UPTOURIST

As I sit down to pen down my memories from my trip to Seoul last year, a flood of nostalgia washes over me. It’s hard to believe that a year has passed since I embarked on that unforgettable adventure to Seoul, South Korea, from March 23, 2023, to March 28, 2023. Seoul, with its unique blend of ancient traditions and modern marvels, continues to hold a special place in my heart.

My Seoul + Nami Travel Itinerary

Let me take you on a journey down memory lane as I recap my incredible experience:

Day 1 (March 23): Arrival in Seoul

• Arrive at Incheon International Airport and take the airport limousine bus or subway to your hotel in Seoul
• Check-in to your hotel and rest for a bit after your flight
• In the afternoon, visit Hongdae, a trendy neighborhood near Hongik University that’s known for its arts and culture scene. It’s also home to many unique cafes, restaurants, and shops.
• Take the subway line 2 (Green line) from Hongik University Station to Myeong-dong station.
• In the evening, explore the bustling Myeong-dong night market, known for its street food, shopping, and entertainment.
• Return to Hongik University Station using subway line 2 (green line.)

Day 2 (March 24): Day Trip to Suwon

• Take Subway Line 2 from Hongik University Station to anything near Suwon.
• Explore the Hwaseong Fortress
• Visit Haenggung Palace, a secondary palace used for the king’s temporary stay.
• Walk around the Paldalmun Gate, one of the main entrances to the fortress
• Walk to Jidong Market area.
• Lunch at Jin Mi chicken
• Take bus from Jidong Market to Samsung Museum.
• Return: From Samsung Museum to Hongik Univ using bus/subway.

Day 3 (March 25): Discover Seoul

• Take the subway line 2 (Green Line) from Hongik University Station to City Hall Station
• Transfer to subway line 1 (Blue Line) towards Gwanghwamun Station and get off at Gyeongbokgung Station (Exit 5 or 6)
• Walk to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of the five grand palaces in Seoul and a symbol of the Joseon Dynasty.
• After visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace, take Bus No. 1020 from Gyeongbokgung Station (Exit 3) to Bukchon Hanok Village Bus Stop (북촌한옥마을 정류장) or take Bus No. 1711 or 7025 from Gyeongbokgung Station (Exit 3) to Bukchon Traditional Culture Center Bus Stop (북촌한옥문화센터 정류장).
• Walk around Bukchon Hanok Village and visit the traditional Korean houses (hanoks) in the area.
• Walk to Anguk Station and take subway line 3 (Orange Line) from Anguk Station to Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station
• Walk around Insadong, a charming neighborhood known for its traditional teahouses, street food, and art galleries.
• From Insadong, subway line 3 (Orange Line) from Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station to Chungmuro Station
• Transfer to subway line 4 (Light Blue Line) towards Myeong-dong Station and get off at Myeong-dong Station.
• Take the cable car up to Namsan Tower and enjoy the stunning views of the city.
• From Namsan Tower, take the cable car back down and take subway line 4 (Light Blue Line) towards Oido Station and transfer to line 2 (Green Line) towards Hongik University Station.

Day 4 (March 26): Day Trip to Gapyeong

• Take whatever from Hongik University Station to Gapyeong Station.
• From Gapyeong Station, take the Gapyeong City Tour Bus to Nami Island, Petite France, and the Garden of Morning Calm.
• Return to Gapyeong Station by bus and take whatever back to Hongik University Station.

Day 5 (March 27): Gangnam District

• Take subway line 2 (Green Line) from Hongik University Station to Gangnam Station
• Walk around Gangnam District, known for its upscale shopping centers, restaurants, and nightlife.
• Visit the COEX Mall and the nearby Bongeunsa Temple, a Buddhist temple with a history dating back over a thousand years.
• Take subway line 2 (Green Line) to Sinsa Station and walk to Garosu-gil, a trendy street lined with cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops.
• Visit Samsung d’light, a high-tech exhibition space showcasing the latest Samsung products and technologies.
• Take subway line Bundang (Yellow Line) towards Seolleung Station from Apgujeong Rodeo Station.
• Get off at Samseong Station and take Exit 8 to enter the Samsung Electronics building where Samsung d’light is located.
• Take subway line 2 (Green Line) from Samseong Station back to Hongik University Station.

Day 6 (March 28): Departure from Seoul

• Check out from the hotel
• Take the Airport Railroad Express (AREX) train from Hongik University Station to Incheon Airport Terminal 2 Station
• Departure from Incheon International Airport

Revisiting these memories has rekindled my love for Seoul and its vibrant culture. The trip allowed me to forge a deeper connection with South Korea, its history, and its warm-hearted people. Seoul’s unique blend of tradition and modernity continues to captivate me, and I look forward to returning one day to create even more unforgettable memories in this enchanting city.

Until then, Seoul, you will always have a special place in my travelogue of cherished experiences.