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- [Korea Trip] A plan to fully enjoy a day! Photogenic spots and exquisite gourmet food recommended by local staff [Part 1]
2025.06.24
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[Korea Trip] A plan to fully enjoy a day! Photogenic spots and exquisite gourmet food recommended by local staff [Part 1]
Seoul, South Korea, is a fascinating city where modern and historical elements blend beautifully. While traditional culture is carefully preserved, the city is also full of the latest trends and technology, making it exciting to visit whenever you visit. By touring the historical sites, you can experience the profound culture of Korea, and the beautiful gardens and traditional buildings are so impressive that you will want to take pictures of them.
In this article, our local staff will introduce a "model course" of recommended tourist spots in Seoul, South Korea, where you can enjoy a whole day, from trendy photogenic spots to exquisite gourmet food! Why not forget your busy daily life and plan a trip to immerse yourself in the charm of Korea with your friends?
In this article, our local staff will introduce a "model course" of recommended tourist spots in Seoul, South Korea, where you can enjoy a whole day, from trendy photogenic spots to exquisite gourmet food! Why not forget your busy daily life and plan a trip to immerse yourself in the charm of Korea with your friends?
① Have a stylish breakfast at the London Bagel Museum
The London Bagel Museum, located on the north side of Anguk Station on Subway Line 3, is a popular cafe that has been talked about since its opening in 2021, with people lining up for at least 1-2 hours. The secret to its popularity is, of course, the taste itself. The combination of the chewy texture of the bagel and the fluffy cream cheese is exquisite, and many people say, "Once you try it, you'll never forget it."
In addition, the rich menu of more than 10 types of bagels alone and the stylish interior inspired by London cafes are also one of the attractions.
In addition, the brand's original goods such as horse-motif eco-bags, mugs, and postcards are also sold, so you can enjoy choosing souvenirs.
To reduce waiting time, arrive before 7:30 a.m. and register for waiting on the touch panel at the entrance, or make a reservation in advance through the smartphone app "CATCHTABLE". However, app reservations are only available for weekdays, Monday to Thursday, from 9:00 to 13:00, and whether you can make a reservation for the desired time depends on the reservation situation on the day. If you want to sightsee efficiently, we recommend lining up before opening.
Address: 20, Bukchon-ro 4-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Access: 5 minutes walk from Exit 2 of Anguk Station on Subway Line 3
Opening hours: 8:00-19:00 (Waiting registration begins at 7:30)
In addition, the rich menu of more than 10 types of bagels alone and the stylish interior inspired by London cafes are also one of the attractions.
In addition, the brand's original goods such as horse-motif eco-bags, mugs, and postcards are also sold, so you can enjoy choosing souvenirs.
To reduce waiting time, arrive before 7:30 a.m. and register for waiting on the touch panel at the entrance, or make a reservation in advance through the smartphone app "CATCHTABLE". However, app reservations are only available for weekdays, Monday to Thursday, from 9:00 to 13:00, and whether you can make a reservation for the desired time depends on the reservation situation on the day. If you want to sightsee efficiently, we recommend lining up before opening.
Address: 20, Bukchon-ro 4-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Access: 5 minutes walk from Exit 2 of Anguk Station on Subway Line 3
Opening hours: 8:00-19:00 (Waiting registration begins at 7:30)
② Make a detour to buy some! Take-out salted bread from "ARTIST BAKERY"
Salted bread is all the rage in Seoul, Korea. One place that is especially popular is the salted bread specialty cafe "ARTIST BAKERY". As it is a sister store of the aforementioned "London Bagel Museum", you can be sure of the taste. You can enjoy freshly baked salted bread.
They have a wide variety of menu items, from simple salted bread to sandwiches with lots of fillings.
If you pass by the store, you will surely be drawn in by the smell of butter and will not be able to pass by. If you come to Anguk, be sure to try the takeout. However, since reservations are not accepted, if there is a line, it is recommended that you register for the waiting list on the terminal in front of the store and then look around the surrounding stores.
Address: 45, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Access: Subway Line 3, Anguk Station, Exit 1
Opening hours: 8:00-20:00 Open all year round
They have a wide variety of menu items, from simple salted bread to sandwiches with lots of fillings.
If you pass by the store, you will surely be drawn in by the smell of butter and will not be able to pass by. If you come to Anguk, be sure to try the takeout. However, since reservations are not accepted, if there is a line, it is recommended that you register for the waiting list on the terminal in front of the store and then look around the surrounding stores.
Address: 45, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Access: Subway Line 3, Anguk Station, Exit 1
Opening hours: 8:00-20:00 Open all year round
③ Find a soothing scent with the popular perfume brand "TAMBURINS"
After getting takeout from ARTIST BAKERY, walk towards the Samcheong-dong area. There are many shops and cafes in the area, and you can visit them in about 15 minutes on foot while enjoying a stroll.
Located in Samcheong-dong, a town with a retro atmosphere, TAMBURINS Flagship Store Samcheong is a famous fragrance cosmetics brand store in Korea. Its stylish and luxurious design has gained popularity, attracting fans not only in Korea but also in Japan and all over the world. In addition to perfume, they also offer body wash, body lotion, hand cream, etc., so you can enjoy the scent in a variety of situations.
Many of the staff at the Samcheong store can speak Japanese, and they will explain the scent to you carefully, so you can take your time to choose the scent you like. We especially recommend the hand cream in a cute package that you can easily carry around. The cute appearance and pleasant scent will lift your mood, and you can easily get a healing effect at any time. Why not find an item that can pamper you in a short moment in your busy daily life?
Address: 84, Yulgok-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea (03061)
Access: 7 minutes walk from Exit 1 of Anguk Station on Subway Line 3
Opening hours: Daily 11:00-20:00
Located in Samcheong-dong, a town with a retro atmosphere, TAMBURINS Flagship Store Samcheong is a famous fragrance cosmetics brand store in Korea. Its stylish and luxurious design has gained popularity, attracting fans not only in Korea but also in Japan and all over the world. In addition to perfume, they also offer body wash, body lotion, hand cream, etc., so you can enjoy the scent in a variety of situations.
Many of the staff at the Samcheong store can speak Japanese, and they will explain the scent to you carefully, so you can take your time to choose the scent you like. We especially recommend the hand cream in a cute package that you can easily carry around. The cute appearance and pleasant scent will lift your mood, and you can easily get a healing effect at any time. Why not find an item that can pamper you in a short moment in your busy daily life?
Address: 84, Yulgok-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea (03061)
Access: 7 minutes walk from Exit 1 of Anguk Station on Subway Line 3
Opening hours: Daily 11:00-20:00
④ Enjoy a Korean gourmet lunch at the Samcheongdong restaurant "Samcheongdong Sujebi"
After enjoying shopping at TAMBURINS, have an early lunch at Samcheongdong Sujebi, a sujebi (fish dumpling) specialty restaurant located about a 10-minute walk away.
This famous restaurant was also featured in the Michelin Guide Seoul 2025. It's a very popular restaurant that's almost always full, but reservations are not accepted, so we recommend going right after it opens at 11:00.
This famous restaurant was also featured in the Michelin Guide Seoul 2025. It's a very popular restaurant that's almost always full, but reservations are not accepted, so we recommend going right after it opens at 11:00.
The special feature of Samcheongdong Sujebi is the chewy texture of the sujebi, which is all handmade, and the soup, which is full of vegetable and seafood stock. It is popular not only in the cold season but also in the summer, and is loved by many people as a warm and nutritious dish.
One bite of sujebi will relax your tired body and warm your heart.
Address: 101-1, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea (03049)
Access: Approximately 4 minutes by taxi from Exit 5 of Gyeongbokgung Station on Subway Line 3, Approximately 4 minutes by taxi from Exit 1 of Anguk Station on Subway Line 3
Opening hours: Daily 11:00-20:00
One bite of sujebi will relax your tired body and warm your heart.
Address: 101-1, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea (03049)
Access: Approximately 4 minutes by taxi from Exit 5 of Gyeongbokgung Station on Subway Line 3, Approximately 4 minutes by taxi from Exit 1 of Anguk Station on Subway Line 3
Opening hours: Daily 11:00-20:00
⑤ Rent a hanbok and head to Gyeongbokgung Palace. Travel back in time to the Joseon Dynasty!
Once you've filled up at Sujebi, take a 20 minute walk to Gyeongbokgung Palace to get some exercise. You'll feel excited as you walk along thinking about what kind of hanbok you'll rent.
The majestic Gyeongbokgung Palace, located in the heart of Seoul, is the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty, built in 1395. Among its three most important buildings are Geunjeongjeon, Suijeongjeon, and Gyeonghoeru.
The majestic Gyeongbokgung Palace, located in the heart of Seoul, is the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty, built in 1395. Among its three most important buildings are Geunjeongjeon, Suijeongjeon, and Gyeonghoeru.
Geunjeongjeon was the main hall where formal ceremonies and audiences with vassals were held, and was located at the center of Gyeongbokgung Palace. Sujeongjeon was the office space where the king carried out practical government affairs, and Gyeonghoeru was a tower built on a pond, and was mainly used for official banquets, diplomacy, and welcoming guests. These buildings each have different functions: "politics," "practical affairs," and "diplomacy," and form the core of Gyeongbokgung Palace's royal structure.
Gyeongbokgung Palace, which was once the center of politics and culture, is now a famous symbol of Korea, and is also famous as a location for Korean dramas.
Many historical buildings are scattered throughout the vast grounds, and you can enjoy the charms of each season, such as beautiful flowers such as cherries, plums, and plums in spring, and splendid autumn leaves in autumn. At night, the palace is lit up, creating a fantastic atmosphere that is different from the daytime.
If you wear the traditional Korean costume "Hanbok," you can enter for free! You can take photos at the many photo spots where you can fully enjoy the atmosphere of the palace, so we highly recommend renting one. Strolling around in a hanbok, which you rarely have the chance to wear, will make you feel as if you have traveled back in time to the Joseon Dynasty.
There are many hanbok rental shops at Exits 3 and 4 of Gyeongbokgung Station, so try looking for your favorite one. You're sure to create special memories!
Viewing hours:
November-February: 9:00-17:00 (last entrance 16:00)
March-May, September-October: 9:00-18:00 (last entrance 17:00)
June-August: 9:00-18:30 (last entrance 17:30)
*Regular holidays every Tuesday
*If the regular holiday falls on a national holiday or substitute holiday, the museum will be closed on the following weekday
Address: 161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Access: 2 minutes walk from Exit 5 of Gyeongbokgung Station on Subway Line 3
Gyeongbokgung Palace, which was once the center of politics and culture, is now a famous symbol of Korea, and is also famous as a location for Korean dramas.
Many historical buildings are scattered throughout the vast grounds, and you can enjoy the charms of each season, such as beautiful flowers such as cherries, plums, and plums in spring, and splendid autumn leaves in autumn. At night, the palace is lit up, creating a fantastic atmosphere that is different from the daytime.
If you wear the traditional Korean costume "Hanbok," you can enter for free! You can take photos at the many photo spots where you can fully enjoy the atmosphere of the palace, so we highly recommend renting one. Strolling around in a hanbok, which you rarely have the chance to wear, will make you feel as if you have traveled back in time to the Joseon Dynasty.
There are many hanbok rental shops at Exits 3 and 4 of Gyeongbokgung Station, so try looking for your favorite one. You're sure to create special memories!
Viewing hours:
November-February: 9:00-17:00 (last entrance 16:00)
March-May, September-October: 9:00-18:00 (last entrance 17:00)
June-August: 9:00-18:30 (last entrance 17:30)
*Regular holidays every Tuesday
*If the regular holiday falls on a national holiday or substitute holiday, the museum will be closed on the following weekday
Address: 161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Access: 2 minutes walk from Exit 5 of Gyeongbokgung Station on Subway Line 3
■ After enjoying Gyeongbokgung Palace, move to the Seongsu-dong area. Take Subway Line 3 from Gyeongbokgung Station to Euljiro 3-ga Station, then transfer to Subway Line 2 and get off at Seongsu Station.
Continued in Part 2!
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＼Coming soon／
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