But it was even a lovelier encounter with Seoul during our autumn escapade in November 2014. Coming from a tropical country, it is an extolling experience to spend a rare chance of breathing through a naturally chilling weather as I consider it one form of normal relaxation.
Autumn in Seoul is no different from countries with similar climate but we felt like it was such a clean, friendly and safe place to spend the season with. All of us are in love with a particular holiday destination - - - that, I am certain. And my husband and I are just as always simply in love with Seoul.
If you wish to find out again on matters such as visa application to South Korea, how to travel by subway trains from South Korea’s Incheon International Airport and to any point of destinations in Seoul, accommodations, currency exchange, international call cards and many others, please refer back to my previous blog about our 2014 summer holidays in Seoul HERE
Meantime, this blog article is solely dedicated to the many amazing sites we have visited and are actually great places to see during autumn in Seoul (apart from the best sites we've seen last summer).
Do note that we always wanted to explore Seoul by using only its very efficient subway trains which can take people to the entire South Korea so conveniently. No local guides and cabs were engaged in our 2-time holiday in Seoul.
Unlike our first trip to Seoul last summer of 2014 where we spent 7 days, we tried to squeeze our autumn travel to 5 days (the 5th day was our scheduled flight back to Manila) bearing in mind that my tolerance level on cold weather is low but manageable.
As usual, it was a well-planned itinerary and for those who just want to simply embrace and enjoy the freezing weather in Seoul over cups of coffee and strolling along romantic views, I recommend you take the same itinerary as we did.
First Part: Namsangol Hanok Village (a traditional Korean village)
I’m a great fan of heritage sites so I’ll never miss a tour down any popular traditional/cultural spots in whichever country I visit. Namsangol Hanok Village is one of the many typical traditional Korean villages you can find in South Korea where all of which have been preserved throughout the centuries.
Exploring these traditional villages will make you understand the daily life practices, activities, desirable values, highly regarded skills, hard work and strong family and neighborhood ties of the ancient folks.
The nearest subway station is Chungmuro station. When you get-off from the station, you are just a minute walk to Namsangol Hanok Village. Entrance is free.
First Part: Deoksogung Palace
It is one of the four grand palaces in Seoul located just at the corner of the busiest heart of the city. The elegant stone-wall road of Deoksogung Palace makes it so unique and lovely while it sits alongside the western style buildings in the vicinity.
Three guards stood by the main entrance gate and the one in the middle was very much willing and obedient to join the photo shots with tourists for souvenir.
The changing of the Royal Guards Ceremony is one of the highlights in the Palace with the guards in their traditional uniforms and snappy parade. The ceremony occurs every 11am, 2pm and 3.30pm daily except Mondays. We were lucky to be just in time for the 2pm ceremony on our second autumn day in Seoul.
The nearest subway station is City Hall.
Our foremost and favorite resting place to seek guidance for fruitful journeys, adventures and learning experiences during our vacation in Seoul.
A stop-over for coffee with light dinner in one of the local coffee houses in Seoul. It’s a good view of the ancient rooftops from the second level and a very cozy evening atmosphere down the road. Caffe Bean is a local cafe store in South Korea.
Samcheongdong is an hour walk from Deoksogung Palace where you’ll pass by the famous Gyeongbokgung Palace (we visited last summer) and close to Bukchon Hanok Village (we also visited last summer).
First Part: Digital Media City
It’s where KBS and MBC (top TV networks in South Korea) buildings and main offices are. MBC is home to my most loved “Empress Ki” TV drama while KBS produced two very unforgettable TV films “Bridal Mask” (historical, action, drama) and “A Hundred Year Legacy” (family-oriented with a mixture of comedy and drama).
A visit inside the Korean SME History Museum, a strolling and unwinding moment at Digital Media City Park and a snack time at Zoo Coffee are all worth to see and spend time with. The Digital Media City subway station serves the entire area.
Check out South Korea’s one of the biggest fashion factory outlet in a highly convenient location inside Gimpo International Airport via the subway station – 2 stations from Digital Media City station.
After shopping, pamper yourself with a fully satisfying lunch at Lotte Mall’s food outlets also located inside the Gimpo International Airport. Food stalls in the entirety of Seoul are always clean, organized, peaceful with scrumptious healthy-balanced food servings.
First Part: Olympic Park Village
This is a huge 1.45 million square meter park divided into several zones including leisure sports park, cultural art park, eco-park and History Experience park (tribute to the area’s rich historic heritage).
It is South Korea’s legacy of the 1988 Seoul Olympics and the most impressive place for relaxation and recreation. It will take you almost half a day to explore the entire Olympic Park and it really is the best time to visit this place during autumn and spring.
The nearest subway stations are Olympic Park and Mongchontoseong stations.
The leading world-class premium bakery café with over 3,500 stores all over South Korea which we surely would never miss. As coffee addicts, we are lucky to have 2 nearby Paris Baguette Café stores from 24Guesthouse (our favorite accommodation since our first summer visit) which is along Sinchon area (one of the busiest and most central location near downtown Seoul). The nearest subway station is Sinchon.
Who would not dwell inside a Paris Baguette Cafe to keep people warm and full on a chilling autumn weather in Seoul?
A quick but indulging breakfast at Ediya Café (another popular local coffee house) along Sinchon area close to our accommodation at 24Guesthouse before heading to Incheon International Airport via subway station for our noontime flight back to Manila.
Ask Jitrrie Travel & Tours for tips and assistance on travel bookings, itineraries and visa application to Seoul, South Korea. We had the first hand and very detailed experience of traveling to Seoul independently without local guides. And it was more rewarding to do so.
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Until our next visit to Busan and Seoul this coming spring, we would be happy to share with you more stories about our South Korea travel series.
Travel smart, soon and safe. Be blessed everyone!