Itinerary: Trendy Trip Through Downtown Seoul!

James
Aug 19, 2017
10 min read

Trendy Trip Through Downtown Seoul!

【 Photo: Sinsa-dong street 】

OVERVIEW

Seoul is a fast-paced city, sensitive to the whimsical changes of fads. All one has to do to feel this atmosphere is watch the Seoulites passing by, effortlessly navigating between what is in and what has faded. The constant change keeps Seoul exciting so that even a long stay here will feel new every day. For tourists who don’t have time to spare, it can be difficult to choose where to go. Read on for our suggested two-day itinerary, jam-packed with all the hottest places Seoul has to offer.

Day 1

10:00 AMHapjeong-dong Café Street

11:00 AMHongdae

2:00 PMSangam Digital Media City (DMC)

3:00 PMGyeongnidan-gil Road

5:00 PMUsadan-ro Road

7:00 PMDongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

10:00 AM, Have brunch at Hapjeong-dong Café Street

The streets of Hapjeong-dong are lined with quaint cafes. Each café has a unique atmosphere and personality, drawing in many young people looking for a special experience not found at large chains. From coffee made by certified baristas to delicious bingsu and various sweets, the cafés here have it all. Start your trip right by finding the perfect, hidden café for a cup of coffee and a light brunch to store up energy for the day ahead!

Directions (Arrival in Korea → Hapjeong-dong Café Street)
Departing from Incheon International Airport : Take the Airport Railroad from Incheon Int’l Airport Station and get off at Hongik Univ. Station (Seoul Subway Line 2, Gyeongui-Jungang Line, Airport Railroad) → Transfer to Seoul Subway Line 2 and get off at Hapjeong Station (Seoul Subway Line 2, 6) → Walk approx. 50m from Exit 5 (travel time approx. 1 hr 20 min).
Departing from Gimpo International Airport : Take the Airport Railroad from Gimpo Int’l Airport Station and get off at Hongik Univ. Station (Seoul Subway Line 2, Gyeongui-Jungang Line, Airport Railroad) → Transfer to Seoul Subway Line 2 and get off at Hapjeong Station (Seoul Subway Line 2, 6) → Walk approx. 50m from Exit 5 (travel time approx. 50 min).

11:00 AM, Shop in Hongdae (Hongik University Street)

Hongdae (Hongik University Street)

Ask anyone where you can find Seoul’s most youthful atmosphere and the answer will most definitely be Hongdae. This area, centered around Hongik University, is filled with shops selling various fashion styles, restaurants, pubs, clubs and more. With so much to do, it’s no wonder this district is bustling with visitors both day and night. Visit the free market at Hongdae playground, watch one of the many street performers showcase all they have, or just people-watch, keeping your eyes open for the fashion-conscious celebrities that visit the area. Hongdae is popular among trend-setters because you can easily find and purchase the latest trends in a variety of fashion styles. Particularly in recent years, the area has seen an increase in the number of multi-shops. Multi-shops feature dynamic brands and items, selected according to the merchandiser’s style, making it fun to browse and compare not just shops but the shop owners as well.

Directions (Hapjeong-dong Café Street → Hongdae, approx. 10 min) :Walk approx. 700m along Eoulmadang-ro Road from Hapjeong-dong Café Street to Hongdae (Hongik University Street).

2:00 PM, Tour hallyu contents at Sangam Digital Media City (DMC)

Sangam Digital Media City

Digital Media City (DMC) is an industrial complex located in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul. The area is home to the headquarters and media centers of many broadcasting companies, including Korea’s three main media networks. The largest building and the one sure to catch the eye is the new MBC building. The unique exterior isn’t the only great thing about this building; the building is also home to Garden Studio, an open-studio where visitors can watch a live radio broadcast. The area is often visited by hallyu fans, hoping to catch a glimpse of their favorite stars between broadcasts. The modern vibe of the buildings and sculptures at DMC were grand enough to earn them a spot in the filming of the international blockbuster hit, “Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015).”

Address :DMC Gallery, 366, Worldcupbuk-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Directions (Hongdae → Sangam Digital Media City, approx. 35 min) :Take Gyeonggui-Jungang Line from Hongik Univ. Station and get off at Susaek Station → Walk approx. 875m from Exit 1.
DMC Gallery :dmc.seoul.kr (Korean, English, Chinese)

3:00 PM, Take a souvenir photo at Gyeongnidan-gil Road

Gyeongnidan-gil Road

Gyeongnidan-gil Road located in Itaewon gained popularity thanks to being featured in variety programs like “Infinity Challenge,” and has recently taken the spotlight as a hot place. The area is famous for the vast number of restaurants, pubs, and cafés lining the street, drawing in many visitors looking for a delicious meal. The exotic exteriors of the cafés and street-art decorating the walls make this place great for taking photos. Buy churros and ice cream to eat as you enjoy all Gyeongnidan-gil Road has to offer!
Directions (Sangam Digital Media City → Gyeongnidan-gil Road, approx. 45 min) :Take Seoul Subway Line 6 from Digital Media City Station and get off at Noksapyeong Station (Seoul Subway Line 6) → Walk approx. 940m from Exit 2.

5:00 PM, Explore the vintage vibes of Usadan-ro Road

With the commercial district of Itaewon moving from the area around Itaewon Station to Gyeongnidan-gil Road, another street has emerged as a hot spot; Usadan-ro Road is located on the opposite side of Itaewon-ro Road from Gyeongnidan-gil Road. Running to Seoul Central Masjid, Usadan-ro Road offers a unique vacation experience. Rather than being flashy and commercialized, the road is famous for its plethora of antique shops. Walking among the mix of red-bricked houses and small shops, you will definitely enjoy the warm, vintage ambiance that cannot be mass produced.

Directions (Gyeongnidan-gil Road → Usadan-ro Road, approx. 25 min) :Take Circulation Bus No. 3 from Yongsan Hanshin Apt. Bus Stop and get off at Itaewon 119 Safety Center Bus Stop → Walk approx. 390m to Usadan-ro 10-gil.

7:00 PM, Take in the night view over dinner at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

Attracting attention at first sight of its exterior alone, Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) offers one of Seoul’s most vibrant night views. Built with large, curving lines over a wide area stretching from Pyounghwa Fashion Town to the newer shopping complexes, when the sun sets, the silver plating takes in and reflects back all the colorful lights of the surrounding shopping centers. The plaza regularly hosts fashion shows from international designers, artist exhibitions, and other cultural activities, and has many famous restaurants and designer shops. Whether for food or shopping, the stream of visitors to DDP seems never-ending. The DDP’s largest attraction is the expansive field of LED roses, creating the perfect romantic atmosphere to end your day. There are 25,550 roses, one rose for each day of the 70 years since Korea’s independence from Japan. The roses create a festival-like while celebrating Korea’s liberation atmosphere year-round.

Address :281, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
Directions (Usadan-ro → Dongdaemun Design Plaza, approx. 25 min) :Take Seoul Subway Line 6 from Itaewon Station and get off at Sindang Station (Seoul Subway Line 2, 6), Exit 9. → Walk approx. 175m to Chungmu Art Center.Sports Center.Central Fire Station Bus Stop → Take Bus No. 2012 and get off at Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Bus Stop → Walk approx. 45m to Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP).
Website :www.ddp.or.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

Day 2

9:00 AMLotte World and Lotte World Tower & Mall

1:00 PMSongpa Naru Park (Seokchonhosu Lake)

3:00 PMSinsa-dong Garosu-gil Road

6:30 PMYeouido Hangang Park River Ferry Cruise

7:30 PMSeoul 63 Square

9:00 AM, Enjoy leisure and shopping at Lotte World and Lotte World Tower & Mall

Conveniently located near Jamsil Station on Seoul Subway Line 2 and 8, Lotte World & Lotte World Tower is a multipurpose shopping mall featuring department stores, duty-free shops, a movie theater, aquarium, amusement park, ice skating rink and more. Since the opening of Lotte World Tower & Mall in 2014, it has truly become a one-stop entertainment destination. Even an entire day spent here would not be enough time to enjoy all that Lotte World Tower has to offer, but for our tour schedule, let’s enjoy a taste of the fun before continuing on our journey! The mall offers a great shopping experience, with a variety of shops selling everything from internationally renowned fashion brands to cosmetics to SPA brands. A duty-free shop featuring over 400 favorite brands of international tourists is additionally available, and Star Avenue has gained popularity for providing a fun hallyu culture experience. No shopping trip is complete without a nice meal, and Lotte World Tower does not disappoint. After getting your fill of shopping and entertainment, sit down to fill your belly at one of the mall’s many restaurants. The themed restaurant Seoul 3080 allows one to travel back in time along reproduced 1930’s Jongno Street and Myeong-dong from 1960-1980. If you want the feeling of traveling the world, stop by 29th Street, designed with the concept of walking down the streets of a foreign country in mind.

Address
Lotte World: 240, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul
Lotte World Tower & Mall: 300, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul
Directions (Dongdaemun Design Plaza → Lotte World, approx. 40 min) :Take Seoul Subway Line 2 from Dongademun History & Culture Park Station and get off at Jamsil Station (Seoul Subway Line 2) → Walk approx. 365m from Exit 4.
Directions (Lotte World → Lotte World Tower & Mall, approx. 10 min) :Walk approx. 635m from Lotte World to Lotte World Tower.
Operating hours (Lotte World) :Mon-Thu 09:30-22:00 / Fri-Sun 09:30-23:00
Admission (Lotte World) :Adults 41,000~52,000 won / Teenagers 36,000~45,000 won / Children 32,000~41,000 won / Babies 13,000 won
※ Prices are based on one-day tickets. Fee varies based on time of admission and type of ticket.
Websites
Lotte World : www.lotteworld.com (Korean, English)
Lotte World Tower & Mall : www.lwt.co.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

1:00 PM, Go for a stroll at Songpa Naru Park (Seokchonhosu Lake)

Seokchonhosu Lake resembles a figure 8, being divided in two sections of dongho (East Lake) and seoho (West Lake). From the east lake, Korea’s tallest building, Lotte World Tower, can be observed up close while the west lake offers a view of Lotte World’s fairy tale-like Magic Island. The lake is also known for its beautiful cherry blossoms in spring and colorful foliage in autumn. If you time your visit just right, you can catch the amusement park’s firework show reflecting off the lake at night. During the day, it is quite common to spot Seoulites out for a jog or office workers enjoying their lunch break at the park.

Address :Songpa Tourist Information Center, 180, Jamsil-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul
Directions (Lotte World → Songpa Naru Park (Seokchonhosu Lake), approx. 10 min) :Walk approx. 630m from Lotte World to Seokchonhosu West Lake (Magic Island).

3:00 PM, Enjoy shopping and tea time at Sinsa-dong Garosu-gil Road

The hippest trend-setters and fashionistas are easily spotted at Sinsa-dong Garosu-gil Road, as if the whole road were a long catwalk. The street is lined with stores selling the latest and most unique fashion items. Editorial shops are quite common and if you’re lucky, you might be able to snag a limited edition item! Give your tired legs a rest after your shopping spree by relaxing at one of the many cafés on this tree-lined street. For the best way to soak in the atmosphere of Garosu-gil, look for a café with a patio or open window seating. With the number of cozy and uniquely decorated cafés and dessert shops along the boulevard, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed about your decision, but rest assured that no matter which café you chose, you will enjoy yourself.

Address :Area of Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Directions (Songpa Naru Park (Seokchonhosu Lake) → Sinsa-dong Garosu-gil Road, approx. 50 min) :Take Seoul Subway Line 2 from Jamsil Station and get off at Seoul National Univ. of Education Station (Seoul Subway Line 2, 3) → Transfer to Seoul Subway Line 3 and get off at Sinsa Station (Seoul Subway Line 3) → Walk approx. 450m from Exit 8.

6:30 PM, Star in your own K-drama aboard E-land Cruise (Hangang River Cruise)

Fans of the hit drama, “My Love from the Star (2014)” will recognize this location from the scene where the main character Jeon Ji-hyun attended a party cruise. You can enjoy the same spectacular night view of Seoul from the Hangang River Cruise. Take in the bustling city as you float by on the leisurely flowing Hangang River, running through the heart of the city.

Address :290, Yeouidong-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
Directions (Sinsa-dong Garosu-gil Road → Yeouido Hangang Park cruise dock, approx. 1 hr 10 min) :Take Seoul Subway Line 3 from Sinsa Station and get off at Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station (Seoul Subway Line 1, 3, 5) → Transfer to Seoul Subway Line 5 and get off at Yeouinaru Station (Seoul Subway Line 5) → Walk approx. 1km from Exit 3.
Operating hours (Hangang River Cruise) :11:30-19:30
※ Ferry operates with intervals of 1~1.5 hours.
Fees :Adults 12,000 won / Teenagers 12,000 won / Children 8,400 won
※ Prices are based on the standard Hangang River Cruise. Prices vary for other cruise programs.
Website :www.elandcruise.com (Korean, Chinese)

7:30 PM, Enjoy the nightscape from Seoul 63 Square

Nightscape from 63 Art

One view of Seoul that should not be missed is the city’s night view. Starlight is replaced by the powerful lights of the tall buildings and the many cars still filling the streets. Seoul 63 Square, a landmark of the city, offers one of the best spots to view this bright nightscape. Seoul 63 Square, also known as 63 Building, has an art museum, 63 Art, on its 60th floor, the art museum closest to the sky. The museum also serves as an observation deck, allowing visitors to enjoy a 360 degree panorama of the city. The ever-popular Namsan Seoul Tower can be spotted to the northeast and the newly built Lotte World Tower is located in the southeast. The art museum also serves as a perfect front-row seat for enjoying Seoul International Fireworks Festival, taking place in October of every year.

Address :50, 63-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
Directions (Yeouido Hangang Park cruise dock → Seoul 63 Square, approx. 3 min) :Walk approx. 150m.
Operating hours (63 Art) :10:00-22:00
Admission (63 Art) :Adults 13,000 won / Teenagers 12,000 won / Children 11,000 won
Website :www.63.co.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)