3 Days in Seoul: Epic Photography and Good Street Food

Seoul, the vibrant capital of South Korea, is a city that seamlessly blends ancient traditions with modern innovations. With its stunning architecture, bustling markets, and mouthwatering street food, Seoul offers a perfect blend of epic photography opportunities and culinary delights. In this article, we will guide you through a 3-day itinerary that will allow you to capture breathtaking photographs and indulge in the city's delectable street food.

Destination Highlights

• Epic Photography: Seoul is a photographer's paradise, offering a plethora of stunning sights and landscapes to capture. From the majestic Gyeongbokgung Palace to the charming Bukchon Hanok Village, you'll find endless opportunities to capture the essence of Seoul through your lens.

• Good Street Food: Seoul is renowned for its vibrant street food scene. From savory treats like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and hotteok (sweet pancakes) to refreshing beverages like bingsu (shaved ice dessert), the city's street food stalls offer a gastronomic adventure like no other.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1:

• Morning:

  • Explore the grandeur of Gyeongbokgung Palace and capture its beauty during the changing of the guard ceremony.
  • Immerse yourself in the traditional charm of Bukchon Hanok Village and wander through its narrow alleyways lined with traditional Korean houses.
  • Take a cable car up to Namsan Tower for panoramic views of the city and capture stunning shots of Seoul's skyline.

• Afternoon:

  • Stroll through the vibrant streets of Insadong, known for its traditional tea houses and art galleries.
  • Visit Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore its beautiful gardens.
  • Discover the trendy neighborhood of Samcheong-dong, filled with unique boutiques and cafes.

• Evening:

  • Experience the bustling atmosphere of Myeongdong Night Market and indulge in a variety of street food delicacies.
  • Visit Noryangjin Fish Market, one of the largest seafood markets in Korea, and capture the vibrant atmosphere as locals haggle for the freshest catch.

Day 2:

• Morning:

  • Start your day with a visit to Jogyesa Temple, a serene Buddhist temple in the heart of the city.
  • Take a leisurely stroll along Cheonggyecheon Stream, a peaceful oasis amidst the bustling city.
  • Explore the futuristic architecture of Dongdaemun Design Plaza and capture its unique design.

• Afternoon:

  • Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Namdaemun Market, one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in Seoul.
  • Walk along Seoullo 7017, a pedestrian-friendly elevated park, and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
  • Visit the War Memorial of Korea and learn about the country's rich history.

• Evening:

  • Experience the lively ambiance of Hongdae Street, known for its vibrant nightlife and street performances.
  • Explore Gwangjang Market, one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in Seoul, and savor delicious street food.
  • Capture the mesmerizing lantern displays at the Seoul Lantern Festival.

Day 3:

• Morning:

  • Visit Lotte World Tower, one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world, and enjoy breathtaking views from the observation deck.
  • Explore the upscale boutiques and trendy cafes of Garosu-gil in the affluent neighborhood of Sinsa-dong.
  • Immerse yourself in the futuristic atmosphere of COEX Mall, one of the largest underground shopping malls in Asia.

• Afternoon:

  • Discover the tranquility of Bongeunsa Temple, a Buddhist temple nestled in the heart of the city.
  • Explore the charming Seorae Village, known for its French-inspired cafes and restaurants.
  • Experience the vibrant international atmosphere of Itaewon and indulge in diverse cuisines from around the world.

• Evening:

  • Relax and enjoy the scenic beauty of Han River Park, a popular spot for picnics and outdoor activities.
  • Visit Yeouido Hangang Park and capture stunning sunset views over the Han River.
  • Explore Seoullo Floating Island, a pedestrian-friendly park built on an old overpass.

Realistic Time Management

Day 1:

• Morning:

  • Gyeongbokgung Palace: 2 hours
  • Bukchon Hanok Village: 2 hours
  • Namsan Tower: 2 hours

• Afternoon:

  • Insadong: 2 hours
  • Changdeokgung Palace: 2 hours
  • Samcheong-dong: 2 hours

• Evening:

  • Myeongdong Night Market: 2 hours
  • Noryangjin Fish Market: 2 hours

Day 2:

• Morning:

  • Jogyesa Temple: 1 hour
  • Cheonggyecheon Stream: 2 hours
  • Dongdaemun Design Plaza: 2 hours

• Afternoon:

  • Namdaemun Market: 2 hours
  • Seoullo 7017: 2 hours
  • War Memorial of Korea: 2 hours

• Evening:

  • Hongdae Street: 2 hours
  • Gwangjang Market: 2 hours
  • Seoul Lantern Festival: 2 hours

Day 3:

• Morning:

  • Lotte World Tower: 2 hours
  • COEX Mall: 2 hours
  • Garosu-gil: 2 hours

• Afternoon:

  • Bongeunsa Temple: 1 hour
  • Seorae Village: 2 hours
  • Itaewon: 2 hours

• Evening:

  • Han River Park: 2 hours
  • Yeouido Hangang Park: 2 hours
  • Seoullo Floating Island: 2 hours

Local Cuisine

• Famous Local Food:

  • Kimchi
  • Bibimbap
  • Bulgogi

• Recommended Restaurants:

  • Restaurant A: Highly rated for its authentic Korean cuisine.
  • Restaurant B: Known for its delicious BBQ dishes.
  • Restaurant C: Offers a wide variety of traditional Korean street food.

Accommodation Recommendations

• Budget:

  • Hotel Skypark Myeongdong 3
  • Hotel Aropa
  • Hotel Skypark Central Myeongdong

• Mid-Range:

  • Hotel PJ Myeongdong
  • Hotel Skypark Dongdaemun I
  • Hotel Skypark Kingstown Dongdaemun

• Luxury:

  • The Shilla Seoul
  • Lotte Hotel Seoul
  • JW Marriott Hotel Seoul

How To Get There And Away

• Transportation Modes:
  • Incheon International Airport: Take the Airport Express train or a taxi to the city center (approximately 1 hour).
  • Public Transportation: Seoul has an extensive subway and bus network, making it easy to navigate the city.
  • Taxis: Taxis are readily available and relatively affordable in Seoul.

Comprehensive Packing List

• Camera and lenses
• Tripod
• Extra batteries and memory cards
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Umbrella or raincoat (depending on the season)
• Portable charger
• Travel adapter
• Korean phrasebook or translation app
• Light jacket or sweater (for cooler evenings)

Budget Consideration

• Standard Cost of Living per Person per Day: $50-100 (excluding accommodation)

• Relevant Costs from the Itinerary:

  • Entrance fees to palaces and attractions: $10-20
  • Street food and meals: $10-20
  • Transportation: $5-10
  • Souvenirs and shopping: $10-20

• Tips for Saving Money:

  • Opt for street food and local eateries instead of expensive restaurants.
  • Take advantage of free attractions and activities.
  • Use public transportation instead of taxis whenever possible.
  • Shop at local markets for affordable souvenirs.

Language and Cultural Etiquette

• Learn a few basic Korean phrases to communicate with locals.
• Bow slightly when greeting someone as a sign of respect.
• Remove your shoes when entering traditional Korean houses or temples.
• Avoid pointing with your index finger, as it is considered impolite.
• Do not blow your nose in public, as it is considered rude.

Some Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

• Explore Ihwa Mural Village and admire the colorful murals painted on the walls.
• Visit the quirky Trick Eye Museum and have fun taking optical illusion photos.
• Take a day trip to the picturesque Nami Island and enjoy its beautiful landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

• When is the best time to visit Seoul?

  • The best time to visit Seoul is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant.

• Is it safe to drink tap water in Seoul?

  • Yes, tap water in Seoul is safe to drink. However, if you prefer, you can also buy bottled water easily.

• Are credit cards widely accepted in Seoul?

  • Yes, credit cards are widely accepted in most establishments in Seoul. However, it's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller vendors or street food stalls.

Conclusion

Seoul offers a perfect blend of epic photography opportunities and mouthwatering street food. With its stunning landmarks, vibrant markets, and rich cultural heritage, the city is a treasure trove for travelers. So grab your camera, indulge in delicious street food, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Seoul. Start planning your epic adventure today!

📹 Watch these videos to get inspired for your trip to Seoul:

• Seoul Travel Guide
• Street Food in Seoul
• Photography Tips for Seoul