South Korea: Back in Seoul After 7 Years

Seoul Searching in South Korea Version 2.0

I last visited Seoul, South Korea, in 2018 for just a few days before Christmas, and so much has changed since then—the pandemic, my growing obsession with BTS, my newfound hobby of chasing concerts overseas, and countless other things. This time, I gave myself two full weeks to explore, squeezing in as many places as time and budget would allow (>.<). Naturally, I prioritized spots connected to BTS, K‑pop, and nature.

Itinerary: Day 1-5 in Seoul

Day 1: Late Arrival at Incheon and Hotel Check-In
Day 2: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Eunpyeong Hanok Village, Myeongdong Night Market
Day 3: Yeouido E-Cruise ( E-Land Cruise ), Hybe Building, Cheonggu Building
Day 4: Suwon
Day 5: Yongin Dae Jang Geum Tour

I’ll be breaking this down into sections so each day’s adventure gets its own spotlight—starting with Days 1 and 2.

Day 1: Late Arrival at Incheon and Hotel Check-In

For this trip, I first flew from Hong Kong to Manila to enjoy a birthday lunch with my family. Later that night, my sister and I boarded a flight to Seoul, South Korea. The journey to Incheon took about six hours, and we landed around midnight. From there, we grabbed an Uber straight to our hotel. We stayed at Jongno Amare Hotel, located in one of Seoul’s lively neighborhoods.

The area buzzes with activity late into the night—sometimes a bit noisy—but there’s also a lot for pros. It’s full of food options, close to the Metro and bus stops, and feels safe overall. The hotel itself isn’t luxurious, but it’s spacious, clean, and well-equipped, with free breakfast, a laundry room, and all the essentials. You’ll need to bring or buy your own toothpaste, though. A side note: when we accidentally left a jacket behind at checkout, the staff kindly kept it for us until we returned nine days later.

Day 2: Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace: Our first stop of the day was Gyeongbokgung Palace, just a quick 20‑minute train ride from the Jongno Amare Hotel. From Jongno‑3 Ga Station, we hopped on the orange line (Line 3), rode two stops, and got off at Gyeongbokgung (Government Complex–Seoul) before walking over to the palace grounds.

This time, I finally got to step inside. On my last visit, the palace had already closed, so my friends and I had to settle for snapping photos outside the grand gates and towering walls. It was still beautiful, but not quite the same. Walking through the grounds now felt like stepping into another era. It has sprawling courtyards and traditional architecture that unfolded in front of us. It was the perfect way to start the day.

Gyeongbokgung Palace once served as the royal residence before the monarchy in Korea was dissolved. Today, it has been further developed and opened to the public, offering a glimpse into the country’s cultural heritage.

Day 2: Eunpyeong Hanok Village

Eunpyeong Hanok Village: After exploring Gyeongbokgung Palace, we headed back to the hotel to freshen up—the heat was absolutely scorching. Once we’d cooled down, we caught bus 701 from Jongno and rode for about an hour to Hana High School/Samchunsa Temple. The ride was smooth, and soon we found ourselves in a quieter corner of Seoul.

Unlike the bustling Bukchon Hanok Village, this area felt more peaceful and serene. With fewer tourists around, we could take our time strolling the streets, snapping photos, or simply soaking in the calm. The traditional Hanok houses stood beautifully against the backdrop of Bukhansan Mountain, creating a picture‑perfect blend of heritage and nature. It was the kind of place where you could slow down, breathe, and really appreciate its beyond its busy center.

Just a few minutes from the Hanok village, we found Cafe 1 In ! Jan. It has wide windows opened up to the expanse of the neighborhood, framed by a glimpse of the Bukhansan Mountain Range in the distance. It was the perfect spot to escape the direct sun—sipping on a cool coffee, nibbling on a snack, and letting the view do the rest. The blend of traditional rooftops below and the mountains beyond made it feel so peaceful.

Day 2: Myeongdong Night Market

Myeongdong Night Market: On the way back, we hopped on the same bus, which conveniently stopped at Myeongdong. It’s one of the busiest places to be in Seoul, South Korea. Since we were already there, we decided to wander around before heading to the hotel. The streets were alive—bright neon signs, endless shops, and the irresistible aroma of sizzling street food. We grabbed a few snacks to munch on as we strolled past the stalls, and picked up some treats to bring home too. One thing worth noting: public trash bins are scarce. You’ll likely end up carrying your sticks and cups for a while. Still, the energy of Myeongdong made it a fun detour and the perfect way to wrap up the day.