3 Days in Seoul: Travel Guide on Tripadvisor
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Find and book your ideal hotel on TripAdvisor — and get the lowest prices 3 Days in Seoul: Travel Guide Asia › South Korea › Seoul › Travel Guides All Seoul Guides 3 Days in Seoul by Chris J, Seoul, South Korea 97% Exclusively commissioned by TripAdvisor Found this guide helpful Three days may be just enough time to graze the surface of such an amazing city, but follow my guide to 25 Places the best sights and spots, and yours will be a truly memorable trip to Seoul. 6 City Tips Good for History Buff Thrill Seeker Shopping Fanatic Foodie Peace and Quiet Seeker Thrifty Traveler Trendsetter Like a Local Map data 2© k2m0 17 Google, SK telecom Chris J's City Tips ■ Invest in a TMoney transportation card (available at subway stations or convenience stores) to allow for quick and cheaper boarding, disembarking, and transferring. ■ Take advantage of the Airport Railroad Link, which goes from Incheon International Airport to Seoul Station. ■ Popular tourist areas will usually have an information kiosk with maps, guides, and workers able to assist you. ■ Taking a cab is a great idea when you're short on time and need to get somewhere that would normally require transferring. Just make sure you avoid traffic rush hours! ■ Koreans normally keep to themselves, but will generally be more than happy to assist tourists. Usually the younger locals will speak better English. ■ Tipping is not necessary when eating out in Korea, and any tax and service charges are almost always included in the final bill. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Guideg294197k35Seoul.html 1/27 1/2/2017 3 Days in Seoul: Travel Guide on TripAdvisor Day 1 Gyeongbokgung Palace Castles, Historic Sites, History Museums See more photos Chris J Says: “Seoul is home to five palaces from the Joseon Dynasty, and Gyeongbokgung is the largest one of these. It also served as the main administrative palace of the dynasty. The palace has a fascinating history, and its splendid buildings, living quarters, pavilions, and palace grounds make for some stunning sights.” Good for Must See History Buff Couples Thrifty Traveler Art and Architecture Lover Tips ■ A number of ceremonies, such as the changing of the guards, are held near Gwanghwamun Gate. Their homepage has up to date schedules. ■ A number of free guided tours, in multiple languages, are offered throughout the day. Check the website for more information and schedules. ■ Gyeongbokgung is closed on Tuesdays. Plan to stay: 12 hours From the community Ranked #3 of 729 things to do in Seoul “Very pretty” 12/31/2016 6285 Reviews “Tourist spot” 12/31/2016 Certificate of Excellence 2014 Address: Phone: Hours: 161 Sajikro, Jongnogu +82 237003900 Wed Sun Seoul 9:00 am 5:00 pm South Korea Other: Website https://www.tripadvisor.com/Guideg294197k35Seoul.html 2/27 1/2/2017 3 Days in Seoul: Travel Guide on TripAdvisor The National Folk Museum of Korea History Museums See more photos Chris J Says: “Located inside the Gyeongbok Palace, the National Folk Museum of Korea holds more than 4,000 artefacts in its collection, offering a comprehensive insight into how Koreans used to live. Visitors can also get the inside track on a variety of customs and rituals, from weddings to funerals, and even learn about interesting local superstitions.” Good for Peace and Quiet Seeker Hidden Gems Solo Friends History Buff Couples Senior Family Tips ■ Admission to the folk museum is included with your ticket to Gyeongbok Palace. ■ The museum is closed on Tuesdays. ■ Foreign language tours, as well as rental audio guides, are available. ■ Artefacts and exhibits are extensively labelled with English descriptions. Plan to stay: 12 hours From the community Ranked #31 of 729 things to do in Seoul “NICE MUSEUM” 12/29/2016 610 Reviews “Go while visiting Gyeongbokgung” 12/29/2016 Certificate of Excellence 2014 Address: Phone: Other: 37 Samcheongro, Jongnogu +82 237043114 Website Seoul 110820 South Korea https://www.tripadvisor.com/Guideg294197k35Seoul.html 3/27 1/2/2017 3 Days in Seoul: Travel Guide on TripAdvisor Tosokchon Samgyetang Restaurants (Asian, Korean, Soups) See more photos Chris J Says: “Samgyetang is a popular and nutritious dish: a whole chicken is stuffed with sticky rice, ginseng, chestnuts, jujubes, and more, and simmered to create a velvety smooth broth. It's revered by locals as both a rejuvenating and tasty dish, and there's no place that's as famous for it as Tosokchon near Gyeongbok Palace.” Good for Foodie Must See Like a Local Solo Friends Couples Senior Family Tips ■ Lines can be long at lunch and dinner times, and even more so on weekends. Avoid the peak eating times if possible! ■ To truly eat like a local, go during the summer when Koreans believe it's best to fight the heat with heat! Plan to stay: Less than 1 hour From the community Ranked #13 of 19,037 restaurants in Seoul “Yummy ginseng chicken” 12/30/2016 1555 Reviews “Good chicken soup” 12/29/2016 Certificate of Excellence 2014 Address: Phone: Hours: 5, Jahamunro 5gil, Jongnogu +82 27377444 Sun Sat Seoul 03041 10:00 am 10:00 pm South Korea Other: Website https://www.tripadvisor.com/Guideg294197k35Seoul.html 4/27 1/2/2017 3 Days in Seoul: Travel Guide on TripAdvisor Insadong Historic Walking Areas, Neighborhoods, Points of Interest & Landmarks See more photos Chris J Says: “This older neighborhood is popular for its souvenir and antique shops, galleries, tea shops, and street food carts. There's also a wide range of Korean restaurants here, some of which specialize in vegetarian, Korean Buddhist cuisine. For a good mix of shopping, sightseeing, and eating, Insadong can't be beaten.” Good for Foodie Must See Like a Local Solo Friends Couples Senior Shopping Fanatic Family Art and Architecture Lover Tips ■ On weekend afternoons, a number of traditional performances and activities are held for foreign tourists to experience near the Insadong entrance. Plan to stay: 12 hours From the community Ranked #11 of 729 things to do in Seoul “old Korea” 12/31/2016 4561 Reviews “A relaxed and comfort walk to look, eat and buy” 12/30/2016 Certificate of Excellence 2014 Address: Phone: Other: Insadong, Jongnogu 09022151006 Website Seoul South Korea https://www.tripadvisor.com/Guideg294197k35Seoul.html 5/27 1/2/2017 3 Days in Seoul: Travel Guide on TripAdvisor Ssamjigil Neighborhoods See more photos Chris J Says: “This interesting building in Insadong houses more than 70 shops and boutiques selling accessories, traditional tea, natural soaps, clothing, and more. The spiral layout also makes exploring Ssamjigil fun and easy.” Good for Must See Like a Local Solo Friends Couples Senior Shopping Fanatic Family Tips ■ The building is prettier in the evenings when the shop lights are turned on. ■ There're a few places to eat and drink on the first and top floors. Plan to stay: Less than 1 hour From the community Ranked #53 of 729 things to do in Seoul “A standalone gallery of designers stuff at the heart of 281 Reviews Insadong” 12/30/2016 “Interesting concept, random cool stuff, toilet shaped served dishes on top floor” 12/25/2016 Address: Other: Gwanhundong, Jongnogu Website Seoul South Korea https://www.tripadvisor.com/Guideg294197k35Seoul.html 6/27 1/2/2017 3 Days in Seoul: Travel Guide on TripAdvisor Sinyetchatjip Restaurants (Cafe, Asian, Korean) Chris J Says: “Sinyetchatjip is a traditional Korean tea house in Insadong, housed in an authentic Korean ´hanok´ (house). It's a great place to learn about and experience Korean teas, while the quaint and peaceful setting also makes it a great place to rest.” Good for Foodie Peace and Quiet Seeker Solo Friends Couples Senior Family Tips ■ Ask the servers for recommendations. ■ Some of the teas are good for particular ailments, such as indigestion. Plan to stay: 12 hours From the community Ranked #4,807 of 19,037 restaurants in Seoul “Amazing tea house!” 10/16/2016 2 Reviews “인사동의 숨은 명소” 09/05/2015 Address: Phone: 164, Gwanhundong, Jongnogu +82 27325257 Seoul South Korea https://www.tripadvisor.com/Guideg294197k35Seoul.html 7/27 1/2/2017 3 Days in Seoul: Travel Guide on TripAdvisor Cheonggyecheon Stream Historic Walking Areas, Bodies of Water See more photos Chris J Says: “This stream running through Seoul was covered by an overpass until the waters were restored in 2005. Now Cheonggyecheon is a favorite for locals and visitors alike, acting as a natural refuge from city life. Take a stroll along its banks, snap a few shots of the ducks and fish, and even dip your toes into the water in warmer weather.” Good for Peace and Quiet Seeker Must See Like a Local Solo Friends Couples Senior Family Nature Lover Tips ■ Visit Cheonggyecheon in the evening to experience a very different atmosphere. Plan to stay: Less than 1 hour From the community Ranked #13 of 729 things to do in Seoul “Cheonggyecheon Stream” 12/30/2016 2583 Reviews “nice stroll through town” 12/30/2016 Certificate of Excellence 2014 Phone: Other: +82 27628261 Website https://www.tripadvisor.com/Guideg294197k35Seoul.html 8/27 1/2/2017 3 Days in Seoul: Travel Guide on TripAdvisor Myeongdong Shopping Street Neighborhoods See more photos Chris J Says: “A visit to Seoul wouldn't be complete without a visit to Myeongdong.