Seoul - 10 things you must do when you visit...

We were in Seoul for 24 hours and we recommend what to visit to see the main attractions in the capital of South Korea.

Bukchon Hanok Village

1. You will not need a visa to enter the country, just a passport with a validity date of more than 6 months.

2. Visit the Gyeongbokgung Royal Palace in an imposingly large area with an entrance fee of KRW 3000, if you wish, around the palace you will find shops where you can rent traditional costumes and have royal Korean make-up done at a low cost. Next to the palace you will find the Bukchon Hanok Village with authentic Hanok in which permanent residents of Seoul live, therefore it has specific visiting hours that you will find below.

3. Leaving the main gate of the palace and a short distance away we will encounter an impressive park, Cheonggyecheon , the stream that crosses it as well as the artificial waterfalls give a breath of coolness to the city's residents. It is worth walking through it as you head towards the city center, Myeongdong .

   
   

4. Time for the city center , Myeongdong shopping street, it is a large pedestrian street where you will find a multitude of shops as well as hotels and cafes. Along the way we also came across an outdoor market with food that really looked very tasty and clean. We tried shrimp tempura with a tartar sauce, mochi and Stefanos honored the potato roll! Also, don't forget to try the buttery salted buns that will break your nose!!!

   
   
   

   

   

   

   

   

5. Visit a Cat Cafe, starting from Japan the fashion has reached there too with many cafes that host 40-50 cats that they take care of and you can enjoy your coffee with them. Our little one enjoyed it and the cats are quite friendly with the customers, a place you should visit especially if you are a cat lover or have a child with you.

   
   
   

   

6. Take the cable car up to Namsan Tower to enjoy the panoramic view of the city, we recommend going at sunset. It is possible to go up to the tower, but if you choose to stay at the base, you will find several restaurants and musical events that take place in the afternoons. Cable car return ticket costs 15,000 KRW, cost for the tower's observatory KRW 26,000.

   
   
   

   

7. Visit the Gangman district and don't just stop at the expensive stores of big fashion houses, the skyscrapers and the well-dressed people!!! Go and see one of the impressive libraries we have visited, the Starfield Library , located in the basement of COEX Mall and the entrance is free for everyone. Outside the shopping mall you will also find the famous golden hands from the Gangman Style dance.

   

   

   

8. Ikseon-dong Hanok Village means narrow pedestrian streets, concept cafes, amazing bakeries and many restaurants in a romantic - traditional setting. Get off at Jongno 3-ga Station, Exit 4 and find this hidden place, also in this area was our hotel, the Ibis Ambassador which was excellent and in a very good location.

   
   

   

   Ikseon-dong Hanok Village

9. Korean Barbeque , go to one of the barbeque restaurants ordered the meat and the accompaniments and the food becomes interactive, since you have to cook it yourself, of course if you have no experience the staff is always there to give you advice and help you. We recommend Jongsamyook in Ikseon-dong and Pig Restaurant 2 in Yongsan District

   
   
   

   

   

10. The War Memorial of Korea is perhaps the most important museum in Seoul, giving the visitor an insight into the hardships and the Korean War. It is worth visiting, admission is free and you pay if you want a guided tour.

    
    

    

    The War Memorial of Korea

Information about our trip:

• Flight from Cebu Philippines to Seoul with Cebu Pacific cost 110$

• Accommodation at Ibis Ambassador Ikseon-dong costs $95 for a double room with breakfast

• Uber is operating normally in Seoul

• 5g internet provision using Airalo esim cost $8 for 2 days