0900hrs: PCR test at Kangbuk Samsung Hospital 강북삼성병원
(Required if you are staying more than 7 days)
1000hrs: Breakfast at Cafe Onion 카페어니언 (Anguk)
1100hrs: Gyeongbokgung 경복궁, National Folk Museum of Korea 국립민속박물관
Gyeongbokgung was the main palace and where the Emperor and royal court stays during the Joseon dynasty, built in 1395. It is the largest of the 5 grand palaces built during Joseon dynasty. When the palace was burnt to the ground during the Japanese invasion (1592-1598), the royal court was moved to Changdeokgung. The palace was reconstructed in 1867 with 330 buildings and 5792 rooms, and it again became an iconic symbol for both Korea and the royal family.
Empress Myeongseong was assassinated in 1895 by Japanese agents. Emperor Gojong and the imperial family left the palace and never returned. In 1911, the colonial government of the Empire of Japan demolished all but 10 buildings. In 1989, the South Korean government started a 40yr initiative to rebuild the palace - hundreds of structures that was destroyed by the Empire of Japan.
The National Folk Museum of Korea is a national museum uses replicas of historical objects to illustrate the history of traditional life of the Korean people. It was established in 1945 by the US government. It has over 98,000 artifacts and three main exhibition halls. It also features open-air exhibits such as stone piles for worship, grinding mills, rice storage shelters and pits for kimchi pots.
1300hrs: Tongin Market 통인시장 + ancient coin bento
Tongin Market started in 1941, a public market set up by Japanese residents when Korea was still under Japanese rule. The market is still operating till today. At the market, they offer a unique concept called “lunchbox cafe”, where you can spend ₩5000 to get a lunchbox and 10 ancient coins. Use these coins to go round the market and build your own lunchbox at participating stores. This is a great way to enjoy a variety of Korean dishes!
1430hrs: Walk around Samcheong-dong 삼청동, Seoul Fortress Wall 서울한양도성 (hiking)
Samcheong-dong is another nice spot for autumn foliage. Hike up to the fortress wall for a nice view of Seoul. The wall was first built in 1396 to defend and protect Hanyang (old name for Seoul) during the Joseon dynasty. It measures 18.6km and runs along the ridge of Seoul's four inner mountains, Bugaksan, Inwangsan, Naksan and Namsan.
1600hrs: Coffee break at Blue Bottle Coffee 블루보틀커피 (Samcheongdong)
A popular third wave coffee brand that started in California in 2002 by James Freeman. In 2017, Nestle invested $500M, making them Blue Bottle’s largest stakeholder at 68%.
1630hrs: Walk around Changdeokgung 창덕궁
Another spot for autumn foliage. Changdeokgung was the most favoured palace out of the 5 grand palaces for many Joseon Emperors. It was heavily destroyed during the Japanese occupation of Korea (1910-1945) and till date, only about 30% of the original structure survived. It was the second palace to be built, after Gyeongbokgung. It was burnt to the ground during the Japanese invasion in 1592 and was reconstructed in 1609. It was used by the royal court till 1868 while Gyeongbokgung gets rebuilt. Parts of the palace still function as a royal residence till 1989 when Crown Princess Banja and Princess Deokhye died.
1730hrs: Coffee break at Cheongsudang 청수당
“Cheongsu” means “clear water” and “cheongsudang” means a space filled with water, the sound of water flowing and the energy of nature. The entrance of the cafe is a lovely stone path pond.
1900hrs: Dinner at Mukshidonna 먹쉬돈나
“Mukshidonna” actually means “eat (muk)”, “rest (shi)”, “pay (don)” and “leave (na)”. It is a well-known place for budae jjigae (army stew)!
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