Seoul, South Korea: A Second Visit Exploring Beyond the Usual Attractions
Based in Seoul, this trip combined day trips to nearby cities and mountains with visits to both famous landmarks and lesser-known places across the city.
Being our second trip to
Seoul (you can also check our first trip to Korea), this time we focused on exploring areas beyond the main palaces and
popular tourist spots. While we revisited some of the key attractions, we also
discovered parts of the city we had previously overlooked or didn’t have time
to see during our first visit.
How to get from Incheon International Airport to Downtown Seoul (and back)
The cheapest way to get to
downtown Seoul from the airport, and vice versa is by AREX Train. There are two
types of AREX trains, the Express train and the All-Stop train. The Express
line train runs nonstop between Incheon International Airport (Terminal 1 and
Terminal 2) and the 2nd floor basement of Seoul Station and the ride
is about 45-50 minutes. The regular All-Stop train takes about 60 minutes and
stops at ten major subway stations along the way. The Express Train ticket cost
is about 13,000 won while the regular train is only 4,750 won. We took the
regular train. Tickets can be purchased at the express train counter or at the ticket
vending machines, either with cash in won, with credit card or with a T-Money
card loaded with won. At Seoul Station, the All Stops train platform is located
below the Express platform, further down the same escalator. Blue lines on the
floor also guide passengers to the AREX All-Stop train. The AREX train last
departures either from the airport or from Seoul Station are around 11 pm.
After that time, the only way to travel will be by late-night Limousine bus,
taxi or if you book a shuttle with your hotel.
A very helpful tool when
travelling to South Korea is installing and creating an account on the Naver
Maps app. Google Maps app does not work in Korea because of government
regulations, so having a reliable maps app is necessary. The app is very easy
to use for public transportation, it gives all the options regarding metro,
buses, their schedules, even real-time predictions based on the traffic. It is
easier to use the app if you already set up the places and attractions you want
to go to, as Favorites, they will be more visible on the map and easier to search
for alternate options of transport.
Public transportation in Seoul
Seoul’s public
transportation system is often described as one of the most efficient, dense,
and integrated urban mobility networks in the world, connecting a megacity of
approximate 25 million people. The transport was thought as an integrated
system where subway, buses, regional rail and intercity transport are all
connected under one fare system, plus smart card (T-money) which is very easy
to shop for, load money and use. A T-money card can be purchased at the airport,
vending machines in metro stations or at convenience stores. You must have cash
to buy it at a vending machine. The cost is between 3,000 to 5,000 won
depending of the design and purchase location. The Seoul extensive
transportation system includes a subway system of about 23-24 lines in the
metropolitan network, more than 500-600 bus routes using a colour-coded system,
a high speed rail (KTX) and intercity regional transport.
Our Accomodation in Seoul
We booked accommodation at
Soo Song Guesthouse, centrally located, in walking distance of Gwanghwamun
Square, which is considered the heart of Seoul. The room was small but clean,
towels and two bottles of water were provided every day. There was no daily
cleaning so your room was as clean as you kept it for the period of your stay.
A small fridge, a kettle were also in the room so we basically had
everything we needed for the budget price we paid.
Must-visit attractions in Seoul
Korea Postage & Stamps Museum
Located in the basement of the
Seoul Central Post Office, this small museum displays a vast collection of
stamps and is the best place to learn the history of postal services in Korea
or have interactive experiences. Being a free attraction, it is a must see
while visiting the Myeong-dong area.
Namdaemun Market is the oldest and largest traditional market in South Korea, dating back to the 15th century
during the Joseon Dynasty. Today, it is a
massive space of thousands of stalls selling just about everything. The food
alleys are the big reason people go, food stalls serving authentic Korean comfort food at low prices. But you can also shop
for goods like clothes, accessories, souvenirs, kitchenware,
toys. On our second visit to the market we discovered the underground shopping
area where you can find anything at good prices a maze where you could easily
get lost.
Sungnyemun Gate (Namdaemun)
Close to Namdaemun Market, Sungnyemun Gate is a historic stone-and-wood gate that once served
as the main southern entrance to old Seoul during the Joseon Dynasty. Built in the 14th century, it is
one of the city’s most important landmarks and was designated as National
Treasure No. 1.
Deoksugung Doldamgil (Stone-wall Road)
This is
one of the most picturesque walking paths in Seoul,
running alongside the historic walls of Deoksugung Palace. It is also a famous
filming location, appearing in many Korean dramas.
SeMA - Seoul Museum of Art (Main Building)
SeMA
is a major public art museum in central Seoul, known for its mix of modern and
contemporary art, blending a historic exterior with modern gallery spaces
inside. And the general admission is free.
Cheonggyecheon Stream
Flowing quietly through the
heart of downtown, the stream has 11 kilometers of flowing water, stone
walkways and small bridges. By day, it is a place for office workers and
visitors to pause, stroll, and cool off. By night, soft lighting turns it into
an oasis like escape in the middle of the city. We walked along it during day
and at night and it was always busy with people strolling, running, taking
pictures or just sitting quietly on the side of the stream.
Gwangjang Market
One of Seoul’s most famous
traditional markets in Seoul, known less for shopping and more for its
legendary street food scene. Very popular with tourists and food lovers, this
market is more trendy, often crowded, and considered somewhat overpriced
compared to Namdaemun Market, especially since it was featured in shows like
Street Food Asia.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
The building is one of
Seoul’s most striking architectural icon, with a flowing, futuristic structure.
The smooth, metallic surfaces with almost no straight lines, give the place a
spaceship-like appearance. This creative hub hosts fashion shows, design
exhibitions, art installations and digital media displays. During our time in
Seoul, DDP held the “BTS Arirang Music Light Show”, a free media facade show
celebrating BTS’ new music and world tour.
Jungbu Market
The best place to
experience a real Korean wholesale market of fresh and dried seafood (octopus,
squid, anchovies, fish), salted and preserved Korean ingredients and other food
products used in Korean cooking.
Ikseon-dong Hanok Village
Tucked into the old city
center, it is just a short walk from the popular Insadong and Jongno area. The
village is a living neighbourhood with narrow alleyways lined with
centuries-old hanok houses but also modern cafes, boutique shops, and intimate
restaurants. It is best described as a blend of heritage and trend district.
Ssamziegil Shopping Mall
Unlike a typical mall, this
distinctive open-air shopping complex in Seoul’s Insadong district is designed
as a spiral walkway that slowly rises around a central courtyard. Here you can
find mostly handmade crafts, souvenirs, small art galleries and creative
workshops.
Seoul Hangang Drone Light Show
Visiting Seoul in spring we
were able to attend the Seoul Hangang Drone Light Show, a recurring annual
festival-style program, held few times on the weekends at various locations
along the Han river parks. Waiting for the drone show time, we also attended
the Signature Show, part of Seoul Spring Festival, a show featuring a merry-go-round
on the Hangang River, with blending lights, special effects and fireworks.
Prior to our reservation
time at National Assembly building we walked this simple but scenic pedestrian
crossing over the Han River in Seoul, a bridge designed for walkers and
cyclists rather than vehicles.
This is a popular green
space on Yeouido Island, along the Hang River, close to major landmarks like
the National Assembly building and the financial district.
A Memorable Visit to the National Assembly of South Korea
While we were still in
Canada, we reserved our tour by emailing visitor@assembly.go.kr. You can apply
up to 90 days in advance, and the approval email we received, complete with a
strict date, time, and set of rules served as our pass through the tight
security. At the visitor center, the check-in process felt much like an
airport. Once we cleared security, we were given visitor badges and a small
souvenir. Our tour group was capped at 150 people, and we happened to be the
only foreigners in the crowd. Although our confirmation email stated that
photos and videos were strictly prohibited, our guide told us we could take
pictures for a few minutes in the Plenary Chamber before the presentation
began. The 30-minute tour was conducted entirely in Korean, but our guide was
incredibly kind; she spotted us easily and offered to take a few photos for us.
After touring the main
building, we explored the National Assembly Museum and the secure outdoor grounds.
The small but meaningful and free museum introduces visitors to the history and
role of South Korea’s parliament and explains how Korea’s legislative system
evolved, from early modern government structures to today’s democratic National
Assembly.
Also located Yeouido
Island, is the Hyundai Seoul Mall, a place with a unique architecture, designed
like a vertical city garden, with multi-level open spaces and a central atrium
that features a signature indoor water installation.
From Yeouido island we walked
Mapo Bridge to the other side of Han River in Mapo district. The bridge, also
featured in many Korean dramas, was often referred to as the “Bridge of Death”
because, for a period, it was associated with a high number of suicide
incidents. Currently, after a large public campaign and installation of
handrails equipped with motion sensor and displays of positive messages, the
bridge name changed to “Bridge of Life” and was transformed into a symbol of
hope and mental awareness.
Founded by the Samsung
Foundation, Leeum is a private museum complex showcasing traditional Korean
art, modern and contemporary international art and experimental and digital
installations. The museum itself is a major attraction, designed by
world-renowned architects and featuring a unique staircase that is often
described as one of the most striking architectural moments in the entire
complex. The entry to the permanent traditional Korean Art in the Traditional
Art Building is free.
Namsan Outdoor Botanical Garden
Located on the slopes of
Namsan Mountain and not far from central Seoul and the N Seoul Tower area, we
visited this small but scenic garden, designed more like a natural walking
trail than a formal park and blending well into the forested landscape of
Namsan.
Myeongdong is actually a
network of extremely lively and crowded streets with bright LED signs, music
and packed with fashion and cosmetics stores, cafes, restaurants and food stalls.
It is one of the easiest places to try a lot of traditional Korean foods in one
walk, snacks like tteokbokki, Korean fried chicken or egg bread. It is also one
of the most expensive places to eat probably because of its popularity and
central location.
Insadong Street
Located in the heart of
Insadong neighbourhood, this is one of the most famous cultural streets, known
for its mix of traditional Koran heritage, art shops, teahouses and modern
cafes, all packed into a walkable neighborhood. For us it was the best place to
shop for souvenirs, many shops had an affordable and large selection of items.
Having visited Namsan Tower
on our previous trip we decided to visit it this time at night, looking for a
different experience. While first time we walked the path to the top, this time
we took the Namsan Cable Car. The return ticket was 15,000 won per person. When
we decided to see it at night we thought that most people visit during the day
but we were taken by surprise by the long waiting time, almost 45 minutes, to
get into the cable car, both on our way up and down. We enjoyed the experience
a lot, as after sunset the entire city turns into a glowing panorama and the
contrast between dark mountains and bright city make it especially dramatic.
Hiking in Seoul
South Korea is very popular
for hiking, both among locals and increasingly among international visitors.
Korea is about 70% mountainous, so almost every city has accessible peaks
nearby. Seoul is surrounded by hiking trails and mountain ranges like Ansan
Mountain or Bukhansan National Park and many trails start near subway stations
or bus stops. Clear signage and maintained paths make hiking beginner-friendly.
You can do a full hike in a few hours and still be back in the city the same
day. Therefore, we planned two days of hiking around Seoul, praying for good
weather on the hiking days.
Hiking Ansan Mountain
Our first hiking day was
the Ansan Mountain trail. The Ansan Jarak-gil trail is a 6.8 km loop and it is
a wooden deck trail, very accessible and popular with all age groups. The trail
encircles Ansan Mountain and can be completed in 2.5 hrs. From the Ansan
Jark-gil you can climb to the summit of Ansan Beacon Mound (296 meters) in
30-45 minutes. When we reached the sign marked “Beacon Mound” we left the
wooden path and took the inner mountain trail uphill. From the top we got a
nice 360-degree panoramic view with Seoul skyline spreading into the distance
and rolling ridges of mountains fading into the horizon. Upon descent we
continued and finished the loop trail and ended our trek at the same starting
point. With stopping for pictures along the trail, it took us 2 hours 25
minutes for the cumulative distance of 7.6 kilometers and elevation gain of 362
meters. The blooming pink trees lining the trail and the good weather made our
hiking day even more remarkable.
Hiking in Bukhansan National Park
Bukhansan National Park
covers a large mountainous area just north of Seoul. Despite being inside a
metro area of millions, the National Park is known for its granite peaks and
rugged ridgelines, dense forests, clear streams and historic temples and
fortresses. Due to its accessibility, it is one of the most visited national
parks in the world. The most famous trail in the park is hiking the Baegundae
Peak, the highest peak in Seoul, 836 meters above sea level. Conscious about
our abilities and the fact that we still had a week left of our vacation, we
settled to hike a smaller peak, Wonhyobong Peak with an altitude of 505 meters.
The trail length was 5.3 km, the overall elevation gain was 491 meters and we
finished our hike in 2 hours and 15 minutes. We were lucky to have dry and
sunny weather which made our experience even better. The trail was busy with
hikers of all ages, hiking in Korea being a long-standing cultural habit that
has become a trend recently. Everybody on the trail was vey friendly and we
even made some Korean friends on the mountain. To get to the trail, we first
travelled by metro line 3 to Gupabal Station and from there we took Bus 704 to
Bukhansanseong Fortress Entrance. From the entrance it was a short walk to get
to the trailhead. The trail started as a well-marked dirt forested path of
moderate incline but transformed into a steeper rocky incline with handrails in
some sections. On the summit of Wonhyobong we were rewarded with great
panoramic views of Bukhansan, Seoul, and the nearby peaks.
Korean BBQ Experience
After a day of hiking in
Bukhansan National Park we tried for the first time a Korean BBQ experience for
dinner. This tabletop grilling meal where you cook meats yourself is very
popular with Korean people. Usually beef, pork belly, or chicken meats are
cooked over a hot grill built into the table and are served with lettuce wraps,
Korean dipping sauces and other specific side dishes, all accompanied by soju
drinks, the traditional Korean alcohol.
Opened in 1908 as the
Gyeongseong Prison, the colonial prison was the place where independence
activists used to be imprisoned until the liberation of Korea in 1945. This
place remained in use even after the Liberation until 1987 for imprisoning
democratic activists. Now, Seodaemun Prison turned into a museum that serves as
a place to commemorate ideals of peace and freedom. Walking through the
complex, you can see narrow corridors, isolation cells, exercise yards, different
purpose rooms and buildings, all designed to reflect the severity of life inside.
The cost of a ticket is 3,000 Won. We visited the prison right after finishing
Ansan Mountain hiking, the prison being located at the base of the mountain.
Unlike the busier and more
famous Gyeongbokgung Palace, Gyeonghuigung
feels more peaceful. Once a secondary royal residence during the Joseon
Dynasty, its reconstructed buildings and spacious grounds make it ideal for a
slow stroll. There were less visitors, so we could enjoy our walk on the
grounds and take in the contrast between traditional architecture and the
surrounding city skyline.
The museum is structured to
take you on a journey where you van explore the timeline of Seoul, from its
birth to the modern and global city it became. The permanent exhibitions show
the origins of Seoul, the life of people in the city, and the transformation of
Seoul up to current times. We particularly liked the City Model Image Hall, an
immersive space where a detailed miniature of Seoul comes alive through light
and visuals, showing the city’s past, present, and future in an wide-ranging
view. The museum entry is free.
Heunginjimun Park and Heunginjimun Gate (Dongdaemun)
Heunginjimun Gate
(Dongdaemun) is one of the original gates of Seoul’s old city wall, dating back
to the Joseon Dynasty. It once served as a key eastern entrance to the capital,
protecting the city while controlling trade and movement. Across the street
from the gate, spread on a hill enclosed by a section of the Seoul city wall,
is Heunginjimun Park, a popular place with locals and tourists, where you could
have a nice view Dongdaemun area unfolding below.
The square is one of
Seoul’s most symbolic public spaces, sitting on the city’s main historic axis
between royal palaces and government buildings. It acts as both, a civic hub
and an open-air landmark that connects modern Seoul with its Joseon Dynasty
past. The statues of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-sin located in the square
highlight Korea’s cultural and military heritage. From the square, you can see
the grand gate of Gyeongbokgung, the wide Sejong-daero boulevard, and
surrounding government and museum buildings framed by modern skyscrapers. On
the grounds of the square there are fountains, public art installations, and an
underground museum and exhibition spaces. A lot of cultural events are held
here but also various politically driven protests. We witnessed both during out time in Seoul.
Seokchon Lake and Lotte Tower
Seokchon Lake is especially
beautiful in spring, when its circular walking paths are lined with cherry
blossoms and the lake reflects soft pink tones from the trees above. We visited
the place especially for the cherry blossoms experience and we really enjoyed
it. The paved trail is flat and easy, making it a relaxed spot for walking, jogging,
or slow sightseeing. The towering Lotte World Tower rising in the background
created a striking contrast with the delicate blossoms above our heads.
The large, open green space
was built for the 1988 Seoul Olympics and is now serving as one of the city’s
most popular recreational and cultural attractions. The park has wide walking
and cycling paths, peaceful lakes, grassy fields, and sculpture gardens filled
with modern and Olympic-themed art installations. Notable are the World Peace
Gate, the Peace Square and various commemorative structures and plaques marking
key Olympic events and achievements.
This striking public
library is located inside COEX Mall, in Gangnam district and is best known for
its towering floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and dramatic open atrium design. The
giant bookshelves, reaching several stories high, create a striking visual
background that attracts big tourist crowds in search for amazing photos.
Gangnam Streets
Being our second time in
Gangnam we wanted to experience more of this famous district on foot. So, we
strolled around with the only purpose to absorb the atmosphere and feel the
pulse of modern Seoul. The streets are defined by sleek skyscrapers, luxury boutiques,
cafes, K-beauty stores, and a relentless hustle and bustle. The wide boulevards
are busy yet orderly, and the side streets often revealed hidden restaurants,
dessert cafes, and nightlife spots.
This imposing building is
one of South Korea’s most important judicial institutions and often appears
into Korean dramas. Being in the area we really wanted to see it up close and
take few pictures.
This is one of the most
famous nighttime attraction on the Han River, with water jets shooting from
both sides of the bridge and illuminated by colorful LED lights. It is known
for being the world’s longest bridge fountain, creating a “rainbow” effect as
streams of water arc down toward the river below, synchronized with music and
light shows. The best views are from the riverside parks along the Han River,
where people gather to watch the evening performances. We went there by metro
line 3 from Anguk Station to Express Bus Terminal Station, and from there we
walked to the river. The fountain operates from April through October, with
20-minute shows, every half hour between 19:30 and 21:30 (or 21:00).
Jogyesa Temple is the main
temple of Korean Zen Buddhism (Jogye Order) and one of the most important
Buddhist sites in Seoul. It sits in the heart of the city, near Insadong Street, making it a very easy cultural
stop. The temple has free entrance and is open to everyone. We happened to
visit during the lantern festival period which is held around Buddha’s birthday
and the entire temple was filled with colorful paper lanterns.
Located near Jonggak Metro
Station for Line 1 and Cheonggyecheon Stream, this street is a lively neon-lit
nightlife street filled with numerous BBQ restaurants, pubs and cafes that come
alive in the evening.
Gyongbokgung Palace
Gyongbokgung Palace is the largest and most iconic royal palace of the
Joseon Dynasty, built in 1395. The Palace complex features grand gates, wide
courtyards, traditional halls, and beautiful mountain backdrops, especially
with Bugaksan Mountain behind it. Key highlights include the Gwanghwamun Gate,
Geunjeongjeon Throne Hall Hyangwonjeong Pavilion. The entrance ticket is only
3,000 won, so even if we visited it two years ago when I also rented a hanbok,
we felt like we should visit again. It is a must-visit site for its Korean
heritage and architecture.
Changing of the Royal Palace Guard Ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace
Every day when Gyongbokgung Palace is open for visitors, there are performances of
changing of the Royal Palace Guard Ceremony. This is a
traditional re-enactment of the royal guard-changing ritual from the Joseon
Dynasty. The ceremony usually lasts about 10-20 minutes and is performed
several times a day (except Tuesdays, when the palace is closed). It takes
place at the main gate, Gwanghwamun, which is a space before the ticketed area.
Watching the experience should be planned before entering the Palace or after
finishing the visit. Performances are at 10 am and 2 pm and are free to watch.
The National Folk Museum of Korea
Located inside Gyongbokgung Palace and included in the ticket price is the
National Folk Museum of Korea, dedicated to showing the daily life, culture,
and traditions of ordinary Koreans throughout history, especially during the
Joseon Dynasty.
A very nice attraction in
Seoul is this historic neighborhood, sitting between two royal palaces, Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace.
Currently a residential area, it is known for its well-preserved traditional
Korean Houses (hanok) and is very popular with tourists, at times being
overcrowded. That is why there are signs posted everywhere to keep the noise
levels low.
On our departing day we
visited Seoullo 7017, an elevated
city park built on a former highway overpass near Seoul Station. Here you can
have nice views of Seoul and the traffic below. It was a rainy day though and
the photos don’t do justice to this nice green space.
Exploring Mapo District
Visiting Mapo District is a
good choice for a full day as the area is very vibrant and known for the trendy
Hongdae indie music, street performances, fashion and art shops. Themed spots
like the CU Ramyun Library and traditional-style market life at Mangwon Market,
can all be experienced here. Hongdae is also one of Seoul’s main student and youth culture districts, here we visited Yonsei
University and Ewha University, popular film locations for many Korean dramas.
This scenic hilltop park is
known for its wide grass fields, walking trails, and panoramic views over the
Han River. The main pedestrian route up the hill is a series of 331 zig-zag
steps designed to reduce strain as you go up. Part of the park is also Metasequoia Trail, a scenic walking path lined with tall metasequoia trees that form a
natural tunnel overhead.
The traditional
neighborhood market is located in western Seoul and it is a budget-friendly
food market where you can try authentic Korean street eats in a more relaxed,
local atmosphere. It is smaller and less touristy than places like Gwangjang
Market, but popular with locals for everyday shopping and casual eating, with
stalls selling fresh produce, snacks, fried foods, tteokbokki, hotteok, and
handmade side dishes.
Located in Mapo district,
this is a ramen-themed convenience store concept, designed like a library of
instant noodles. There is an entire wall filled with over 200 types of ramen
where customers can pick noodles like choosing books from shelves, cook the
noodles themselves using the self-service ramen machines and even pick and add
extra toppings to the soup. It is a fun and interactive do it yourself
experience and is open 24 hours.
Highlights of an Incheon Day trip
This historic coastal city
near Seoul is the third largest city in South Korea, with a population close to
3 million. The city is peppered with top attractions and we tried to visit as
many as we could in one day. To get to Incheon we travelled by metro line 1
from Jong-Gag Station which was in walking distance of our hotel, to Incheon
Station. The ride was 1 hour and 13 minutes. When travelling to Incheon, you
need to get the metro from Incheon platform as the line has also a ramification
to Sinchang via Suwon and Cheonan, south of Seoul.
Incheon Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village
Not far from Incheon
Station and close to Incheon Chinatown is this colorful hillside neighbourhood that
was transformed into a quaint open-air art space, with streets and houses
decorated with murals and sculptures inspired by classic fairy tales. Strolling
through the village felt like walking through a storybook, every corner
featured painted walls, themed alleys, and playful installations based on
global and Korean stories.
This is Korea’s oldest
Chinatown, a colourful neighbourhood filled with red-gated streets, street food
alleys and cultural heritage. A must-do in Chinatown is walking the Emperor Stairs, a steep, symbolic staircase linking the Chinatown area with the higher
hillside neighbourhoods through the Seollinmun Gate. Each flight of stairs is
nicely painted with a story: Kings Road, Meeting the Emperor, Journey of the
Fantasy Valley, Journey of the Great Wall and Peach in the Flower Garden.
One of the most unique
attractions inside Incheon Chinatown is Jjajangmyeon Museum. Built inside the
former Gonghwachun Restaurant which is considered the birthplace of Jajangmyeon in Korea, the museum is completely
dedicated to this tasty Korean dish. The entry ticket is 1,000 won.
Right next to Incheon
Chinatown, is a small area where original Japanese-style wooden houses and
stone buildings are still preserved.
This is one of the most
famous traditional markets in Incheon and one of the best places to experience
real Korean street food culture.
Incheon National Maritime Museum
Located on Wolmido Island,
near the waterfront, this free museum focuses on Korea’s relationship with the
sea, covering shipping, ports, fishing culture, and maritime history. The
curved and flowing overall shape of the museum was meant to look like ocean
waves and the large glass surfaces of the front facade inspire openness and
connection to the ocean.
Close to the Maritime
Museum was Wolmi Theme Park is a seaside amusement park, a fun spot that looked
more like a retro carnival with classic rides.
Wolmi Observatory and Wolmi Park
Wolmi Observatory sits at
the top of Wolmisan Mountain, which is the center of Wolmi Park. Once a
military zone for 50 hears following the Korean War (1950-1953), it has been
transformed into a park preserving its natural ecosystem, a park with many
walking trails, traditional Korean gardens and cherry blossoms. From the top
you can get 360 degree views of the Incheon Port and Harbour, Incheon Bridge
and Incheon City Skyline. The entrance to the observatory is free. The easiest
way to get to Wolmido Island from the city is by bus, either Bus 10 or Bus 45.
Day trip to Suwon
Suwon is only one hour away
from Seoul by Metro Line 1 and one of the most popular and easiest day trips
because it combines history, food and a relaxed vibe without long travel. Our
itinerary included some of most popular attractions in Suwon.
Paldalmun Traditional Market
Paldalmun Traditional
Market is one of the main traditional markets in Suwon, located near the
southern gate of Hwaseong Fortress. The market had a strong “local daily life”
feel rather than a tourist market so the portions were generous and the prices
were the lowest, almost half compared to any other market we visited.
Paldalmun Gate is the
southern main gate of Hwaseong Fortress
and one of the most recognizable landmarks in Suwon. It is a key entry point
into the historic walled city built in the late 18th century. Located in the
middle of a large roundabout-style road junction, it provides a striking
contrast between the historic gate and the modern city traffic.
Paldal Park is a small,
elevated urban park in central Suwon,
located on a hill right next to the historic area of Hwaseong Fortress. Here
you can walk from Hwayangnu, the Western bastion to Seojangdae, Western Command
Post and reach few nice viewpoints over the fortress area and city skyline.
Sitting quietly on the
hillside of Paldal Park and close to Suwon’s old fortress area is this small
and peaceful Buddhist temple.
Hwaseong Haenggung (Temporary Palace)
The Palace was built by
King Jeongjo, who was very devoted to his parents and relocated his father’s
grave to Yongneug and built a new city in Suwon. When the king constructed
Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, he also built the Temporary Palace located inside the
fortress. This was used as a temporary residence when he visited his father’s
tomb in Suwon and as the government office of Suwon. Most facilities were
destroyed during the Japanese colonial period, but since, the place has been
carefully restored. Wandering through the complex you can see main palace
halls, wide courtyards, traditional gates and wooden corridors. The entrance
ticket is 2,000 won per person.
On our way to Starfield
Mall we passed by Hwaseomun Gate, which is the western gate of Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon. It is one of the four main gates of the
fortress and a key entry point into the historic old city.
Suwon Starfield Library and Starfield Mall
The last stop of our
exploration of Suwon attractions was Starfield Library, located inside the Starfield
Mall. Compared to Seoul Starfield Library, this one has a larger space spread
across multiple floors (4th–7th), has taller shelves and a more vertical depth.
The architecture is striking, designed to feel monumental. Bookshelves rise
dramatically upward and you look up through layers of books and balconies.
Inside the library is also a unique LP vinyl cafe where you can listen to
records.
Suwon is definitely a destination worth exploring, easily accesible from Seoul
We travelled to Yongin by Bus 4101, from the Myeong-dong Entrance station and got off at the Korean Folk Village bus stop, in walking distance from the entrance. The cost of the ticket was 3,200 won, which we paid by T-money card. The ride was about 50 minutes because we happened to get on the express bus which had fewer stops. The Korean Folk Village in Yongin is a large open-air cultural park that recreates traditional Korean life from the Joseon Dynasty. The place mixes history, performances and theme-park-style experiences in one place. The attraction is very popular and attracts many visitors. At the time of our visit, aside from the regular visitors, there were also many buses full with students. Within the park, there is a Market Village, a Folk Village and Amusement Village. The full entrance ticket is 39,000 won but the price was discounted for the month we visited, so we paid only 19,000 won per person.
The Folk Village
The layout is designed to
feel like a real Joseon-era settlement, with areas organized by social class,
region, and function. There are upper-class, middle-class and commoner houses
but also workshops, like pottery, weaving, blacksmithing, replicas of
government buildings, farm areas, storage and exhibition halls. Scattered
through the village are activity and performance areas and a main performance
hall, where you can watch entertaining programs at set times throughout the
day.
Market Place
After wandering through the
Folk Village we stopped to grab a bite at the Market Place a spot that had lots
of choices for traditional Korean meals. We had to order and pay for the menu
at a machine and then pick it up when was ready.
Play (Amusement) Village
On the other side of the
Jiwoncheon Stream that runs through the village, is the Amusement Village, with
family friendly rides and attractions like a merry-go-round, a railroad train,
boat rides or magic tea cup spin. On the premises, there are also food and
souvenir shops.
The Folk Museum
Included in the price was
also the Folk Museum, an indoor space that showcases everyday life from the
Joseon period and displays traditional tools, household items, clothing, and
cultural artifacts.
Random moments and snapshots from our trip
Even though this was our second visit to Seoul, we still discovered more than enough attractions to explore and enjoy. It is surprising how the city always feels new, no matter how familiar it becomes. As our trip came to an end, we felt a little sad to leave, as we have truly came to respect and appreciate the Korean culture, the people, and the country.
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