What you need to know before traveling to SEOUL + 2 days itinerary!

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Things you should know before traveling to South Korea:

  • Verify with your phone provider about an international data plan
  • Make sure you have a traveler's medical insurance
  • Download useful apps: Wanderlog, Naver Map (Google Maps doesn't work), Google Translate
  • Learn about cultural practices to show respect; such as giving and receiving any object using both hands
  • Make sure your passport doesn't expire during your stay in South Korea; one page required for entry stamp; no tourist visa required for U.S. citizens
  • Check the temperatures for the dates you are planning to go to dress accordingly 

Transportation - We used public transportation. For single-journey passes you need cash and exact amount to purchase it at the subway station automated machines. For multiple journey passes, you need a card called TMONEY which you can find at most convenience stores and some trains stations (not all of them). You can also reload your card at most convenience stores. Bus fares varies from 1,200 to 2,500 KRW ($0.86-$1.86 USD). Subway fares are generally 1,400 KRW ($1 USD) per ride. 

Currency -South Korea uses the WON and unlike Japan, they are NOT cash oriented. Nevertheless, if you still want cash, I recommend to withdraw some cash from a bank's ATM at the airport. Remember to decline the ATM's currency conversion. Your bank will normally give you a better exchange rate. You can always check the current conversion versus the one the bank is offering you before deciding which one is more convenient.

Lodging - We stayed in a private property near Yongsan. I recommend staying at any Marriot hotel (Courtyard, Aloft, Fairfield, The Plaza, JW) as they are all close to main attractions in Seoul.

Day 1

Breakfast- Grab a coffee from Tianti Books and Cafe and cross the street to Cadette for breakfast.

Lunch- Try authentic Korean food at Hwangsaengga Kalguksu! 

Gyeongbokgung Palace - one of 5 Seoul's former royal palace of South Korean dynasty. Admission is free for those wearing Hanbok which is traditional Korean clothing. We rented our Hanbok across the street from the palace at 3355 Hanbok - Gyeongbokgung Palace Store. It was about 20,000 won ($15 USD) per person, including accessories and doing my hair.


Cheonggyencheon stream - unwind for a little bit in the long stream. Sit down, relax, watch people walk, listen to the waterflow, read a book, or whatever interests you. 


Dinner- try a Korean BBQ! Walk through Insa-dong street or Myeong-Dong Street and pick your favorite place to try a unique and delicious Korean BBQ experience.


Day 2

Breakfast- we had a delicious meal at O'Pato, a local and small establishment with just a long table and about 10 chairs total. 



Namsan Cable Car - This cable car takes you to the top of mount Namsan and the Seoul Tower. Admission is 14,000 KRW ($10 USD) roundtrip. You can also do a one-way ticket for KRW 11,000 ($8 USD) which is what we did because our next destination was in the opposite direction and we took a bus. 


Seoul Tower - one of the highest points of Seoul with amazing views of the city. You can also enjoy the restaurants around, put a love lock in the fence or have a beer at the terrace. Hours of operation are 10am - 11pm.

 

Lunch- get lost through the streets and halls of the Namdaemun Market until you find something delicious to eat. I don't recommend the street food but there are many restaurants and coffee shops around. This market is the largest in Seoul with more than 5,000 vendors. Hours of operations are 9am-5pm.


Dinner- Daewon Restaurant was a great and cheap option for Korean food near our hotel.

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