There are only 7 days left of my trip in Korea. I realised this right before going to Busan and then also became aware that we had not yet done any sightseeing in Seoul. In the past month, we did make a list of worthwhile ‘attractions’ to visit. The only thing missing was a plan which has now been made by Ina: Seoul in ‘one week’.
June 24
Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest palace out of the palaces built by the Joseon Dynasty.
Opening times during June, July and August are between 9 am and 6.30 pm.
The entry fee amounts 3.000 won for adults (people aged between 19 and 64).
June 25
1. Buksan Mountain. Climbing up and down in 3 hours. Due to the warm weather, we plan to go around 7 am in the morning. There is no entry fee. (We decided to sleep instead of climbing the mountain)
2. Bukchon Hanok Village, a village with hundreds of traditional houses that date back to the Joseon Dynasty. There is no entry fee nor an opening time.
3. Changdeokgung Palace and Secret Garden. The opening times are as followed:
Palace: April – September: 9 am – 6.30 pm. Secret Garden: June – August: 10 am – 6.30 pm.
It costs 3.000 won to enter the palace and 5.000 won to enter the Secret Garden.
It is also wise to reserve a place if you want to visit the Secret Garden.
June 26
1. Possibly doing a photo shoot in traditional Korean clothes. (I can’t smile or look natural in front of a camera so we probably won’t do it in the end, but the possibility is there).
Dongdaemun night market. Going out around 9 pm and maybe shop until 5 am?
June 27
1. Visit a tea house in the Hanok village around 10 am.
2. Attend a traditional ceremony which is being held around 1 pm.
June 28
1. Visit the Queer parade that starts at 11 am around City Hall.
2. Go to the Rosegarden. Opening times: 9 am – 9 pm.
June 29
1. Alive museum. Open from 10 am to 10.30 pm.
2. Namsan Tower. Open from 10 am to 11 pm.
June 30
DMZ tour; a Half Day Tour which lasts from 8 am till 2.30 pm.
You have to reserve places for attending a tour 24 hours on beforehand. There are several different kinds of tours and prices vary. We chose to do one which can be found here.
You can get a discount if you make an online reservation.
July 01
1. Pay a visit to the K-pop museum in Seoul. Open from 10 am to 7 pm.
2. Rent bicycles at the Han-Gang river.
3. Visit a local cinema to watch a movie.
July 02
Soedaemun Prison History Hall. Opening times: 9.30 am – 6 pm. In order to enter you will have to pay 1500 won.
I suppose I’m posting this so that you can prepare yourself for an overload of touristic posts that I will post in the upcoming week. They are mainly meant for family and friends who like to know how my trip is going :).
Other posts in my South Korean Travel Series:
Preparing my trip to South Korea
The way things are
Arriving in Korea
Nothing touristic, just Korean food
Gay supporters, OUT
Exploring Jeju
To the summit of the Hallasan mountain!
The pond of God
Monkeys in our backyard
Yakcheonsa Buddhist Temple
Surrounded by mist on Udo Island
Busan day one
Busan day two
Seoul in ‘one week’
A large palace with little doors
Deoksung Palace
Enter the Secret Garden
Love conquers hate
SMTOWN
Bukchon Hanok Village
Chicken and beer at the Hangang River
Hello Kitty Cafe and actual cats
Korean Engrish
No more kamsamnida