Thanks for taking the time to read what I did during my layover in Seoul, South Korea! I had a layover for 20 hours in Seoul while I was en route from Beijing to Cebu in The Philippines.
Click here to see what I got up to in Beijing!
Sim Card
As soon as I got to arrivals, I got myself a SIM card. A Korea Telecom 1 day SIM for 6,600 KW with unlimited data and free incoming calls. It worked perfectly the entire time that I was there.
Taking the Subway
Next, I had to get out of the airport and to my hostel. The subway downtown from Incheon Airport takes an hour for just over 5,000 KW. You can get a T-Money card at the airport. If you have the money it might be better to get a taxi at night because the journey really is an hour and that doesn’t include getting your luggage, finding your way around, etc.
Accommodation
Now, I’ll put my hands up and admit I booked my dorm for a day earlier by mistake. While I still had to pay for a new bed, the staff were very patient with a very tired and annoyed version of me. I stayed at G Guesthouse in Itaewon which I booked on Hostelworld. It was my first time using it in years after being my go-to place to book accommodation throughout my twenties and pre-smartphone days.
Years ago, I read that Itaewon was the place to be if you were a foreigner. Maybe it was the fact that I arrived late on a Tuesday night, but most places were closed and any places that were open as I passed were completely dead.
It cost 32,130 KW with a deposit of 5,670 KW for a 4 bed dorm with a toilet, locker, computer, microwave and shower. The ages and demographics were more vast that you’d think! I had a breakfast of toast, cereal and coffee was included. The receptionist whose name is Shrek was a wealth of knowledge about things to see and do in Seoul.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
After breakfast, I was on my way. I wanted to do a bit of walking around and exploring which is very possible in Seoul. Gyeongbokgung Palace entry costs 10,000KW combination ticket for 4 palaces and Jongmyo Shrine. There are other cheaper options available.It’s free entry to under 18s, 65 and above and anyone wearing a Hanbok (traditional Korean clothing).
You can get an guide for 3,000KW and available in Korean, English, Chinese, Spanish and Japanese. You just tap the map on the point you’re at and you’ll get the story of it. Plan for about three hours here. It’s massive but the grounds are nice to relatively spacious to walk around. If possible, make sure to see the changing of the guards. This was at 1pm when I was there. Check for times at the ticket desk.
I could have spent more time here but I met up with a friend from college who I hadn’t seen in 14 years during his lunch break. Another bit of advice, CHARGE YOUR PHONE! My ‘universal’ adapter didn’t do the job the night before and it made things very difficult in the palace.
I relied on the kindness of some recent graduates of Nanyang Technological University to allow me to charge my phone for a bit (we also had our own photoshoot but I was a sweaty mess and those photos will never make it on the web). Power banks aren’t as accessible in comparison to Shanghai where they’re everywhere. Another phone charging request when you’re trying to meet a friend is not fun.
We need to talk about Dunkin’ Donuts
I lived off of snacks while I was there and their Dunkin’ Donuts is very impressive! I tried a cacao and honey donut and a Jeju tangerine coolatta along with restraining myself to not eat any more. In all honesty, I could have eaten everything and anything on their menu.
Parting Words
Don’t underestimate the distances places take you on the subway and plan your routes on a subway map as best as you can. I had great intentions of spending the afternoon in Hongdae and went way too far away into a residential area which resulted in me having to just carry on back the airport. Finally, I think airport security was insanely efficient and quick and I was at my boarding gate on time!
Seoul, I only saw Blackpink and BTS on my Korean Air in-flight video so I’ll be back! Until next time…
