Seoul – The Asian City that has my Heart!

A fairly short ride on the KTX bullet train from Busan brought me to Seoul. I didn’t know yet but this was about to become my new favourite city in the world! After travelling through smaller cities in South Korea, Seoul Station seemed overly crowded when I arrived. I followed the sea of people toward a different platform to catch a subway train into the city.

The ride from Seoul Station to Insadong, where my hotel was located was less than 15 minutes. Being notoriously inadequate at figuring out directions and public transport systems, I felt happy for the practice I had in Busan and thankful for apps like Naver and the intuitive nature of the subway network and maps.

Gyeongbokgung Palace Seoul Hanbok on Black Girl

South Korea Travel Resources

Getting a visa to South Korea

Solo Tripping in South Korea – The Beginning

A simple travel checklist for first-time visitors

Buy a SIM card online and pick it up at the airport or get an eSIM here.

Rent your Hanbok online

Hanok Stay Experience in Namwon

I chose to stay in the heart of Insadong, which proved to be a great base, especially for a first-time visitor like myself. Within walking distance of the hotel were the vibrant pedestrian streets of Insadong and Ikseondong, restaurants and cafes, supermarkets, banks, souvenir shops and some of Seoul’s finest attractions.

In the mornings, I spent my time wandering from place to place, exploring the city without a crowd and in the evenings, I sauntered through busy streets, indulging in street foods and just enjoying the feeling of being in Seoul.

Hanok Village Seoul

In between, the views from my room on the fifth floor of the CenterMark Hotel provided the perfect vantage point to people-watch and appreciate Seoul’s fashionable scene. It is truly the thing Kdramas are made of!

I spent four days in Seoul and even though I wish I could have stayed longer, I returned home feeling quite satisfied with the duration of my visit. In four days, I got to visit many of the top attractions in Seoul and enjoyed a good amount of downtime too.

Places to Visit in Seoul: Day 1 – Bukchon Hanok Village

The first place I visited was Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional Korean village situated right in the heart of Seoul.

Bukchon Hanok Village is home to well-preserved centuries-old traditional Korean houses or hanoks dating back to the Joseon dynasty. Flanked by the Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine, it is a centrally located neighbourhood and one of the best places to visit in Seoul.

The village is also home to several cultural centres, museums, traditional craft workshops, tea houses and shops for visitors.

Bukchon Hanok Village

I enjoyed strolling leisurely and quietly through the alleyways, once again, admiring the beauty of Korean architecture. When I had my fill of the place, I headed to get breakfast at Onion Cafe Anguk, a hanok-themed cafe, with tasty pastries and a setup that I found quite charming.

Places to Visit in Seoul: Changdeokgung Palace

By the time I was done with breakfast, it was opening time for the Palaces in Seoul and I decided to visit the Changdeokung Palace first.

I visited three of the five traditional palaces during my stay and Changdeokung Palace was my favourite. For a small fee, visitors are granted access to the palace and can pay another fee to access a tour of the Secret Garden.

Places to Visit in Seoul: Themed Cafes – Greem 2D Cafe

As I arrived too early for the tour, I opted to walk around the palace grounds and enjoyed my time doing so. With a little bit of time left in the morning, I decided to ride the bus out to Greem Cafe, a 2D-themed cafe I had seen online and admired.

I returned to Insadong shortly after and spent the rest of my day leisurely, with breaks to take evening walks around the neighbourhood.

Places to Visit in Seoul: Day 2 – Eunpyeong Hanok Village

The next day, I visited the Eunpyeong Hanok Village. This relatively new hanok village is set at the foot of the Bukhansan Mountain. It is located a bit outside the city, hence it gets fewer visitors than the Bukchon Hanok Village.

Eunpyeong Hanok village

I was pleasantly surprised to see many people out and about in their hiking gear. As it turns out, the trailhead of one of Seoul’s premier hiking destinations is located in this area as well.

I spent my time walking around the village and visiting some of its sights, including the boardwalk, Jingwasa Temple, some cafes and a museum.

Places to Visit in Seoul: Myeondong, Cheonggyecheon Stream and Gwangjang Market

Later in the day, I made my way down to Myeondong, where I went shopping for some skin care products and indulged in many street snacks. My final stops for the day were the Cheonggyecheon Stream and Gwangjang Market.

This was a long day but Seoul’s efficient transportation system and the fact that the city is very walkable made it easy to move from place to place.

Places to Visit in Seoul: Day 3 – Starfield COEX Mall, Bongeunsa Temple, Gangnam and Han River

Gangnam Style Statue Seoul

Tired from the previous day’s exploration, I opted to start my day by early afternoon in Gangnam. My first stop was the Starfield COEX Mall, where I was lucky to catch a fantastic hour-long classical concert at the library – which is an attraction in itself.

Starfield Library Coex Mall Nigerian in South Korea

After spending some time at the mall, I visited the Bongeunsa Temple close by. It was nice to walk around the temple grounds and hear the monks chanting. I also enjoyed the views of traditional Korea against the backdrop of the Modern city.

With a few hours left in the day, I headed off to check out another traditional Palace in the city – the Changgyeonggung Palace, then I rode the bus to watch the Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain show.

Places to Visit in Seoul: Day 4 – Gyeongbkung Palace, Ikseondong

I had a late flight on my fourth day in Seoul, which meant that I could spend the entire day fitting in more activities and attractions. I chose to visit Gyeongbkung Palace wearing a hanbok (traditional Korean clothing). I rented mine for a few hours from the Klook Website and had my pictures taken wearing it at the Palace.

gyeongbokgung palace hanbok photoshoot experience
Gyeongbokgung palace hanbok photoshoot Airbnb experience
Gyeongbokgung palace hanbok entrance

Finally, I returned to Insadong for one last lunch at Ddong Cafe and a delicious BBQ dinner at a restaurant in Ikesondong.

With that, my trip to Seoul and South Korea came to an end. I took the Airport Express Train to catch my flight back to Nairobi.

My time in Seoul was part of a 12-day trip to South Korea. You can catch up at the beginning of the series here. I have also written a cost breakdown for this trip in this article. Now, I would love to hear from you!

Do you have any questions about visiting South Korea? Is it a country on your travel wishlist? Also, if you have visited, I would love to hear about your experience! Share with me in the comment section below!

13 comments

  1. Love the detail itinerary thats been given by you. We are planning our trip to south korea in June. This is really helpful ❤️

      1. South Korea is a country worthwhile visiting. I was impressed by both its modernity as well as preservation of its historic buildings/areas.

  2. Since stumbling on your blog, I’ve been hooked. You write clearly and succinctly, I admire this clarity in speech.

    I can wait to visit Seoul but it might not happen as soon as I wanted because of change in my travel plans.

    Keep writing beautifully Amarachi!

    1. Thank you, Mary! Does this mean your SK visa won’t come out in time for your upcoming trip? I hope you get to visit soon though!

      1. Yes unfortunately. I am on a sabbatical and have somehow planned the most inconvenient calendar of trips such that finding time to apply for a visa to SK might leave me without a passport for the next trip.

        The most time I have is in May ( I return from a trip on the 18th to take on another on the 27th) & I am hoping to use this window to book the visa. Given this is risky & I am a risk taker, I will try to see what happens.

        I will keep you posted

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An Osaka & Himeji photo story ☁️✨️

Details on www.travelwithapen.com this coming Tuesday 💙
An Osaka & Himeji photo story ☁️✨️

Details on www.travelwithapen.com this coming Tuesday 💙
An Osaka & Himeji photo story ☁️✨️

Details on www.travelwithapen.com this coming Tuesday 💙
An Osaka & Himeji photo story ☁️✨️

Details on www.travelwithapen.com this coming Tuesday 💙
An Osaka & Himeji photo story ☁️✨️

Details on www.travelwithapen.com this coming Tuesday 💙
An Osaka & Himeji photo story ☁️✨️

Details on www.travelwithapen.com this coming Tuesday 💙
An Osaka & Himeji photo story ☁️✨️

Details on www.travelwithapen.com this coming Tuesday 💙
An Osaka & Himeji photo story ☁️✨️

Details on www.travelwithapen.com this coming Tuesday 💙
An Osaka & Himeji photo story ☁️✨️

Details on www.travelwithapen.com this coming Tuesday 💙
An Osaka & Himeji photo story ☁️✨️

Details on www.travelwithapen.com this coming Tuesday 💙
An Osaka & Himeji photo story ☁️✨️

Details on www.travelwithapen.com this coming Tuesday 💙
An Osaka & Himeji photo story ☁️✨️

Details on www.travelwithapen.com this coming Tuesday 💙
An Osaka & Himeji photo story ☁️✨️

Details on www.travelwithapen.com this coming Tuesday 💙
An Osaka & Himeji photo story ☁️✨️ Details on www.travelwithapen.com this coming Tuesday 💙
4 days ago
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1/9
Help! Why are we losing home and away! 😭🤣 God abeg!

I will resume my complaining once we fix our visa process/make it more accessible for other African travellers!

Side bar: if you have connections in Vietnam, please DM me! 😭😂 I still want to go!
Help! Why are we losing home and away! 😭🤣 God abeg! I will resume my complaining once we fix our visa process/make it more accessible for other African travellers! Side bar: if you have connections in Vietnam, please DM me! 😭😂 I still want to go!
5 days ago
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It was a rainy morning in Nairobi and we went on a walk with the pup 🐶
It was a rainy morning in Nairobi and we went on a walk with the pup 🐶
2 weeks ago
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3/9
Oh please, add Gyeongju to your South Korean itinerary! 🇰🇷

It's a charming, beautiful and walkable city that I think is worth visiting. 

When I visited the country for the first time, I picked Jeonju over Gyeongju. Not much thought went into that decision. I just did it - no regrets.

Luckily I got to revisit and what a joy! It's magical in every way! ✨️
Oh please, add Gyeongju to your South Korean itinerary! 🇰🇷 It's a charming, beautiful and walkable city that I think is worth visiting. When I visited the country for the first time, I picked Jeonju over Gyeongju. Not much thought went into that decision. I just did it - no regrets. Luckily I got to revisit and what a joy! It's magical in every way! ✨️
2 weeks ago
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4/9
Natural, Unfiltered Beauty! 🌸💙

The cherry blossoms were late but that itself was a blessing. I was happy to get clear, gorgeous views of Mount Fuji!

Oh, this trip - this country! Some places leave a permanent mark. This was one of them!
Natural, Unfiltered Beauty! 🌸💙 The cherry blossoms were late but that itself was a blessing. I was happy to get clear, gorgeous views of Mount Fuji! Oh, this trip - this country! Some places leave a permanent mark. This was one of them!
2 weeks ago
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5/9
Oh, this charming town! 💙

Beautiful cobbled-stone streets, a gorgeous trail that leads to yet another beautiful well-preserved Edo-period post town, temples and shrines... this is Magome-Juku 

If you plan to visit, I recommend staying a night or two. Accommodation is quite limited and everything shuts down by 5pm.

We stayed at Magomechaya for 2 nights. This place has both hostels and private rooms and our stay was absolutely wonderful. I'd definitely revisit!
Oh, this charming town! 💙 Beautiful cobbled-stone streets, a gorgeous trail that leads to yet another beautiful well-preserved Edo-period post town, temples and shrines... this is Magome-Juku If you plan to visit, I recommend staying a night or two. Accommodation is quite limited and everything shuts down by 5pm. We stayed at Magomechaya for 2 nights. This place has both hostels and private rooms and our stay was absolutely wonderful. I'd definitely revisit!
2 weeks ago
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6/9
The Kenyan Coast is always a good idea! 😍 Can't wait to return!
The Kenyan Coast is always a good idea! 😍 Can't wait to return!
The Kenyan Coast is always a good idea! 😍 Can't wait to return!
The Kenyan Coast is always a good idea! 😍 Can't wait to return!
The Kenyan Coast is always a good idea! 😍 Can't wait to return!
The Kenyan Coast is always a good idea! 😍 Can't wait to return!
The Kenyan Coast is always a good idea! 😍 Can't wait to return!
The Kenyan Coast is always a good idea! 😍 Can't wait to return!
The Kenyan Coast is always a good idea! 😍 Can't wait to return!
The Kenyan Coast is always a good idea! 😍 Can't wait to return!
The Kenyan Coast is always a good idea! 😍 Can't wait to return!
The Kenyan Coast is always a good idea! 😍 Can't wait to return!
The Kenyan Coast is always a good idea! 😍 Can't wait to return!
The Kenyan Coast is always a good idea! 😍 Can't wait to return!
The Kenyan Coast is always a good idea! 😍 Can't wait to return!
The Kenyan Coast is always a good idea! 😍 Can't wait to return!
2 weeks ago
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7/9
48 hours in Amboseli and I've never felt more rested!

👉🏽 Save this spot for your next weekend escape! 🇰🇪🐘✨️

📍Tawi Lodge, Amboseli
48 hours in Amboseli and I've never felt more rested! 👉🏽 Save this spot for your next weekend escape! 🇰🇪🐘✨️ 📍Tawi Lodge, Amboseli
3 weeks ago
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8/9
𝐉𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡? Why not?! Without the crowds? Absolutely! 🌸🌱⁣
⁣
I've now been to Japan in 𝐬𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 – the Hakone Torii is from my fall trip – and I’ve had amazing crowd-free experiences in both seasons! 🍂🌸⁣
⁣
Yes, I woke up early to visit some places, but I also found places that were calm even in the middle of the day, including in cities like Shizuoka and Nagoya, not just rural Japan. 👀⁣
⁣
✨ Here are my go-to tips to explore Japan without the crowds:⁣
---⁣
⁣
1. 🐦 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 (𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞!)⁣
Mornings and evenings are your best friend. Cooler, quieter, and often more beautiful.⁣
⁣
2. 🏨 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭⁣
Instead of day-tripping, book a stay. I did this in Hakone and around Fuji. Result? No lines. No crowds. Pure magic! 🌤✨️⁣
⁣
3. 🚆 𝐆𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐨𝐤𝐲𝐨, 𝐊𝐲𝐨𝐭𝐨 & 𝐎𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐚⁣
They’re iconic, yes and you should certainly visit. But if you're looking for places with fewer people, you need to venture outside these cities.⁣
⁣
4. 🛕 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐩 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 ⁣
I haven't been to Kinkaku-ji Temple yet. Why? It opens 'late' and is often packed. I think I'll get to it one day though 🥰⁣
⁣
5. ❄️ 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐲𝐞𝐭? 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫
An underrated time to visit, so you can expect fewer people.⁣
⁣
6. 🚴‍♀️ 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞⁣
Hike the Kumano Kodo, walk the Nakasendo Trail, or cycle the Shimanami Kaido. It’s serenity + scenery 💯⁣
---⁣
⁣
📍Save this for your trip planning⁣
📸 Share with someone dreaming of Japan⁣
👇🏾Got questions? Drop them in the comments!⁣
⁣
Happy travels 🇯🇵✨
𝐉𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡? Why not?! Without the crowds? Absolutely! 🌸🌱⁣ ⁣ I've now been to Japan in 𝐬𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 – the Hakone Torii is from my fall trip – and I’ve had amazing crowd-free experiences in both seasons! 🍂🌸⁣ ⁣ Yes, I woke up early to visit some places, but I also found places that were calm even in the middle of the day, including in cities like Shizuoka and Nagoya, not just rural Japan. 👀⁣ ⁣ ✨ Here are my go-to tips to explore Japan without the crowds:⁣ ---⁣ ⁣ 1. 🐦 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 (𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞!)⁣ Mornings and evenings are your best friend. Cooler, quieter, and often more beautiful.⁣ ⁣ 2. 🏨 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭⁣ Instead of day-tripping, book a stay. I did this in Hakone and around Fuji. Result? No lines. No crowds. Pure magic! 🌤✨️⁣ ⁣ 3. 🚆 𝐆𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐨𝐤𝐲𝐨, 𝐊𝐲𝐨𝐭𝐨 & 𝐎𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐚⁣ They’re iconic, yes and you should certainly visit. But if you're looking for places with fewer people, you need to venture outside these cities.⁣ ⁣ 4. 🛕 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐩 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 ⁣ I haven't been to Kinkaku-ji Temple yet. Why? It opens 'late' and is often packed. I think I'll get to it one day though 🥰⁣ ⁣ 5. ❄️ 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐲𝐞𝐭? 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 An underrated time to visit, so you can expect fewer people.⁣ ⁣ 6. 🚴‍♀️ 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞⁣ Hike the Kumano Kodo, walk the Nakasendo Trail, or cycle the Shimanami Kaido. It’s serenity + scenery 💯⁣ ---⁣ ⁣ 📍Save this for your trip planning⁣ 📸 Share with someone dreaming of Japan⁣ 👇🏾Got questions? Drop them in the comments!⁣ ⁣ Happy travels 🇯🇵✨
3 weeks ago
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9/9
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