If you have 3 days where will you be?
1. Day 1- Visit the three majestic temples: explore the gardens, have the usual changing of the guards (personally I do not get this I prefer the former). Hit everything in one go? Go to the Gwanghwamun Square, here you will see the ff: Tourism Office, the gigantic statue of King Sejong, the Presidential Office, Cheonggyecheon at night
Plus its very near YMCA. You can stay here for a) convenience- very near the metro and the underground market b) 24/7 food c) shopping- at the heart of the city- highlight: the big-ass Artbox store across the street.
2. Day 2- Where to stuff your heart out? and the non-so toursity trip if you are "feeling like a local"
b. Samcheongdonggil and the Hanok Village
SO pretty for pictures. Plus it has the best place for brunch.
Dinner/Late Lunch
a. Insadong
Unlike the antique and souvenirs sold in the area, this place serves one of the BEST BIBIMBAP (Gogung, in B2) I've tasted and the whole place reminds me of a better and bigger version of Cubao X: Hand-made artsy cutesy stuff. So cute for pasalubong.
c. Rodeo Street, Samsung Museum and Namsam Tower
Right in order, head first to Samsung for WONDERFUL selection of contemporary art around the world and get a glimpse of Korea's well-renowed exhibits across the globe.
Take a short bit of detour to Namsam (I've been here once and that's all there is to it). I'll only go here for two things: the famous locks and the Teddy Bear Museum. Do me a favor and DO NOT GET YOURSELF A SHOT OF MANILA in the tower. It's been overdone already.
So if you have your Western food fixation, fulfill your cravings with those so called FOod trucks. It has a plus-size market as well. Prices not so cheap but I go here for the food truck. Period.
So, if you have energy to spare for shopping, I suggest heading of to Nangdameun and Dongdaemun for shopping. A bit expensive but sabi nga nila you get the better selection here. If you are too tamad to haggle.
Day 3: SHOPPING DAY!
Assuming, you still have energy (and cash to burn). Head off to Myeongdong.
Brunch: Myeongdong Gyoza: Back entrance of Forever 21. Meh selections.ours here are better (and cheaper).It houses almost all Korean brands (esp. the makeup brands!!!). Go get your freebies and watch out for sales!! Last April, I went gaga: 70% for H&M goodies and 30% on Etude House. Plus tons of lootbags from Tony Moly, Skinfood etc.
Gangnam Underground
Yeah, the place I burned my cash. Bought myself 3 pairs of shoes, 5 tops. Score those goodies for 200-400 Pesos.
Ewha University
Feel like a local. I'd buy my bags and t-shirts here. Go for those cutesy stuff for Php200 Pesos or less.
Best dinner: This kuya with potato tots and barbecue near Ministop just outside Exit 2 (where Coffee bean is).
If Day 3 turns out to be a weekend, you can also head off to Hongdae Flea Market right in the park of the famous university. You get to buy personalized, hand-made items. You can also visit the Trick Eye Museum for more photo ops. :)"
