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SOUTH KOREA TRIP - THINGS TO DO IN SEOUL

Travelling to South Korea has been in everyone's bucket list and the rating stats have also been increasing since the route of flight is now very accessible since K-POP, Drama, cultures have overwhelmed the whole world. 

For this spring 2017 trip I went mainly to Seoul and Busan, there were flowery spring landscapes, sandy beaches, stunning historic sites, famous shopping districs, K-POP buildings and cafes for your list references.

I am grateful that I had a chance to explore Kimchi country and I sort out some places I visited for sharing during my solo trip to you in case you were wondering. They are in no particular order.

Most beautiful places to visit in SEOUL

Read here for Busan list
SEOUL

1. YG Entertainment Building

YG Entertainment aka YG family is the top 3 entertainment agencies along SM and JYP.



- Opening hours :
- Direction : Exit 8 of Hapjeong station, walk and follow the road (shown by blue line) to the SK gas station #2, Note that once exit from gate 8, there is a SK gas station #1. Further walk down the road to the SK gas station #2 and turn right on the first street. Once reach SK gas station #2 beside "Namkyong Hotel" and saw a "Center Island" across the road, you will turn right and continue walking for about 100m. You can spot the "Prouod" number 15 signage before the building.

2. Hongdae


Its neighborhood known for its youthful and romantic ambience.    Unique cafes, cozy galleries, accessory stores, fashion shops, live cafés and clubs, art markets, and gourmet eateries make this a popular hang-out for local youth and a fascinating place to walk around.


Nearby attractions :
A. Famous shopping & food street
- Opening hours after 1pm
- Direction : exit 6 of Hongik Univ station.

B. Thanks Nature Cafe
- Opening hours : 11am - 10pm
- Direction : exit 9 of Hongik Univ Station (line 2). Walk straight then take a left at the main road. Keep walking straight towards the university, you will see the stairs to get to Thanks Nature Cafe, at the end of the arcade of shops.

C. Daiso / Dollar shop
- Opening hours : 10am - 10pm
- Direction : exit 9 of Hongik Univ station (line 2), walk straight out the exit along the road and take your left and turn left

D. Mustoy Cafe
- Opening hours : 11:30am - 21:30pm
- Direction : exit 9 of Hongik Univ station (line 2), cross the street in between H&M and homestead coffee. Turn right up at the 3 way intersection. Walk a little more and It's on the right.

E. Flea Market
- Opening hours : 2:00pm - 6pm Sat, Sunday
- Direction : exit 9 of Hongik Univ station (line 2), go 150m straight & cross the street. Turn left and go 500m straight to Hongik Univ and turn right

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3. Seoul World Cup Stadium


football stadium that was originally built for the Korea-Japan 17th World Cup in 2002.


- Opening hours : after 1pm
- Direction : exit 6 of Hongik Univ station.

4. Haneul Park

Haneul Park is a park that made up of five smaller parks. The most beautiful time to visit there is during autumn. 



- Opening hours : 9:00am - 6:00pm
- Direction : Exit 1 of World cup stadium station (line 6), cross a high way street, pass through a big parking lot and finally you will see stairs to the park

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5. Nanjicheon Park

One of the smaller park of Haneul park and it is just walking distance from Seoul world cup stadium.



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6. Ewha women university

Korea's first women university founded in 1886 by the American Methodist Episcopal Church.



Nearby attractions :
A. Ewha shopping street
- Opening hours : 11:00am - 9:00pm (vary)
- Direction : exit 2,3 of Ehwa women univ station and turn left to reach the junction

B. Princess Diary Cafe
- Opening hours : 11:30am - 22:30pm
- Direction : exit 2 of Ewha women univ station. Walk 2 blocks down and turn right into alleys.

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7. K-style HUB

An information Hub that provide tourists' needs and other forms of traditional experiences such as hanbok, K foods, Hallyu, medical, culture and more.



- Opening hours : 10:am - 8:00pm
- Direction : exit 5 of Jongak station (4mins walk), exit 2 of Euljiro 1-ga station (5mins walk), or exit 5 of Gwanghwamun station (8mins walk).

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8. K-Live

The World's first dedicated K-pop hologram performance hall. It is the place where you can watch and dance with real live KPOP oops. There is also an art gallery, cafe, outdoor amazing panorama view of Dongdaemun, and a souvenir shop selling everything related to K-pop.



- Opening hours : 1:30am - 10:00pm (vary)
- Direction : exit 11/12 of Dongdaemun History & culture park station. Located 9F of Lotte Fitin.

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9. Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is the newest and most iconic landmark of the Korean design industry and designed by Zaha Hadid. It holds various exhibitions, fashion shows, forums, conferences, and other.



Nearby attractions :
A. Dongdaemun DP LED rose garden
- Opening hours : 24hours
- Direction : exit 1 of Dongdaemun History & Culture park station, walk for 5mins or Exit 7 of Dongdaemun station

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10. Dongdaemun Fashion Malls

Fashion shopping heaven where you can buy many affordable with wholesaler price yet latest trendy clothes and shop till midnight.  


Nearby attractions :
A. Migliore, Doota, Hello APM, Lotte fitin


- Opening hours : 8:00am - midnight
- Direction : exit 4 of Dongdaemun History & culture park station.

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11. Naksan Park

Seoul Fortress Wall that stretches from Naksan Park is one of the famous filming locations. A lot of dramas were being filmed here. Seoul Fortress Wall has a dazzling night view of Seoul and a clear view in daytime


- Opening hours : 24hours
- Direction : Exit 2 of Hyehwa station. Go straight for 200m and turn left onto Dongsunggil street. Walk straight and turn left at Lock Museum. Walk straight for 50m, turn right onto Naksan Gongwon street. Follow the same street up the hill for 300m to arrive at the Naksan park.

12. Cheonggyecheon stream

11 km long modern stream that runs through downtown Seoul, all the way from Cheonggye Plaza as the starting point to Han river.



- Opening hours : 24hours
- Direction : exit 4 of Cityhall station, walk 250m north to Cheonggye plaza

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Nearby attractions :
A. Grevin Seoul
- Opening hours : 24hours

- Direction : Exit 6 of Cityhall, walk 5mins or exit 1 of Euljiro-1-ga, walk 3 mins.

B. Gwangjang market
A locally market where you can have all korean cuisines, 2nd level for Hanbok and textile shops.
- Opening hours : 6:00am - 7:00pm (closed on sunday)
- Direction : exit 7 of Jogno 5-ga station

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13. Myeongdong

Myeong-dong is must-see for tourists  as  it is one of the primary shopping districts in Seoul. There is a mixture of street stalls and retail outlets selling everything from high fashion to casual attire, street foods as well as many Korean well known cosmetics stores offering high-quality products at competitive prices.




- Opening hours :
- Dection : Exit 6 of Myeongdong station or Euljiro 1-ga station.

Nearby attractions :
A. Myeongdong Cathedral Church
- Free admission
- Direction : Exit 8 of MyeongdongTurn left and walk along Myeongdong 10(sip)-gil St. for about 300m and turn right at the intersection. Turn right and walk along Myeongdong-gil St. for 100m to the Catholic Center. The cathedral is on the right.

or 

Exit 5 of Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station, Turn right and walk along Myeongdong 3(sam)-gil St. for about 250m. Turn left and walk along Myeongdong-gil St. for 100m to the Catholic Center and the cathedral is on the right.

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14. Seoul Tower Plaza

it is a Seoul landmark tower that is located at the peak of Namsan Mountain and it is a popular place to unwind for locals and tourists, especially couples. Visitors are able to enjoy the cityscape view or gaze out onto the Hangang river and other interesting galleries.



- Opening hours :10:00am - 23:00pm (sun-fri),10:00am - 00:00am (sat)
- Direction : By Namsan Circular
Take shuttle bus no. 05 from myeongdong exit 3 or Chungmuro exit 2
( in front of Daehan Cinema )

Nearby attractions :
A. Namsan Seoul Tower
B. Namsan Seoul Tower Hanbok Culture Experience Center
C. Galleries, Cafe
C. Namsan Octagonal Pavilion
D. Namsan Park

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15. Namdaemun Market

The largest traditional market in Korea with shops selling various goods. All products are sold at affordable prices and the stores in this area also function as wholesale markets. It closes on every sunday.



- Opening hours : 23:00-17:00 (the next day) *Operating hours will vary by shop.
- Direction : exit 4/5 of Hoehyeon station.

Source here

16. Bukchon Hanok village


Bukchon Hanok Village is a Korean traditional village in Seoul with a long history located between Gyeongbok Palace, Changdeok Palace and Jongmyo Royal Shrine. Those traditional houses still preserve until today and is all residence by the local Korean.



- Opening hours : 24hours
- Direction : Exit 1 or 2 of Anguk station, go straight for about 300m to arrive at Bukchon Hanok Village.

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17. Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace, located in northern Seoul, is the main and largest palace of the Five Grand Palaces built by the kings of the Joseon. It is one of the most iconic sights in all of Korea thanks to its long and storied history.


- Opening hours : 9:00am - 6:00pm, closed on Tuesday
- Direction : Exit 5 of Gyeongbokgung station, exit 1 of Angkuk station.

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18. National folk museum of Korea

The museum is located on the grounds of Gyeongbokgung, it presents historical artifacts that were used in the daily lives of Korean people in the past. Through the displays, visitors can learn about the domestic and agricultural lifestyles, as well as Korea’s cultural beliefs.


- Opening hours : 9:00am - 6:00pm, closed on Tuesday
- Direction : Exit 5 of Gyeongbokgung station, exit 1 of Angkuk station, exit 2 of Gwanghwamun station.

Nearby attractions :
A. Gwanghwamun Square
- Opening hours : 24hours
- Direction : In front of Gyeongbokgung. Exit 5 of Gyeongbokgung station or exit 2 of Gwanghwamun station.

B. Statue of King Sejong,
- Opening hours : 24hours
- Direction : located at Gwanghwamun square, in front of Gyeongbokgung. Exit 1 of Jonggak station, Exit 5 of Gyeongbokgung station or exit 2 of Gwanghwamun station.

C. Statue of Admiral Yi Sun Sin,
- Opening hours : 24hours
- Direction : located at Gwanghwamun square, in front of Gyeongbokgung. Exit 1 of Jonggak station, Exit 5 of Gyeongbokgung station or exit 2 of Gwanghwamun station.

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19. Changdeokgung Palace

Changdeokgung Palace was the second royal villa built following the construction of Gyeongbukgung Palace in 1405. It was the principal palace for many kings of the Joseon Dynasty, and is the most well-preserved of the five remaining royal Joseon palaces.




- Opening hours : 9:00am - 5:00pm, closed on Monday

- Direction : exit 3 Anguk st, go straight for 5 min or, exit 6/7 Jogno 3(sam)-ga st, go straight along Donghwamun-ro for 10 minutes.

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20. Changgyeonggung Palace

Changgyeonggung Palace was built in 1484, the fifteen year of King Seongjong (r.1469-1494), as a residence for three dowager queens. It was destroyed by fire  during Japanese Invasion of 1952 and was restored in 1616 during the eighth year of King Gwanghaegun (r.1608-1623).



- Opening hours : 9:00am - 6:00pm, closed on Monday

- Direction : Exit 3 Anguk station, walk straight from the exit (east) along Yulgok-ro for about 1km, turn left (north) onto Changgyeonggung Palace, walk about 300m and the entrance is on the left.

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21. Deoksugung Palace


Deoksugung Palace is unique among Korean palaces in having a modern seal engraving and a western style garden and fountain. The Changing of the Royal Guard is in front of Daehanmun (Gate) is a very popular event for many visitors. The royal guard was responsible for opening and closing the palace gate during the Joseon Dynasty.



- Opening hours : 9:00am - 9:00pm, closed on Monday

- Direction : Exit 1, city hall station, go straight 100m to arrive at Daehanmun gate on the right or 5 minutes walk from Cheonggyecheon stream.

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22. Gangnam

Gangnam 'South of the River,' and is the district that lies along South Korea's biggest body of water, the Han River in Seoul. It is also known for party district and shopping in this historically rich, fast developing city.


Nearby attractions :
A. Underground Shopping at Gangnam station
- Opening hours : 10:00am - 10:00pm
- Direction : Exit 1 or 12 of Gangnam station.

B. COEX Mall / Library
- Opening hours : 10:30am - 10:00pm
- Direction : Exit 5 or 6 of Samseong Station. Walk straight out of the exit for about 10~15 mins. Walk into ASEM Square that leads to COEX Mall.

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23. Bongeunsa Temple

Bongeunsa is one of a few temples that is located in the middle of Seoul. was constructed in the 10th year of Silla King Weongseong’s reign (794). In 1498, Queen Jeonghyeon refurbished Gyeonseongsa Temple at the east of King Seongjong’s royal mausoleum and renamed the temple as Bongeunsa.



- Opening hours : 10:00am - 10:00pm
- Direction : Exit 1 of Bongeunsa station and walk for 150m, the temple is on the right, or exit 6 of Samseong station and walk straight along the COEX building. Turn left at the firstmajor road and walk a little further before u will see a big statue on the right.

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24. Hallyu K-Star road

experience the Hallyu culture of K-POP and enjoy Gangnam Style shopping, visit the K-star Road. Hallyu stars including Girls Generation, EXO and TVXQ, the GangnamDols are decorating the road.



- Opening hours : 24hours
- Direction : Exit 2, get off at Apgujeong-Rodeo Station.

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25. K-POP entertainment building

It is where many fans gather outside of the building and hope to see their idols. There are JYP, SM, Cube, and FNC. These buildings are just within walking distances in Apgujeong.



Nearby attractions :
A. Cube entertainment & Cafe studio
- Opening hours : 10:00am - 10:00pm
- Direction : Exit 2 of Apgujeong Rodeo station, to K-Star road. Walk along the road until reach a major intersection where Citibank on the left and Burberry on the right. Turn left and walk along Citibank until see the Baskin Robbins in the first place. Cross the street towards Baskin Robbins and turn left. Soon you will see the old building of cube entertainment. Walk straight ahead to reach a small intersection and turn right to reach the Cube studio and cafe.

B. JYP Entertainment Centre
- Opening hours :
- Direction : Follow the guide to cube entertainment, on the left of the small intersection, will see Dunkin Donut which is just across JYP building.

C. FNC Entertainment
- Opening hours :
- Direction : Follow the guide to JYP entertainment, walk along the same side of JYP entertainment Centre. Turn right when you see Lee Shang building. You should pass by Galleria Pici, continue walking straight ahead. Turn left at Dosandaero 99 gil where CJ Villa is located. Walk until reach the end of the block of no. 42 CJ villa. Turn right when see Budongsan "부동산" and turn right. While pass by Chungdam Gallery, FNC entertainment is on the right side along Chungdam Gallery.

D. SM Entertainment 
- Opening hours :
- Direction : From FNC entertainment, walk straight ahead until reach the end of the road which has a park across it and turn right to see the board of SM. Will pass by Hangang villa and Riverside Ritzvil before reaching SM entertainment.

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26. Itaewon

Itaewon is a unique place in Seoul where one can meet people of diverse nationalities and cultures. its diverse food culture, which features cuisine from around world. Unique flavors, exotic interiors, and diverse nationalities help to make Itaewon befittingly ‘the global village in Seoul.


Nearby attractions :
A. Seoul Central Mosque
- Opening hours : 24hours
- Direction : Exit 3 of Itaewon station, go straight 100m and turn right onto Usadan-ro Road. Go straight for 150m and turn left onto Usadan-ro 10-gil road and continue 200m to arrive the mousque on the left.

Sourced here

27. Yeouido Hangang Park

Large, popular park on the river featuring scenic views of Han River that is surrounded by many tall buidings.



- Opening hours : 24hours
- Direction : Exit 1,2 of Yeouido station.

Nearby attractions :
A. Yeouido Park
- Opening hours : 24hours
- Direction : Exit 3 of Yeouido station, walk 5mins towards National Assembly building

B. SBS TV station
- Opening hours : 

- Direction : Exit 1 of Yeouinaru station, walk 10mins towards SBS TV station.

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28. Incheon fairytale village

An explosion of colour everywhere the village at Songwol-dong. Many of the houses in this village are decorated in bright colours with depictions of fairy tales.



Nearby attractions :
A. Chinatown
- Direction : Exit 1 of Incheon station.

B. The stairs between Qing & Japanese dynasty
- Direction : Exit 1 of Incheon station

C. Jayu Park
- Direction : walkable from the The stairs between Qing & Japanese dynasty. Or Dongincheon street and walk up to hill.

D. Sinpo Market
- Direction : Exit 2 of Dongincheon station, go straight 500m until see the market on the right.

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29. Aiins World

A night view fantasy lighting theme park that is located at Bucheon, featuring miniature versions of a vast range of famous buildings from around the globe.



- Opening hours : 6:00am - 11:00pm
- Direction : Exit 4 of Samsan stadium station, walk 10 mins.

Read here for more

30. Petite France

Petite France is a French-style theme park/village that was constructed in July 2008 in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. Petite France is made up of museums, workshops, restaurants, cafes and guesthouses.



- Opening hours : 9:00am - 6:00pm
- Direction : Exit from Gapyeong station and exchange for shuttle bus to Petite France

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31. Nami Island

Nami Island is located within the area of Petite France. Visit Winter Sonata tributes and reveal in the beautiful scenery and numerous attractions within the island.



- Opening hours : 7:30am - 9:45pm
- Direction : Exit from Gapyeong station and exchange for shuttle bus to Nami Island ferry station. Board a ferry to cross to the island.

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32. Gangchon Rail Park

Gangchon Rail Park is one of the most unique places to revel in all the natural scenery of eastern Korea by rail bike. This rail bikes are friendly to everyone as they are very easy to pedal.



- Opening hours : 7:30pm - 9:45pm
- Direction : Exit 1 of Gimyujeong station. The pick-up point is about 30m away. If you alight at Gangchon station or Gyeonggang station, you would need to walk approximately 1.5km.

Since the rail park is closed to Nami island, there are many ways to go.


  • Taxi (About 30 minutes)
    – Fare: 23,000 – 25,000KRW
  • Bus + Subway (About 1 hours)
    1) Nami island to Gapyeong station by Bus (6 stations, Bus no. 33-5 or 33-36)
    – Fare : 1,200 – 1,500KRW
    2) Gapeyong station to Gimyujeong Station by Subway(Gyeongchun Line)
    – Fare : 1,550KRW (If you have T-money card, you will get subway without charge)

  • Taxi + Subway1) Nami island to Gapeyong station by Taxi
    – Fare : 3,000 to 4,000KRW
    2) Gapyeong station to Gimyujeong station by Subway(Geyongchun Line)
    – Fare : 2,950KRW
Please share and tag me on Instagram @bellamarinda if you happen to visit more places. Thank you^^

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