KKday Travel Experience
How to Explore Seoul on a Free & Easy Trip? Let KKday teach you how to plan your Seoul adventure, starting with itinerary arrangements, then recommend the top Seoul attractions, various transportation options at the airport and in the city, must-try food lists, and essential souvenirs you shouldn’t miss out on buying. Just read this one guide and you’ll be all set to conquer Seoul with ease!(Photo credit: unsplash)
Taiwanese citizens can visit South Korea visa-free. As long as you hold a Taiwanese passport valid for more than 6 months, you can enjoy a 90-day visa exemption for traveling in Seoul.
South Korea’s voltage is 220V (volts), 60Hz (hertz), with round two-pin plugs.
South Korea Emergency Numbers: Police/Fire/Ambulance: 112 / 119 / Emergency Medical Center: 1339
An important thing to note about South Korea’s tax refund system is that it is calculated in brackets, and each refund company may have different refund limits. Just remember that you can get a tax refund for purchases over KRW 30,000. Also, if a single purchase exceeds KRW 75,000 for tax-refundable items, you cannot get a refund in the city and must have it confirmed by customs at the airport before checking it in. Be sure to keep this in mind.
※ Airport tax refund procedure for items over KRW 75,000 to be checked in:
First, check in at the airline counter → inform the ground staff that you have items to be checked in after customs confirmation → take the items to be inspected and your luggage to the inspection area → after inspection, check in your luggage directly from the baggage belt at customs (or some people report that customs may instruct you to go back to the airline counter to check in, so always follow the current instructions from customs!)
You can follow the itinerary above and save the map on your phone to use while exploring. This itinerary includes a Korean hanbok experience, Namsan Tower, shopping, night views, and a visit to a jjimjilbang—all in one. It’s perfect for first-time travelers to Seoul or those unfamiliar with the city—just follow this plan and you’re good to go!
If you’re staying in Seoul for five days, I’d suggest scheduling a day trip to the suburbs on one of those days—visit places like Nami Island, Little France Village, or Gangchon Rail Bike. The Seoul suburbs won’t disappoint!
As the largest and most beautifully designed of Korea’s Five Grand Palaces, Gyeongbokgung holds a significant place in Korean history. A visit to Gyeongbokgung will not only allow you to see traditional Korean palace architecture but also offer a deeper understanding of Korea’s history.
The plaza between Gwanghwamun Gate and Heungnyemun Gate is free to enter, and there’s a ceremonial changing of the guards at fixed times. Plus, wearing a hanbok to visit Gyeongbokgung is now free—it’s perfect for dressing up and taking great photos!
Source:KKday
Changing of the Guards Ceremony Times:
■ Royal Guard Changing Ceremony: 10:00, 14:00 (each session lasts about 20 minutes)
■ Gwanghwamun Gate Guarding Ceremony: 11:00, 13:00 (each session lasts about 10 minutes)
■ Royal Guards’ Public Training (outside Heungnyemun Gate): 9:30, 13:30 (each session lasts about 15 minutes)
※ Ceremony times may be changed or canceled due to circumstances or weather conditions. Please pay attention to on-site notices.
Additionally, although Gyeongbokgung usually closes between 5:00 and 6:30 PM on weekdays, it holds a limited-time “Night Visit” event every year that always attracts many Korean couples lining up for tickets to enjoy a romantic date amidst the ancient city’s darkness!
■ Address: 161 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Coordinates: 37.579617, 126.977020)
■ Transportation: Exit 5 of Gyeongbokgung Station on Line 3, a 5-minute walk
■ Operating Hours: Closed on Tuesdays
Jan–Feb & Dec: 09:00–17:00 / Mar–May: 09:00–18:00
Jun–Aug: 09:00–18:30 / Sep–Oct: 09:00–18:00
Nov–Dec: 09:00–17:00
■ Admission: Adults 3,000 KRW / Children (under 18) 1,500 KRW (Ticket sales stop one hour before closing)
■ Phone: +82 2-3700-3900
■ Gyeongbokgung Official Website
Bukchon is a village full of traditional Korean architecture, but its charm goes beyond just traditional culture. In recent years, cultural creativity has been booming in South Korea, and in Bukchon you can find many creative cultural products that blend tradition with modernity. Also, nearby Samcheong-dong, which I personally highly recommend as a must-visit spot in Seoul, is home to numerous design boutiques and specialty cafés.
There are also hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) try-on experiences suitable for foreigners that you can enjoy here. The Bukchon Eight Scenic Spots are also famous photo spots in the area. You can grab a map at the tourist information center and go on an adventure to collect all eight of the most beautiful views scattered throughout Bukchon!
Source:Shutterstock
Editor’s Tip:
Many hanok houses in Bukchon are still lived in by residents today. If you visit Bukchon, remember to keep your footsteps and voice quiet so as not to disturb the daily lives of the locals!
Bukchon Hanok Village
■ Address: 37 Gye-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea (Coordinates: 37.582900, 126.983528)
■ Transportation: Take Subway Line 3 to Anguk Station, Exit 1 or 2
■ Phone: +82-2-2148-4160
■ Official Website: Bukchon Hanok Village
First-time visitors to Seoul absolutely must not miss Seoul Tower, which offers an amazing city view. It's highly recommended to visit during dusk—once you're up the tower, you can slowly enjoy the setting sun and Seoul’s beautiful night scenery. The romantic atmosphere makes it perfect for couples, friends, and families alike. At the base of Seoul Tower, there’s the famous Teddy Bear Museum, and you can also choose to take the cable car up the mountain for a different way to explore Namsan Tower!
■ Address: 1-3, Namsandong 2-ga, Yongsan Park-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea (Coordinates: 37.551186, 126.988248)
■ Transportation: Take Subway Line 4 to Myeongdong Station, Exit 3, then transfer to Namsan Shuttle Bus 05.
■ Operating Hours: Open year-round
Monday–Friday & Sunday: 10:00–23:00 / Saturday: 10:00–24:00 (Observation deck; entry allowed until 30 minutes before closing)
■ Ticket: Adults 10,000 KRW / Children 8,000 KRW
■ Phone: +82-2-3455-9277, 9288
■ Seoul Tower Official Website
■ Smart travelers tip: Buy your Seoul Tower observation deck e-ticket in advance!
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Source:Fotolia
1. Airport Transfers
From Incheon Airport to Downtown
■ Airport Railroad Express (AREX)
"Direct Train: 8,000 KRW, about 43 minutes, less frequent service, does not stop at Gimpo Airport.
"All-stop Train: 4,250 KRW, about 58 minutes, more frequent service.
■ Limousine Airport Bus
The most popular bus is the 6001, which goes to Seoul Station, Euljiro, Dongdaemun History & Culture Park, and other busy areas. The ride takes about one hour and costs 10,000 KRW per person.
From Gimpo Airport to Downtown
■ Airport Railroad Express (AREX)
All-stop Train: 4,250 KRW, about 58 minutes.
■ Limousine Airport Bus
If you’re heading to Myeongdong, go to Exit 1 and take Bus Route 6021. To get from Myeongdong to Gimpo Airport, wait at the bus stop near Exit 8 of Myeongdong Subway Station.
If you're traveling in a large group or arriving late, renting a private car is a great option. After all, the cost per person is quite good value, and you can comfortably ride all the way to your accommodation!
2. Seoul City Transportation
■ Seoul Subway
The T-Money card (similar to Taiwan’s EasyCard) can be used on all lines. Below is a summary of major attractions on each line to help you plan your itinerary:
"Subway Line 1: Jongno 5-ga (Gwangjang Market), Jonggak (Cheonggyecheon Stream, Jonggak Underground Shopping Mall), Dongdaemun (Dongdaemun Design Plaza)
"Subway Line 2: Hongik Univ., Sinchon, Hongdae
"Subway Line 3: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Anguk (Samcheong-dong)
"Subway Line 4:
Hyehwa (Ewha Mural Village, Daehangno shopping area), Dongdaemun History & Culture Park (Dongdaemun Design Plaza)
"Subway Line 5: Gwanghwamun, Jongno 3-ga (various temples located here)
"Subway Line 6: Itaewon
"Subway Line 7: Konkuk University
"Subway Line 8: Jamsil Station (Jamsil Underground Shopping Mall, Lotte World)
"Subway Line 9: Express Bus Terminal (Express Bus Terminal Underground Shopping Mall)
■ Buses
Buses in Korea come in three colors—green, blue, and red (ordered from shortest to longest distance). Seoul is divided into seven zones, each with a designated number. By matching the bus color with its number, you can roughly tell where the bus is headed. Use your transportation card to tap in at the front door and tap out at the back door when exiting.
"Blue: Connects the city outskirts with the urban center and surrounding areas
"Red: Connects the city center with surrounding regions
"Green: Connects subway stations with each other
"Yellow: Operates around central areas (for business or sightseeing)
If you want convenient and extensive transportation access, the top recommended areas to stay are Myeongdong and Hongdae. Both are surrounded by shopping districts, and it’s not too far to reach various parts of Seoul via subway.
Next up would be Seoul Station or Euljiro 3-ga. Seoul Station is very convenient, connected to many subway lines, and has an AREX express train directly to the airport. Euljiro 3-ga is very close to Myeongdong, with nearby department stores like Lotte Department Store and Young Plaza—perfect if you love shopping!
When it comes to Korea, delicious food comes to mind—whether it's kimchi, kimbap, bibimbap, or Korean fried chicken, there's always a long list of must-tries when visiting Korea. If you’re not sure what to eat in Seoul, check out these recommendations from us!
Source:Shutterstock
1. Samgyetang at Lan? Ssiing
The must-try winter dish in Korea is samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup)! Actually, for Koreans, tonic food is usually consumed in summer. Ginseng chicken soup is made with various Chinese herbs and is considered a nourishing meal—some restaurants even serve it only in summer!
Source:Fotolia
■ Address: 354-12, Seokyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul (Coordinates: 37.553841, 126.920226)
■ Phone: +82 2-325-3399
■ Business Hours: 10:00~22:00
■ How to get there: Take Subway Line 2 to Hongik Univ. Station, Exit 9, and walk four blocks straight ahead
2. Korean BBQ at ???
Korean BBQ is an absolute must on any local’s list of group dining favorites in Korea. The fresh meat develops a sweet aroma when grilled, turning crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It's often grilled together with onions and garlic, which makes it even more flavorful. Wrap it up in lettuce or perilla leaves along with kimchi, garlic, and pickled radish, then dip it in the sauce — that’s the authentic way to enjoy Korean BBQ!
Source:Fotolia
■ Address: Korea Seoul, Mapo-gu, Hapjeong-dong, Woldeukeom-ro, 33 (Coordinates: 33.481676, 126.470793)
■ Business Hours: 17:00–00:00
■ How to Get There: Take subway Line 2 to Hapjeong Station, exit through Exit 9 or 8, and walk about 10 minutes.
■ Address: Korea ? (Missing info) Jung-gu, Myeong-dong, Myeongdong 10-gil, 19-3 (Coordinates: 37.563058, 126.985649)
■ Business Hours: 11:30–02:00
■ How to Get There: Go straight out Exit 6 or 7 in the Myeongdong shopping district, turn right after seeing Zara, and then take the first right alleyway to find it.
3. Classic Seoul Snacks: Fish Cake Skewers + Spicy Rice Cakes + Blood Sausage
One of Korea’s most iconic snacks that you simply have to try when visiting the country. You’ll often find it at street food stalls. While waiting for your spicy rice cakes to cook, start munching on a fish cake skewer. Want to eat like a local? Just grab one and start eating without saying anything!
Since payment is done all at once at the end, you don’t need to specifically ask for “one fish cake.” Just leave the used bamboo skewer on the counter, and the vendor will tally it up for you at the end. You can also grab a cup of soup to go with it!
Source:Fotolia
Spicy rice cakes aren’t only boiled — some prefer them stir-fried too. Some people love their Korean rice cakes coated in gochujang (Korean chili paste)!
Source:Fotolia
Opinions on blood sausage among those who’ve tried it in Korea are quite divided. Some find it fishy and unappetizing, while others absolutely love it. But for many Koreans, blood sausage is definitely an essential part of their culinary culture. It often appears in K-dramas and variety shows. There are various ways to prepare it — stir-fried, deep-fried, steamed, and it even makes appearances in many types of soups and rice dishes!
Source:Fotolia
■ Myeongdong Shopping District (Myeongdong Subway Station Coordinates: 37.560905, 126.986414)
■ How to Get There: Take subway Line 4 to Myeongdong Station, exits 5, 6, or 7 (use Exit 7 if carrying heavy items)
■ Editor’s Tip: Aside from cosmetics and fashion, Myeongdong is also full of street food stalls where you can sample authentic fish cake skewers, spicy rice cakes, and blood sausage!
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1. Banana Milk
Banana milk is practically Korea’s national drink. With its rich banana flavor, this small and adorable milk pack is beloved by tourists. Aside from the classic banana flavor, there are also lighter banana options, as well as strawberry, cantaloupe, and coffee flavors. Having a bottle a day while in Seoul is totally acceptable. If you want to bring some home, remember to pack it in your checked luggage — otherwise, customs might confiscate it!
2. Kimchi
Besides banana milk, kimchi is another must-buy souvenir when in Korea. Compared to Taiwanese kimchi, Korean kimchi has a stronger fermented taste — tangy with a spicy kick. Its unique aroma developed through fermentation adds layers of flavor, making any meal more appetizing!
Editor’s Tip:
It’s best to buy kimchi during the last 1–2 days of your trip, or it might spoil before you return to Taiwan if not stored properly. Alternatively, you can buy it at the airport duty-free shops — since you’ll be boarding your flight right away, it’s less likely to go bad!
3. Various Instant Noodles
Korean instant noodles come in a huge variety of flavors and textures. Many of my friends who visit Korea always bring back tons of them. Personally, I’m a fan of the dry instant noodles, especially the explosively spicy spicy fire chicken noodles. They have chewy noodles, and there are even cheese-flavored ones and double-nuclear spicy versions — perfect for spice lovers to try. There’s also a honey-cheese flavored dry noodle that’s super delicious too!
[KKday Travel Experience]Authorized Repost | Original Article: [2018 Seoul Travel Guide — The Ultimate Lazy Pack]
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