Seoul searching: A ‘Biyahe ni Drew’ itinerary

Seoul’s got soul.

With an efficient subway system and many historical landmarks, South Korea’s capital city is touristy friendly even for a solo traveler. But with Seoul’s youthful atmosphere and set meals loaded with side dishes, it’s always more fun to bring a friend!

Here’s the itinerary used by Drew Arellano and the crew of “Biyahe ni Drew”:

[Related: Seoul, South Korea - A living heritage]

How to get there
By plane. South Korea’s Incheon International Airport is four hours from Manila by plane. The “Biyahe ni Drew” team booked with Cebu Pacific Air, our official biyahe partner. Check out their Facebook and Twitter accounts for the latest seat sales!

Once you arrive at Incheon, you can head to Seoul via bus, taxi, or train. The quickest way to get there is the Airport Railway Express (AREX), which connects the airport to the Seoul Station in 45 minutes. Each ticket costs around KRW12,000 (P500).

From Seoul Station, you can get off and transfer to the subway. If you’re carrying a lot of heavy luggage or traveling with the elderly, a taxi would be more expensive but also more convenient.

What to see
Cheongwadae Sarangchae (Blue House Interactive Museum) 
If the Philippines has Malacañang and the US has the White House, South Korea has the Blue House! Their interactive museum offers a free opportunity to learn about the past, present and future plans for Korea. One cool thing you can do here is take a souvenir photo “with” the South Korean president.

Gyeongbokgung (Gyeongbok Palace)
Gyeongbokgung is the largest of Seoul’s Joseon Dynasty-era palaces. Catch the changing of the guards ceremony at 10:30 a.m. and a free English tour at 11 a.m.

Gwanghwamun Plaza
Right outside the Gyeongbokgung is this public park honoring King Sejong, under whose reign the Korean alphabet was created. Walk a little farther and you’ll see the Seoul City Hall and Cheonggyecheon Stream, a beautiful stream and park that cuts through the center of Seoul’s business district.

Bukchon Hanok Village
A 15-minute walk from Gyeongbokgung is Bukchon, a village filled with traditional hanok houses. Walking around this living time capsule is a relaxing way to spend the afternoon. [Learn more about Seoul’s history here.]

Dongdaemun Design Plaza
For fans of “My Love from the Star,” the DDP is a must-see. The elevator scenes from the popular Korean drama were shot here. They’re also running an exhibit on the show until August 2014.

Not a fan of Korean dramas? No problem! DDP also features modern architecture and has many clothing and tech shops.

N Seoul Tower
You can either take the cable car up (KRW8,000 or P350 for a round trip) or hike to the top of the mountain. Either way, you’ll be treated to a bird’s eye view of Seoul and the sight of N Seoul’s famous love padlocks.

For an additional KRW9,000 (P380), you can take an elevator all the way to the top of the tower for an even better view and restaurants.

The tower is also the highest post office in South Korea, so you can send postcards to your friends and loved ones.

Where to eat

Jihwaja Korean Royal Cuisine Restaurant 
There’s authentic Korean cuisine, and then there’s royal Korean cuisine. A royal degustation starts at KRW65,000 (P2,700) and can go up to KRW180,000 (P7,600). Drew’s meal included several kinds of kimchi, porridge, marinated beef ribs, and a royal-style hot pot of meat and vegetables.

Institute of Korean Traditional Food 
Set aside a few hours for this cooking lesson and meal. For KRW70,000 (P3000), you can wear a hanbok and learn any two Korean dishes, including: samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup), bulgogi (Korean barbecue), japchae (stir-fried noodles), bibimbap (rice mixed with meat and seasoned veggies), and haemul pajeon (pancake with seafood and green onion).

Just looking for a snack? For KRW50,000 (P2100), you can learn how to make kimchi or traditional rice cakes. Sign up for lessons a week in advance at their official website.

Gwangjang Traditional Market
When in South Korea, eat like a South Korean! Gwangjang is jampacked with stalls selling traditional dishes, street food and ingredients. KRW10,000 (P400) is enough to buy you a good lunch. If you’re looking to buy some pasalubong, Gwangjang also sells local products like jwipo (dried fish, for roasting) and beef jerky at bargain prices.

Ku Yeoun Korean Resto
Incheon, South Korea
If you don’t want to head to Seoul right away, you can tour Incheon. Drew and the crew ate at this traditional grill to try the samgyupsal (pork belly). Don’t worry if you aren’t passing through Incheon, though, Seoul has many grills too.

What to do
Watch a show
Can’t speak Korean? No problem! In Seoul, there are plenty of unique nonverbal plays that bring the laughs despite the language barrier.

For example, The Painters (Seoul Theater Halla Art Hall) is a comedy about artists; by the time the play ends, they’ve not only made you laugh but they’ve also completed a painting. Bibap does the same, but with cooking and beatboxing. Tickets range from KRW40,000 to KRW50,000 (P1,680 to P2,520).

If you like K-Pop but don’t want to shell out for expensive tickets, head to the K-Live concert hall, where you can watch hologram performances of PSY, 2NE1 and Big Bang. According to our researcher Jerwin, the hologram effect is so realistic that it’s like they’re actually in front of you.

Shopping
Visit the trendy Myeongdong district for cosmetics and clothing, or head to the department stores for a more upscale experience. Even if you aren’t planning to buy designer goods, you might find things on sale!

Where to stay
Dongdaemun is a bustling spot in Seoul with plenty of restaurants and shopping options. Hotel accommodations here range from KRW100,000 to KRW300,000 (P4,300 to P21,000) for two people per night.

On a budget? Hostel accommodations range from KRW60,000 to KRW90,000 per night (P2,500 to P4,000) for two people.

You can get cheaper rates in Myeongdong, which is just one subway station away from Dongdaemun or in university towns like Hongdae, which cater to a younger market.

Drew and the crew stayed at InsaHostel in Insadong, near Gyeongbokgung and Bukchon Hanok Village.

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More on South Korea:
‘Biyahe ni Drew’ travel hacks: 7 no-entrance-fee destinations in Seoul
Seoul: The city of many charms

— Cristina Tantengco/JDS, GMA News