What to do in Seoul for a day or two

[RooFlyer]

Next year I'll be returning from a trip on Asiana via Seoul. South Korea isn't a country that immediately attracts me, and I'm unlikely to go back (given other priorities). Therefore I thought I would stopover, but unfortunately I can't spend more than a day or two.

What activities can people recommend? I'm interested in scenery and history - especially buildings. I don't think I'm up for day trips away, BUT if there is a 'must do' which involves a night away, I'd be happy to hear of it.

For such a short stay, would it be better to stay by the airport and commute into town for sightseeing, or is the transport into the city good and convenient?

 

[Denali]

Demilitarized Zone?
How to Visit North Korea's DMZ Border (Updated 2018) - Thrifty Nomads

 

[serfty]

FT did a DO there Easter last year.

You may get some ideas from that: Korea Do - Seoul April 16-18, 2017 - FlyerTalk Forums

I went and enjoy myself.

 

[VPS]

If you don't get any responses let me know. I have a friend living there who is always harassing me to visit.

 

[burmans]

Either or a couple of the palaces.

If you are a museum type person the War Memorial and the National Museum are very good. In terms of scenery Bukhansan National Park has amazing views and is close to the city.

DMZ gets quite mixed reviews, personally wouldnt go on a short trip.

Seoul has quite a reputation as a foodie destination so in my view worth seeking out mid-top end Korean and some very good street/low end food.

I'm going for a week in December so may be able to make some recommendations.

Transport is good but its a fair way away, i.e. over an hour into the city from Inchon, make sure you get the fast train, totally worth it. Personally I'd stay in the city, Seoul has an interesting (but safe) street scene at night, Inchon zilch.

 

[jb747]

Rug up....it can be very cold.

DMZ. Palace and museum. I found it an interesting place to just wander around.

 

[dajop]

Seoul would have to be one of the more underrated cities in Asia. There's plenty of interesting things to see, do, eat and drink.

Some suggestions include Bukchon Hanok village (we actually stumbled across this one), one of the palaces (if you enjoy palaces), Dongdaemun (futuristic design plaza), Ingwangsan mountain (Seoul city wall, great views of city), markets, Gangnam, other areas ... plenty to do and see.

Second that you should stay in central Seoul and not near the airport.

 

[JackMiles]

I really enjoyed my visit to Seoul. Repeating/seconding a couple of the recommendations above; I thought the DMZ/JSA tour was fascinating, and I found Bukhansan lovely. On a very short visit, I might suggest skipping the latter though, since although nice scenery, I'm sure you've seen nice forested mountains before and will again. The DMZ, on the other hand, is unique. A visit there is seeing a physical manifestation of recent history and current geopolitics. But that sort of thing might not float your boat! Plenty to do in the city itself. Some great art museums (Seoul Museum of Art, MMCA, Leeum Museum), the palaces mentioned above, bustling markets, and if you are there during the baseball season, I highly recommend going to a game. So much fun, and cheap.

 

[burmans]

Seoul would have to be one of the more underrated cities in Asia. There's plenty of interesting things to see, do, eat and drink.

Certainly hope so given I'm spending 2 weeks in South Korea at Xmas. I actually lived there in Inchon for 3 months in 1991 when Inchon was actually still a different city.

My daughter went to Uni in Seoul (winter school) a couple of years back and she's the one who persuaded me to go back with her, things have changed a lot and the more I read it seems to be an up and coming destination. I'm really looking forward to it! The eat and drink part seems to have really taken off in particular.

PS even ones experience differs but I really enjoyed Asiana. The flight I took the service exceeded Singapore and JAL and they are pretty high bars!

 

[sjk]

A bit of a guide to some of the fancier food options by my former boss:

pre-Michelin Seoul restaurant rampage