Travel Plan: Explore Seoul National Museum of Korea for 3 Days
Day 1: Arrival and Museum Exploration
– Hotel check-in: I recommended staying at Lotte Hotel Seoul, which is a 15-minute drive from the museum. The price starts from $150/night.
– Lunch: Have your first Korean meal at Geumsu Bokjib, located near the museum. Try their famous dishes such as galbigui (grilled beef ribs) and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes). The average price is around $12-15 per person.
– Seoul National Museum of Korea: Spend the afternoon exploring the museum’s various exhibitions, including traditional Korean art, Buddhist sculptures, and royal artifacts. The museum is open from 9 AM to 6 PM, and the entrance fee is around $4.
– Dinner: Enjoy the delicious Korean fried chicken at Two Two Chicken near the hotel. The average price is around $20-25 per person.
Day 2: Historic and Cultural Sites
– Breakfast: Start the day with a traditional Korean breakfast at Gwangjang Market. You can try various street foods such as bibimbap (mixed rice), bindaetteok (mung bean pancake), and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes). The average price is around $10-15 per person.
– Gyeongbokgung Palace: Take the subway (Line 3) from Anguk Station to Gyeongbokgung Station. This palace is one of Korea’s most popular tourist attractions, located in the heart of Seoul. The entrance fee is around $4.
– Bukchon Hanok Village: Walk over to Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional Korean village that will leave you feeling like you traveled back in time. Entrance is free, but some hanok (traditional Korean houses) charge admission fees for entrance.
– Lunch: Have a Korean-style pizza at Mr. Pizza, located near Bukchon Hanok Village. The average price is around $15-20 per person.
– Changdeokgung Palace: Take the subway (Line 3) from Anguk Station to Gyeongbokgung Station, and transfer to Line 3 to take the train to Anguk Station. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-visit for all history enthusiasts. The entrance fee is around $4.
– Dinner: End the day with a famous Korean dish, samgyupsal (grilled pork belly), at Linus BBQ near the hotel. The average price is around $20-25 per person.
Day 3: Modern and Trendy Seoul
– Breakfast: Start the day with some delicious Korean breakfast at Isaac Toast, located near the hotel. The average price is around $5-10 per person.
– COEX Mall: Take the subway (Line 2) from Seolleung Station to Samseong Station. The mall is one of the largest in Asia and features a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The entrance is free, but some exhibitions in the mall are paid.
– Lunch: Try some Korean-style hot dogs at the popular Korea Hotdog near COEX Mall. The average price is around $10-15 per person.
– Gangnam District: After lunch, stroll around the trendy Gangnam district and explore the various art galleries, cafes, and shops in the area.
– Dinner: End the day with some authentic Korean food at Saebyukjib near the hotel. Try their bibimbap or bulgogi (grilled marinated beef). The average price is around $15-20 per person.
FAQs:
1. What is the best time to visit the Seoul National Museum of Korea?
The museum is open all year round, but it is recommended to visit during weekdays to avoid crowds.
2. How do I get from the airport to the hotel?
You can take a taxi, which takes around 45 minutes from Incheon International Airport and costs around $40. Alternatively, you can take the airport shuttle bus or KTX train, which takes around an hour to arrive at Seoul Station.
3. Is there any dress code for visiting the palaces?
There is no dress code, but it is recommended to dress modestly and wear comfortable shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking.
4. What are some traditional Korean souvenirs I can buy?
Some popular Korean souvenirs include Korean traditional tea, hanji (Korean traditional paper), tteok (Korean rice cake), and traditional Korean accessories such as hairpins and earrings.
5. Is it safe to walk around Seoul at night?
Seoul is generally a safe city to walk around at night. However, it is recommended to avoid secluded areas and stay aware of your surroundings.
