Day 1 – First Time In Seoul : South Korea (Apr’24)
Embarking on our first day in Seoul in April 2024, we eagerly set out to immerse ourselves in the city’s vibrant culture and history.
My first day in South Korea started with exploring Myeongdong Seoul, one of the busiest shopping districts filled with fashion, skincare shops, and endless street food. Later, I visited Namsangol Hanok Village, a peaceful place where I experienced traditional Korean houses and culture.
Day 1 – Travel Memories in Seoul, South Korea
- Stayed at Migliore Hotel Seoul Myeongdon
- Korean lunch at Yoogane Korea’s No.1 Chicken Galbi on Myeongdong Street
- Walk around Myeongdong Street during the day
- Visited Myeongdong Cathedral Church near Myeongdong Street
- Visited Namsangol Hanok Village, just 15 minutes away from Myeongdong Street
- Relax and have evening coffee inside Namsangol Hanok Village cafe
- A long walk around Myeongdong Street in the nighttime
- Tasted some local street food in Myeongdong Street
- Enjoyed happy hour drinks in Myeongdong Street
At Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok (By Night Flight)
We stayed at Migliore Hotel Seoul Myeongdong. A few steps away from popular Myeongdong Street. On the first day, we visited the Cathedral church & Namsangol Hanok Village.
Accommodation: Migliore Hotel Seoul Myeongdong
Our base for this adventure was the Migliore Hotel Seoul Myeongdong, conveniently located just steps away from the bustling Myeongdong Street. This prime location provided easy access to numerous attractions and dining options, making it an ideal choice for our stay.
Lunch at Yoogane: Korea’s No.1 Chicken Galbi
Our culinary journey began at Yoogane, renowned as Korea’s No.1 Chicken Galbi restaurant, situated on Myeongdong Street. We savored the rich flavors of the spicy stir-fried chicken, complemented by an array of vegetables and rice cakes, all cooked to perfection at our table. This hearty meal was a delightful introduction to Korean cuisine.
Exploring Myeongdong Street
Post-lunch, we wandered through Myeongdong Street, a vibrant shopping district teeming with fashion boutiques, cosmetic shops, and street food vendors. The lively atmosphere, coupled with the enticing aromas of local delicacies, made for an engaging afternoon stroll.
Visit to Myeongdong Cathedral
Our next stop was the Myeongdong Cathedral, a short walk from the main street. As the oldest Gothic-style church in Korea, its impressive architecture and serene ambiance offered a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Evening at Namsangol Hanok Village
In the evening, we visited the Namsangol Hanok Village, located just 15 minutes from Myeongdong Street. This cultural village showcases traditional Korean houses (hanoks) from the Joseon Dynasty, providing a glimpse into Korea’s rich heritage. We enjoyed a relaxing coffee at the village café, soaking in the tranquil surroundings.
Nighttime in Myeongdong
As night fell, we returned to Myeongdong Street to experience its dynamic nightlife. The area transformed with illuminated shop fronts and bustling night markets. We indulged in various street foods, from spicy tteokbokki to sweet hotteok, delighting our taste buds with each bite. To conclude the evening, we enjoyed happy hour drinks at a local bar, reflecting on the day’s adventures.
Q1. What is Myeongdong Seoul famous for?
Myeongdong is known for shopping, fashion, skincare products, and street food.
Q2. What are the best things to do in Myeongdong?
I walked the shopping streets, tried street food, and browsed through endless beauty stores.
Q3. What food should you try in Myeongdong?
Must-try items are tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), hotteok (sweet pancakes), and Korean fried chicken.
Q4. Is Myeongdong good for shopping?
Yes, it’s one of Seoul’s top places for trendy fashion and affordable skincare.
Q5. What is Namsangol Hanok Village Seoul?
It’s a traditional Korean village with restored hanok houses, cultural performances, and a peaceful park.
Q6. Do you need to pay to enter Namsangol Hanok Village?
No, it’s usually free to enter and walk around.
Q7. What can you see at Namsangol Hanok Village?
I saw traditional Korean houses, gardens, and even people dressed in hanbok (traditional clothing).
Q8. How far is Namsangol Hanok Village from Myeongdong?
It’s very close – just about a 10–15 minute walk from Myeongdong.
Q9. Is Namsangol Hanok Village tourist friendly?
Yes, it’s a calm escape in the middle of the city, easy for tourists to enjoy.
Q10. Why did I enjoy Day 1 in Seoul?
Because I got to enjoy the energy of Myeongdong and then relax in the traditional atmosphere of Namsangol Hanok Village.