Seoul, My Soul!
After leaving Tokyo, we flew to the Incheon Airport, which is just across the bridge over the Yellow Sea and about an hour drive (maybe 1.5 hours) from central Seoul, South Korea. We stayed a few days in Myeongdong and one day at the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea, where we learned the history of the Korean War. I fell in love with Seoul; it was unequivocally the coolest place I have ever been: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bongeunsa Temple, N Seoul Tower, and the Starfield LIbrary in the Gangnam District have my heart forever.
But also? Learning Korean is hard. I got around with gam-sa-ham-ni-da (thank you), yeo-gi-yo (excuse me, getting shopkeepers’ attention), and my iPhone’s translator app.
I loved the vibe in Seoul. In a few ways, it was like Tokyo but without so many people everywhere. Most of the attractions were walkable and easy to reach. There were only a few parts of the city that required us to take transportation.
Day 1: Korean BBQ!
We arrived on a Wednesday afternoon, starving from the flight. So we settled in at Hotel Amare (10/10) and took a walk through the city to the markets of Myeongdong. There, we found Mongvely Korean BBQ, which was an all-you-can-eat experience with a two-hour time limit. You pick your meat and veggies and then cook them at the table. It comes with sides, salads, and drinks.
After our dinner, we had our first (but not our last!!) K-Beauty shopping experience at Olive Young. These shops were ubiquitous, and the Korean brands we love are available there at a fraction of the cost we pay in the U.S.A. The girls and I stocked up for the school year while we were there.
Myeongdong Market in the evening
We passed so much street food in the Markets of Myeongdong, which we sampled the next day! It also had allll the shopping.
Cheonggyecheon Stream by night
We spent an afternoon cooling off by Cheonggyecheon Stream and dipping our toes in the water, but it was even more beautiful at night.
Myeongdong Cathedral
The Myeongdong Cathedral was the birthplace of the Roman Catholic church in Korea.
Day 2: Culture & Tradition
The day started with a safety alert about possible confusion in Gwanghwamun Square for a World Cup cheering event. South Korea was about to play, so we headed towards the square. This was the coolest part of the day! We were able to find seats and cheer for South Korea. The match was a tough one and didn’t go their way, but it was still a wonderful new experience.
We followed that with a visit to nearby Gyeongbokgung Palace, with its sprawling and nearly endless grounds. You can rent a traditional hanbok for free entry, or just pay about $1.94. Then, we took a walk through Buckchon Hanok, a traditional village. After, we sampled our way through Tongin Market for lunch and shopped around Insadong, where I of course bought jewelry and a painting.
Buckchon Hanok
Buckchon Hanok village had great souvenir shops!
Buckchon Hanok
The walk to the village was scenic and well maintained.
Insadong
There were so many cute shops and markets in Insadong.
Hanbok Rental
Widely available, hanboks can be rented for the day.
Day 3: Trendy & Modern
We started our day with a trip to N Seoul Tower via the Namsan cable car. At the top, Jeff and I added a couple’s lock to the bridge, visited the souvenir shop, and sat and looked out at the city from the top of the hill. There was even a 7-Eleven at the top, where we tried the viral banana milk and iced coffee hack. Say what you will, but I found the 7-Eleven stores to be better in Korea than Japan. Afterwards, we took an Uber to the Gangnam district and finally saw the epic Starfield Library at the Coex Mall (where I may have also done a bit of shopping). From there, we walked to the Bongeunsa Temple and rested in the meditation park. Finally, we had lunch at the noodle cafe there and then went for ice cream. We cooled off by dipping our toes in the Cheonggyecheon Stream before dining on Korean fried chicken.
Banana Milk Hack
Ice cup + coffee + banana milk
Couple’s Lock Bridge
Our lock is there forever.
View from Above
Jeff looks out over Seoul.
Starfield Library
Sculptures and walls of knowledge
Books!
I waited YEARS for this!
Gangnam District
Gangnam Style!
Bongeunsa Temple
Prayer rooms and meditation
Bongeunsa Temple
Each hanging paper is a prayer.
Cheonggyecheon Stream
Take a dip!
Day 4: The DMZ
Our tour of the demilitarized zone between North Korea and South Korea was such a packed day that it deserved its own post.
If you are headed to Seoul and considering the DMZ Tour, I highly recommend PLK Tours. Our guide, Jason, was a former military intelligence officer that gave us a great inside view of the history of the conflict and separation of Korea. We actually saw into North Korea! Check out that post with the link below.
Day 5: Shopping and Food
We had to catch a red-eye flight to Toronto on the 5th night, so we had a lazy day buying last-minute souvenirs, tracking down this coconut creme coffee from Locolabs that I was in love with, and getting a soccer jersey for Jeff. We may have also made one last stop at Olive Young for skin care and makeup.
I also can’t end this post without talking about FOOD; I included my favorite meals below.
Coconut Creme
This coffee from Locolabs is now in my dreams. I will be looking for this everywhere.
Tteobokki
Spicy stir-fried Korean rice cakes are a delicacy but not my thing. Too chewy. Sorry!
Korean Fried Chicken
Legendary Chicken was like the Korean KFC. 10/10!
Kimchi
Hot pickled veggies…yum!
Kimbap
This roll featured crab and veggies.
Puffer Fish
This was something I just had to try. It wasn’t overly “fishy” and was lightly fried.
Final Thoughts
I think 5 days was the perfect amount of time to experience Seoul. I never felt rushed, but there was always something to see or do. I cannot recommend this itinerary enough!
The dollar also went pretty far here…converting to Korean Won was easy at international ATMs in 7-Eleven stores, and meals were definitely cheaper than home. I also got a really nice hotel for less than I could in the USA or even in Tokyo.
For culture, adventure, and beauty, Seoul is good for the soul!
The Traveling Teacher 