Top 10 things to do in Seoul
So you just get of the plane at Incheon International Airport and you are wondering what you can do while you are in Seoul. Here is a list of Top 10 things to do in Seoul. Whether it’s your 1st time or 100th time, Seoul is so huge, your not going to find all of it’s treasures in a brief time. You gotta get in with the locals, charm some Ajummas ( Older Korean women), and have a sense of curiosity for all things that Koreans regard as normal.
- Soju(소주):A Korean Alcohol that has gained quite a following all over the world but still is somehow looked at with a mystified look by first timer drinkers of this strong and bitter but delicous Korean alcohol. Without doubt, If you can knock back a shot, your Korean friends would be thrilled and the party would be in full flow. There is various kinds of soju but the most famous and easily found in Seoul are Chamisul and Chumchurum.
Try it and feel even more Korean!
- Makgeoli(막걸리): A unique rice wine native to Korea, has a taste of sweet milk somewhat, but packs a punch in it’s own special way. Not as strong as soju, so easier on those people who like a glass and to chill out with friends. It’s made from a mixture of wheat and rice, which gives it and off color white texture and some sweetness. Normally enoyed with Pajeon or Bindaettok. You gotta try this!
A Unique rice wine native to Korea
- Bukchon Village (복촌한옥마을): This little gem is not far off from Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeok Palace. A really serene little neighborhood which will give you glimpse of the yesterday year of Korea. Full with traditional houses and quint and so beautiful thought out unique cafe shops and restaurants. There is some many picturesque for the amatuer and professional photographers.
- Namdaemun Flea Market(남대문시장): This is a great market which a vibrancy of the local street markets from back home only done in Korean style. There is bartering and haggling for prices on all sort of items. Great place to shop when looking for a deal. There is so many shops with pleasing prices that can be knocked down that more than likely your gonna end up walking back to your hotel or guesthouse with something.
- Itaewon (이태원): So this is where the American’s Army base is located and there is a feel of America town to the place, But for exquisite food and shopping. Itaewon is a place you shouldn’t ignore, The Bars and Pubs here have a great casual and relaxed vibe to them and the restaurants, while they most serve western food, the taste is superb and you will crave that 2nd dish). As for shopping, you can get a awesome deal and have some fun haggling the price down with locals looking to sell their goods to the many tourists who flock to the area.
- Cheongyechon Stream (청계천): A beautiful and serene walkway right beside a stream that runs through the heart of Seoul, about 6km long and roughly 15m below street level. It’s a great way to quieten your mind down and give your ears a break from the busy rush of everything happening around you. If you have a girlfriend, then here can be super duper special and give a great romantic feel to your stroll.
A Serene walk in the heart of Seoul
- War Memorial of Korea(전쟁기념관): Korea has been invaded a whole heap of times. And each time The Korean people with great spirit defended their homeland. While it is called War Memorial of Korea, it’s basically one massive Museum full of tanks, planes and all sorts of Artifacts of war relevant to Korea.
- Samgyuepsal(삼겹살): Ok if your a foreigner, your first introduction to Korean food was probably either bulgogi (불고기) or Samgyeupsal. A cheap and extremely delicious meal that can be enjoyed with friends. It also goes great with soju or a chilled bottle of beer. With all the Korean restaurants that are popping up all over the western world, you can get a sense of the marvels of this mouthwatering feast. But naturally for the best of anything, you need to go to the source. Come to Korea and enjoy the real samgyeupsal.
A favourite for anyone after just one try!
- Visit a JimJJilBang (짐찔방): A Korean style public bathhouse. A place to unwind after the rigors of a hard week. These are large, gender-segregated public bathhouses complete with hot tubs, showers, Swedish-style saunas and massage tables. However, in other areas of the building or on other floors, after donning your robe, you will enter the unisex areas and will usually find a snack bar, heated floor for lounging and sleeping on, wide-screen TVs, computer rooms, massage chairs and sleeping quarters with either bunk beds or sleeping mats. Usually open 24hrs a day. Whether your shy or not, there is something for everyone and a special experience to tourist and locals alike.
- Korean Street Food: No matter where you go to visit in Seoul, you cannot help but take notice of all the delicious food on the streets, While most of what is sold on the streets is snack food, you just gotta try it. From Deokbokki( 떡볶이) and kimbab (김밥) all the way to tornado potato wrapped hotdogs. Yes, you read that correctly. a tornado shaped snack! It’s friggin tasty as. There is a lot more delicious snacks to find. The are inexpensive, so don”t shy away to try these little nuggets of taste.
So while this is a Top 10 things you can do in Seoul, This kind of list can never be complete. There is simply just too much things to do and find. Too many things to eat, Too many things to marvel at. So when you arrive in Korea, Just get on the horse and do like locals and fellow tourists do. Korea has something to offer to each single person.