How to spend a great winter in Seoul

As the main royal palace which belonged to the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeongbokgung Palace stands testament to a country’s past where patrons will be greeted by seemingly countless examples of traditional Korean architecture splashed across its walls. Unearth fascinating facts of this palace and how it succumbed to a Japanese invasion in 1592 before restoration efforts in 1867 saw it once again returned to its former glory. Also, staff at the management office offer free guided tours in 4 different languages and if you happen to arrive wearing the Hanbok which is the traditional dress of the locals, then you will not have to pay the entrance fee for foreigners, which as at the time of writing stands at 3,000 South Korean Won.

Give into your wanderlust amidst the snow and cold weather by beelining for the charmingly laid out Bukchon Hanok Village. Perched on a hill in Seoul, this tourist hotspot would best serve those travellers who simply adore a quiet meander and an array of backdrops to pose against ahead of that all important holiday pose. Open to tourists, Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and that too with no entrance fee, Bukchon Hanok Village replete with inviting alleyways, traditional dwellings titled ‘hanoks’ and a sense of peace and tranquillity will easily win you over no sooner you enter.

A playground for shopaholics, particularly those who have a soft spot for cosmetics and fashion, the neighbourhood of Myeongdong ranks as one of Seoul’s most cherished regions. Littered with shops and stores providing 2 for 1 offers and hand-free samples that will make for speedy decisions and purchases, Myeongdong is also a meeting place for avid foodies. Packed to the rafters with street food stalls and restaurants where you will certainly be getting your money’s worth, the area is where you can conveniently tuck into the distinct flavours of Korean BBQ. In the event you decide to stay at a hotel near Seoul Train Station such as for instance, Travelodge Myeongdong Euljiro, then you will have ease of access to Myeongdong Shopping Street which serves up an assortment of goodies. These include spicy stir-fried noodles, omelette burgers, meatball skewers and piping hot banana pancakes that will have you salivating at the ends no sooner you place your order.

Experience a winter wonderland of sorts when in Seoul which is a metropolis that is surrounded by peaks. Therefore, planning a hiking expedition to Mount Yongma will come off as one of the better outdoor excursions that you will have access to. Know that the hike commences at Yongma Waterfall Park and for such a purpose, you will be required to make journey to a place referred to as Jangnang. Although not known to be precarious, the trail can become slippery come winter and this is why having on the sturdiest pair of hiking boots is essential. The thrill of walking on snow-covered, rugged pathways and passing by trees with branches bent under the weight of the snow will certainly spur you on towards the summit of Mount Yongma from where you could catch a glimpse of the city, should the day’s weather not be too severe.