South Korea - One Full Day in Seoul

After a three-hour flight from Mongolia, I touched down in Seoul, South Korea. I already have been to South Korea a decade ago, but didn't really see anything from the country at all and didn't even have a photo from back then. 

This time I have at least a bit more time. But with only three days to explore, I still wondered if it was enough time. Especially to experience the culture and history of this country, but I already knew before I went there that three days, one full day in Seoul, wouldn't be sufficient to see all.

Is one full day in Seoul enough time? 

There's simply too much to see and do in this city - so, no. However, it is also just another city, almost like any modern city in the world and in the end looks the same as any other modern city.

Also, Seoul's transportation system and well-organized tourist attractions made it possible to see a lot in a short amount of time, even when factoring in travel to and from the airport. The AREX train offered a quick connection from the airport. Additionally, many attractions are close together, making it possible to visit multiple sites in a single day. So, while one full day in Seoul isn't enough to see it all, it's certainly enough to have an interesting experience.

Arrival in South Korea

The journey from Seoul Airport via the AREX train took about 50 minutes. This train is a fantastic option as it connects the airport directly to Seoul Station, making it convenient to reach the city.

However, navigating the subway system for the first time was tricky, as often in most large cities. During the subway ride, there was an eerie silence until an English-speaking tourist entered the compartment and had a loud, 30-minute phone call - quite a contrast to the otherwise comfortable silent environment.

I arrived in Seoul down town.

Finding food wasn't particularly difficult, although locating something that wasn't McDonald's but still had somewhat identifiable not-too-fatty ingredients proved to be more challenging.

South Korea is renowned for its BBQ restaurants, where tables are equipped with built-in grills. The meat served is either unidentifiable or extremely fatty and its seemed difficult to find normal sliced steaks. However, these BBQ experiences were a must-try.

Day 2 - A lot to see but all nearby

My plan was to visit several temples, starting with Changgyeonggung Palace. 

Unfortunately, due to yesterday's holiday, the temples were closed - makes perfect sense, right? What a bummer. So, I had to settle for viewing them from the outside. Changgyeonggung Palace has nice architecture, even from the outside. However, because it was closed it was obviously not that impressive.

Many places were near to each other and fine to walk between.

Wandered into Bukchon Hanok Village, an old residential neighborhood known for its quaint, traditional houses and narrow alleys.

Some of the houses also looked a bit run-down, but thats how it's supposed to be here.

In this village it's expected to whisper when walking through.

The area is nice, but if a tourist happened to speak loudly, they were promptly corrected by guardians of the peace - quite an intense experience but should be more often like that in the world. The village was picturesque, but it was overcrowded with tourists even in the morning, and the numerous souvenir shops took away from the traditional feel. 

Strolled through "Gwanghwamun Square" and "Insadong Culture Street". 

However, when I attempted to visit Deoksugung Palace, I encountered the same post-holiday closure situation.

One day in Seoul and being here on the exact wrong day is slightly frustrating.

I continued to walk around more, taking in the sights of Cheonggyecheon, a nice urban stream

The shopping area of Myeongdong. 

Later, to the National Museum of Korea.

This enormous complex offered free entry and featured three floors of world-class exhibits.

To thoroughly explore everything, one would need several hours, if not a half day. The museum is great if interested in Korean culture and art. I wasn't really but it still was great to see it. Each exhibit was meticulously curated, showcasing ancient artifacts and modern stuff. 

In the evenings there is a night market area with food stalls. 

Dongdaemun General Market, is a typical local market for local residents. A lot of street food. A bit confusing to get around but the market it self is huge and ton of options.

Day 3 - Departure to Tokyo

Using the AREX train again, I drove back to the airport, a journey that took about an hour. Perfectly on time with this train. Soon after, I boarded my flight to Tokyo.