Trick Eye Museum

Category: Attraction - Museum
Nearest Subway Station: Hongik University Station (Line 2, AREX)
Distance from Subway Station: 346 meters (Exit 9)
District (gu): Mapo-gu
GPS: 37.553551,126.921689 ↗
Description:

If museums are not your thing, this one might change your mind yet. Instead of showing old artifacts, this museum has pictures and props designed to "trick" the brain. You can take pictures and have a fun day overall here. It is a good place to bring children to and worth a visit if you are already around Hongdae area. (source).

NOTE: Until 31st December 2013 you can use this coupon for a discounted entry ticket.

Location in Google Map:

Cheongdamdong Fashion Street

Category: Attraction - Shopping
Nearest Subway Station: Apgujeongrodeo Station (Bundang Line)
Distance from Subway Station: 410 meters (Exit 2,3)
District (gu): Gangnam-gu
GPS: 37.52683,127.045466 ↗
Description:

Cheongdamdong Fashion Street is a very high scale shopping district. Luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Gucci, Giorgio Armani and many others all have their flagship stores in this district. There is also the Galleria Department Store that is directly connected with the Apgujeongrodeo Station. This street is dubbed the luxury mecca of Seoul. And for K-Pop fans, it might interest you to know that SM Entertainment building is also on the same street, and you might stumble into your favourite artists here. (source)

 

Location in Google Map:

The station is not listed in Google Map yet.

Hongdae Free and Hope Market

Category: Attraction - Shopping
Nearest Subway Station: Hongik University Station (Line 2, AREX)
Distance from Subway Station: 546 meters (Exit 9)
District (gu): Mapo-gu
GPS: 37.552378,126.923352 ↗
Description:

If you will be in Seoul anytime from March to November and you are a fan of handmade and unique crafts, don't forget to visit these unique flea markets open only on Saturday and Sunday. These markets don't sell second hand items, but handcrafted accessories, clothes, caps, paintings, photographs and many other more. Most of the vendors are students of the nearby Hongik University. Saturday is the day for "Free Market" while "Hope Market" is on every Sunday. Both are open from 1PM to 6PM at the same location. (source 1, source 2)

Hongdae Free Market caught by Daum Road View.

Location in Google Map:

Namsan Tower - How to Get There by Bus

Category: Attraction - Nature
Nearest Subway Station: Myeongdong (Line 4)
Distance from Subway Station: 41 meters (Exit 2)
District (gu): Jung-gu
GPS: 37.560823,126.986621 ↗
Description:

Previously this site shows how to get to Namsan Park and Tower by taking the cable car. However the journey to the cable car station itself is challenging with the distance and being a bit hilly. Of course the price is also expensive with the current posted price being 8,000 KRW for a round trip and 6,000 KRW one way. Waiting time can be long too if it is a public holiday in South Korea.

Luckily you can also take a bus up and down the Namsan Mountain. Namsan Mountain is served by yellow (circular) buses. There are three different buses that go up: Namsan 02, Namsan 03 and Namsan 05. Each bus serves different routes in Seoul.

This entry shows how to take the bus Namsan 05 from a bus stop in Myeongdong Station. The bus stop is just a few steps from the Exit 2 of Myeongdong Station. The bus stop is next to Prince Hotel.

Even though the bus category is Yellow Bus, the Seoul government has changed most of the buses going up Namsan Mountain to the environmentally friendly electric buses that look like this:

Your bus number is 05 though. Don't take the wrong one from Namsan Mountain!

Or the old bus may come first. Don't snub this bus! It goes the same route. :)

Bus fare is only 850 KRW when using T-Money. Journey will take around 30 minutes and the bus interval is every 18 minutes. Because it is a circular line, you can also take the same bus from Namsan Mountain to this Myeongdong bus stop back.

Location in Google Map:

Cheongchun Cat Cafe

Category: Attraction - Other
Nearest Subway Station: Hongik University Station (Line 2, AREX)
Distance from Subway Station: 616 meters (Exit 9)
District (gu): Mapo-gu
GPS: 37.552998,126.923114 ↗
Description:

One of the most ubiquitous sights in Seoul is the many coffee houses making business in this town. You have the major franchises like Starbucks and also many independent and unique coffee houses. Coffee houses that have unique theme are also numerous in Seoul like the Hello Kitty Coffee House featured before. But this time how about something less cartoonish and more I-will-leave-my-furs-on-your-clothes variant?

Cheongchun Cat Cafe / YCat Cafe (previously also known as Gio Cat Cafe) is a coffee house where the main spotlight is not on their brews of Caramel Macchiatto or Espresso, but the many cats it houses! Pay an entrance fee and you'll get a choice of drinks and allocation of table. Then you can do your best to tempt these furry buddies to get into your lap, pet and play with them. They even have a "cat menu" that showcases the many different breeds of cats they have. Check the sources for more info (and a video) (source 1, source 2, source 3)

Location in Google Map:

Korean Folk Village

Category: Attraction - One Day Visit
Nearest Subway Station: -
Distance from Subway Station: -
District (gu): -
GPS: 37.259247,127.118951 ↗
Description:

Korean Folk Village is a cultural village established to preserve the traditional houses, culture and customs of Korea's Joseon period. The village consists of relocated hanok houses, buildings and artifacts that depicts the lifestyle of the Joseon period. This village was used as a filming location for many Korean dramas like Jewel in the Palace, Sungkyunkwan Scandal and Moon Embracing the Sun.

Aerial view of Korean Folk Village

Similiar to Everland, there are also multiple ways to get to Korean Folk Village in Yongin. This entry is how to get to Korean Folk Village by taking a bus in Gangnam. The bus stop for Korean Folk Village is the exact bus stop for taking the bus to Everland. So if you want the map and walking directions to the bus stop you can refer this entry.

The bus to take is 5001-1 (red bus). Journey is around 1 hour and ticket costs 2,000 KRW using T-Money. First bus from Gangnam Station is at 6.30 AM and the last bus heading back to Gangnam Station is at 12.20 AM. Bus interval is every 12 minutes.

Now, the tricky part is knowing where to get off. You can always tell the driver ahjusshi to let you know once you've arrived:

한국 민속촌에 도착하면 말씀해 주세요
han guk min sok chon eh  do chak ha myeon  mal sseum hae  ju se yo
Please tell me when we arrive at Korean Folk Village

You can also familiarize yourself with the bus stop / location you should get off. I am embedding the Daum Map Road View of the bus stop in Korean Folk Village so you can get.. familiarized.

Bus from Seoul will let you off at this bus stop:

Hey look, that bus!

From the bus stop you will need to cross the road, cross the parking lot and walk a little bit more to reach the entrance of Korean Folk Village. Refer Google Map below for more accurate locations.

To get back to Seoul, wait at the bus stop below, which is just opposite the bus stop where you disembarked.

Korean Folk Village has a Muslim prayer room as stated in the e-book "A Slim Destination for Muslim Travelers". You need to go to the ticket office and ask for the availability.

NEW: Print the discount coupon for Korean Folk Village here.

Locations in Google Map:

Everland

Category: Attraction - One Day Visit
Nearest Subway Station: -
Distance from Subway Station: -
District (gu): -
Description:

I don't usually make entry on attraction outside of Seoul, but today I am excited because I discovered that Naver Map have Street View (or whatever Naver call it is) of Everland! Korea why so amazing? I described on how to get here on a previous entry so on this entry I will just focus on ticketing, food and where to pray.

Ticketing
Everland always have discounts going on for foreigners. You need to go to their website and print out the coupon. Bring the coupon together with your passport and when you arrive at the ticketing place skip the lines of people queuing for regular tickets and find the "Group Ticket Office". Regular ticket booths can't sell you the discounted tickets so make sure you go to this office. From the current promotion going on instead of 40,000 KRW for one day pass you'll get a discount of 8,000 KRW and only have to pay 32,000 KRW.

Food
There is no specific "halal" restaurants in Everland but you can go and buy the shrimp burger from their restaurants. Shown below is "Burger Cafe Europe" which is in the same area (European Adventure) of the prayer room in Everland.

Prayer Room
Everland have kindly provided a prayer room for the usage of Muslim visitors. You won't know it is a prayer room from the outside though. The room is located under the same building as Mystery Mansion. From the pictures going on the internet (especially Miss Zarina's blog), they don't provide water pipe, only a sink so I would recommend bringing your own small spray bottle to take wudu'. And also this is a unisex prayer room and you will have to bring your own prayer clothes.

I hope the info in this entry and the previous one will help those who are planning to go to Everland on their own. Have fun!

Locations in Google Map:

Everland (Bus Stop in Gangnam)

Category: Attraction - One Day Visit
Nearest Subway Station: Gangnam Station (Line 2)
Distance from Subway Station: 287 meters (Exit 10)
District (gu): Gangnam-gu
GPS: 37.501223,127.025705 ↗
Description:

There are several ways to get to Everland from Seoul. One of the easiest ways is by taking the bus numbered #5002 from a bus stop near Gangnam Station. You don't need to book or buy the ticket first before boarding the bus. Just tap your T-Money card or pay by cash to the driver. Because this is a public bus, it can get crowded though so make sure you make your way early in the morning.

The bus will stop at a terminal near Everland and from there you can take the free shuttle bus provided by Everland. Take the same bus to get back to Seoul but ask first that the bus is going to Gangnam and not Myeongji University. Journey from Gangnam to Everland is around 1 hour and the bus fare is 2,000 KRW using T-Money and 2,100 by cash. The first bus starts at 5:50 AM and last bus departs at 10:20 PM with each interval at around 11 minutes. (source)

Location in Google Map: 

Walking Directions:

1. You should know that you are outside of Exit 10 when you see the sight below:

2. Walk straight until you've reached the end of the block. Then cross the zebra crossing and walk straight again:

3. Walk down another block and cross another zebra crossing. Don't worry, you are really close now!

4. Walk just a few steps more and you've arrived!

Garosu-gil (Tree-lined Street)

Category: Attraction - Shopping
Nearest Subway Station: Sinsa Station (Line 3)
Distance from Subway Station: 270 meters (Exit 8)
District (gu): Gangnam-gu
GPS: 37.518423,127.023248 ↗
Description:

"Gangnam Style" song is crazily popular now. "Gangnam" is the name of an upscale district in Seoul, full with large corporation offices and high-end shops, while "oppa" is the word used for a female to call a close older male. "Oppa Gangnam style" is basically "Hey girl, I've got the high class style" (though the music video really doesn't translate the lyrics).

Garosu-gil is one of the numerous uptrend streets in Gangnam. It is filled with boutiques by Korean designers, interior stores,book and art shops and also beautifully designed cafes. It is not as intimidating as Cheongdam-dong, another district in Gangnam with luxury boutiques abound and some even say Garosu-gil is comparable to European streets' charms. The street is lined up with ginkgo trees (hence the name) and in autumn their yellow leaves make the street really beautiful. A romantic place to be I must say :) (source 1, source 2)

Location in Google Map:

Everysing (Myeongdong)

Category: Attraction - Hallyu
Nearest Subway Station: Myeongdong (Line 4)
Distance from Subway Station: 140 meters (Exit 6)
District (gu): Jung-gu
GPS: 37.561278,126.984111 ↗
Description:

Everysing is a karaoke center (or as Koreans call it "noraebang") owned by SM Entertainment. In addition with providing karaoke rooms for visitors, Everysing also sells exclusive merchandises featuring artists under the SM Entertainment company. Conveniently located just above SPAO in Myeongdong it is worth a visit for SM artists' fans. (source)

Location in Google Map:

Ewha Womans University

Category: Attraction - Other
Nearest Subway Station: Ewha Womans University Station (Line 2)
Distance from Subway Station: 327 meters (Exit 2 or Exit 3)
District (gu): Seodaemun-gu
GPS: 37.560143,126.945477 ↗
Description:

Why visit a university? Why not? Especially one as beautiful as this. Founded in 1886, this university is the largest female educational institute in the world. The campus is made up of beautifully preserved old buildings and new, modern underground campus that blends in with the hilly landscape of the university.

And hear this ladies, the road heading towards Ewha from the subway station is filled with many shops selling trendy clothes, cosmetics, shoes, bags.. you name it! All with affordable price catering the students' budget. Some actually say that you should visit Ewha first before Myeongdong or Dongdaemun. So do slot a visit here when you are in Seoul :) (source 1, source 2)

Location in Google Map:

Hello Kitty Cafe

Category: Attraction - Other
Nearest Subway Station: Hongik University Station (Line 2, AREX)
Distance from Subway Station: 381 meters (Exit 9)
District (gu): Mapo-gu
GPS: 37.553351,126.922324 ↗
Description:

There are many cafes in the trendy district of Hongdae and one unique cafe is Hello Kitty Cafe. Fully decorated with the famous cat characters from Japan, even the drinks and food are shaped based on the cat with ribbon on its ear. If you are a fan of the character or just want to try eating cat shaped desserts, make your way to this cafe. Open from 11am to 12pm. (source 1, source 2)

Location in Google Map:

Dongdaemun Toys and Stationery Street

Category: Attraction - Shopping
Nearest Subway Station: Dongdaemun Station (Line 1, 4)
Distance from Subway Station: 120 meter (Exit 4)
District (gu): Jongno-gu
GPS: 37.57153,127.013491 ↗
Description:

One of the best Korean's products must be their beautiful, cute and creative stationery. Stickers, colourful papers, envelopes and ribbons made up of an industry of their own in South Korea. People go to bookstores like Kyobo and Bandi & Luni's or stationery stores like Artbox to get their hands on these beautiful creations. In Dongdaemun, there is a whole street selling stationery and toys at wholesale price. If you are looking for things to bring back home, stationery is always a good idea. They are cheap, and you can give them to your office mates or nieces and nephews. (source)

Go straight ahead for the street

 Location in Google Map:

Handel and Gretel - Super Junior

Category: Attraction - Hallyu
Nearest Subway Station: National Assembly Station (Line 9)
Distance from Subway Station: 200 meters (Exit 4)
District (gu): Yeongdeungpo-gu
Description:

Another in the series of cafes opened by family members of Super Junior (you can guess which group I like right now) is Handel and Gretel operated by the parents and younger brother of Yesung. This cafe is situated just in front of KBS so you can group your visits together with watching Super Junior Kiss The Radio and have a day full of Super Junior experience. It serves drinks, cakes and sandwiches and almost all of its customers are Super Junior's fans. (source)

UPDATE: As of October 2012, Yesung's family no longer operate this cafe.

Location in Google Map:

Kona Beans Cafe - Super Junior

Category: Attraction - Hallyu
Nearest Subway Station: Apgujeong Station (Line 3)
Distance from Subway Station: 721 meters (Exit 2)
District (gu): Gangnam-gu
Description:

This place may only be of interest to fans of Super Junior. It is a coffee shop managed by the mothers of three Super Junior members: Leeteuk, Sungmin and Kyuhyun. Being close to the SM Building, the sons sometimes drop by and help helm the cash register. Other members and other SM Entertainment's artists are also known to come and visit the mothers. The cafe is decorated with Super Junior decorations and always has fans of Super Junior enjoying their coffees and snacks. Come and make new friends and if you are lucky you may get a Super Junior member taking your orders ;)

Location in Google Map:

Hangang Park - Yeouido

Category: Attraction - Nature
Nearest Subway Station: Yeouinaru Station (Line 5)
Distance from Subway Station: 0 meter (Exit 3,2)
District (gu): Yeongdeungpo-gu
Description:

As the Han River crosses through Seoul, there are many Hangang Park across many neighbourhoods. The most famous one however is the one in Yeouido, an island located in Han River that is the home to many important offices including the Korean Exchange Centre, KBS, MBC, LG, National Assembly and the 63 Building.

During cherry blossom's blooming season, the street in nearby Yeouiseo-ro Street will be filled with the beautiful sights of these flowers. Bicycles can be rented here, and it is one of Seoulites favourite activites when going to Hangang Park. The Han River Ferry Cruise also have one of its many docks here so you can plan your trip to include the ferry cruise. Due to the park being close to broadcasting stations, you may also stumble into drama filming when going there. Want to try your luck? :D

Location in Google Map:

Insadong

Category: Attraction - Shopping
Nearest Subway Station: Anguk Station (Line 3)
Distance from Subway Station: 180 meters (Exit 6)
District (gu): Jongno-gu
Description:

Insadong is a neighbourhood filled with antique shops and artworks. There are also numerous traditional Korean tea shops in the streets. Insadong is a popular place for tourists as a centre for culture and crafts. Hanbok, traditional korean papers and brushes, ceramics are among some of the merchandises on display here. Don't forget to go to Ssamziegil, a beautiful building housing craft stores that was featured in Super Junior and Girls Generation "SEOUL" video. If you walk around Insadong you will also be charmed with the sights of Korean elders in their best clothes going out doing social activities with their friends.

 source: visitkorea.or.kr

Location in Google Map:

Deoksugung Palace

Category: Attraction - Cultural
Nearest Subway Station: City Hall Station (Line 1,2)
Distance from Subway Station: 106 meters (Exit 2)
District (gu): Jung-gu
Description:

Deoksugung palace's compound is surrounded with stone walls. Deoksugung's doldam-gil or stone wall road has an interesting story attached to it. It was said that lovers that walk the road together will eventually break up. I wonder if people still believe in this legend, but anyone dare to try? ;) The road is a feast to the sights with beautiful historical buildings surrounding it. It is also apparently really beautiful in autumn with brown and yellow leaves adding splashes of colours to the view. Deoksugung Palace is also unique because it has buildings that were designed in Western styles. As usual more information on KTO Website.

 source: visitkorea.or.kr

Location in Google Map:

Namsangol Hanok Village

Category: Attraction - Cultural
Nearest Subway Station: Chungmuro Station (Line 3,4)
Distance from Subway Station: 128 meters (Exit 3,4)
District (gu): Jung-gu
Description:

Namsangol Hanok Village is a village with restored Hanok houses in the middle of Seoul. Located in a place that used to be a famous summer resort during the Joseon period, the village is attached with a beautiful park and very clear view of Namsan mountain and N-Seoul Tower. While Bukchon Hanok Village are mostly privately owned houses, the restored Hanok houses in Namsangol Hanok Village have been furnished with accurate furnishing of Joseon period and viewers are invited to look into the houses. Entrance is free, and the beautiful park is a very pleasant place for picnics. You can also rent hanbok and walk through the park to take pictures with the beautiful Korean traditional clothes. More source on KTO website.

source: visitkorea.or.kr

Location in Google Map:

Coffee Prince Cafe

Category: Attraction - Hallyu
Nearest Subway Station: Hongik University Station (Line 2, AREX)
Distance from Subway Station: 523 meters (Exit 8)
District (gu): Mapo-gu
Description:

This cafe was the filming location of the extremely popular drama "Coffee Prince". The owner of the cafe has decided to not change the interior from the drama's filming and the cafe has now become the place to go for visitors wishing to revisit their memories of the drama. The cafe is located in Hongdae, where there are also many other unique cafes waiting for customers. Do check on their opening hours, you don't want to go there and find out it is closed like what happened with us.

 closed. credit: me

Location in Google Map: