere with an abundance of cafes, restaurants, bars, and live music venues.
When in Korea, one must try their popular Fried Chicken. There were so many flavors that you would have problems choosing. Nevertheless, the best way to eat it was to have it with a beer.
After dinner, we decided to drop by Yeouido Hangang Park.
Yeouido Hangang Park, located along the banks of the Han River in Seoul, South Korea, is a sprawling urban oasis that offers a variety of recreational activities and scenic views. As one of the largest parks in Seoul, Yeouido Hangang Park is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike seeking relaxation, outdoor fun, and stunning waterfront vistas.
Spanning approximately 2.8 kilometers, the park features lush green spaces, walking and biking paths, picnic areas, and riverside promenades where visitors can enjoy strolls or bike rides while taking in panoramic views of the Han River and the city skyline.
From the park, we called it a night and went back to the hotel.
