Ep.1 Seoul Day Guide: Palaces, Markets & Night Views (서울 당일 여행: 궁궐, 시장, 야경 한 번에)


✨ Introduction

Seoul is a city where history and modern life stand shoulder to shoulder. In just one day, you can step into a 600-year-old royal palace, wander alleys of traditional hanok houses, taste legendary street foods at a market buzzing with locals, and end the night with panoramic city views from a mountain tower.
(서울은 역사와 현대가 공존하는 도시입니다. 단 하루 만에도 왕궁, 한옥마을, 전통시장, 야경까지 모두 경험할 수 있습니다.)

🏰 Morning – Royal Heritage & Hanok Alleys

Start your day at Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁), the grandest palace of the Joseon Dynasty, built in 1395. The main gate, Gwanghwamun, faces modern skyscrapers, creating one of Seoul’s most striking contrasts. Don’t miss the Guard Changing Ceremony at 10:00 AM – it’s free and highly photogenic.

💡 Visitor Info

  • Opening hours: 09:00–17:00 (closed Tuesdays)

  • Admission: ₩3,000 (about $2.5)

  • English audio guide rental available (₩3,000)

From the palace, stroll 10 minutes to Bukchon Hanok Village (북촌 한옥마을). This neighborhood preserves hundreds of traditional wooden houses (hanok). The best view is from Bukchon-ro 11 gil, where tiled rooftops cascade down towards modern Seoul. Respect the residents – these houses are still lived in today.

🍜 Lunch – Gwangjang Market Food Crawl

By noon, head to Gwangjang Market (광장시장), one of Seoul’s oldest markets, famous for its buzzing food alley. This is where you taste authentic Korean street food shoulder to shoulder with locals.

💡 Food Highlights

  • Soonhee’s Bindaetteok (순희네 빈대떡) – crispy mung bean pancake, best with makgeolli (₩5,000)

  • Park’s Mayak Gimbap (박가네 마약김밥) – “addictive” mini rice rolls with spicy dipping sauce (₩4,000)

  • Yukhoe Alley – beef tartare seasoned with sesame oil and pear, a delicacy for adventurous eaters (₩15,000–20,000)

Tip: Bring cash, as some stalls don’t accept cards. Seating is limited, so don’t hesitate to share a table.

☕ Afternoon – Insadong & Ikseon-dong

Walk 15 minutes from Gwangjang Market and you’ll reach Insadong (인사동), Seoul’s traditional art street. Browse antique shops, calligraphy stores, and pick up souvenirs like hanji (traditional paper) or tea sets. Try a warm honey-filled hotteok (호떡) from a street vendor.

Just a few blocks away is Ikseon-dong Hanok Alley (익선동), a youthful twist on tradition. Old hanoks have been turned into stylish cafés and boutique restaurants. Stop for coffee at a café with exposed wooden beams, or try a fusion dessert shop.

🌃 Evening – Shopping, BBQ & Night Views

As the sun sets, head to Myeongdong (명동), the shopping district packed with K-beauty stores, fashion shops, and endless street food stalls. Popular bites include tornado potato fries, grilled lobster tails, and egg bread (계란빵).

For dinner, nothing beats Korean BBQ in Euljiro (을지로 고깃골목). Here you’ll find decades-old restaurants where locals grill marinated pork belly at the table. One favorite spot is Eulji Myeong-dong Galbi, where meat platters start from ₩15,000 per person. Don’t forget to wrap your meat with lettuce, garlic, and ssamjang (bean paste).

Finally, end your day at Namsan Seoul Tower (남산타워). Take the cable car from Myeongdong station (₩14,000 round trip) and enjoy panoramic night views of the glittering city. Couples often leave padlocks on the terrace fence – a romantic photo spot.

💡 Transport Tip

  • Cable car operates until 23:00 (last ride down 23:30)

  • Alternative: A shuttle bus from Myeongdong (₩1,200 with T-money card)

🗺 Suggested Route Plan

  • Morning: Gyeongbokgung Palace → Bukchon Hanok Village

  • Lunch: Gwangjang Market food alley

  • Afternoon: Insadong stroll → Coffee at Ikseon-dong

  • Evening: Myeongdong shopping & street food → Korean BBQ dinner → Namsan Tower night view

🚆 Getting Around

  • From Incheon Airport: AREX express train → Seoul Station (₩9,500, 45 min)

  • Subway: Use lines 1–4 to connect easily between Dongdaemun (Gwangjang), Jongno (Insadong), Myeongdong, and Namsan.

  • T-money Card: Buy at convenience stores, recharge for subway/bus rides. Works like an Oyster Card in London or MetroCard in NYC.

💡 Quick Tips

  • Language: Menus often have pictures; many stalls accept pointing + smile as universal ordering.

  • Cash vs Card: Street food is cash-friendly; restaurants accept credit cards.

  • Seasonal Note: Spring = cherry blossoms in palace courtyards, Autumn = golden ginkgo trees in Bukchon.

  • Etiquette: Share tables politely at markets; avoid loud conversation in Bukchon residential lanes.

📌 Next Episode

👉 Coming up: Ep.2 – Incheon & Suwon: Gateway & UNESCO Fortress


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