A READER writes in:
Chris,
I don’t have much time during this trip to Korea. What’s worth seeing and what’s worth doing in Korea in a short period of time? I travel for business, so I’ll be back this way in a few months.
Hurried traveler
Thanks in part to Korea’s public transportation system, getting in and around is amazingly easy. That there’s English everywhere you go on the subway (and on most bus routes) means the toughest part is figuring out where to go.
If you have 12 hours or less in Korea:
Easily the tightest turn-around – on one level you need to be most aware of where you are and how long it takes to get back to avoid missing your flight. Take the AREX to one of western Seoul’s stations and cut down on commuting time. Getting off at either Hongik University or Digital Media City reduces your commute by several miles (and several more kilometers) while still putting you in an interesting area of Seoul to enjoy. Hongik University is known by locals for its creative arts and party scene, while the Digital Media City offers a glimpse into Korea’s high-tech future.
The Korean Film Museum within the Digital Media City offers an excellent look into Korea’s film industry, complete with free admission and English-language audio guides. Hongik University is arguably more interesting during the afternoons, when the art galleries are open and the bars are still dormant. That said, if you fancy catching a beverage with the locals around, there’ll be plenty of places to wet your whistle around Hongdae (the local name for the university).
Photo credit: seoulcitybus.com
Another option is the Seoul City Tour Bus – arguably the easiest way to see a lot of the city in a little time. Much like a one-semester World History class, there’s not enough time to spend at any one place for long. Although you have the choice of where to get off and how long to say, the limited amount of time will probably leave you wanting to come back for seconds.
You’d be forgiven if heading to the big city didn’t seem plausible with such a short time frame. With that in mind, I would also highly recommend… staying in the airport. Huh? Let the record show that Incheon International Airport has been named one of the world’s best airports for several years, and has everything from fountains to information desks to a relaxing Korean-style spa. The Qi Ranger, another expert on travel and life in Korea, has this to say in a video about the airport’s amenities. That HanaTour desk mentioned in the video? Find their guided tours online.
If you have 12-24 hours in Korea:
A bit more time to work with, but still a tight turn-around. Staying in the Incheon area would definitely be an option – especially if this layover time is of an awkward nature (e.g. arriving at 6pm and leaving at 9am the next morning). Walking around Incheon’s Chinatown and Jayu Park are good places to sightsee – and learn a bit about the country’s more recent history. Ride the AREX to the Gyeyang stop, then transfer to the Incheon subway system and ride to Bupyeong. From Bupyeong, catch line 1 of the Seoul subway to Incheon station – the Chinatown area starts just across the street from the station’s only exit, while the park is a bit of a climb up the hill.
If you’re interested in entertaining children, the COEX mall – and the large aquarium – offers a balance of the familiar and the foreign. A kimchi museum inside the mall offers an extensive look into Korea’s fermented veggies, but save this for a layover without the kids. While you probably don’t want to make a mall your only stop in Korea, it’s worth a few hours of your time – especially if the weather isn’t cooperating. From the AREX, get off at Hongik University, then transfer to subway line 2 and ride to Samseong station in southeast Seoul. The mall is directly connected to the subway station out exit 6.
If you’d rather shop in a more Korean setting, head to the Samcheong-dong and Gahoe-dong area. Both are tourist-friendly areas offering ample amounts of traditional arts and crafts for viewing or buying. A number of art galleries call the area home, while a hanok village shows off some traditional Korean house styles. Start from Anguk station, line 3, exit 2.
For something a bit off the tourist trail, consider the Dapsimni / Janganpyeong Antique Market. Consider these dustier showrooms a better opportunity to view rather than buy, although the friendly shopkeepers may try to convince you otherwise. Dapsimni station on line 5, exit 1 (transfer to this line directly from the AREX at Gimpo station).
If that layover turns into a stopover: (24-72 hours)
At this point, Seoul becomes your oyster. With even 24 hours to work with, seeing multiple parts in Seoul is relatively easy. As a place to spend a full day, downtown Seoul offers plenty of stuff within walking distance. Pick one of Seoul’s five Joseon-Dynasty palaces, the Namdaemun (Southern great gate) shopping area, and the aforementioned Samcheong-dong for arts and crafts, and that can easily be a full day of sightseeing.
Do you have a burning question about travel or life in Korea? Do a search first to see if your question has been answered, then send me an e-mail – chrisinsouthkorea AT gmail DOT com.
