24hrs in Seoul on Christmas..what to do
Oct 6th, 2017, 06:23 AM
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24hrs in Seoul on Christmas..what to do
Have a 24hr layover in Seoul. Arriving at 4:30pm on Dec 24 and departing at 4:30pm on Dec 25. Initial thought is to stay at a hotel right at Seoul Station so we get to and from the airport quickest. We will also be coming from the US, so on Dec 25, I imagine we will be up really early. What is realistic to see and experience in such a short time?
Thanks!
SS
Thanks!
SS
Oct 6th, 2017, 10:50 AM
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I would head for Gyeongbokgung Palace and maybe Bukchon Hanok Village which is close by. Not sure what time the Palace opens but you could have a walk around the streets of the village until it does open. Some info and photos on our blog @ Gyeongbokgung Palace.
There is also te War Memorial Museum but that is a MRT ride away and that takes some getting used to!
There is also te War Memorial Museum but that is a MRT ride away and that takes some getting used to!
Oct 6th, 2017, 03:52 PM
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I would imagine that Jogyesa would be open very early, and as crellston notes, you could roam around Bukchon. For your options once things open, you might get some ideas from my trip report:
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...outh-korea.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...outh-korea.cfm
Nov 13th, 2017, 06:49 AM
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So few replies 
I booked the Four Points located on top of Seoul Station so hopefully we can check-in for our Dec 25 flight at the station early and leave our bags at the hotel. Given the short amount of time, I am thinking the following:
Dec 24: Arrive at Incheon at 4:30. Hopefully we can be at the hotel by 6:30. Depending on how tired we are, I feel like we can do something simple like venture out to Seoul Tower and Korean BBQ somewhere near by before falling asleep.
Dec 25: We will likely be up at 4-6am and can be out of the hotel by 7am. This leaves us a good 6-7hrs until we have to get back to Incheon for our 4:30pm flight.
7-9am: Bukchon. Will anything actually be open?
9-10:30am: Gyeongbokgung Palace
10:30am-1:30pm: Free to either explore Insa-dong or Myeong-dong including lunch
1:30/2pm: be on the train back to Incheon
How does this sound?
I booked the Four Points located on top of Seoul Station so hopefully we can check-in for our Dec 25 flight at the station early and leave our bags at the hotel. Given the short amount of time, I am thinking the following:
Dec 24: Arrive at Incheon at 4:30. Hopefully we can be at the hotel by 6:30. Depending on how tired we are, I feel like we can do something simple like venture out to Seoul Tower and Korean BBQ somewhere near by before falling asleep.
Dec 25: We will likely be up at 4-6am and can be out of the hotel by 7am. This leaves us a good 6-7hrs until we have to get back to Incheon for our 4:30pm flight.
7-9am: Bukchon. Will anything actually be open?
9-10:30am: Gyeongbokgung Palace
10:30am-1:30pm: Free to either explore Insa-dong or Myeong-dong including lunch
1:30/2pm: be on the train back to Incheon
How does this sound?
Nov 13th, 2017, 05:08 PM
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Seems like a decent plan.
I love a good fish market! Haven’t been to that one but have been to Tsjuki in Tokyo and the market in Busan - both were amazing and clearly early morning is the time to go. Amazing breakfast at both places. No idea if anything in Bukchon will be open but it doesn’t really matter too much as it is great just to wander around the streets. A great view from the top of the hill.
On our first night in the city we stumbled across a dumpling place near our hotel, the Ibis. Sadly, I didn’t note down the name but our supper of dumplings and kimchi has spoilt me for any other dumplings. Some photos of them on our blog @ https://accidentalnomads.com/2015/07/12/seoul/
One thing I would suggest is that if you are going to use the subway try and get details of which exit you need to use to get where you want to go. We went massively out of our way on a couple of occasions.
I love a good fish market! Haven’t been to that one but have been to Tsjuki in Tokyo and the market in Busan - both were amazing and clearly early morning is the time to go. Amazing breakfast at both places. No idea if anything in Bukchon will be open but it doesn’t really matter too much as it is great just to wander around the streets. A great view from the top of the hill.
On our first night in the city we stumbled across a dumpling place near our hotel, the Ibis. Sadly, I didn’t note down the name but our supper of dumplings and kimchi has spoilt me for any other dumplings. Some photos of them on our blog @ https://accidentalnomads.com/2015/07/12/seoul/
One thing I would suggest is that if you are going to use the subway try and get details of which exit you need to use to get where you want to go. We went massively out of our way on a couple of occasions.
Nov 15th, 2017, 08:14 PM
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IME, one doesn't go to Bukchon to see anything that might or might not be open -- one goes just to roam.
You might want more time for the Gyeongbokgung Palace if you plan on skipping its impressive folk museum.
You might want more time for the Gyeongbokgung Palace if you plan on skipping its impressive folk museum.
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