Okay, I have to confess and a disclaimer right before I go thru this list. Im a Korean Drama addict. Yes, this is why this city got into my bucket list. I always been so interested to learn the culture and experience Korea.
And I’m glad we visited the beautiful and astounding country. I can vouch that Korean’s embraced the new era but still holding their roots and history. And for that I salute them for their love of their history. Needless to say, I was worried about keeping my son and husband entertained while visiting. But one thing for sure my two boys love eating street foods for every meal or passing every convenient stores. Seoul visit doesn’t need to leave in luxury as other impression on this big city, you can spend much or little and still have a great time with friends and family.
Day 1
- Ichelon Airport to Myeondong (Nine Tree Hotel)
3 ways to get to Myeongdong from Incheon Airport… by train, taxi or bus. So we picked the least. After reading some travel blogs, bus is the most economical and convinient way to get to Myeongdong from Icheon Airport. We took BUS 6015 by exiting gate 11B to get outside from the airport in the first floor. Two adults and one kid cost us less than $40 USD. This ticket can be bought at the ticket booth near Gate 9. After you get out of the arrival halls, Just tell the ticket booth that you want a ticket for bus 6015 to Myeongdong. We waited for like less than 15 minutes before the bus came, and the ride to Myeondong took only for 25 minutes. It was a pleasant ride no traffic and nostalgic like country side we passed by. We arrived Nine Tree Hotel around 3 pm, so we deduced to stroll around Myeondong has to offer.
- Myeongdong
Myeongdong is the best place to go for your skin care. Besides being a major commercial and financial district, Myeongdong has been a popular location for political demonstrations and protests. That we didn’t we missed along while we are finding out hotel. Myeongdong is very busy and at night with all the neon lights it is quite an experience. The shops all stay open late and it’s always packed with people during the night specially after 9pm on weekdays as we noticed. So many cosmetic shops here. There are many of the same brand along the mall & amazingly they all seemed to be packed with customers. Most of the shops give out freebie samples if you buy something Go in the evening to soak up the atmosphere. Street food,market stalls & crowds! Myeongdong is a must visit place if you are in Seoul.
Day 2
- Gyeongbokgung Palace
We start our day at 9 am and took Taxi to our first palace to visit for only $5 USD. There are 5 palaces in Seoul and Gyeongbokgung Palace was built in 1395, it is also commonly referred to as the Northern Palace and the most beautiful, and remains the largest of all five palace. This is the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty and by far the most visited.
- The National Palace Museum of Korea
The National Palace Museum of Korea is located south of Heungnyemun Gate, and the National Folk Museum is located on the eastern side within Hyangwonjeong. Here you will find traditional ceremonies from new born babies, weddings and burial rights.
- Step into the past in Bukchon Village
15-20 minutes walk from he National Palace Museum you can reach the Bukchon Village. Surrounded by Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine, Bukchon Hanok Village is home to hundreds of traditional houses, called hanok, that date back to the Joseon Dynasty. The name Bukchon, which literally translates to “northern village”.
- N Seoul (Namsan) Tower
From our hotel we walk around 30 minutes to get to the Namsan Cable to get to the top of North Seoul Tower. The tower was built in 1969 as Korea’s first integrated transmission tower beaming television and radio broadcasts across the capital. Personally, night time is the best time to check this place. There’s a number of viewing platforms where tourist can enjoy the nighttime cityscape. The Roof Terrace is a spacious wooden viewing deck that are popular for lovers. Here you’ll find the “Locks of Love”, where it basically a hundred thousand of padlock attack to the fence to symbolize lovers undying promise and affection. Near the area you can buy padlocks for $12 USD.Day 3
- Noryangjin Fishery Market
We took train to Noryangjin Fishery Market. This is one of Korea’s largest seafood markets. If you want to see the live fish auction you need to come here really early around 3am according to the local.- Cheongyecheon stream
Stroll along the Cheongyecheon stream and enjoy the tranquility of the area. Its a modern stream that runs through downtown Seoul. It was once there before during the Joseon Dynasty. We didn’t let this opportunity to passed and experienced to deep our feet in the water. It was truly refreshing and it’s free!
Cheonggyecheon’s turbulent history is on display at the Cheonggyecheon Museum which opened in September 2005. The museum offers visitors the chance to learn about the many changes the stream has seen, including being buried underground and being restored. The story is told with the help of a scale-model and period photographs. Admission is free.
- K-Style Hub
This is the place if you want want some hallyu experience. K-Style Hub has the information to meet all tourists needs. You can try and to put Korean traditional clothes but you have to go to the front desk to find you available time schedule. So be sure to do this before checking the exibits.
Day 4
- Myeongdong to Icheon Airport
We left the hotel as early as 9 am. not to feel the rush and pressured to catch our flight so we leave earlier as we planned. So there you go! A 4 days itinerary for your Seoul adventure. I intentionally to make it a full pack schedules on 2nd and 3rd day and slow or laid back 1st and 4th.
