South Korea
Essential Seoul
Today, we're ticking off all the must-see tourist attractions. Now, I know what you're thinking—tourist stuff, pass! But trust me, these are the coolest and most beautiful experiences you can't miss while exploring Seoul.
Check-in hotel
It's advisable to opt for a hotel in central Seoul (around Myeongjong’s area), as it ensures convenient access to nearby attractions. I'd suggest exploring options through Airbnb, which offers plenty of affordable accommodations. During my stay, I booked a room at a 'Pipe hostel' through Airbnb. The location was fantastic, and the overall value for money was excellent. The only drawback was a slight odor in the bathroom, but it wasn't a major issue. Since you're likely not spending much time at the hotel anyway, it's wise not to overspend on accommodation. This day will be packed, but definitely manageable. My advice? Make it your own. If you're loving a particular spot, linger longer. If something doesn't quite catch your fancy, feel free to move on. Follow your own rhythm and enjoy the journey! (;
Must-do breakfast spot
I’m not exaggerating when I say this is one of my favorite breakfast spots in the world. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water, haha. Dotori, or Café Acorn, has two locations in Seoul, both set in charming old doctor’s houses. They have a delightful little bakery with plenty of options and a yogurt bar that’s simply amazing. I know a yogurt bar might not sound all that exciting, but trust me, it’s the best yogurt I’ve ever had. It’s served with incredibly fresh honey – I’ve never tasted honey this good – and their homemade Greek yogurt is to die for. You can choose from different kinds of yogurts, and I went for the one with strawberries. Wow, just wow. It was so good! Expect to line up to get in. I’ve been there twice – once on a weekend, which took 45 minutes, and once on a weekday, which was only a 10-minute wait.
500-meter walk
Bukchon Hanok village
Bukchon Hanok Village is a super charming area in Seoul with traditional Korean houses called hanoks. It's tucked between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace, giving you the perfect mix of history and beauty. If you're into picturesque spots and a bit of Seoul's past, you’ve got to check it out! Plus, the area has some local shops, making it ideal for souvenir shopping. (;
600-meter walk
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace, built way back in 1395, is right in the heart of Seoul. It's the biggest of the Five Grand Palaces from the Joseon Dynasty and was the main hangout for Korean royalty and government. Nowadays, it's a beautiful place to explore Korea's rich history and see some amazing traditional architecture. Definitely put this on your must-visit list when you're in Seoul! Tickets cost 3,000 won (2euro), but if you’re wearing a hanbok, you get in for free! (;
Ice-cream stop
If you're craving a delightful combination of ice cream and a shot of espresso, make your way to Scooper. Located near the palace, it's the perfect spot to beat the summer heat while exploring the area.
Or subway, that's totally up to you. (;
Gwangjang food market
This food market in Seoul, featured in episode 6 of Netflix's "Street Food Asia," is both the city's most popular and its oldest. It's a huge covered market, so you can still enjoy it even if it's raining. There are tons of food options to choose from, and spotting the Netflix "celebrities" is easy—they have signs with "Netflix" hanging at their stalls. Try as much food as you can; you really can't go wrong here. We enjoyed the classics: kimchi dumplings, mung bean pancakes, kimbap ('sushi' but has its own unique flavor and ingredients), tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), hotteok (filled Korean pancake), and apple mango ice flakes. Happy eating!
Insadong district
Welcome to the hotspot for souvenir shopping – this district is famous for its Korean Craft and Design Foundation Gallery! Get ready to dive into a world of art and crafts by both established and rising Korean talents. Feeling thirsty? Take a break at one of the cozy tea houses nearby, like Shin Old Teahouse or Namusae Tea House. They're both awesome spots to sip on some delicious local Korean tea! And hey, don't miss out on the Kimchi Museum (Kimchikan Museum) just around the corner! If you're a kimchi fan, this place is your paradise – taste three different kinds, learn some history, and have a blast! Ready to shop? Culture Street is where it's at! Check out the caricature drawings – they're hilarious and make for awesome souvenirs. Prices vary, but my husband and I got a cute couple's caricature for just 12 euros, and it only took 5 minutes! Talk about a cool keepsake! (;
The best Korean BBQ
An insider tip from my Korean friend: this place has a fantastic vibe, top-notch meat, and excellent service. You don't have to cook the meat yourself—there are skilled staff members who will do it for you, ensuring it's perfectly prepared every time. You can't make reservations without a Korean phone number, but you can always drop in and wait a bit. They have five locations throughout Seoul. Simply enter "청기와타운" into Naver Maps to find them all. Each location also has an Instagram page, so you can try making reservations through there. Just search for "청기와타운" on Instagram (instagram name: c_town. + enter location), and you'll find them. My Korean friend made reservations for me, so I can't guarantee this will work, but you never know until you try. (; Bon appétit!
