Fancy going to Seoul, Korea for a little getaway? Well, don't go off without reading this unofficial mini travel guide we've put together..just for you! :)
Do's:
1. Myeong dong
Myeong-dong is a trendy hotspot for the Korean youths, pretty much like the Orchard Road of Seoul. However, don't just be swept away by the array of shops selling apparel, accessories and skincare products in its streets! Take some time to poke around its many corners, and you'll find some quaint artsy cafes and good eats. Be warned, though, that it's gonna be pretty crowded over here, especially on the weekends. And don't leave without tasting the famous fried chicken here - just ask around for THE fried chicken restaurant that has been around for ages (managed by a really warm korean lady boss)!
2. Dongdaemun
Definitely a shopaholic's haven! With tons and tons of shops for you to trawl along, we say, load up on those carbs. You'll need them for the shopping bags and all the walking. Make Migliore your first stop (there's also another Migliore building in Myeong dong) - stuff here may be cheaper than in the malls next to it (eg. Doota, APN). Tip: HAGGLE! Prices are usually pretty marked up, so talk nicely to the shopkeepers, do some whining (it works sometimes), and you could save you a few dollars.
3. Namdaemun (Stop at Hyehwa station)
The market experience! Think a huge huge pasar malam. Get lost in its many stalls (selling almost the same things), but be wise about your purchases (if products are dirt cheap and too good to be true, it might be because they are manufactured elsewhere)!
4. Insadong/Samcheong area
Great alternative/artsy vibe in this stretch!Indulge in its many restaurants selling great-tasting korean food, take your time to stroll along the area with some fried rice cakes in hand, and please do take a nice break at one of the many awesome cafes found here too! We can't rave enough. Definitely a great option to wind down during your trip and take it slow. Have some cash to spare? Splurge on one of the more pricey meals at a traditional korean restaurant in Insadong (these meals come with many side dishes, from experience)!
5. Namsan/Seoul Tower
Head up during the evening for a romantic view during the night!
6. Taste all the different sorts of tea Korea has to offer
Tea lover? You have GOTTA try Korea's range of tea! From traditional honey ginger to barley to burnt rice to yam to buckwheat to persimmon to peach (we could go on and on), the teas here are bound to delight! If the traditional cafes (try Insadong) aren't enough to satiate, hit the supermarkets (yes you read that right) for some of these unique teas to bring back home!
7. Head out of Seoul
Specifically, we recommend the Jeongbalsan area for its famous Lake Park! This area is just a little out of Seoul, and you can get there by subway, which takes an hour from Central Seoul. A friend shared that this place is well-known as a "date course" in Korea. Tranquil, untainted by human traffic, and away from the city's hustle and bustle, it's great for a little breather... and a little cardio... on your holiday. We would recommend you to hop on a rented bicycle and explore this area with a huge smile on your face :)
8. Feast on korean food and drinks
Not just the bibimbaps and the ginseng chicken soups, mind you. We also mean the street food!! This is a must-try! And while you're at it, indulge in the ice cream. (It's really much cheaper compared to icecream in Singapore.) And servings can be HUGE (you've been forewarned!). Thirsty? Hit any convenience store to grab one of the many different drinks available. You'll be spoilt for choice, we're sure!
9. Take a walk in the Namsangol Hanok Village
Therapeutic.
10. Learn to speak some korean phrases!!!
Don't leave without mastering the art of haggling for cheaper prices in korean, knowing how to say hello and good bye, and most importantly - being able to ask a cute guy/girl for his/her cellphone number! juuuuuuuust kidding :)
- Till next time!
