TRAVEL SERIES || A Day In Seoul
Our vision is to take you on day trips to cities around the world. Featuring the best local hangouts so you can experience life like a local on your adventures. Join us for A Day In Seoul.
BREAKFAST || Isaac Toast
-ga, 18-37 Euljiro 6(yuk)-ga, Jung-gu
In the wee hours of the morning we landed in Seoul and took a shuttle bus to Dongdaemun. The shops had yet to open and we wandered past the darkened store fronts anticipating our planned shopping spree later in the day. A small stand in the inner streets behind the shopping centre was busy with a long line-up, and two middle-aged ladies worked on a heated cooking plate making sandwiches. We peered closer and saw the ladies butter both sides of the toast, lay on Korean meats and vegetables and top it off with mouth-watering sauces. Needless to say we quickly got in line after our brief observation to purchase our own. Definitely the best way to start your day - a hot, savoury sandwich brimming with seasoned meat juices - what's not to love?
ARCHITECTURE || Dongdaemun Plaza
281 Eulji-ro, Euljiro 7(chil)-ga, Jung-gu
After you have finished enjoying your breakfast, cross the street to visit a renowned architectural landmark in Seoul - Dongdaemun Plaza (DDP). Designed by the late architect Zaha Hadid, DDP boasts the architects infamous sleek, curved lines. Visit the current exhibition, browse the extensive Design Shop, or grab a coffee and sit in the open-air plaza.
SHOPPING || Doota
275 Jangchungdan-ro, Euljiro 6(yuk)-ga, Jung-gu
If you are looking for unique pieces for your wardrobe, Doota mall's main floor is the place to be. From pop up shops featuring the latest up and coming designers to featured designers who have shown their collection on international fashion runways, this is where you shop Korea's brightest design talents. Of course let's not forget the LINE Friends shop in the Duty Free Shop right next door, filled with the cutest collectibles for your children, nieces and/or nephews.
SHOPPING || A LAND (Hongdae)
357-4 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu
A LAND in the Hongdae district consists of several floors, with home and lifestyle goods on the first floor, menswear and womenswear on the subsequent floors. Inside you will find a hip, curated collection of fashion brands and accessories help you stand out from the crowd. The exterior design of the shop is also an architectural point of interest.
RELAX || Starfield Library
513 Yeongdong-daero, Samseong 1(il)-dong, Gangnam-gu
A jaw-dropping endeavour by Shinsagae, Starfield Library is located inside the Samseong COEX Mall, housing an exhilarating number of over 50,000 titles. For Disney fans, stepping into the Starfield Library is comparable to Belle's awe and disbelief when she first ventures into the Beast's library in "Beauty and The Beast".
Over 50,000 titles line the walls of this stunning gathering space.
DINNER || Korean Culinary Legacy
24, Yeoui-daero, Yeongdeungpo-gu
You will have to travel a bit further for this one as it is located in the financial district but the views and experience are well worth it. Located on the 50th floor of the Federation of Korean Industries Head Office Building (FKI), Korean Culinary Legacy offers an opportunity for your to literally dine like a king. As our host explained, a king in Korea in the olden days would have hundreds of small plates for dinner, and Korean Culinary Legacy offers a buffet of appetizer dishes to complement your main set course. The set course comes with a hearty vegetable soup and a variety of pickled vegetables to open up your appetite. Make sure to try the sweet rice drink called SikHye, we had more than a few glasses for dessert!
shopping || hongdae (hongik university street)
Eoulmadang-ro, Mapo-gu
Located near Hongik University, the Hongdae area is known for its hip and trendy shops, restaurants, open-air performances and of course, a large student population wandering its streets from day till night. We walked by several open-air musical performances by students in the area. Independent retailers mix in with local chain makeup brands such as Chosungah-22 and The Face Shop amongst others. Though it was a rainy day when we visited, the streets were still bustling with activity.
SHOPPING || Myeong Dong District
Myeong-dong Subway Station (Seoul Subway Line No. 4)
Spanning multiple city blocks, the Myeong Dong shopping district comes to life at night, with street vendors lining the streets selling various trinkets, souvenirs and mouth-watering street food. Flagship stores for brands are often located in this area as it is a major tourist area, with over 1 million tourists passing through the area every single day.
DESSERT || O'sulloc
-ga,, 18-134 Euljiro 6(yuk)-ga, Jung-gu
The O’sulloc Tea House presents the authentic taste of Korean traditional tea. After enjoying the delicious specialty shaved ice + cake set, we purchased several tea gift boxes for friends back home. Specializing in green tea, the café features green tea as the main ingredient, with other menu choices such as juices, smoothies, ice cream and roll cakes. If you are looking for souvenirs we recommend making this your last stop as their teas smell and taste phenomenal!
