seoul Archives - Honest Explorer

I had the privilege to visit Seoul in South Korea several years ago now in 2014. I was visiting an old school friend who had spent a few years in England when we were teenagers. Not only did I get to have a 9 year reunion with one of my closest friends from school, but I also got to experience this unique city, that I might not have done otherwise (I had never really thought of visiting before).

I really enjoyed my visit to South Korea, and it was quite different to the usually places I visit. The city runs smoothly, with subways running every few minutes, but there is also a more traditional side to the city, with many temples to explore.

Here are just some of the amazing things to do in Seoul, South Korea…

Visit Deoksugung palace

Deoksugung, which is also known as Deoksu Palace, Gyeongun-gung, or Deoksugung Palace, is made up of several palaces in the capital of Seoul. These palaces were originally occupied by the royal family during the Joseon monarchy. Each of these palaces (or halls) has a different style.

Jeonggwanheon was apparently the king’s favourite space, Junghwajeon was where they held political meetings, and Seokjojeon holds a Japanese art gallery.

Get a Glimpse of North Korea

Imjingak Park and the Demilitarized military zone (DMZ) are situated north of Seoul, and can be reached by train. This is one of the closest towns to North Korea, and here you will find a museum, park, and a wall of colourful ribbons, where people can write messages on. Here you can see the bridge over to North Korea, for those of you who are interested.

I couldn’t see much, mostly empty land and a couple of guards at their hut, but it was fascinating to see this so secretive country in person!

Walk around Changdeokgung Palace

This was one of my favourite things to do in Seoul and the best of the palaces in my opinion. Not only were the buildings really nicely decorated, but the grounds were also stunning too, with the sun streaming through the trees and onto small ponds.

Go as early as you can, for the opening time, as it gets busy here, so you can explore the garden area in quiet and when it’s at its most enchanting.

Check out the Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Dongdaemun Design Plaza-13 — Photo by: Unsplash

Dongdaemun Design Plaza is a cultural centre, designed by the late Zaha Hadid, and is a cool place to visit for anyone interested in art and design. They also have many galleries, event spaces, museums, design shops, and fashion shows. Take a look at what’s on when you visit!

Explore the War Memorial and Museum

The War Memorial of Korea is situated in Yongsan-gu. You will find exhibits and displays from the Korean War, as well as an iconic statue at the front. There are several different rooms to walk around, educational events and displays, various activities and events like the guards marching outside.

I enjoyed my visit here and was able to learn a little more about Koran culture and life back then.

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Watch the changing of guards at Gyeongbukgung Palace

Gyeongbukgung is the biggest palace in Seoul, built in 1495 during the Joseon Dynasty. It has had several partial destructions over the years due to Japanese invasions.

I would recommend going here early in the morning as it gets very busy and find a good spot to watch the changing of the guard’s ceremony which is impressive with the temple backdrop.

Walk Through Ewha Womans University

My friend who I was visiting in Seoul took me along to the Ewha Womans University, as she actually went here. It is one of the most prestigious universities in Korea. Whilst you cannot walk into all of the buildings, you can enjoy the almost European look to the buildings, as well as the pretty surrounding grounds, where you can get a decent view of the city.

Walk up to the N Seoul Tower

The Namsan Seoul Tower, or N Seoul tower was originally created in 1969, to distribute TV and radio signals. It is now a popular tourist spot in which you can walk to the top to enjoy views over the city. I went at twilight/ night where you can see the city in all its glory.

Be sure to avoid the weekends if you don’t like crowds, it gets busy here! There is also a spot where lovers can put padlocks to a gate, which is quite cute!

Visit the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

If you are a lover of art and photography, then Seoul, and indeed other parts of South Korea have some really cool art galleries. The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art is a huge space, with 8 large exhibition halls, a cinema, video library, places to eat, and more. It’s a great way to spend the day, I wasn’t disappointed with the exhibits!

Try a Delicious Korean BBQ

You should definitely try a traditional Korean barbeque in Seoul. You get to pick from a range of different meats and sides, and cook it yourself at the table, on a small hot plate. Not only is this a super fun way to enjoy a meal out, but the meats are also just delicious and flavoursome.

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Bukchon Hanok Village

Bukchon Hanok Village is a traditional Korean village, situated close to Gyeongbukgung Palace. It is a world away from the bright lights and tall buildings of the central city, where you will find hanoks, or traditional houses lined the streets.

Some of these are now used as touristy places where you can find more information, and some are still used by local residents. Head to the tourist information centre to get a map so you don’t miss anything!

Drink at a Beer Bar

There are plenty of places to enjoy a beer in Seoul, and many have these cute little hideaways. I visited this beer bar in Seoul, and when I ordered my chips, it came with these almost thimble like plastic things to put on your fingers, as not to get grease on your fingers! Thought this was pretty ingenious and quirky haha!

Take a Walk Along the Cheonggyecheon Stream

Once covered by an ugly highway, and hidden away, the Cheonggyecheon stream has gone through a massive restoration project. By the way, in places it looks much nicer than my pic above, and is really impressive in places, where visitors and local can enjoy walks and lovely views. The stream stretches 11 km long from Cheonggye Plaza all the way to the Hangang River.

Enjoy the Nightlife

busy street in Seoul at night — Photo by: Unsplash

There is so much nightlife in Seoul, every street seems to be buzzing. From cafes, beer bars, rooftop bars, restaurants, outdoor markets and clubs, there is always something fun to do. I visited a hip hop club (I am in no way hip btw!) and it was so much fun. Everyone was just enjoying themselves and basically dancing like no one was watching, very funny and a great night out.

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Find Cheap Clothes at an Underground Market

busy shopping street in korea — Photo by: Unsplash

There are lots of underground shops or even little side ally’s selling super cheap and cute clothes. You can always find a bargain in these places, but be warned, the Korean sizes come up small. I am usually a small and had to get size large in some of the clothes!

If you are more into high street shops, you will also find all the usual big name brands.

Enjoy the Delicious Food

One of the best things to do in Seoul is to eat! There are an overwhelming number of places to choose from so ask the staff where you are staying if they can recommend some good places. From street food, to cafes, restaurants and bars, there are all kinds of international cuisine to try, but of course you need to try some traditional Korean food.

It can be spicy, but some dishes are fine, and the flavours are to die for!

Check out Gangnam District

You’ve probably heard of the very catchy ‘Gangnam style’ song, maybe you even have thrown out a few of the moves?!, but this area of Seoul is actually really trendy. Take a visit to this upmarket district of Seoul and wander along the designer shops and fancy restaurants.

I hope you enjoyed this post of things to do in Seoul, South Korea. Please share on Pinterest or social media!

So after exploring the city of Seoul, I wanted to check out the mountains of Seoraksan, especially being October as the leaves dramatically change colour from green to vivid oranges and reds. Although, any month of the year is a great visit, with snow covered mountains in winter and flowers budding in Spring. There are also several temples in the park, and many levels of hikes through the trees or via the clear mountain streams. It’s a bit of a task coming from Seoul but totally achievable and well worth it (directions at the bottom).

Seoraksan mountains korea — View from top of gondola

Day 1 in Seoul

I wake at 6am in Seoul and get the subway to the Express Bus Terminal, buying a ticket for Sokcho. Traffic is good so the bus only takes 2 and a half hours to reach Sokcho. As I’m trying to find my way to the local bus stop, I get talking to some other girls and we find the bus together. This bus will take us to the village closest to the mountains. One of the girls is Korean, very hyper and funny, asking everyone on the bus if they know where my stop is and even phoning the hostel to ask them. The kindest of strangers never ceases to surprise me. I get off at the small and quiet village near to the National Park and at Goodstay Smile Resort I’m greeted by a really friendly women but who speaks no English!

goodstay resort, Seoraksan mountains korea

Goodstay Smile Resort

view from hostel, Seoraksan mountains korea

View from guesthouse

Not wanting to waste time, I drop my bags down and head out for the mountains to make the most of the day. I take the cable car up the mountains, overlooking beautiful views. There is a massive rock many people are climbing so I clamber up to the top like everyone else. The views from the top are fantastic.

I bump into the girls from earlier and we walk together to the big Buddha and temple. We take an easy-ish walk to a rock that’s tilted on its edge and has been named ‘the pushing rock’ as everyone tries to push it over, not succeeding of course. We take pictures at another group of picturesque temples, the sun shining and leaves starting to change their colour all around us. The park is beautiful with the sun streaming down and clear streams meandering through the forest.

New friends

Big Buddha

After a lovely day in the park I decide to walk back to the hostel which takes 40 minutes down a never ending road but I make it to town and order a dinner of a big pot of rice, including many side dishes, as is custom in Korea. The funny lady in the cafe starts mixing my food for me and showing me how to eat! Back at the hostel I find I have the whole dorm to myself and chill out on the floor, enjoying the under floor heating!

korean rice dish with side dishes — Koreans love their side dishes

Day 2 in Seoraksan

hiking trail mountains korea — Perfect hiking weather

The sun is shining once again as I take the 5 minute bus to the entrance, stopping briefly as a big group of Korean men ask to have a picture with me (bit weird). I walk through the trees and glistening streams, clambering up rocks to finally reach a waterfall, which turns out to be quite small but nevertheless a nice spot for a quick sunbathe. I rest for a while as the walk was quite steep for me. The waterfall is pretty and most people are also sunbathing and enjoying the tranquil setting.

glistening waterfall Seoraksan mountains korea

Waterfall rest stop

Gorgeous views

As hunger strikes I head down to the mountain cafe for ‘hot noodle’ (delicious!). After my stomach is satisfied I head off again on a much easier walk this time. It’s really pretty with the leaves changing colours, although I’m a little early for the full effect of Autumn. I walk by a bright blue stream with crystal clear water, taking a small rest and just listening to the sounds of nature. I feel so calm in this moment.

As I’m leaving, an older Korean man starts talking with me and wants me to eat with him. It’s a bit wired so I explain that I’m just leaving so don’t really have the time. He continues walking with me to the exit, offering me bread which I kindly refuse. He says “ok nice to meet you” and walks out of the exit. I wait a few minutes and then walk out briskly trying not look around (really don’t want to bump into him again). Then when I’m clear of the park I here “Hello!” (ahh damm), I knew he would wait! He offers me a lift but I insist on walking and after a while of walking along with me he eventually heads off. Well that was annoying but at least I got rid of him!

Park entrance to mountains korea — Park Entrance

Back at the hostel I sit and eat with the owners son Tey, whilst waiting for my night bus to Busan. He is very welcoming and has great English. There is also a primary school group staying there and the 2 young teachers come over and buy me some blueberry milk (people are so nice here). The school kids are headed into town the same time I need to get my bus, so the teacher waits at the bus stop with me and lets the driver know where I’m going. I love how helpful the locals are. The group of kids smile and wave me off. Gonna miss this little town.

I really enjoyed my trip to the mountains, and whilst slightly challenging getting here, the mountains are a fantastic place to get away from the city. This was one of my favourite places in Korea and for nature loving hikers it’s a must do. Great any time of the year and a world away from Seoul, it’s a perfect weekend getaway from city life.

Getting to Seoraksan from Seoul

There are no planes or trains to the mountains so you need to get 2 buses. The first to Sokcho and then a local bus. I found the journey ok and people were very helpful. If you can find someone to write to name of your hostel down in Korean that would be a bonus. If not then show the driver a map of where you need to go.

Get subway or taxi to Seoul Express Terminal ( you can also get non-express buses from Dong Seoul Terminal)
Arrive early to buy a ticket at the counter or buy tickets at the counter a few days before to save time (you can buy some tickets online but sites are in Korean so can be difficult)
Buy a ticket to Sokcho (it will take 2-3 hours)
Get off at Sokcho Express Bus Terminal (should be the last stop)
Some hotels will be in Sokcho and some will be in the small town right by the National Park. Goodstay Smile Resort is right by the park. To get to the hotels close to the park you need to get on a local bus.
Get on the 7 or 7-1 bus towards Seoraksan National Park (the buses end at the National park, stopping off at the small town just before)
The local bus runs roughly every half an hour and will take around 40 minutes. You should have some small change to put in the box as you get on. Let the driver know where you need to get off, they are usually pretty helpful.
I would recommend leaving Seoul early to avoid delays and bad traffic, plus if you get the 6am bus then you can head to the mountains on the same day.