The Day I Wandered Alone in Seoul

Date Visited: 24 March 2014

It all started when my sister and her boyfriend intended to visit Everland Resort, so I brought them to Gangnam Station where the bus station to Everland is situated. Since I went before, I decided not to go and wandering other places with my mom along. However when the bus approaching, out of sudden my mom jumped into the bus together with my sister and her boyfriend and bid me goodbye. I was indeed in state of shock but then, that indicate Seoul is a safe place for a lady to travel alone and my mom believe I could wander independently. 

Since I was alone, hence I took this opportunity to visit the places I've never been before.

Ewha Womans University

Ewha Womans University was Korea's first educational institute for women and the largest in the world. Surprisingly, Ewha Womans University area is also well-known to be one of the popular shopping districts in Seoul. Once I got out from the nearest station and on my way leading to the university, I found myself surrounded by various clothing stores, accessory shops, cafes and hair salons. Most of the items there are pretty cheap and affordable.  

#1: Shopping district of Ewha Womans University 

Talking about the university, it seems like anyone whether local or foreigner are allowed to enter into the university without any restrictions. Although it's a private women university, but I spotted some handsome guys within the university. *wink wink* I even went and visited the campus and oh boy, how I wish I could be back to university again. University life is one of the best moment of my life, to be honest.

#2: Ewha Womans University - I wish to be back to university again! 

#3: Ewha campus complex 

How To Get To Ewha Womans University:

Ewha Womans University Station - Exit 2 or 3. From the station, 5 minutes walk to the university.

Sinchon Area

Once again, I wandered aimlessly without any printed map on my hand and soon, I found myself in the middle of Shichon area, a place full with youthful and energy vibes. Sinchon is widely claimed as the Mecca of Young People for its location surrounded by major universities of Korea such as Ewha, Hongik, Yonsei and Sogang. One thing I notice about Sinchon is it's clustered with wide array of chic and stylish cafes to cater the universities' students. This is where I spotted Cafe Bene before they ventured into Malaysia market a year later.

#4: Sinchon area is clustered with wide array of cafes to cater the universities' students 

#5: Any Hello Kitty fans? So far, I found there are three Hello Kitty Cafes in Seoul - Myeongdong, Hongik and Sinchon. 

#6: Shichon area, a place full with youthful and energy vibes

Itaewon Special Tourist Zone

Located adjacent to the main military base of U.S. Forces Korea, Itaewon has a unique foreign flair. It is a multicultural area where more than 20,000 foreigners live and widely recognised by international visitors. The uniqueness of this street is majority of the restaurants here served international dishes and cuisines from around the globe including from Pakistan, Turkey, India, Thailand, Germany, Spain, Italy, Mexico and more which are not commonly found around South Korea. 

#7: Itaewon - a multicural area

#8: Spotted nation tiles in Itaewon but unfortunately I can't find Malaysia

Another interesting features adding to Itaewon's exotic atmosphere include Seoul's islamic mosque - the first one in Seoul. If you are looking for halal food, there are plenty of halal restaurants nearby the mosque. 

#9: Seoul Central Masjid

How To Get To Itaewon:
Itaewon / Noksapyeong / Hangangjin Station


Namsan Seoul Tower

The final stop for the day is none other than Namsan Seoul Tower. It offers the best location from which to gaze down on the panoramic view of Seoul city and the surrounding areas. Built on the mountain side, N Seoul Tower is Seoul's popular landmark and the ideal time to visit at night as it offers spectacular and mesmerising Seoul's night view from the peak of Namsan mountain.

There are two options to go up N Seoul Tower; via cable car or public bus. A return ticket via cable car cost 8,500 won (approx. to RM26) for adult and 5,500 won (approx. to RM17) for children. However, I opted for the latter option which is significant cheaper than the first option - only cost 1,200 won (approx. to RM4) for a single fare via public bus. 

#10: Surrounding at the bottom of N Seoul Tower  

#11: N Seoul Tower Ticket Counter - 10,000 won to go up observatory 

#12: Ideal time to visit N Seoul Tower is at night 

How To Get To N Seoul Tower:

By Public Bus - click here. I took the bus from Myeongdong Station - Exit 3 and board on Namsan Sunhwan Shuttle Bus No. 5 for only 1,200 won (approx. to RM4) for a single trip. 

By Cable Car - Walk about 10-15 minutes following the street of the right side of the Pacific Hotel, after coming out from Exit 3 of Myeongdong Station. A return ticket cost 8,500 won (approx. to RM26) for adult and 5,500 won (approx. to RM17) for children. 

Admission Fee for Observatory: 10,000 won (approx. to RM31) for adult and 8,000 won (approx. to RM25) for children

However, I didn't manage to up to the observatory tower as I need to rush back to our guest house while waiting for my family members to get back from Everland Resort and having dinner together. 

Yoogane, one of my favourite restaurants in Korea serving galbi - a pan grilled marinated meat with an unique sweet and spicy sauce served with Korean rice cake, fresh veggies, noodles, rice, cheese and more

Check out my experience of having Yoogane in Singapore - click here.