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If you’re like me, you will take ANY time you can get in a country. After finding a flight redemption out of ICN airport, it looks like I needed an itinerary for 24 hours in South Korea….here’s how to spend 1 day in Seoul.
*The TLDR will be at the bottom of this page if you want to skip
Prior to my arrival in Seoul, South Korea, I did some research (as you are now doing) and it was clear, I needed to stay in Myeongdong. Not only is it one of the most popular districts, it’s also right in the heart of the city.
I landed at GMP Airport and it was roughly $30 USD to arrive to Myeongdong by taxi. Sometimes you just want to sit peacefully in a car, but you will have no issues taking the train if you want to save some money. The traffic might also dictate your decision considering we only have 24 hours here. Keep in mind you will most likely be arriving into ICN Airport which is about 20 miles farther than GMP.
MOXY Seoul Myeongdong by Marriott was my choice, but any hotel you choose in this area will suffice. The location as well as access to public transportation is perfect. The staff was awesome and briefly taught me some necessary Korean words, even though everybody had GREAT English.
Considering this is “our” first time in Korea, it’s a requirement to go into 7/11 or GS25 and get one of the viral ice cup and juice pouch drinks….or just browse the other unique snacks and items.
Before you head “out”, it’s a good idea to fill your stomach. This area is INSANE for food, but honestly, I could probably say that for the entire country.
The ICONIC Myeongdong Night Market will be here tonight, and you will be eating very unhealthy….so for right now I recommend getting BIBIMBAP. There will be MANY places that are in Korean. Do not panic though because pictures of the food will be all over the windows so you know what’s there.
SOUTH KOREA TIP: You will notice that a lot of restaurants have drawers in the table which hold cutlery, napkins, etc. Act like a pro and look inside.
Myeongdong has plenty of shopping for all categories, whether it be skin care, souvenirs, or Nike/H&M type stores. If you are looking for things more lavish, you should head to GANGNAM….and even if you’re not, you should check out Gangnam.
If you have never heard GANGNAM STYLE, you are likely an alien or 12 years old….please go look at the statue and pay your respects. You will also find the STARFIELD COEX MALL, home of the library you have seen one million times on Instagram. Or if you are a big K-POP fan, the infamous K-Star Road.
Gangnam simply means, “south of the river” aka it’s quite a large area. Plan out where you want to go prior. If you want high end fashion or famous clubs, this is where you need to be.
If you continue east (by metro of course), you will see LOTTE WORLD, which is one of the most popular attractions in Seoul. Think of it as South Korea’s Disneyland with underground malls and shops. Jamsil Stadium is also right nearby, if you are a KBO fan. Baseball is very important in South Korea.
Keep in mind “we” only have 1 day in Seoul, so Lotte World might just be for the people who LOVE that type of activity. If it’s not your cup of tea, start heading up to Samgakji Station and the Korean War Museum. I imagine you have heard of the Korean War unless you are an Alien or 12 years old. Seoul is a very easy city to navigate, many would say it’s the best train system in the world.
Whether you visit the museum or not, it means you’re close to Namsan Park and the N Seoul Tower. Here you will catch stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains, highly recommended.
Another MUST would be Gyeongbokgung Palace, which is the largest of the 5 Royal Palaces. The history here is incredible. The only problem is, we are kind of on a “speed run”….contingent on when your specific flight plans.
ONLY YOU know what you are capable of, pick your favorite things and do them at a pace you can handle…everybody is different.
If you have seen STREET FOOD ASIA on Netflix, there is another MUST SEE thing you should check out once you get back from this adventurous day….Gwangjang Market. And it just so happens to be only 2.4km/1.5 miles away from Myeongdong. Sure you could go here at the beginning of your time in Seoul too, I’m just trying to throw out ideas for you!
Who would have thought there was a downfall to being here….there’s just too much to eat. PICK YOUR FAVORITES. Trust me. I had to skip Korean BBQ because of all the food I wanted. Hand cut noodles, kimchi, bulgogi, gimbap, galbi, jjigae, chicken wings, bibimbap….its just not fair.
Since it was getting late, it was finally time to get my chicken. The “aunties” were so proud of me for getting Soju. It was such a phenomenal meal and a thrill to finally get to drink Soju in South Korea. Definitely had quite the buzz, so it was a perfect time to hit the night market in Myeongdong.
STREET FOOD HEAVEN…make sure you go here. Tteokbokki, fried churros, fried chicken, wagyu on a stick, endless seafood. There are many vloggers with selfie sticks, so you know this is a hot location. Don’t quote me on this, but I believe it starts closing at 10pm, please double check that. Soon after this, I returned to my hotel bar and had a few Terra’s before it was time to get some rest before getting picked up by my Kakao T (Korean Uber). We will 100% be back as soon as possible.
TLDR; Things to do in Seoul
Clothes, cafes, skin care, food, drinks, and tourists
Catch a 360 degree view of the city while 260m in the air
Hours: 10am-11pm
Built in 1395, this was the main palace of the Joseon dynasty. A must visit
Hours: 9am-6pm (CLOSED Tuesdays)
As seen on Netflix, this market is the best place you can go for hand cut noodles, and much more
Hours: 9am-10:30pm
The “Disneyland” of Seoul
Hours: 10:30am-8pm
High end clothes, K-Star Road, Soju. Gangnam has everything
Covering the events from 1950-1953, this is an important part of South Korea’s history
Hours: 9:30am-6pm (CLOSED Mondays)
Visit a tea house, gallery, or souvenir shop with handmade crafts
Take a photo of this library for your Instagram
Hours: 10:30am-10pm