Live your dreams & Carpe Diem: 6D5N in Seoul, Korea

As this is an impromptu trip to Korea we budget our expenses to $1K ++ and from what i've predicted, there really is nothing much to buy (as it's still winter) except for cosmetics.

So where are the popular shopping streets in Seoul? - Myeongdong, Hongdae, Ewha & Dongdaemun.

My hotel (Vella Suite) is Located at Chungmuro, just one station away from Myeondong & the subway station is just next to our hotel it's super convenient!

We touched down early in the morning at 7am & slowly took the train to our hotel. As it was still too early & all the shops are still not opened, we took a stroll nearby and headed to the pet street which was just opposite our hotel.

The weather is insanely cold at lowest 0 degree Celsius.

Myeongdong

Myeondong is well known for cheapest skincare products. There is just too many skincare/cosmetic shop here it's impossible to miss out any. Only here in Myeondong you get the cheapest price compared to any other places & they will throw in MANY FREE SAMPLES TOO!!

Do remember to try out their street food:

- Korean grilled cuttlefish

- Steam egg muffin

- Spicy rice cake

- Fries coated hotdog

- Fish cake soup

The egg steam muffin is really addictive!!

This huge scallop topped with corn and melted cheese cost $8 (only at night)

We also visited their cat cafe in Myeongdong. Admission is $8 per pax inclusive of a drink.

Hondae (Hongik University street)

In Hongdae you can find many fashionable apparels that cost as low as $10 as they mainly targets students. There's many nice cafes around the street where you can take a break from all the shopping.

Hongdae is the center of Korea’s youth culture and is well-known for its bustling club scene so if you like to “chiong”, this is also the place to be.

Getting to Hongdae Shopping Area is easy – take Line 2 Green subway to Hongik University station – take exit 9

Ewha (Ewha Women's University)

Ewha is almost the same as Hongdae, targeting students therefore the steep price. My boyfriend

got himself a good buy of 2 denim jeans that cost only $20 each!

Here, you will find a number of stalls lining the streets selling fashion items, such as clothing, shoes and accessories, for young women.

Getting to Ewha Shopping Area is easy – take Line 2 Green subway to Ewha Women’s University station – take exit 2

Dongdaemum

Dongdaemum is a NON-STOP SHOPPING PARADISE for everyone, mostly ladies.

Their operating hours are from 10am - 5am!!!

Dongdaemun is Korea’s largest wholesale and retail shopping district featuring 26 shopping malls, 30,000 specialty shops, and 50,000 manufacturers.

Dongdaemun shopping district is made up of 2 main sections – the retail shopping and the wholesale shopping areas. The big multi-storey shopping malls Doota (located within Doosan Tower), Migliore, Good Morning City, Freya Town, LOTTE FITIN and Hello apM are lined up almost side by side at the Dongdaemun retail shopping section.

You can find their wholesale shopping malls at the back of the stadium with all 6 levels of ladies fashions only!!!

Dongdaemun is very crowded & lively at night you'll get to see many Kpop performance by their local dance group.

Tourist Attractions - Gyeongbokgong Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Noryanjin Market

Gyeongbokgung Palace (Close on Tuesday)

Opening hours: 9am-6pm (Do reach early for the opening perfomance)

Getting there: Gyeongbokgung Palace Station (Subway Line 3), Exit 5 / Gwanghwamun Station (Subway Line 5), Exit 2.

Bukchon Hanok Village

Surrounded by Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine, Bukchon Hanok Village is home to hundreds of traditional houses called 'hanok' that date back to the Joseon Dynasty. The name, 'Bukchon,' which literally translates to 'northern village,' came about as the neighborhoods that the village lies north of the two significant Seoul landmarks, Cheonggyecheon Stream and Jongno. Today, many of these hanoks operate as cultural centers, guesthouses, restaurants and tea houses, providing visitors an opportunity to experience, learn and immerse in Korean traditional culture.

Do get a map so that you'll not get lost.

How to get here:

1. From Exit # 2 of Anguk Station (Subway Line # 3) walk straight for approx. 700 m

2. From Exit #5 of Gyeongbokgung Palace Station (Seoul Subway Line # 3), walk 1015 min along the stone wall of Gyeongbokgung Palace to the starting point of Samcheongdong Walkway

Noryanjin Fish Market

I was poisoned by all travel & food variety shows & i really really wanted to try eating live squid.

Although it looks really gross but it's totally tasteless. But you really have to chewchewchewchew in case it gets stucked in your throat.

For price wise it wasn't worthy, it's damn pricey. The whole cost for fresh seafood is reasonable but for the cooking charge (just by steaming ONLY) cost another $20 or so.

How to get here: Noryangjin Station (Line 1, Line 9 – Exit 1)

Theme Parks - Lotte World, Everland

Okay i got a really unexpected drawing from the creative artist which makes all passer-by laughing at us,

The only ride that i like here is the 360 degree turn roller coaster and i queued for an hour on a weekday. But i'd say that Lotte World is more for kids rather than adults.

Everland Theme Park

THIS IS THE MOST EXCITING TRIP! I wouldn't say that i'm a fan of thrilling rides but IT'S A MUST to visit this theme park in Korea for it's steepest ride of the world!

And not only that, it has a open range zoo in it!!