santamonica

We have a 19hr layover in seoul. We land at 3 o'clock in the afternoon Feb 3. I'd like to spend about $100, be convenient to airport, and see something interesting. We are flying from saigon. We've had a really good time. I dont want to be a glutton for fun. Maybe we should just stay at a hotel next to the airport. Anyway, we are very appreciative of suggestions. Should we sleep on the floor at a guest house? That would be interesting. Will there be time to see a palace/temple/museum? We dont have very warm clothes. Do you hate questions like this?

kja

You might find some useful ideas in my (very long) trip report. The sections on Seoul are at the beginning (post # 16+) and end (post # 100+).
4 wonderful solo weeks in South Korea

P.S. The hotel in which I stayed at the beginning of my trip -- Hostel Korea 11th: Changdeokgung -- was very basic, but very convenient for getting to/from the airport and for some of the major sites in the city. The hotel in which i stayed at the end of my trip was also very basic, and in that same area, but it was a hanok (a traditional courtyard house) -- Haemil Guesthouse. If you do go into the city, that area would, I think, be worth considering.

crellston

We loved Seoul lots to see but arriving at 3 pm with just 19 hours, you won’t have time to see much at all. I would have suggested Gyeongbokgung Palace, which is stunning but it closes at 17.00 I think.

We stayed at the Ibis in Insadong which is in a good location for said palace and other stuff but it will be dark shortly after you get to the city centre. There are some amazing eating places in the area, the dumpling shops especially, so I guess you could head out for a nice meal.

For a first time visitor the subway and transport from the airport can be confusing ( at least is was to me! Train and subway is quickest and cheapest ( train to Seoul station and then subway from there) taxi would be longer and more expensive but possibly the best option.
Some info on our experiences in Seoul @ https://accidentalnomads.com/2015/07/12/seoul/ this includes some info on my initial difficulties with transport - but maybe it was just me!

santamonica

Thanks very much for suggestions. Maybe best just to stay near airport...

kja

I actually thought Incheon among the easiest international airports I've ever navigated -- maybe that was just me, but check post # 11 of the aforementioned trip report.

The ibis crellston mentions is just blocks from the places I stayed.

santamonica

I reserved rooms for us at the Howard johnson hotel near the airport. Not very imaginative, but it worked out. i discovered my passport was missing 3 hours before 8am flight leaving saigon. I went to the airport with dw, walked through lines with her, said goodbye, and returned to saigon to see about getting a replacement passport. No go. Sunday, and consulate closed all next week for TET. Looked again in apartment. Nothing. Retraced steps. Used passport last for train mui ne to saigon. Son and girlfriend live in saigon, called train station. No answer. They took motorbike to train station. Passport (and exit visa) at lost and found at train station! Korea air rescheduled my flight to the afternoon (no change fee!), I joined dw at the Howard johnson hotel around 10pm, enjoyed take away beef and noodles for dinner, and went to bed happy. So I'm glad people advised me time would be short for a hotel in town.

kja

Congratulations for navigating what must have been a very stressful situation so successfully!
Signed: Someone who urged you to go into Seoul. ;-)

crellston

Wow! What a nightmare. Glad it worked out for you.