Hey there again, fellow travellers! You know what they say, travel is a powerful way to heal the soul, cleanse the mind and open the heart. So, I decided to treat myself to a much-needed getaway in the beautiful city of Seoul, South Korea! This time, I fully embraced the solo traveller experience. Check out my adventures and my 5-day itinerary for some inspiration!
Day 1: Gyeongbokgung Palace and National Palace Museum
On my first day in Seoul, I visited Gyeongbokgung Palace, which was at the very top of my must-see list. Let me tell you, it absolutely lived up to my expectations!
Stepping into Gyeongbokgung Palace felt like taking a trip back in time. The historical significance, the intricate designs, and those vibrant colours on the palace buildings? Absolutely mesmerising. And like just about everyone else there, I decided to immerse myself into the Korean tradition by wearing a hanbok while wandering the sprawling grounds, snapping a few pics (just a handful of pics!) along the way.
Tip: You’ll find plenty of shops near the palace where you can rent a hanbok. Some even offer hair styling services on-site. It’s a good idea to make a booking ahead of time at some spots, but others welcome walk-ins. Plus, you can rent for 2 hours, 4 hours, or go for the whole day if you feel the need for it! And entry to the palace is free if you’re dressed in a hanbok!
After exploring the palace grounds, I had a quick visit to the National Palace Museum next to the palace, where it was jam packed with about 40,000 relics from the Joseon Dynasty. Pretty impressive!
Day 2: Bukchon Hanok Village and Gyedong-Gil
This was my second favourite attraction in Seoul! Bukchon Hanok Village is home to hundreds of traditional houses, called hanok, that date back to the Joseon dynasty. The name Bukchon, which literally translates to “northern village”, was traditionally the residential quarter of high-ranking government officials and nobility during the Joseon period. Today, many of these hanoks operate as cultural centres, guesthouses, restaurants, and tea houses, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience, learn and immerse themselves in traditional Korean culture.
Tip: As Bukchon Hanok Village is an actual neighbourhood with people’s homes, visitors are advised to be respectful and quiet at all times while looking around.
Gyedong-Gil is just around the corner, so make sure to walk around the narrow streets, where you’ll find lots of traditional gift shops, tea houses and lively restaurants.
Day 3: Changdeokgung Palace and Secret Garden
I decided to visit another palace while in Seoul – Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a sister palace to Gyeongbokgung. It exudes an aura of tranquility amidst the bustling cityscape.
A highlight of this visit is the Secret Garden, a secluded oasis of natural beauty. Meandering paths, lotus ponds, and ancient trees create a sense of timeless elegance, offering a peaceful retreat from urban life. Although it wasn’t quite as lush in winter, it was still well worth the visit.
Day 4: N Seoul Tower and Insadong
No visit to Seoul would be complete without experiencing the breathtaking views from the iconic N Seoul Tower, perched 380m above sea level. I took the cable car to the observation deck, where you can find the famous “Locks of Love” area, with thousands of locks hanging around the fences. While I appreciated its popularity, I decided not to contribute more plastic to the environment, so I gave it a miss.
Following my time at N Seoul Tower, I strolled over to Insadong. Known for its abundance of touristy souvenir shops, it wasn’t quite my scene, so I quickly made my way through the street and caught the train back to the hotel.
Day 5: Myeongdong Shopping District and Market
On my last day in Seoul, I indulged in some retail therapy and explored the vibrant night market in Myeongdong. This bustling shopping district is a haven for fashion enthusiasts and beauty aficionados. Olive Young stores, Korea’s equivalent of Sephora, can be found every few steps, across the streets from each other and around every corner. If beauty products are your passion, you’ll find this place to be a paradise.
The night market, with its street food stalls, opens every evening from around 3pm. It gets incredibly busy but offers a fantastic opportunity to sample Korean delicacies like roast lobster and butter garlic prawns while soaking in the lively market atmosphere.
Tip: Be sure to try the famous Samgye-tang (ginseng chicken soup) while in Korea!
Well, that wraps up my trip. Overall, it was a memorable experience, and I highly recommend visiting if you’ve been considering it. It certainly has healed my Seoul!
Until next time… sweet travels!