[Korean Wave] When In Seoul

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Visiting Seoul has always been a checklist item in a lot of people's bucket list. With an area of 605.2 km², it's easy to get overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of this vibrant and lively city. No worries, here's a list of places where you can start your Seoul searching! 

If you want to look photo-ready and you're afraid you underpacked in cute clothes, you might want to stop by these shopping places before you start your adventure.

1. Ehwa Woman's University 

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It is often suggested that if you want to go shopping, you should go to Garosugil or Apgujeong where they sell the latest high-end fashion. However, if you're on a limited budget, Ehwa Woman's University is the place for you. There are tons of cafes and shops where you can hang out just like a Korean college girl. It's one of the best places to shop for cute and fashionable items and because they're geared towards college girls, they come at affordable and cheap prices! The campus makes a nice place to hang out, too.

How to get there: Ehwa Woman's University Station - Line 2, exit 2

2. Coex Mall

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Head over to the most famous mall in Seoul if you want to shop till you drop. There are a lot of brands  that you may recognize and a ton of Korean brands that you might want to check out. This place makes a perfect hang out spot with friends and family as it has a food court that hosts plenty of food choices and an amazing indoor aquarium.

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How to get there: Samseong Station - Line 2, exit 5

Now that you're all geared up to experience Seoul, here are the places where you can really immerse in the Seoulistic lifestyle.

3. Hongdae

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Every night in Hongdae is painted with flashing lights and bright smiles. Hongdae hosts clubs, bars, and cafes mixed together in one artistic canvas. This is where you will find Seoul's art scene and this is where you can experience Seoul's many sub cultures. Street performances, street food, clubbing, restaurant-hopping, and shopping, it's a never-ending party in Hongdae!

How to get there: Hongik University Station - Line 2, exit 9 or Sangsu Station - Line 6, exit 1

4. Gangam Station

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When in Seoul, don't miss the opportunity to do the Gangnam Style in Gangnam (make sure no one is there to witness it, though). It's a really popular hang out spot and is pretty popular among the college students who live near the Han River. It's a great place to hang out with friends with its numerous bars, restaurants, and cafes, all set in a spectacular city backdrop.

How to get there: Gangnam Station - Line 2, exit 10,11 or Sinnonhyeon Station - Line 9, exit 5,6

5. Lotte World

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Visit the most popular amusement park in Seoul. It's a great place to take memorable pictures with friends and family with its beautiful architecture taken straight out of a fairy tale book. It offers a lot of fun activities like ice skating, rides, and games, making it a perfect place to spend the whole day in Seoul.

How to get there: Jamsil Station - Line 2, Line 8, exit 4

6. Yeouido Park 

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If you want to go home with your camera loaded with National Geographic-worthy shots, go to Yeouido Park. This is a great outdoor place to hang out and probably the best place to pretend like you're in a Koreanovela. It has nice gardens that are great for picnics, and sports activities. The most famous spot in Yeouido Park is the Yunjunro Street that is lined up with cherry blossoms and is very popular during spring. Here's what it looks like during fall.

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How to get there: Yeouido Station - Line 5, exit 3 or Yeouinaru Station - Line 5, exit 1

7. Grand Hyatt Ice Rink

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While were at the pretend-like-you're-in-a-Koreanovela page, don't forget to visit the Grand Hyatt Ice Rink. Make sure to visit it during the Christmas season for a magical, fairy-light-illuminated evening skate with your special someone (or you can go with your friends and family). This was the ice rink that was visited in "Boys Over Flowers" during their romantic winter date.

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How to get there: Hangangjin Station - Line 6, exit 1

8. Namsan Tower

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Namsam Tower is famous for its beautiful skyline view of Seoul and its love locks that are said to ensure that the lovers who placed them there would stay together forever. It's one of the most romantic places in Seoul with its beautiful surrounding parks and the physical forms of countless couples' promises attached to the gratings. 

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How to get there: Take Bus 02 or 05 in Chungmuro Station - Lines 3 & 4, exit 2 or Dongguk University Station - Line 3, exit 6

9. Gyeongbokgung

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Get away from the buzzing city and find serenity in Gyeongbokgung. This is the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty (Korea's last dynasty), located in the heart of Seoul. For deeper appreciation of the Korean culture and for views of the untouched landscape of Korea, take your time here. 

How to get there: Gyeongbokgung Station - Line 3, exit 5 or Gwanghwamun Station - Line 5, eixt 2

10. Namdaemun Market

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Heading home? Stop by Namdaemun Market. It's popular among tourists because of its local feel and random goodies you can get as souvenirs. Namdaemum Market is lined with stalls where you can buy Korean gifts and trinkets as a reminder of your wonderful time in Seoul, all for a very cheap and wallet-friendly price.

How to get there: Hoehyeon Station - Line 4, exit 5

There are countless, other wonderful places in Seoul beyond this list so make sure to make the most out of your time in Seoul! 

Till next time!

Alice