Seoul Trip Activities

Seoul Trip Activities

Day 1 – Seoul: Myeongdong, Hongdae and Ewha Shopping

Transfer from Incheon Airport to Seoul by AREX Non-stop (ensure that you buy tickets for the non-stop AREX as there is another commuter train that stops at a lot of stations before reaching Seoul city centre)

The AREX station is quite some distance from the Incheon station (set aside about 15-20 minutes walking time after you have cleared Customs and collected your luggages).

Follow the signs that says Airport Railroad or ask one of the helpful airport staff.

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You will stop at Seoul station and from there, take a taxi to your hotel.  We stayed at the J Hill Hotel – be prepared with directions or the hotel name written in Korean and show it to the taxi driver.

Check-in to J Hill Hotel and walk around the Myeongdong shopping street.  The hotel is located in the heart of the Myeongdong shopping street.  Remember to print discount coupons from the Visit Korea Committee (VKC) if you are buying skincare products at Myeongdong.  In fact, only buy skincare products in Myeongdong as you will get lots of samples when you buy any amount.

Shopping at Hongdae Market. Take the MRT from Line 4 Myeongdong station to Line 2 Hongik University station (Exit 6).  During weekends, there are interesting markets set up at Hongdae Park e.g. flea market and art market.

Shopping at Ewha Market. Take a taxi from Hongdae Market to Ewha Market. Both markets are very near and the taxi fare is about S$4-5.

Take a taxi (or take the MRT from Line 2 Ewha University station back to Myeongdong for dinner before catching the NANTA performance at Myeongdong NANTA theatre.  Possible dinner places: Yoogane – I recommend the Dak Galbi fried rice!

Day 2 – Seoul: Nami Island and Petite France and Dongdaemun Shopping

It is possible to take the MRT + commuter train to Nami Island and Petite France (both at the Gapyeong region).  We booked a private driver (about 300 USD) – taking the public transport will be much much cheaper but you will need to coordinate the train and bus schedule and there will be quite some time spent travelling.

Nami Island in the morning

Petite France (the Little Prince-themed village) in the afternoon.  There is a Visit Korea Committee (VKC) discount coupon/voucher for entrance to Petite France.

Drop off at Dongdaemun for more shopping

Day 3 – Seoul: Noryangjin Fish Market, Gangam Beauty Belt and Myeongdong Cat Cafe

Late morning – visit Noryangjin Fish Market (get off at Noryangjin MRT station – Line 1); once you arrived, you will know you are near the fish market from the smell.

Buy live seafood from Level 1 – bargain hard for a good price (for the seafood itself + cooking and preparation fees).  The seafood stalls works with the restaurants at Level 2 to cook and prepare your purchased seafood for you.

Visit Gangnam Beauty Belt (get off at Apgujeong station) and you will see lots of Before and After plastic surgery ads.  Once you exit from the station, you will find a lot of plastic surgery clinics along the road – on the exterior, they looked just like office buildings.  Nothing much to see unless you are interested to find out more - you can walk in for a consultation.  Do note that most clinics require prior appointments for even consultations.

Take the train back to Myeongdong – experience interesting themed cafes i.e. Miss Lee café (try to the bento kimchi rice), O Sulloc Café (green tea themed café) and Myeongdong Cat café (as the name implies – cats will roam about while you enjoy a cup of coffee)

Dinner at Red Sun Toppoki (or Tteokbokki)

Day 4: Seoul – Demilitarized Zone/Joint Security Area (DMZ-JSA) Tour

Tour the Joint Security Area and the Demilitarized Zone with USO Tours.  Book early with Koridoor USO tours as the tickets run out quite quickly since this is the most affordable tour going into the Joint Security Area (JSA).  Do note that there is a difference between JSA and DMZ tours. Most tours market themselves as going to DMZ but this excludes a visit to the JSA (where the North and South Korean soldiers face each other).

Chillax at Myeongdong Rest with Coffee and Books café where you can enjoy complimentary fish spa with coffee and tea.

Dinner at Myeongdong Gyoza – great Chinese-style dumplings served!

Day 5: Return to Singapore

Remember to claim your tax refund for your shopping in Seoul (and/or any other parts of South Korea)