Buzz
Around 10 a.m., places like Gyeongbokgung or N-Seoul Tower are for tourists, and only after 3 or 9 hours, locals start to populate them, after finishing work. By then, these areas become soaked in local culture with plenty of spots to relax, and street food stalls start to emerge.
Allocate enough time for Seoul. If possible, immerse yourself in true Korean nightlife, with 3 different outings in one night. First, have dinner at a restaurant, the second round typically involves going to a bar or karaoke joint (sometimes both), and finally, stop by a late-night street food stall. Late-night eateries in Korea usually, especially in winter, have just a few tables and chairs inside a tent, known as pojangmacha.
Take a tour and sing “Gangnam Style”
Psy might be the “tourism ambassador” of Korea, given the global success of his single “Gangnam Style.” Consequently, Psy seems to be the face representing any product produced under the sun, especially in Korea.
Psy’s presence in Seoul is overwhelming; so much so that it irks many, akin to the Spice Girls in their heyday. Recently, no store in Seoul plays Gangnam Style or Psy's latest single “Gentleman”. Therefore, refrain from singing “Gangnam Style” while strolling, particularly in front of stores around Myeungdong, where “Gangnam Style” is seen as a marketing tool.
Show admiration for North Korea
Despite the easing tensions between the two Koreas in recent years, the topic of North Korea is still frowned upon in South Korea. Therefore, when traveling in South Korea, especially Seoul, it's advisable not to bring up this topic with locals as it might cause discomfort.
If travel companies or anyone tries to lure you into tours to military zones near the border of the two Koreas, you should think carefully about whether they are trustworthy and safe. Don't risk being expelled from South Korea for unworthy reasons.
Try to stuff your suitcase
Forget Paris and Rome, Seoul is now the greatest shopping city in the world. We're not exaggerating; we're dead serious about this. However, you should only buy a few favorite items; don't overstuff your bags because you might regret it later when entering duty-free shops.
The prices of goods in duty-free shopping areas in South Korea are incredibly low. So, if you've already emptied your wallet in stores in shopping districts (like Myeongdong), major shopping centers (like Shinsegae), markets (similar to Dongdaemun), or supermarket chains (like Daiso), you won't be able to buy anything more at Lotte stores duty-free at the airport (where every day feels like Black Friday).
Become a picky eater
Unless you're allergic to many things or have poor digestion, try to eat what you can in South Korea. Starting with kimchi could be a good beginning. Kimchi in Seoul looks red, but it's not as spicy as it looks. The same goes for other red-looking dishes in Seoul, like spicy rice cakes.
For delicious yet inexpensive food, head to the street vendors. A street food culinary tour, filling your belly, costs only about 4 - 5 USD. And steer clear of Starbucks; the money you spend there could be used to try other delicious treats.
Tip: Don't cut short your time at Incheon International Airport. There's a Hello Kitty café, offering a taste of paradise with its sake. Then, wander around the duty-free shops to get the best deals on top-notch items. That's why Incheon often makes it to the list of the world's best airports. Even if you're rushing close to your flight time, it seems like time here is never enough.
According to Traveltimes.vn
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Reference: Travel guide Mytour
MytourDecember 16, 2014
