Mention Running Man, PSY, 2NE1 or Descendants of the Sun and almost everyone would immediately know who and what you are referring to. The Korean Wave, or Hallyu, is a global phenomenon of the South Korea Culture that has quite literally exploded into the hearts and minds of everyone.
This global expansion of their culture would also mean that there is no better time than now to visit South Korea and its capital, Seoul! This guide would tell you more about the many attractions, food, and accommodations in Seoul!
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Where to Stay
CentreMark Hotel
Seoul, being a major tourist destination, has no shortage of places for you to rest at the end of the day! For starters, visitors can head down to the CentreMark hotel, located in the Insadong neighbourhood in Seoul. With 250 rooms and plenty of restaurants in its vicinity, nothing can go wrong when you stay here! Plus, on Fave, you get $163 OFF their usual rates!
The hotel is also near famous attractions like the Gyeongbokgung Palace, making this place a cultural haven. Furthermore, booking your accommodation HERE would also mean that you will get a complimentary voucher to the Running Man Thematic Experience Centre and free shuttle services to Seoul Station!
Tmark Hotel
If shopping is what you are going after in Seoul, then look no further than booking your accommodation at the Tmark Hotel. Located in the heart of the bustling shopping district at Myeongdong, visitors can rest their weary feet after a day of intensive shopping with convenience!
Just a two-minute walk away from Chungmuro Station, this 288-room hotel is also near many famous attractions in Seoul, like the Namsangol Hanok Village, N Seoul Tower, and many more.
Book your stay HERE for 35% off their usual price and get a free entry to the Running Man Thematic Experience Centre and shuttle services to Seoul Station!
Food Recommendations
No holiday trip is perfect without eating good food. That being said, food hunting can be quite tedious at times, especially in a foreign country. This guide barely scratches the surface of the abundance of good food found in Seoul; it is deserving of having an article all by itself.
Namdaemun Market
If street food is your thing, look no further than Namdaemum Market. There are plenty of stalls selling buns, dumplings and Hotteok. Being a marketplace, this place doubles up as a shopping paradise too!
Source: http://www.thanislim.com/2017/10/seoul-food-guide-must-eat-places-in.html
Pyeongraeok
While it might be weird to find North Korean cuisine in Seoul, mention Pyeongraeok to the locals and you will get instant recognition. This restaurant serves Chogyetang, a dish more associated with the north counterparts.
Source: https://www.timeout.com/seoul/restaurants/pyeongraeok
Yeontabal BBQ Restaurant
What is going to South Korea and not having a Korean BBQ meal? Yeontabal BBQ restaurant specialises in Korean barbeque over their charcoal grills. While it can be a little pricier than your other meals, you will definitely not leave this place disappointed!
Source: https://www.willflyforfood.net/2017/12/30/korean-food-guide-22-must-eat-restaurants-in-seoul-south-korea/
The Real Haejangguk
This restaurant serves delicious steamy hot Haejangguk, AKA hangover soup. The name speaks for itself, really. There is nothing better than having a bowl of hot, nutritious soup on a cold winter day!
Source: http://www.thanislim.com/2017/10/seoul-food-guide-must-eat-places-in.html
To get your coffee fix, Seoul has many coffee chains littered all over the city. Popular coffee chains include Ediya Coffee, PAIK’s Coffee, and Paris Baguette, which also serves delicious French Korean pastries!
Things to Do
Running Man Thematic Experience Centre
Running Man
Source: https://www.hallyusg.net/2018/04/13/ktravel-runningman/
Everland
Probably South Korea’s answer to mega theme parks like Disneyland and Universal Studios, Everland is the country’s largest theme park! Explore the park’s five themed area, which includes roller coasters, mazes, and even a zoo! Do remember to pack your swimwear along too, as it houses Caribbean Bay, the world’s largest indoor and outdoor waterpark. With so many things to do, be sure to spend an entire day here! Thankfully, visitors can buy an all-day pass HERE at only S$52 (U.P. S$66.22). One should definitely not pass up such a sweet deal when visiting Everland!
Source: Instagram @jeng_vee
Korean Folk Village
If Korean culture is your cup of tea, then head on down to Korean Folk Village, a living museum recreating the late Joseon period! Take a step back in time and learn and see the different elements of tradition Korean life here. Check out the street market, as well as performances held here!
Source: Instagram @msiswanto
Gwangmyeong Cave
Located in the outskirts of Seoul, the Gwangmyeong Cave is the largest caved theme park created in an actual cave complex. Do not miss out on the many attractions here, which includes an aquarium, the Underground Lake, the Gold Falls, and even a winery! As this attraction is located in a slightly more isolated location, visitors can purchase a pass HERE or HERE for shuttle services to and fro the complex. Note that the two different passes go to different venues besides the
Source: https://www.koreatodo.com/gwangmyeong-cave?lightbox=dataItem-jfm0101d
Of course, this article serves merely as a guide and the list is certainly not exhaustive; explore this huge metropolis on your own and you will find plenty more things to do!
