A Fun and Chill Seoul Adventure

Rezwani D
Mar 7, 2024
3 min read

Hi guys! Let me take you through our fun 6-day trip to Seoul, South Korea. Before we dive in, let me just say this: there are already a ton of itineraries for Seoul, Busan, and Jeju out there, but this one’s ours personalized for us and full of moments we’ll never forget.

Honestly, we didn’t aim for a packed schedule because, well, it was winter, and none of us wanted to freeze outdoors for too long. Our plan was to soak in the vibe of Seoul at our own pace. So, here’s the lowdown on our trip perfect for anyone looking for a relaxed yet memorable adventure!

DAY 1: Arrival in Seoul!

We hopped on an 11 AM flight from Malaysia and landed at Incheon Airport at around 6:30 PM local time. Excited but tired, we grabbed the all-stop AREX train to Hongik University Station (Hongdae area).

After a short 550m walk, we found our cozy Airbnb. Tip: Stay in Hongdae if you want a lively vibe with lots of cafes, shops, and street performers. Dinner? Instant noodles, obviously it’s a classic first-night move when you’re too tired to go out.

DAY 2: Hongdae

We kicked off our trip with a slow morning, exploring spots near our Hotels.

Hongdae Shopping Street: Best time to go? After 10:30 AM when the shops are open, or at night when it’s bustling. We opted for the night—it was lively and full of cool vibes!
Ewha Woman’s University: This place is gorgeous, with stunning architecture and a relaxed student-town atmosphere.
Yeouido Hangang Park: We skipped the cruises and bike rides because of the cold but loved chilling by the river. If you go in spring or autumn, picnics are a must here!
Itaewon: Lunch was at Eid Restaurant (halal!) and a quick prayer stop at Itaewon Mosque.

We ended the day back at the hotel, recharging for the adventures ahead.

DAY 3: A Day Trip to Nami Island

Ah, Nami Island in winter. We spent the whole day here, wandering around and taking photos like there was no tomorrow.

Lunch & Prayer: Ate at the Asian Family Restaurant nearby, which served halal food, and did a quick jama’ prayer.
Skipped Gangchon Rail Bike & Elysian Ski Resort: Too cold, and honestly, we just wanted to enjoy the island’s serene vibes.

By the end of the day, we were back at the hotel, cozy with hot drinks and warm blankets.

DAY 4: History and Shopping Spree

This was our “Seoul highlights” day, starting with culture and ending with shopping:

Gyeongbokgung Palace: The grandest palace in Seoul. Wear a hanbok for free entry!
Bukchon Hanok Village: We skipped it. Walking up slippery, steep alleys in winter? Hard pass.
Myeongdong Market: Lunch at Kampungku Restaurant (halal!) and hours of window shopping. The street food was amazing—tteokbokki, anyone?
Namsan Tower: Added this to our day because we had extra time. The views at sunset? Chef’s kiss.

DAY 5: More Markets and Dongdaemun

Shopping and sightseeing were the stars of this day:

Cheonggyecheon Stream: A serene little escape from the city chaos.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza: This place is futuristic and perfect for photos.
Namdaemun Market: Great for souvenirs and snacks.
Back to Myeongdong: We couldn’t resist revisiting the market for some last-minute shopping and another meal at Kampungku Restaurant.

DAY 6: Heading Home

We packed up, checked out of the Airbnb, and took the AREX back to Incheon Airport. It was a bittersweet goodbye to Seoul as we boarded our flight back.

Reflections on Seoul

Our 6 days in Seoul were relaxed yet fulfilling. Winter might not be the best time for everyone, but it had its charm think cozy jackets, warm street food, and fewer crowds at tourist spots. Would we go back in spring or autumn? 100% yes!

So, if you’re planning your Seoul trip, remember: travel at your own pace, prioritize what excites you, and don’t sweat the FOMO. It’s your adventure own it!