South Korea is an East Asian country that has a distinct character. Kimchi, KDrama, KPop, Oppa - these are words that scream South Korea. You might have seen some Kdrama series, or heard a BTS or Black Pink song and find yourself pretty intrigued by this country.
Seoul is the capital of South Korea where traditions and modernizations intermix. It is a huge city where you can visit traditional Hanok Villages and futuristic buildings or skyscrapers. Their food is also well-known across the globe.
This summer of 2024, I visited Seoul, South Korea, and spent 24 hours. I tried street food and traditional food from a restaurant; bathed and slept in a jjimjilbang; and visited the cultural Bukchon Hanok Village, Gyeonbokgung, and Changdeokgung Palaces. Here is a full account of what I did to make the most of my 24 hours hours stay in Seoul, South Korea.
At A Glance
How to Get to Seoul from Incheon International Airport
From Incheon Airport Terminal 1, Seoul is just a train ride away. You have to options.
All Stop Train From Terminal 1 or 2 of Incheon International Airport, The All Stop Train operates to Seoul Station along with 11 other stations. It usually takes 53 minutes to reach Seoul Station. It is cheaper than the Express Train.
Airport Railroad Express (AREX) Train The Express Train also operates from Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 to Seoul Station, with 43 and 51 minutes of travel duration, respectively. It is more expensive than the All Stop Train but it offers the following convenience.
- Non-stop ride to Seoul Station, shorter travel duration.
- Choose your seat upon booking.
- Seats are more comfortable.
- Overhead storage is available for carry on luggage and larger luggage can be neatly placed in a dedicated room at the ends of each car.
The AREX Train operates at a certain schedule and since I have an itinerary to follow, I rode the All Stop Train toward Seoul Station.
24 Hours in Seoul, South Korea
Once I got to Seoul Station, I took Line 4 and kicked off my quest through Myeongdong.
Myeongdong Night Market
Myeongdong is a popular shopping street in Seoul which transforms into one of the largest night markets in the city as daylight begins to fade. Just 2 stations away from Seoul Station taking Line 4, this night market is a must-visit here in Seoul. Aside from various food choices, you may also find some souvenir items, clothings, cute accessories and skincare products along this busy street.
I've been in Myeongdong for a few times now, but this is the first time I get to experience its night market. I got here at around 9:30 PM and the street foods were luring me in. I have to search for the most enticing food before the stalls close at around 10:30 - 11:30 PM. After a quick preview, I decided to sample these three street foods.
Assorted Fishcakes from Fishcakes Hotbar Korean Fishcakes or Eomuk are usually depicted in Kdramas as those long thin brown skewered food boiled in a stock. These fishcakes are then eaten with spicy sauce. The stock is also served and best enjoyed during the cold months. This stall - Fishcakes Hotbar, serves the different kind. Their fishcakes are colorful with various fillings - crab meat, hotdogs, seaweeds, etc. I ordered a stick of assorted fishcakes drizzled with sweet and spicy sauce. For 5000 Won (less than 4 USD), these fishcakes were so good.
Gyeran Bbang (Korean Egg Bread)
Gyeran Bbang or Korean Egg Bread are popular street snacks. They are obround sweet-savory pancakes with eggs on top. Other variations include grated cheese and ham.
I bought one for 2000 Won (less than 2 USD). It looks really yummy with that bright yellow gelatinous yolk. And it definitely did not disappoint. It's quite small, so I still looked for a third street food to eat.
Modoohoney Korean Fried Chicken For 7000 Won (5 USD), I ordered the smallest size of these Korean Fried Chicken. Bitesize fried chicken and tteokbokki were tossed in a savory honey glaze and drizzled with cheese sauce. I ate this on the go. The chicken pieces were so crunchy and flavorful. In a few minutes of walking around, jja-jan! It was all gone.
There are quite a lot of stalls that offer really enticing food, but I'm already full. They also offer drinks but I make it a habit to always bring my own bottle of water for economic and gastric purposes.
The stores were about to close so I hurried and bought some facial masks from Nature Republic. There are also a couple stores here of known Korean skincare brands. Make sure to grab some as souvenir gifts or for your own perusal.
Sparex Korean Spa near Dongdaemun Design Plaza
It's almost 11 PM. I hurriedly walked to Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station (Line 2) and made my way to Dongdaemun History and Culture Park. Alternatively, you can also walk back to Myeongdong Station (Line 4) since Dongdaemun History and Culture Park lies along Lines 2 and 4 (even Line 5). I went out through exit 14 towards Dongdaemun Design Plaza.
Where am I heading? I'm bound for a jjimjilbang experience at Sparex Korean Spa!
Jjimjilbang is a traditional Korean bath house. For an authentic South Korean travel experience, I feel like this is a must-do activity. Koreans (of all ages) would often relax and socialize in these public bath houses. Watch out for my post on my whole Jjimjilbang experience.
Bukchon Hanok Village
I went out first thing in the morning and headed towards Bukchon Hanok Village. I took Line 4 and transfered to Line 3 via Chungmuro Station and alighted to Anguk Station.
Bukchon Hanok Village is another must-visit spot in Seoul since it reflects 600 years of the city's history and culture. It is located between the Palaces of Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung and home to some Seoulites (Seoul locals). Aside from the Hanok (traditional houses) lining the streets of Bukchon Hanok Village, there are also art galleries, restaurants (built out from hanok) and some traditional art workshops. You may also choose to roam the streets with their traditional Hanbok, which I tried a few years back, during winter.
I spotted some tourists wearing hanbok. The hanbok are colorful and these ladies looked cute. But since it's summer, I would strongly recommend to get a hanbok with lighter fabrics. Otherwise, one might pass out from the heat even early in the morning. Wearing them around late in the afternoon or early in the evening may be a better option too. Then again, us Filipinos have a term - "Tiis-ganda". This term means, beauty first before comfort. If you really want to try these hanbok, they might do better during colder seasons.
Although tourists frequent Bukchon Hanok Village, it should be noted that this place is inhabited by locals. Thus kindly make it a quiet trip and take note of the following.
Keep noise levels to a minimum especially in the 31 Gahoe-dong area.
Do not litter.
Visit in small groups, maximum of 10 visitors per group.
Refrain from using microphones, megaphones or loudspeakers
Do not film or take photos of home interiors even if the doors are open.
Please also bring a water bottle and protect yourself from the heat of the sun if you plan to visit this summer.
Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace
Just a few walking-minutes away, Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palaces can be both visited.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace is the first palace built by the Joseon founder. It is the largest of all five remaining grand palaces of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897) in Seoul. And its name translates to 'Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven'. Last winter of 2022, I visited this palace wearing a hanbok.
Changdeokgung Palace
Changdeokgung Palace was constructed in 1405, second to Gyeongbokgung Palace. It was the most well-preserved of the five remaining Joseon royal palaces in Seoul. I just took a quick photo at the entrance and went on my way to Insadong.
Insadong
Insadong is another area near Anguk Station that is known for its traditional goods like pottery, tea and handmade hanji paper. There are also a lot of teahouses and restaurants in this area. I looked around a bit to take some pictures. But since it's lunch time, I am unconciously looking for a place to dine.
I found this quaint restaurant that served traditional Korean food. I ordered their stirfried pork lunch set that includes a bowl of rice, side dishes and seaweed soup. Amidst the heat of the day, I also ordered my favorite kimchi-jjigae (red-colored kimchi stew with pieces of pork, silken tofu and green onions).
The dishes are good and since I am quite hungry, I was able to finish this feast.
Are you also into Korean Food? If so, please write down your favorite Korean food in the comment section below. Aside from Samgyeoup-sal-gui (grilled pork belly) and kimchi-jjigae, I also love samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) and gamjatang (pork back bone stew).
Best Time to Visit
Seoul has temperate continental climate. Its winters are biting cold while summers can be scorching. Autumn and springs months are the best time to have a tour because of the ideal weather and beautiful spring/autumn foliage, respectively. Morever, since summer months (June-August) tend to be the peak season for tourists visiting Seoul, accommodations and tours are quite cheaper during the other seasons. The city is also less congested with tourists during these seasons too.
24 hours in Seoul is simply not enough. Even with my frequent visits here, I could never get enough of South Korea. For now, I'll get my fill through kdramas and I shall see you soon South Korea!
Thanks for being with me and see you on my next blog post!
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