A Perfect Day: Seoul in One Day

9 AM: Breakfast in the Hanok Village

I like to start my day where old Seoul meets the modern city: in Bukchon Hanok Village. The many trendy cafés in traditional Hanok houses offer countless breakfast options. All are worth a try, so just stroll through the neighborhood and settle wherever it feels right – or wherever you can find a seat. I'm especially fond of Thanks, Oat, where I enjoy a breakfast bowl with a delicious coffee. Also recommended in the area is Waoak, which opens at noon. In its beautiful courtyard, people play Go – the stones are available at the café – or take in the view from the terrace.

10 AM: Art Appreciation and Gift Shopping

After a hearty breakfast, I wander further through the Hanok Village. I'm fascinated not only by the old Korean architecture but also by the many art galleries that have sprung up in the area. Don't be shy – the owners are happy when you show interest in their exhibits and take your time to look around. The Hanok Gallery and Kukje Gallery are definitely worth a visit. For small gifts, I love browsing at Bukchon Pen Drawing.

11 AM: Palace Visit in Traditional Korean Dress

There's no time for shopping this morning, as the Gyeongbokgung Palace and the National Palace Museum, located on the same grounds, are on my agenda. My insider tip: around the palace, there are many shops where you can rent the traditional Korean outfit, the Hanbok – and anyone wearing one gets free admission to all five of the city's palaces!

1 PM: Casual and Delicious Lunch

For a relaxed and delicious lunch, I stop by Gaeseong Traditional Dumpling House. My special tip: order mandu-guk, a delicious soup with mandu (stuffed dumplings). But the steamed and assorted gaesong mandu – two filled with kimchi, two with pork, and two with mushrooms – also arrive piping hot and fragrant. They taste simply divine, as the renowned Michelin Guide agrees, awarding this modest-looking restaurant its Bib Gourmand year after year, meaning outstanding food, moderate prices.

2 PM: Hiking and a Rooftop View

After lunch, a little movement is in order. My recommendation is a hike up to N Seoul Tower, located in the scenic Namsan Park. To save time, I take the bus part of the way, but the final stretch to the tower is only accessible on foot. Then it's a short elevator ride, and voilà: the city stretches out beneath me! On the way down, I take the southwestern route, because I've discovered a fantastic rooftop bar in the Yongsan District: Noop. The entrance is a bit hidden in an underground parking lot, but it's easy to find thanks to the signage. Another elevator ride takes me up, and once there, I relax with a refreshing drink and some snacks.

6 PM: Catching Baseball Fever

I skip dinner and head instead to a baseball game at Jamsil Stadium. Many people don't realize that Koreans are crazy about this quintessentially American sport. The atmosphere is correspondingly lively and infectious. And there's still food: Korean fried chicken or deep-fried cheese balls. And, of course, a refreshing beer to go with it.

If sports aren't your thing and you'd rather indulge in culinary experiences, you should absolutely try Korean barbecue. My favorites: Honey Pig House for grilled pork, or Kkochsaljib for those who prefer beef.

9:30 PM: Unwinding by the Han River

To end the evening, I sit by the river in Ttukseom Hangang Park. If you're still hungry (or at least peckish), grab a bowl of ramen to go from one of the many convenience stores in the area. For those who arrive a little earlier, around 8:30 pm, spectacular drone shows are sometimes held over the Han River, putting most fireworks displays to shame.

About

Jee-Hae Youm has been part of Lufthansa's social media team as a Communication Manager Media Production since 2019. Even though she's not part of the flight crew, she travels extensively. In addition to her annual trip to South Korea, she visits a new country every year. Her most recent destinations: Brazil, Colombia, and Réunion.