K-Alien’s Top 5 Must-Visit Places
You don’t need another website telling you to visit tourist traps like Myeongdong or Hongdae. Instead, I want to share secret places that locals truly enjoy. These are the top 5 spots I personally enjoyed the most.
- Hangang River (Cruise / Bicycle Ride)
The Hangang River runs across Seoul and is surrounded by beautiful parks, yet it’s not included in typical tourists’ must-visit lists. I put the Hangang River at the very top because it is, one of the most underrated spots in Korea. Set aside at least half a day for this, ideally in the afternoon. Book a river cruise and enjoy a relaxing 40-minute ride with stunning views of Seoul’s skyline. Inside the boat, you can buy a small cup of anchovies to feed the seagulls trailing behind. Don’t worry—they won’t bite the feeding hand. Kids absolutely love it, and even adults get a thrill when the birds snatch the fish right from your fingertips. After the boat ride, stop by a bicycle rental shop and rent a bike. Korea has some of the best riverside bike tracks. Ride along the dedicated bike track and enjoy the breeze. Once the sun starts to set, head to Mapo area nearby for its famous pork BBQ.
- Gwangjang Market
Local markets are always fun to explore. Seoul has many but Gwangjang Markets is one of the most popular destination. Market offer all kinds of things from clothing, shoes to kitchenware but street food is most popular. But be aware, like many other markets in the world, prices aren’t set in stone. Permanent shops surrounds makeshift stalls in the center and usually these temporary stalls don’t have a fixed price(or set amount for that matter). They don’t sell anything expensive so feel free to enjoy the experience but those feint-hearted can visit the permanent stores.
- Namsan Hike
Did you know that you can actually hike to Namsan tower? Oops, first thing first. Namsan is a mountain you can see from Myeongdong with that iconic tower at its peak. It also is a famous tourist site by it self and most people will ride a cable car to the top of the Mountain. But not you. You will want to shed some of those calories accumulated from days of devouring greasy street food and fried chicken. It is about 30 minute hike(at most) from cable car station and the hike will offer you stunning view of the city. Once you are at the top, storm the convenience store and grab that Shin ramen and replenish the lost calorie .
- National Museum of Korea(Yongsan)
If you would like to know more of Korea beyond K-POP and Idols, visit the national museum of Korea located in Yongsan. Just 30 minutes away from Myeongdong by public transport, the museum offers huge collection of historical artifact and exhibitions. Easy half day for history enthusiast. The entrance is stunning with ceiling so high and it gives your leg a jolt starring at it. There is also a small food court but I suggest you fill your belly else where. Yongsan I-Park mall is near by and it offers good choices of restaurants and plenty of shopping.
- Korean Sauna (Jjimjilbang)
Your trip is nearing its end and you are exhausted. It is time to relax and rejuvenate. Head to any jjimjilbang or Korean Sauna nearby for a fully immersive bathing experience. It feel intimidating at first because of the language barrier, but most jjimjilbangs run in almost the same way. Pay at the counter and you’ll get a locker key (usually a numbered bracelet with a key or an RF device) and a set of clothes to change into. Once changed, enter the main hall and start your relaxation ritual by exploring various hot and cold rooms. The mini-mart offers a surprisingly good selection of Korean snacks, but you have to try the boiled eggs and sikhye (a sweet fermented rice drink). When you’re comfortably full, grab one of the sleeping mats and take a nap in the warm main hall. For the final stage, head into the bathing area, endure a 10-minute steamy hot sauna, and then enjoy a relaxing dip in the hot tub. You must get butt-naked in the bathing area but don’t worry. You will make it out alive.
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