(Our Most Relaxed Day in Seoul)
Our flight was the night before, and even though we arrived very early, we didn’t expect that getting out of the airport would take longer than normal.
Our itinerary was supposed to start at 9:00 AM, after traveling from the airport and checking in at the hotel… but Korea had other plans for us. 😅
And honestly? I’m glad it happened that way.
Because our first day ended up being the most relaxed, stress-free day of our entire Korea trip.
⏰ 4:00 AM — Arrival at Incheon Airport
I honestly thought getting out of the airport would be simple and easy.
But… it was kind of complicated.
Even though I studied their train system and schedules before the trip, it was still hard to figure out in real life. There was also a lot of walking—like walking from one train area to another, thinking you’re in the right place, then realizing… you’re not. 🥲
We thought we figured it out.
But we didn’t.
By the time we finally got to the Express Train going to Seoul, it was already 6:30 AM.
Check this helpful post: 🇰🇷 South Korea Arrival Procedures 2026: Incheon Airport Guide, Forms, Currency Exchange & Transport Tips
🏨 9:30 AM — Hotel Check-in (Morning Sky Hotel)
By the time we checked in, it was already way past the time we were supposed to arrive at our first attraction.
We were exhausted.
So we decided to rest for a bit and agreed:
📌 We will only visit one
attraction for the day
📌
Then go out later at night for the night market
No pressure.
No rushing.
Just a slow first day.
Check my post about this hotel here: 🏨 Morning Sky Hotel Myeongdong Review | Budget Hotel in Seoul
🚇 11:10 AM — Travel to Namsangol Hanok Village
After resting, we felt refreshed and energized—finally ready to explore.
When we got out of the hotel, it was cooler, and I was really feeling it because we don’t have fall season in the Philippines. With my thick hooded jacket, I felt like…
✨ “Okay. This is it. I’m really in Korea.”
We walked to our nearest station: Euljiro 4(sa)-ga.
We were still trying to figure out (again) their train system and gates, but what made me happy was this:
💛 There were young locals trying to help tourists.
Even if we looked confused, they were kind.
☕ 11:50 AM — Coffee at Starbucks (Chungmuro)
Thinking about it now, we should have gone to a local café instead—because Starbucks is also available in the Philippines.
But since it was right in front of us, we went in.
At least this Starbucks branch was still special because the Chungmuro branch is the 6,000th Starbucks store in the world, and it has a plaque to prove it!
So… okay, Starbucks. You win. 😂
🏯 12:00 NN — Namsangol Hanok Village
It wasn’t what I expected from the pictures I saw online.
But it was still beautiful.
I was expecting it to be crowded since it was a weekend, but it wasn’t—maybe because it was already lunch time. Most of the visitors were families with kids, and it looked like there were events happening for children.
We took our time exploring and made sure we walked around the whole village so we wouldn’t miss anything.
And yes, we had a lot of rests along the way. 😅
Also… I wasn’t expecting it to be hot.
But I guess because the sun was high, it didn’t feel like
autumn anymore.
Still, walking around the village felt peaceful and calming—like Seoul was welcoming us gently on our first day.
Related Post: 🏯 Namsangol Hanok Village Guide: History, What to See, Cultural Activities & Tips
🚶♀️ 1:40 PM — Walk + Travel to Myeongdong
If only we weren’t hungry, we probably wouldn’t have left the village.
It was relaxing and quiet in there.
But of course, we had to eat—and we also wanted to exchange money in Myeongdong.
We took our time walking while taking a few snaps along the way. I loved that feeling—when you’re not rushing, and you’re just enjoying the streets of a new country.
🥩 2:00 PM — Lunch at Seoul Bulgogi & Barbeque
I felt special. 😭✨
It was different from what we’re used to, and the food was fantastic.
The sad part?
I forgot the name of the restaurant. ☹️
After lunch, we walked around the street and got some desserts/snacks while heading back to our hotel to rest.
Update: I found out the name of the restaurant, yay!
To know more about this restaurant: 🥩 Seoul Bulgogi & Barbeque Myeongdong Review: Best Korean BBQ for Groups
😴 5:00 PM — Nap Time
As soon as we got back to the hotel, we refreshed and took a nap.
When we woke up…
It was dark already.
And we were hungry again.
🍲 8:00 PM — Dinner at Ojangdong Heungnamjip
It was a good call because the food was:
✅ good
✅
cheap
✅
satisfying
I realized that in Korea, even if you eat at a simple eatery or a nicer restaurant, the food is still fantastic.
Read my honest post about this restaurant here: 🍜 Ojangdong Heungnamjip Seoul Review : Best Cold Noodles (Naengmyeon) Experience
🌙 After Dinner — Myeongdong Night Market
After dinner, we went back to Myeongdong Night Market to check out the food and shops.
The streets were alive—bright lights, snacks everywhere, people shopping, and that exciting Seoul night vibe.
Even though we were tired, it still felt like a perfect ending to Day 1.
Because we didn’t force ourselves to do too much.
We did what we could.
And we enjoyed every moment.
🌟 The Most Stress-Free Day of Our Korea Trip
Our first day didn’t go according to the itinerary.
We arrived early, got lost, walked too much, and ended up late.
But because of that, we slowed down.
And Day 1 became the most relaxed day of our whole Korea trip.
Sometimes, the best travel days aren’t the ones where you complete everything.
They’re the days where you feel the place.
And Korea… on our first day… felt like a warm welcome.
🌿 Lakwatserang Ligaw Quote
🌍“Not every day has to be packed to be memorable. Sometimes, the best travel days are the slow ones.”💫
📢 Share This Post
🌸 Planning your Seoul itinerary?
📌 Save this Day 1 guide
🍢
Don’t skip Myeongdong Night Market
🏯
And if you want a calm cultural start, add Namsangol Hanok Village to your
first day!
.png)
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
Thank you for reading! Please share and like my Facebook page :)