We went in Seoul during the Spring just in time for full-bloomed of Cherry Flowers and we're happy that we decided to stay for 8 days which allow us to visit every attraction listed in our itinerary in a leisurely pace. When I was still planning our trip my first question was.. where is the best district to stay in Seoul? I searched thru tripadvisor and recommendations were Myeongdong, Jongno and Hongdae . We ended up staying in Jongno as we found a good hotel in that area that seemed to fit our preference and budget-- and it turned out to be the wisest decision we have ever made.
Where did we stay?
King Deluxe Room of Hotel Atrium Seoul
We stayed in Hotel Atrium located at the prime area of Jongno. It is near subway line 5 and 3 which has easy access to anywhere we want to go in Seoul via mrt. The famous Gwangjang market is across the hotel and Jongyom Shrine and Insadong are walking distance. While Myeongdong, Dongdaemun, the 5 grand Palaces and Bukchon Hanok village are just a short taxi ride away. If you prefer to take the train, it is just one-two stops away from the nearby subway line 5 so the location of this hotel is definitely good. I even read some comments from guests who stayed in this hotel that they only walk from hotel to the 5 grand palaces and Dongdaemun although I could imagine how much walk they did :P The hotel is also near to many restaurants, coffee shops and convenience stores.
How to get around?
For short distance tourist attractions, we prefer to walk or take a taxi. We were surprised that taxi rate in Korea is actually not as high as we thought. In fact, the cost if you take the train vs. taxi is just almost the same less the long walk in between subways. For example.. our taxi fare from our hotel to Gyeongbokgung Palace costs 4000won (PHP177) , from our hotel to Myeongdong costs only 6000won (PHP266) while Basic fare to a single journey train ride is 1350won (PHP60). So if you're travelling as a couple or group of 4.. taxi is your best bet for exploring Seoul in a short distance destination. For long distance tourist attractions like going to Gangnam & Nami Island from Jongno, we took mrt.
Food expense
- Single descent rice/noodle meal in Seoul costs 7,000won (PHP309.00) - 15,000won(PHP662.00)
- Ordering a cafe latte/frappe in coffee shops costs 3,000won (PHP133.00)- 7,000won (PHP309.00)
Here is a Suggested Itinerary for a 7 days in Seoul. (say you will arrive in Seoul in the afternoon.. two days of which will be spent for travel to and going back to your country). I customize the itinerary based on the proximity of attractions from each other :
Day 1: Arrived in Seoul. Check in at the Hotel and rest for a bit. Visit myeongdong at night for streetfood trippin and shopping.
Day 2: Visit the 5 grand palaces and Bukchon Hanok Village (in our case, we only visited one palace which is the Gyeongbokgung Palace). For a more fun experience, you may want to rent out a Hanbok as you explore the vicinity of the palace.
Day 3: Insadong, Kwangjang market & Dongdaemun
Day 4: Nami Island, Petit France & Garden of Morning Calm
Day 5: N Seoul Tower & Gangnam
Day 6: Hongdae and University Quarter ( I wish we included this in our itinerary!)
Day 7: Last minute souvenir shopping and head to airport
Tips:
- For easy navigation of Seoul via MRT.. download Seoul Subway Map App . You could access this app even without internet connection.
- Exchange your dollar in local banks in Seoul.. they give better rates compare to Airport
- Electricity used is 220 volts. Plugs are two round pins so better to bring square pin socket/adaptor just in case your hotel wont provide it.
- During our stay (2nd week of April), day temperature ranges from 11-19 degree Celsius while night temp ranges from 3-13 degree Celsius. Accuweather says temperature would be around 20ish but it was colder when we arrived. Good thing we came prepared with spring coats!
- Whenever we travel, I always keep in handy a medication bag that consists of basic items such as Biogesic (for minor body aches such as headache, minor arthritis and menstrual cramps), Leporamide for LBM and Motillum for stomach upset, bonamin (for dizzyness), band aid, vicks and our vitamins C & B complex. it's always better to be prepared especially if you're not used to spicy foods and soju!
- And ofcourse, always wear comfortable shoes.
Hope this help! Happy planning on your trip to Seoul!
Always,
Rica ♡
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