What to do during your stop in Seoul
Whatever your timeframe, a layover in Seoul is always entertaining. Whether you have 12, 24 or 48 hours up your sleeve, plan so you can hit the ground running. A Seoul stopover is always a great idea. Put these items on your itinerary – immediately.
12 hours in Seoul: whirlwind, but with substance
Touchdown at Seoul Incheon Airport. For those with serious time constraints, your first port of call is to find the Free Tour desk inside the terminal. This offering serves transit passengers with free tours of the city, ranging from 1-6 hours – wow!
These tours are in Korean and English, but if tour groups don’t float your boat, you can always be your own guide. Allow an hour to get into town, so hop on the AREX Rail Express which connects to the city’s metro, catch a bus or take a taxi (mind the time of day and traffic with this last option). Even though you’ve only got a short amount of time, soak up what you can of Seoul and get to know it a bit. You’ll want to come back for more.
Gyeongbok Palace
This royal palace dates back to 1395 and deserves its reputation as one of the most stunning palaces of the Joseon dynasty. Watch out for the changing of the guards ceremony. This site also serves as a museum and gardens for traditional Korean folk culture.
Insadong
In this district, explore the city’s burgeoning arts scene, as well as galleries, tea hours and traditional house-restaurants. This is a fab food stop for lunch; watch what the locals eat and order the same – you won’t regret it. Try bibimbap and bulgogi or find a dumpling spot for some pork rib dumplings or huge fried veggie ones. This is a great opportunity to find handmade Korean souvenirs.
The Cat Cafe
Photo Credit: Just One Way Ticket
This unique Seoul experience lets you get your caffeine hit while enjoying the company of some furry friends. Grab a toy to get the attention of these friendly felines; play with them, pat them or just watch them sleep. And note the rules: don’t pull their tails, pick them up, wake them up or use your flash photo function. Most places have an entrance fee which includes a drink. Meow!
Gwangjang Market
Photo Credit: Seoul Tourism Organisation
Don’t miss this stop, one of South Korea’s oldest street markets packed with vendors touting goods. From textiles to handicrafts and most of all – food! You may have already eaten but don’t kid yourself, make more room! Bring some cash because credit cards aren’t always accepted.
Cheonggyecheon Stream
After your many food-related stops, get the legs moving by wandering along this lovely waterside path. The entire walk is 11km, so do as little as you like or take on the whole thing. You’ll pass under much of the city and see all the one-of-a-kind spaces.
24 hours in Seoul: get to know the city better
So you’ve got two days up your sleeve so you can discover more quirks and hidden spots on your Asiana stopover in Seoul. For day one, follow the 12-hour itinerary above, then keep on keeping on with day two.
Bukchon Hanok Village
This traditional village showcases around 900 traditional Korean Hanok Houses. Don’t miss the charming Cha Masineun Tteul, which translates to ‘The Garden Where Tea Is Drunk.’ It’s a building on a hill where you can sip on a cuppa while marvelling at the outlook.
Changdeokgung Palace and Secret Garden
If you’re not palaced-out, explore the complex, but if you are – go straight to the secret garden. It’s a pretty picturesque place with ponds, pavilions and loads of green space. It’s a gorgeous way to spend some time. While in Seoul – dress up! Step back in time, and have some fun – deck yourself out in traditional Korean Hanbok! Think loud colours and plain cuts. In this formal dress, you’ll channel the Joseon period.
With the Hanbok Experience (Hanboknam Gyeongbokgung Store) with Korean Hairstyling, choose from over 500 Hanboks, then style-up and accessorise your hair with daenggi decorations. Take home Hanbok pics taken with film and TV show-themed backdrops.
N Seoul Tower
Get the best bird’s eye view of the metropolis from this central tower. At different times of day, the light changes, but it’s always amazing. If you can time your visit for the golden hour, a sunset from here will give way to glittering nighttime lights. Lovely. Klook your N Seoul Tower Ticket.
Myeongdong
Shop and eat or eat and shop. This place is a world-famous area for Korean fashion and skincare products and has some of the country’s biggest stores, such as Innisfree, Skinfood and 8 Seconds. When you’re done with your retail frenzy, get your fill on Korean street food or sit down for some yum in a local restaurant.
Itaewon
It’s time to let loose and head out on the town. This is the expat district of Seoul, and here, they know how to have a good time. Find your favourite music and have a boogie at The Cake Shop or Club MUTE.
48 hours in Seoul: pack in as much as possible
What’s better than one day in Seoul? 2 days in Seoul! Keep your adventure going with these ideas.
The Fortress Wall Trail
Photo Credit: Travel Caffeine
In Seoul, you don’t need to search far to find something historic. Such is the city’s fortress walls which date back to 600 years ago. Following them are beautifully preserved walkways which make for a stunning morning city stroll. Start at Naksan Park for the best of, and bask in the car-free serenity.
Beautiful Seokchon Lake
This little lake sits below the Lotte World Tower, and there’s Lotte World Magic Island here too. You decide if you want to make a beeline for the theme park or just walk around the lake for a look-see. If you’re here during April, the Cherry Blossom display is to-die-for.
Go to Gangnam
K-pop and Korean culture are intertwined, so go to Gangnam, which is near Samseong. Find the big Gangnam Style statue and then go inside SM Town for a mix of K-pop souvenir’s, a performance hall and a Hallyu experience. If you’re not up to speed, Hallyu refers to all things Korean cultural wave. This place is popular, so book way in advance or risk missing out. Klook your VR Station Ticket in Gangnam.
Cruise On The Han River
Take some time out from the hustle and bustle on a river cruise. Best during the evening, you’ll cruise past the sights and sounds of the city as it begins to shine. Pass under the Banpo Moonlight Rainbow Bridge which has colourful lights streaming down through water gets. These boats leave from Yeouido Dock near Yeouinaru Station.
Seoul Sauna
Exploring Seoul is sensational, but exhausting. For a real pause, pick a jjimjjilbang (sauna), and wash your busyness away. With saunas throughout the city, these indoor hot springs hold other relaxing options like steaming saunas and cold pools. Prepare to get your kit off in the sauna sections – Koreans aren’t prudish.
If you’ve got 3 days in Seoul or you need a Seoul itinerary 3 days here are some more ideas.
General Pointers
Don’t render yourself jacketless on your stopover. Pack a jacket you can squash down – you know – just in case. When you land in Seoul, feeling less than fresh, there are shower facilities in both terminals which are, wait for it… free! BYO toiletries or buy one there. If you want to take your freshen-up to the next level, have a spa, a massage or get your nails done, with a range of express and full-service options.
There’s free WiFi at the airport, a movie theatre, gardens, a golf course and an ice rink. There’s even a hotel that can be rented for short 6-hour stays. Honestly, Incheon is a holiday unto itself! The 7 Eleven stores throughout the city stock most things you’ll need, but don’t forget a good pair of walking shoes and a power adapter to charge your devices.
Visas for South Korea
Pretty hassle-free for Australians – you can get a visa on arrival for stays up to 90 days. If you need to stay longer, get a visa before travelling. Your passport has to be valid for six months beyond your exit date and have two blank facing pages. If you’re in the country for business, you’ll need a business visa, which is issued at the discretion of the Embassy or Consulate.
Flying from Tokyo to Seoul
How long is a piece of string? Like all flights, there’s a price variation in play. From $156 on Jeju Air to $415 on Korean Air, you can pick and choose. Most flights are non-stop and take around 2 hours and 20 minutes. If you can opt for a stopover on the way to or on your way back from Japan, a quick visit or a longer itinerary in Seoul has loads to offer.
Luggage storage
Ditching your luggage in a safe spot is always a big relief. If you’ve ever tried looking around a new city with baggage in tow, you'll know it sucks! Seoul gives you loads of storage choices, so pick one that suits and store-away! There are storage lockers in subway stations such as Gangnam, Hongdae, and Myeongdong.
Then there are private luggage storage and delivery services, which are a great option if you’re not going near a subway station. ANd lastly, there’s the luggage storage service at the AREX travel centre at Incheon Airport, as well as Gimpo Airport station, Hongik University station and Seoul station.
Internet on the Go!
Good internet access can be trip-defining. Get access to high-speed 4G LTE internet with your South Korea 4G Prepaid SIM Card. This little card goes a long way: voice and text message service, easy top-up and the ability to extend more SIM validity on your mobile. A card that makes contact easy, with free incoming voice calls and text messages. This SIM makes an invaluable plus-one at any major airport in South Korea.
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