By Noura khan
Travel writer, The Times Kuwait
During my second visit to South Korea, I decided to give all my time to Seoul, the capital. In my previous visit I had stayed only four nights in Seoul and that was clearly not enough time to do justice to this amazing city. This time around, I got to spend ten full days in Seoul, and I would like to share with you details of my itinerary spent exploring Seoul over 10 days.
Day 1: Upon arrival, I chose to dedicate my entire day to exploring the atmosphere of Myeongdong, the city’s main shopping district. I spent the day navigating through the vibrant streets filled with shops, street food vendors, and neon lights, and indulged in Korean delicacies like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and egg bread
Day 2 : I spent my second day exploring the traditional charm of Bukchon Hanok Village, a residential neighborhood in Jongno District. I wandered through the narrow alleys lined with beautifully preserved hanok (traditional Korean houses), which offered a glimpse into Seoul’s past. As dusk falls, the village takes on a magical aura, perfect for capturing stunning photographs.
Then, I headed to Hongdae street, which is a trendy and lively neighborhood located in the Mapo area of Seoul. Hongdae Street refers to the main street and surrounding area known for its youthful energy, artsy atmosphere and buzzing nightlife. On the street you can expect to find several street performances, where talented musicians, dancers and performers display their skills along the main street and in Hongdae Park. It is a great place to enjoy live music and free entertainment.
You can also do some shopping, as Hongdae Street is filled with an eclectic mix of shops, boutiques and independent stores selling everything from fashion and accessories to unique crafts and souvenirs. You will find trendy clothing stores, vintage stores, and funky boutiques that cater to the young and trendy crowd.
Additionally, Hongdae is home to countless cafés, restaurants, and eateries offering a variety of cuisines and dining experiences.
Day 3: Embrace the modernity of Seoul by exploring Gangnam district, which is also home to the COEX Mall, one of the largest underground shopping malls in Asia, and marvel at the futuristic architecture of Gangnam’s skyscrapers.
Day 4: Shopping in Seoul is interesting. I spent most of the day shopping in Doota Mall and Hyundai outlet, before heading to N Seoul Tower in the late afternoon to catch a breathtaking sunset over the city skyline. I took the Namsan cable car to the top of Namsan Mountain where the tower is located while enjoying panoramic views of downtown Seoul during the ride.
Day 5: I spent the day exploring the cultural delights in Insadong, a neighborhood in ib Jongno District, browsing through traditional tea houses, art galleries, and souvenir shops. In the evening, I witnessed the transformation of Insadong into a lively street filled with performers, artisans, and food stalls offering a taste of Korean street food.
Day 6: The full day was spent at the Everland theme park. Located in Yongin, not far from Seoul, Everland is South Korea’s largest theme park, offering a variety of attractions including thrilling rides, animal exhibits, and seasonal events.
Day 7: I treated my elf with another day of thrills and excitement at Lotte World Adventure, one of the largest indoor theme parks in the world. With rides ranging from gentle carousels to heart-pounding roller coasters, there is something for every age and thrill level at this indoor park.
Day 8 : I stepped back in time at Namsangol Hanok Village, a traditional Korean village nestled at the base of Namsan Mountain. Wandered through beautifully restored hanok houses and experienced traditional activities such as making hanji (traditional paper), trying on hanbok (Korean traditional clothing), and crafting traditional handicrafts.
Day 9: Visited COEX Aquarium, home to thousands of marine creatures from around the world. If you visit there, be sure to catch the daily feeding shows and educational presentations.
Then headed to the Starfield Library , which is a spacious public library situated within the COEX Mall in the Gangnam district of Seoul. It is known for its impressive collection of books, its rooms with high ceilings, and its unique design, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
Day 10: Started my day with a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of Seoul’s most iconic landmarks. Spent time exploring the palace grounds, watched the changing-of-guard ceremony, and learned about Korea’s rich history.
And remember, a photo session wearing the traditional Korean clothing called Hanbok, is a must do when visiting Seoul
Noura Khan, a travel influencer and content creator, is a Kuwaiti national, holds a degree in law from Kuwait University and has worked as a journalist prior to taking up a position in the government. In 2018 she started blogging on travel and visited more than 57 countries since. She has more than 54k followers on her blog post @nourajtraveller is well appreciated for content and travel information. Noura writes exclusively for The Times Kuwait on her travel visits.
