Actually, the trip to Seoul was carried out in last September’s Chuseok (Thanksgiving Day of Korea) holiday, but I had only the opportunity to write the story now, hehe. So while I was in Seoul some time ago, I had the opportunity to go to some recommended places (according to Koreans) in Seoul. If you plan to go around Seoul, I recommend to use subway, because all places in Seoul are well connected by subways and the routes are easier to understand than buses.
FYI, for sightseeing in Korea, especially Seoul, my advice is to use T-Money card that can be bought at the nearest convenience stores, for example Seven Eleven which are spread in various places in Korea. Well, T-Money is an electronic card that can be recharged at the nearest convenience stores or through machines on the subways. In addition, if you don’t want to use it, the remaining T-Money balance can be refunded at the convenience store (not for the card, because it is valid for life, we can use it if we go to Korea again). For the cheapest T-Money card, the price was ₩ 2500 (don’t forget when buying T-Money, say you want to top up the balance, say ‘recharge’). It can be used for subway and city buses in Seoul. Get on and off subway trains and bus transfers for 30 minutes are not charged (the discount limit is 4x / day). Transfer discounts are not valid if you transfer with the same bus number or re-enter the same subway station within 30 minutes. (Complete information about T-Money read: T-Money & Cashbee)
Okay, now let’s check the places out!
1. Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace is the most famous Palace among the 5 Joseon dynasty palaces. This palace was the main palace where the Joseon kings and their ministers gathered and discussed. This palace consists of pavilions and blocks fortified in fences like in Korean dramas. Here we can also rent and take photos using traditional Korean clothes. To go to Gyeongbokgung Palace, we can use the subway and get off at Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3, Exit 5) or Anguk Station (Line 3, Exit 1).
2. Sinchon
Before going to Seoul, I searched on Google for cheap and recommended shopping places in Seoul. It turned out, one of the recommended ones is Sinchon. Sinchon is quite famous since Ehwa Woman University is here. If you want to hunt for cheap and fashionable girl clothes, here is the place. Along the way, we will find lots of shops selling women’s clothing, shoes and accessories. The clothes sold here mostly for young people. To get here, use the subway and get off at Sinchon Station (Line 2, Exit 2.3).
3. Myeongdong
Myeongdong is the most famous shopping and hangout place for young people in South Korea. Here we can find international branded goods as well as items that are not branded but have good quality. Myeongdong is also often used as a place to shoot Korean dramas. If you want to go here, go to Myeong-dong Station (Line 4, Exit 5, 6, 7 & 8) or Euljiro 1 (il) -ga Station (Line 2, Exit 5, 6 & 7).
4. Namsan Tower
Namsan Tower is one of the most famous date sites in Korea. This place also often appears in Korean dramas. Because of its location on the hill, the entire city of Seoul can be seen from here. This place is perfect to see the beautiful night view of Seoul city. If you want to go to Namsan Tower, you can use Namsan Sunhwan Shuttle Bus No. 5 from the bus stop located at Exit 3 Myeongdong Station (Line 4) or at Exit 2 Chungmuro Station (Line 3), in front of Daehan Cinema.
5. Cheonggyecheon River
Located in the middle of Seoul, this river is the perfect place to relax for a while from the hustle and bustle of Seoul. Seriously, if you go all day around Seoul and feel very tired, try to come here and soak your feet into the river water, it feels really comfortable, makes a cool feeling, and becomes relaxed too. The river water is also very clear and clean.
To go to Cheonggyecheon River by subway, get off at Jonggak Station (Line 1, Exit 5) or Euljiro 1-ga Station (Line 2, Exit 2).
Hopefully someday the rivers in Indonesia can be like Cheonggyecheon now. Aamiin.
Also read: Trip to Seoul (Part 2) & Trip to Seoul (Part 3)
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