[english.visitkorea.or.kr] Summer days in Seoul are filled with anything but boredom. The city bustles with countless sights to see and things to do as the weather becomes better and better for being outdoors. Places such as outdoor pools attract city dwellers looking to beat the heat, and most stores stay open late, giving the city more vibe and romance.
Reporters from the KTO team visited some of the hottest places in town over a short two-day itinerary that would be perfect for entertaining love birds – or anyone, for that matter - visiting Seoul this summer. The content in this article is based on a trip made on the previous July 18 and 19, and therefore may contain information that has changed. Please check the information prior to visiting in order to fully impress your significant other or travel buddies!
<Day 1>
Leisurely morning at Supia Yeouido
The Hangang River, the beloved lifeline that bisects the city of Seoul, is lined with parks and various sports facilities in multiple locations. Consequently, these places serve as great spots to hang out, relax and exercise with your friends and loved ones.
Among the collection of these riverside places is Supia Outdoor Pool in Yeouido, which is the most popular spot, and is heavily frequented by Seoulites at the instant the pool opens for summer. Visitors not only can swim there at a great price, but can also enjoy the great scenery of the nearby skyscrapers of Yeouido. Easy access via public transportation is a plus, as those planning big dates are likely going to be watching their budgets.
Lunch at Itaewon’s Gyeongnidan-gil
When looking for Seoul’s hottest spots, Itaewon’s Gyeongnidan-gil cannot be left out. Often dubbed “a small world inside Seoul,” the area is full of exotic and Western dining options worth checking out. You will come across streets lined with shops that have modern exteriors and interiors, as well as restaurants and coffee shops full of foreign nationals who live in and frequent the neighborhood.
Satiate your appetite by indulging in some cuisines from all around the world. After finishing the meal, give yourself some time to browse and take some pictures of the neighborhood, which is also decorated with cute paintings and designs.
☞ Directions:
From Yeouido’s Supia Outdoor pool, walk for about 300 m to Yeouido Full Gospel Church (여의도순복음교회) Bus Stop. → Take Blue Bus 463 for 8 stops and get off at Seoul Station Bus Transfer Center. → Transfer to Blue Bus 401 then get off at Yongsan Hansin Apt. (용산한신아파트) Bus Stop.
Chill out for the afternoon at Cheonggyecheon
Located in Jongno-gu, the heart of Seoul’s tourism, Cheonggyecheon is a stream that is frequented by young and old for its variety of festivals and events set in its natural beauty in the midst of the surrounding urban environment. With the hot summer weather, a lot of people frequent the stream for some respite and to put their feet in the cool water. It’s a great place to go with your significant other to share some cool, peaceful memories.
☞ Directions: Walk to Iteawon-dong Namsan Daerim Apt/Yongsan-dong Apt (이태원동남산대림아파트∙용산동아파트) Bus Stop from Gyeongnidan-gil → Take Blue Bus 143 and get off at Jongno 2-ga Bus Stop.
N Seoul Tower: Nightscape at the top of Seoul
If you’re looking for a romantic evening with your significant other, there’s no better way to do it than by seeing the nightscape of Seoul. One of the most popular places for seeing the city line at night is N Seoul Tower, and is frequented by couples regularly.
If you go up to the observation level, you can see a sea of lights coming from all over the city in one panoramic view. At the “Lover’s Tree,” couples can attach a padlock as a promise of long-lasting love. If you go there with your special someone, just write a message on a padlock and lock it to the “tree.” It will bring you and that someone even closer together.
<Day 2>
Starting your day fresh by meditating at Bongeunsa Temple
Bongeunsa Temple, located in the bustling heart of Gangnam, is a Buddhist temple boasting over 1,200 years of history. As with its immense history, it represents the history of Korean Buddhism, although the thousands of visitors to the temple every year come from all walks of life and religion.
The tall buildings surrounding the property seem far away when visitors go deeper onto the grounds of the temple, and peace settles into one’s mind. Let’s start our day with a peaceful morning in Bongeunsa Temple to calm our minds and spirits.
Eat and play at COEX, Seoul’s largest underground mall
COEX Mall is just five minutes on foot from Bongeunsa Temple, and yet is one of Korea’s largest shopping complexes as of today. The venue showcases the latest trends in fashion, electronic gadgets, character shops, commodities and other unique items only found here.
These stores aren’t the end of the attractions, as COEX houses various performances and exhibitions of all sorts. In addition, over 90 dining establishments are at your disposal, all the more reason to pay a visit.
Walk the cozy streets of Sinsadong’s Garosu-gil
No travel schedule for Seoul is complete without some time for shopping. Department stores and duty-free shops are all well and good, but if you're looking for unique fashion styles or other interesting products, a great place to stop by is Garosu-gil.
The area, which is frequented by all of Korea's trendsetters, is full of the latest fashions and clothing stores, as well as great coffee shops and top notch restaurants. It's a great place to take your significant other and find some unique souvenirs for each other to remember your special trip.
☞ Directions: From Bongeunsa Station (Seoul Subway Line 9) Exit 3 ∙ Samseong 1(il) Police Detachment Bus Stop. → Take Green Bus 4318 or Blue Bus 143 for 10 stops then get off at Sinsa Middle School Bus Stop.