Arrival in Incheon: A Seamless Start to Our Adventure
Seoul truly surprised me. We planned a three-day layover to break up our travel to Bali, but I did not realize how amazing this stop would be. From the people, food, public transportation, and shopping, I cannot recommend this city enough to fellow travelers. Below, you will find my three-day century for those looking to max out their time in Seoul.
We landed in Incheon, South Korea, around 2 PM for our three-day layover. After collecting our bags, we dropped our large bags at a luggage storage business. This was a game-changer not to have to deal with large bags as we navigated the Korean public transportation systems for the first time. We used Trazzy. But, depending on your terminal, there may be a different option. The airport workers were very helpful in guiding us to the storage space.
Once we had lightened our load, our first stop was the 7-Eleven, conveniently outside the baggage claim. It may sound stupid to include a convenience store stop on my itinerary but trust me; this is an experience in and of itself. Be sure to check out my TikTok page for our favorite finds!
Next, we got our T-money cards, essential for navigating South Korea's efficient public transportation system. We loaded each card with $20—plenty for our entire trip. A bonus? If you don’t use all the funds, you can quickly get a refund on any unused balance after your travels.
For our ride into Seoul, we opted for the regular subway. While there's a faster train option, the subway experience was easy and efficient. Before heading out, I recommend downloading Naver, as Google Maps isn’t widely used in South Korea. This handy app became our best friend, providing precise directions to our hotel.
Entering our hotel address into Naver was a breeze, as it effortlessly guided us through the necessary subway transfers. I was a bit apprehensive, thinking everything would be in Korean. While much of the signage was, Naver's subway feature displayed our current stops and alerted us when to get off, which was veryyyy appreciated. Just a quick tip: keep a general eye on the screen, as the service can sometimes lag.
During the second leg of our journey, we inadvertently took a bus instead of the subway and found ourselves a little lost (whoops). We then discovered how helpful the locals were in directing us to the right bus and ensuring we arrived at the correct stop (I will forever be grateful!). While I wouldn’t recommend relying solely on others for navigation, it was reassuring to know that the kindness of the people in South Korea made our travel experience smoother.
Speaking of connectivity, I highly recommend getting an eSIM upon arrival. It was my first time using one, and I found it incredibly simple. A quick Google search for "eSIM Korea" will guide you through a straightforward process, and I spent about $20 for three days of reliable data. This gave me peace of mind while navigating the city and sharing our experiences. Make sure to do this before your trip or with the free airport wifi.
Where We Stayed: Myeongdong, Seoul
We chose to stay in Myeongdong because of its centrality to shops, restaurants, and walkability. For a central and comfortable stay, Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Myeongdong II is a fantastic option in Myeongdong (this is where we stayed, and it is not sponsored!). Located near all the best spots, it’s excellent for both convenience and comfort. Other hotels we considered were 57 Myeongdong Hostel, which is budget-friendly and very close to downtown, and Lotte City Hotel, which offers full-size beds (pretty hard to find, honestly) for a more luxurious stay. You can also try Hotel Skypark Myeongdong 3 or Sotetsu Fresa Inn for mid-range prices, depending on your preference for amenities.
Where to Eat: Cafes, Street Food, and Michelin Stars
Seoul is packed with incredible food options, especially in the Myeongdong district. Start your day with pastries and coffee from Onion Cafe, a trendy spot with impressive pastries. It is located next to the Gyeongbokgung Palace, so it will be easy to walk from there after breakfast (make sure to download Naver first).
For lunch or dinner, stop by Myeongdong Kyoja for their famous Kalguksu (hand-cut noodle soup). It has a Michelin Star and only has five items on the menu. Oh, and it is the cheapest Michelin Star restaurant in the world! And don’t miss Gatten Sushi, where you can enjoy sushi straight off a conveyor belt! Tanner said it was the best sushi of his life.
If you're craving Korean BBQ, try MAN JOK OH HYANG JOKBAL near City Hall for delicious marinated pork trotters. For a classic street food experience, head to Insadong or Gwangjang Market for kimbap, tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), and bungeo-ppang (fish-shaped pastries).
Things to Do: Our 3-day Itenturary
Day 1:
Start your morning with a walk along the scenic Naksan Park (or save it for Sunset if you want to eat at the cute restaurants for dinner). It is a peaceful escape in the middle of the city.
For some serious shopping, hit the manyyyy mega malls or Myeongdong Street for various shops and street vendors. You’ll find everything from Korean fashion to beauty products. This is also a great area to come back to at night for street food and late-night shopping.
In the afternoon, recharge at a head spa or Korean spa to relax and experience traditional treatments. For massage, I don't think you can go wrong; we went to a random massage place off the road. I recommend checking out a traditional Korean Sauna if you haven't gone before!
For a head spa, I recommend Eco Jardin and Juno Hair Garden, which have locations all over the city. This video is from Juno Hair.
Day 2:
Take a leisurely morning with coffee and stumble into a breakfast spot. There are so many hidden gems around the city that I recommend just wandering and sampling! Next, head to Muse Spa for a signature glass-skin facial, an iconic beauty treatment in Korea. (Sometimes they do book up, so consider booking ahead of time online, to go by the day before!). Afterward, explore Olive Young, one of the top beauty stores, to stock up on skincare and makeup products.
If you’re looking for an evening adventure, the nearby Itaewon area is known for its nightlife. Bars like Privilege and Prost Pub & Grill offer a lively atmosphere.
Shopping: What I Bought in Seoul
Korean beauty products are a must when in Seoul. At Olive Young, you’ll find popular items like serums, award-winning toners, deep conditioners, and moisturizing face masks. Don’t forget to pick up sunscreen and microneedling treatments that are unlike anything we have in the States. I recommend doing some research before going because it can be EXTREMELY overwhelming when you arrive. Also, Myeongdong street has the largest Olive Young in South Korea. It is two stories tall and has every beauty need you can think of!
For fashion, ALand is a go-to for unique Korean designs. If you're interested in affordable beauty clinics, check out VS Line Clinic or Renovo Skin Clinic for advanced skincare treatments.
Seoul offers everything, from serene walks and relaxation to vibrant nightlife and trendy shopping—an unforgettable destination for beauty lovers and explorers alike. My only regret is not spending extra time exploring the surrounding areas!
Photos by Tanner Evans
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