Ultimate Travel Guide: 48 Hours in Seoul
Welcome to the land of K-Pop, binge shopping and KFC (Korean Fried Chicken).
Korea, once a mysterious country influenced by mixed cultures, has in recent years earned a name for itself thanks to the Hallyu Wave, which we are all no stranger to. The K-Wave has since attracted millions of tourists worldwide each month hoping to soak in the K-Pop culture and more. With the subsequent increase in tourist spots, let’s see what we can hope to achieve in 48 hours within the capital city, Seoul.
Day One
Morning
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so we have to start it right. And what better way to begin the day than with a warm and satisfying bowl of juk, or Korean congee? Bonjuk ( 본죽) in Myeong-dong serves one of the best juk in the city centre, and opens as early as 10am for your breakfast needs. First-timers may have trouble finding this authentic, Korean-words-only shop, but just as a guide, look out for the huge Uniqlo outlet. Bonjuk is situated on the second level of the building opposite the Starbucks nearby.
Afternoon
Now, since you’re already in Myeong-dong, why not do a little (or a lot of) shopping for the latest beauty and skincare products that the most famous Korean brands have to offer? Especially if you’re a fan of facial masks, you’ll definitely want to stock up on the wide assortment of scents and treatments that are available. You won’t believe the prices when you see them.
Now, it’s time for a bit of sight-seeing. Take the SMRT (Seoul Metropolitan Rapid Transit) train down to Hoehyeon Station (just one stop), and hop onto the bus that fetches you to the Namsan Tower, also known as Seoul’s Eiffel Tower. From there, you’ll be able to enjoy a marvellous bird’s eye view of Seoul’s skyline, and secure a love lock with your partner as well at the top of the tower. This tower may not be Paris’ Pont des Arts, but why not do it for the fun anyway?
Night
Namdaemun, situated just at Hoehyeon Station, comes alive at night with tacky lights and a host of street food stores you’re going to love. Have a blast ordering and taking tonnes of photographs with yummy chicken skewers, hot and spicy tteokbokki and perhaps a hearty, warm cup of odeng. Don’t forget to get a taste of the famous Korean J-shaped ice-cream cone that we see oh-too-often on Instagram!
If you’re a shopaholic, you’ll know that the best shopping deals in Seoul only reveal themselves when the sky is dark. Whether you’ve still got the energy or not, you’ve got to head up to Dongdaemun, where endless rows of tents display goods such as clothes, shoes and bags at extremely affordable prices, all the way until 5 in the morning. You’re on holiday, you ought to treat yourself anyway.
Day Two
Morning
What’s Korea without Korean samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup)? If you’re going to have only one bowl of samgyetang this whole trip, you’ve got to go for the best. Tosokchon (토속촌) is Seoul’s most renowned restaurant for this highly-coveted Korean delicacy, known for its extremely flavourful soup that accurately represents the authenticity of this traditional dish. You might have to wait a bit if there’s a queue, but it will be well worth it.
Afternoon
Standing tall, just one street away from Tosokchon, lies Korea’s main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty, the Gyeongbokgung Palace. Be sure to catch the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony that happens every hour, for a mesmerising performance that you won’t be able to watch every day. After which, take a tour around the palace to learn about the history and culture that shapes Korea’s traditions until today. If you find yourself unable to keep up with the history lesson, simply admire the man-made structures and grand architecture of the whole place that make for incredibly pretty photographs.
Since you’re on a “heritage” tour today, why not traipse down a few blocks to check out Insa-dong, a traditional shopping street selling little handmade trinkets that make perfect souvenirs for your loved ones back home? With the rise of modern shopping streets like those from yesterday, it can be difficult to find things that tell your friends you’ve been thinking of them. The tokens you’ll find here come complete with that personal touch you’re probably looking for.
Night
Prepare yourselves, because you’re going to have a wild night tonight. But, before that, you’ll need to satisfy those dinner cravings that have been biting at your stomach for the last half hour. Venture all the way down to Sinnonhyeon (or Nonhyeon) Station, and look for a shop named Saemaul Sikdang (새마을식당). This is where you’d want to get your Korean BBQ fix, before a crazy night out at Korea’s Number One club, Octagon, a walkable distance away. Of course, we’re assuming you won’t have to wake up early the next day for your flight out of Seoul. They say Korea has one of the best party scenes in the world, so we recommend checking it out for yourself. If you’re hungry after, you can always head back to Saemaul Sikdang since they’re open 24 hours.
Oh, and one more thing. It would really help to know a bit of Korean, since you may find it a little difficult getting around without being able to read the signs. Either way, we wish you all the best in your little adventure. Have fun!
Dione Chen
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