24 Hours in Seoul
Seoul, South Korea is the perfect place to catch a bit of culture, food, and history on your way to the far East. Don’t get me wrong, it deserves much more than 24 hours, but if you can only spare a short while, Seoul is certainly worth the stopover. In 24 hours, you can sample the beckoning street food, blaring K-pop, and beautiful palaces, just enough to give you something to look forward to for your next jaunt in the land of fads.
This is my guide to the best things to do and devour in Seoul, South Korea. Stretchy pants recommended.
Transportation
Incheon Airport is located on an island that for airport standards is quite far from Seoul city, but public transportation is undoubtedly the best way to get to town. This itinerary begins at Changeokgung Palace and ends in Mapo which makes the bus the easiest way to get to Seoul. The trip can take about 1 - 1.5 hours each way depending on time of departure. There is an express subway that takes less than 50 minutes but it only arrives to and departs from Seoul’s central station which isn’t close to where you need to begin and end this itinerary.. I recommend beginning the day with palaces because they close earlier than most sites and ending the night in Mapo and Hongdae near Seoul's eclectic bar scene. Check Google maps upon arrival to see what the most efficient route will be. The itinerary is mostly walkable, but for the distances that seem far, you can hop on the bus or take a cab (especially if you’re stretched for time).
Morning: Samcheong-dong, Bukchon
After grabbing a quick airport bite, check Google maps for the most efficient route to Changdeokgung from Incheon Airport at the time of your arrival. You will likely take the bus which will drop you just a few blocks away. At the palace, be sure to buy tickets to view the “secret garden” which can only be accessed with a tour guide. The tour is 1.5 hours, but if you’re strapped for time, the first 30 minutes will give you the highlights. Take a walk through the Bukchon Hanok Village which is home to hundreds of traditional Korean houses, or Hanok, many of them operating as tea houses and cultural centers.
📍Incheon International Airport
📍Changdeokgung Palace
📍Bukchon Hanok Village
🍴Cha Masineun Tteul Tea House
Afternoon: Gwanghwamun, Insadong
After a warm cup of tea and a glutinous snack, walk over to Gyeongbokgung Palace in time to catch the changing of the guard at the top of every hour (except Tuesday when the palace is closed). For lunch, dine at the famed Tosokchon Samgyetang for some Ginseng soup and continue onwards to Gwanghwamun Square and Jogyesa Temple. Head to round two of lunch starting with a delectable green tea pound cake at Osulloc Tea House and ending at the oldest restaurant in Seoul - Imun Seolleongtang - for a classic beef bone soup.
📍Gyeongbokgung Palace
🍴Tosokchon Samgytang
📍Gwanghwamun Square
📍Jogyesa Temple
🍴Shin Old Tea House
🍴Osulloc Tea House
🍴Imun Seolleongtang
Evening: City Center
At this point you’re probably stuffed, but you must make room for the savory dumplings and crispy pancakes of Gwangjang Market, arguably one of my favorite Asian food markets of all time. If you’re a fan of Korean cosmetics or just looking for A-class shopping, head to the Myeongdong district to feed your snail and placenta cream fix. End the evening at the Nanta Show for a quirky taste of Korean theater. If you’re looking for nighttime views of the city, the North Seoul Tower, a little out of the way, is not to be missed.
🍴Gwangjang Market
📍Myeongdong District
📍Nanta show @ Myeongdong Theater
📍North Seoul Tower
Night: Mapo & Around
Seoul has some of the best nightlife in Asia, and you should cater to your interests. Karaoake, pet cafes, and bars serving alcohol in IV bags - Mapo and the surrounding area has it all.
📍Cafe Yeonnam-dong 239-20 (Cartoon Cafe)
📍Fuhaha (Matcha Cafe)
📍Arriate Cafe (Flower Cafe)
📍Hongdae Night Market
📍Bau House (Dog Cafe)
📍Vinyl Bar
Optional Day Trips:
Bukhan Mountain: Bukhansan National Park is a quick train ride from Seoul and the hike to the highest peak can be done in 4-5 hours roundtrip.
Busan: About 2.5 hours outside of Seoul by train, Busan is known for its colorful houses, majestic mountains, and top-notch seafood.
Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ): At this zone that separates South and North Korea, you can catch a rare glimpse of North Korea from the Peace Observatory. This area can only be visited with a formal tour that ranges from half-day to full-day tours.
