While I don’t travel that often—maybe once a year if I can—my mom is a huge traveler. She makes it a point to go somewhere at least once a year. So recently, we took to Seoul at the end of November, right as autumn was ending. Just a few days after we left, there was a big snowstorm, so we managed to time it perfectly. While I love winter, my mom isn’t a huge fan of the cold, so we got very lucky. We saw the beautiful autumn leaves, and the weather was great—not too cold and no snow yet. It really felt like the perfect season to visit.
This wasn’t our first trip to Seoul—we had visited back in 2017 or 2018 during the winter in January. What was different this time was that we decided to join a tour group to cover more ground and visit the places we missed, like the palaces. If you’re planning your own trip, keep reading for a detailed itinerary of our five-day trip to Seoul, along with tips and recommendations.
Pre-trip planning
Tour package
- We booked a tour package with a travel agency, which made the planning process almost effortless.
- The package included the itinerary, hotel, tickets, visa processing, and even travel insurance.
- Filipinos need a visa to travel to South Korea, but this was handled by the agency as part of the package.
- It was a budget-friendly option, and we found it through a poster on Instagram.
- We had previously traveled with the same agency for our first trip to Taiwan, so we trusted them to manage everything.
Booking process
- We contacted the agency in July to inquire about slots for the November trip.
- After confirming availability, we reserved our spots by submitting updated passport copies and filled visa forms and paying a deposit fee of PHP 10,000 (USD 170) each.
- Full payment, including the visa fee, was required one month before the trip.
- The agency provided final details, such as the hotel and itinerary, just a day before the trip, which left us a bit anxious about whether the trip would happen.
Travel insurance
- Travel insurance was already included in the tour package, but we didn’t realize this and purchased additional insurance through GCash’s GInsure service.
- As a result, we ended up with double insurance coverage for the trip.
Packing tips
Since we visited in late November, we packed for cold autumn weather, including:
- Layers: Sweaters, scarves, and lighter jackets for milder days.
- Heavy jackets: Each of us had one big puffy coat for colder days.
- Heat tech layers: Essential for keeping warm, especially when visiting outdoor attractions.
- Wool socks: To keep our feet warm in low temperatures.
- While gloves weren’t necessary due to the manageable weather, layering pants and wearing scarves was highly recommended.
Luckily, the weather remained dry, with no rain during our trip.
In-trip planning
Flexible tour planning
- While guided tours are convenient, I recommend booking individual tours through platforms like Klook or GetYourGuide for flexibility. This allows you to dedicate a full day to places like Myeongdong or Gyeongbokgung Palace without feeling rushed.
- If you’re not joining a tour group, consider taking the limousine bus from the airport. It’s a large red bus, fully air-conditioned, and very comfortable. Drivers help with luggage, and the bus drops you at the main stop closest to your hotel. For instance, we were dropped off near Myeongdong, just five minutes from our hotel.
Navigating South Korea
- Download essential apps like KakaoMap and KakaoMetro to navigate the city, as Google Maps doesn’t work well in South Korea. These apps help you find subway exits and plan routes efficiently, saving time and energy.
- Be prepared for the extensive underground metro systems. Without proper planning, you could end up walking long distances between stops.
- Use a T-money card for Metro, buses, or taxis. These can be purchased at convenience stores like 7-Eleven.
Cultural tips
- Learn a few basic Korean phrases like “hello” and “thank you.” These simple greetings can create a connection with locals and often bring a smile to shopkeepers.
- Be aware of the "pali-pali" (hurry up) culture.
- If parking briefly or walking in busy areas like Myeongdong, be quick and considerate of others.
- Koreans don’t touch items that aren’t theirs. For example, if you forget something like AirPods in a public place, you’ll likely find them untouched exactly where you left them.
Food and produce
- South Korea is known for its healthy food culture and excellent produce.
- Fruits like peaches, apples, strawberries, and green grapes are particularly impressive—large, fresh, and delicious. Bring some home if you can; the taste is very different from what we have in the Philippines.
- If you’re shopping for skincare, don’t miss the freebies often given by shop owners.
Other tips
- Keep your itinerary balanced with free days to explore at your own pace.
- Dress for the season and pack appropriately for Korea’s climate, especially if visiting during colder months.
- Ensure you have reliable travel insurance, either included in your package or purchased separately.
Our itinerary for Incheon and Seoul
Incheon - 1 day, 2 nights
Incheon - Day 1
Arriving in Incheon
Not much happened the first day. We arrived in Incheon at around 11pm and met our tour guide. She had us board a bus that took us to our first hotel—Airsky Hotel. It was 10-15 minutes away from Incheon Airport.
Incheon - Day 2
Day two is when all of the activities really started. We traveled to two fantastic attractions set in provinces a little outside of Incheon—Gyeonggi-do and Gangwon-do. Although Incheon has its own attractions, like Chinatown, we didn’t get a chance to visit any of them.
Stop 1: Petite France
The second day began early, with our tour guide instructing everyone to be ready by 8:00 am. After some delays, we departed a little later and started the long two-hour drive to Petite France. Thanks to our private tour bus, most of us took the chance to nap during the ride. By the time we arrived at Petite France around 10:30 am, the chilly weather greeted us—it was about 2°C, so I had my big jacket on.
Petite France is a unique and whimsical attraction filled with pastel-colored buildings and artistic details. The area is designed to mimic a French village, complete with painted walls, replicas of French bedrooms, and even small museum-like exhibits. It felt like a scene straight out of Europe. Visitors receive a map to guide their exploration, though my mom and I aren’t great at reading maps. We mostly walked straight, stopping at places that caught our eye for photos and a closer look. The lack of crowds that morning meant we had plenty of opportunities to take photos without other people in the background.
We spent about an hour exploring Petite France, enjoying the quaint atmosphere and the peaceful morning. The buildings and decor gave the illusion of being in France, making it a fun and quirky experience. After wrapping up our visit, we returned to the bus and headed to our next destination.
Stop 2: Nami Island
Our second stop was the iconic Nami Island, a small island known for its picturesque landscapes and its feature in a popular Korean drama. To reach the island, we took a short ferry ride that lasted about five minutes. Although there was an indoor area on the ferry with heaters, I preferred staying outside to take in the view despite the cold weather.
Once on the island, our tour guide gave a quick briefing, pointing out the famous filming locations and suggesting a general walking route. Nami Island is small enough to explore on foot, but its winding paths and detours can make navigation a bit tricky. My mom and I have a tendency to get lost, so we stuck to shorter walks and avoided venturing too far from familiar areas.
During our exploration, my mom spotted a golf cart-like vehicle offering tours of the island. Initially hesitant, I agreed to the ride, which turned out to be narrated entirely in Korean. While we didn’t understand the commentary, the ride allowed us to see many beautiful parts of the island, including scenic bridges and tree-lined paths. At one point, the driver unexpectedly dropped us off in an unfamiliar spot, but it turned out to be a blessing. We discovered stunning natural areas we might have missed otherwise.
After some walking (and mild stress about finding our way back), we eventually made it back to the ferry dock with time to spare. We rested while waiting for the rest of the group before taking the ferry back to the mainland.
Our hotel in Incheon - Airsky Hotel
Good breakfast selection, delicious weekend breakfast, pleasant dining experience, nearby restaurants.
Reasonable rates, good value for money, low cost compared to other hotels near the airport.
Close to sea, park, and restaurants, short walk to dining options, plenty of local attractions.
New facilities, clean rooms, convenience store on-site, Netflix available, park in front of hotel.
What we liked about the hotel:
- Air Sky Hotel is very close to the airport—maybe 10 to 15 minutes by road.
- There’s a bus stop about three minutes away from the hotel, making it a convenient location if you’re not planning to spend much time outside of Incheon.
- We had a sea-view room, and there was a convenience store, EMART 24, on the ground floor.
- The room was comfortable and decently spacious.
- Breakfast was okay, according to my mom and the others in our group. I didn’t have any breakfast there myself—just coffee—but the selection looked fine. They offered a mix of Asian dishes and Western staples like bread, coffee, juice, and tea. It wasn’t anything special, but it got the job done.
What we didn’t like:
- The convenience store wasn’t open 24 hours; it closed around 1 or 2am. We wanted to stop by when we arrived, but they were just closing as we got there. Still, it was convenient to have for grabbing snacks or other necessities after breakfast.
- Navigating the smart control panel for the lights was a bit tricky. We kept pressing the wrong buttons and accidentally turning the lights off.
- The floor outside the bathroom was surprisingly slippery, which was a little dangerous.
Our group enjoyed the breakfast at the second hotel more, but in terms of comfort, we definitely preferred Airsky Hotel.
I remember our room was number 1031, on the 10th floor. It had a window with a view of some nearby buildings and a glimpse of the sea, which was nice.
Book Your Stay: Airsky Hotel Incheon
Seoul - 3 days, 2 nights
Seoul - Day 1
Stop 1: Namsan and N Seoul Tower
On the third day, we checked out of our hotel in Incheon and headed to Seoul, where the next stops on our itinerary were located. Our first destination was N Seoul Tower, one of Korea’s must-visit attractions. We arrived at the Namsan Cable Car area around 10am and took the cable car up to the tower.
Although we didn’t go up to the observation deck, we enjoyed exploring the area around the base of the tower. This spot is popular among couples who come to attach love locks to the bridge, a tradition that has turned the site into a colorful display. The area also has plenty of tourist-friendly amenities, including cafés, a 7-Eleven, and a souvenir shop. My mom especially enjoyed the cable car ride, but a tip for anyone visiting: try to be at the front of the line. When the cable car gets packed, it’s hard to see anything if you’re stuck in the middle.
We spent about 40 minutes here, taking in the views and exploring, before heading back down the cable car and driving to our next stop.
Stop 2: Starfield Library at COEX Mall
Our next destination was COEX Mall, famous for its stunning Starfield Library. The library features towering shelves filled with books, making it a popular spot for photos. During our visit, the library was decorated for Christmas, with a massive golden Christmas tree and twinkling lights adding to its charm.
As a book lover, I was excited to see the library, but unfortunately, most of the books were in Korean. We spent our time here taking photos, especially of the festive decorations, which were perfect for Instagram. After exploring the library, we had lunch at a local restaurant nearby.
Stop 3: Souvenir shopping
After lunch, we visited a souvenir shop attached to the restaurant. This shop had a wide variety of items, including food products like biscuits and freeze-dried fruits. Korea is known for its promotional deals, so we found offers like “buy three, get one free” or “buy five, get five free,” which made shopping even more enjoyable. It’s a great place for anyone who loves getting freebies along with their purchases.
Stop 4: Everland Theme Park
In the afternoon, we made our way to Everland Theme Park, one of Korea’s largest theme parks. While theme parks aren’t really our thing, it was part of the itinerary and a great opportunity for the family in our group with kids to enjoy the rides. My mom and I mostly strolled around, explored souvenir shops, and used the meal coupons provided to have dinner within the park.
The only ride we took was the cable car that connects the entrance to the main area of the park. We skipped the major attractions and rides, spending most of our time watching others enjoy the park’s thrills. The park also offered theme park snacks like candied fruits, ice cream, and popcorn, but we were too full from lunch to try any.
True to form, my mom and I got lost on our way back to the bus. What should have been a straightforward route from the park exit to the bus area turned into an unintended detour through the parking lot. After doubling back, we finally made it to the meeting point, exhausted but relieved.
On the bus ride back to the hotel, our tour guide handed out complimentary face masks, explaining how skincare is an important part of Korean culture. She mentioned that she uses masks twice a week and shared details about the brand. The next day, we would visit a shop where we could buy these masks and other items. Starting on day four, many of our stops included such “tourist-friendly” shops, which some might consider tourist traps, but I understood her intention to promote local products and support the economy.
Seoul - Day 2
Stop 1: Ginseng Museum
The day began with a visit to Ginseng Museum, where our tour guide shared fascinating details about Ginseng and its significance in Korean culture. She explained how Ginseng is incorporated into various products, such as soups, jellies, and skincare, and how Koreans highly value it for its health benefits. At the museum, a guide elaborated on the properties of Korean Ginseng, claiming it could help treat illnesses like cancer, improve memory, and promote overall well-being.
After the presentation, we were taken to a room filled with Ginseng products, and the doors were closed. A line of sales assistants began pitching the items to us, explaining their uses and benefits. My mom and I were tempted to buy some products, especially since our guide emphasized how Koreans invest in their health and often gift high-quality Ginseng products for occasions like Mother’s Day or Father’s Day. However, the prices were exorbitant—some items were priced in the hundreds of thousands of won, which would be around 70,000 PHP (1,188.17 USD). It was more expensive than the entire cost of our tour, so we decided not to buy anything. Despite this, some members of our tour group purchased premium products.
Stop 2: Guboncho cosmetic duty-free shop
Our next stop was a cosmetic duty-free shop, which carried the same brand of sheet masks our tour guide had given us the night before: Guboncho. I’m a big fan of Korean skincare and familiar with many brands, but I had never heard of Guboncho before. This seemed to be a brand that catered more to tourists, especially since the shop was duty-free and offered immediate tax refunds for purchases.
The sales assistants were very persuasive, showing us their product range and demonstrating how to use them. They applied samples of creams and serums on our hands and asked us to tap them dry, letting us feel the results. They also highlighted promotions like “buy two, get one free,” which encouraged us to make a purchase. My mom and I ended up buying quite a few items, including sheet masks, cleansers, and face creams. While the products aren’t widely reviewed online, we’ve been using them since the trip and found them to be effective. The sheet masks, for instance, came in a three-step pack with a cleanser, mask, and cream, which I feel has made a difference in my skin.
Our tour guide was an excellent promoter, as she’d been talking about the brand on the way to the shop, even showing us products she claimed to use daily. She mentioned that she uses these masks twice a week and credits them for her youthful appearance—she’s in her 40s but looks like she’s in her late 20s.
Stop 3: Lunch
Lunch was hot pot at a chain restaurant. I don’t recall the name, but the meal was very healthy, with plenty of vegetables, side dishes, and broths. All of the meals we had during the trip, including lunch and dinner, were consistently good and well-balanced.
Stop 4: Gyeongbokgung Palace
After lunch, we visited Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of Seoul’s most famous historical sites and a common setting for Korean dramas. Visitors could rent hanbok (traditional Korean attire) from a rental shop across the street. While my mom and I opted not to change into hanbok, the rest of our tour group did, adding a colorful and authentic touch to their experience.
Inside the palace, we explored areas like the throne room and a pavilion near the lake where kings used to host events. It was fascinating to see these iconic spaces that we recognized from historical dramas. However, the palace is enormous, and we didn’t have enough time to see everything. If you plan to visit, I’d recommend setting aside at least four hours and checking the schedule for the changing of the guards, which happens regularly throughout the day.
Stop 5: Shilla Duty-Free Mall
Our next stop was the Shilla Duty-Free Mall, a multi-level shopping center offering everything from luxury international brands like Gucci and Coach to local Korean products. Most of the items were pricey, but we did purchase a bottle of cologne for my dad.
Interestingly, the duty-free system required us to pick up our purchase at the airport instead of taking it home immediately. The sales assistant took our passport details, confirmed our flight, and informed us that the cologne would be waiting at a specific counter at the airport. This system prevents tourists from reselling duty-free items locally.
Stop 6: Myeongdong
Our final stop for the day was Myeongdong, a vibrant shopping district known for its street food, restaurants, and skincare shops. During our last visit to Korea, we stayed at a hotel in Myeongdong, so it was nice to return and experience the bustling atmosphere again.
The tour guide gave us 10,000 KRW (6.89 USD) each to spend on street food, but it wasn’t quite enough to try everything we wanted. My mom and I supplemented it with our own money and sampled dishes like chicken skewers, tteokbokki (rice cakes), fish cakes, and cheesy corn dogs. We also bought drinks at a nearby 7-Eleven.
We didn’t have much time to explore the shops, as our bus was scheduled to leave at 7pm. However, a protest or festival nearby caused road closures, and our bus couldn’t reach the pickup point. After waiting for a while, we decided to walk about 20 minutes to where the bus was parked. It was an unexpected exercise session, but we eventually made it back.
After returning to the hotel, my mom and I still had enough energy to visit a convenience store to pick up some snacks before calling it a night. Overall, day four was much busier than days two and three, packed with activities and shopping.
Seoul - Day 3
Stop 1: Red pine store
Day 5 started with another shopping stop, this time at a red pine store. On the way there, our tour guide introduced us to jok-song, which translates to red pine in Korean. She explained how it’s used to create supplements believed to clean arteries and improve health.
When we arrived, we were taken into a closed room where a sales assistant gave a presentation about red pine and its benefits. Interestingly, the presenter was a Filipino nurse living in Korea, which made her pitch even more relatable. She connected with our group by making jokes and speaking in our language, which worked well—many people, including my mom, ended up buying red pine products.
The supplements were sold in sets, with different regimens depending on individual health needs. My mom bought a set for her and my dad, costing us around 30,000 PHP (approximately 500 USD). While I’m a little apprehensive about the product’s efficacy—there wasn’t much information online—it’s something my parents plan to try.
Stop 2: Jeil Amethyst Tax-Free Shop
Our next stop was the Jeil Amethyst Tax-Free Shop, where we learned that amethyst is a popular gemstone in Korea, often mined locally. The tour guide even showed us her wedding ring, which was made of amethyst.
At the shop, a sales assistant shared information about the quality of Korean amethyst and the types of jewelry they offer. We could also watch an artisan crafting pieces through a glass window. My mom bought a ring and a pair of earrings for about 200 USD, which wasn’t as expensive as I had expected. Many of the other women in our group also purchased jewelry.
Stop 3: Lunch and samjang class
Before our next shopping stop, we had lunch at a restaurant that resembled a greenhouse. Located about 30 minutes from the border between South and North Korea, the restaurant served sambap, a traditional meal of leafy wraps with pork and samjang (a soybean paste condiment).
After lunch, we participated in a samjang-making class, where we were taught how to prepare the condiment using pre-arranged ingredients. The setup felt like being back in school, with a classroom environment and step-by-step instructions. It was a fun and interactive experience, and we got to take home our own homemade samjang.
Stop 4: Gimpo Hyundai Outlet
The next stop was the Gimpo Hyundai Outlet, a dangerous destination for anyone who loves shopping for branded items. Everything was discounted heavily, and we ended up at the Coach store, where my mom bought a bag for around 170 USD, a huge discount compared to its usual price of 400 - 500 USD.
The sales assistants were excellent at their job, suggesting items and even trying to convince me to make a purchase. My mom assured them that everything she was buying would eventually go to me, so I didn’t need to shop for myself.
Stop 5: Dinner and souvenir shop
Before heading to the airport, we had dinner at a Korean barbecue-style restaurant that also had a souvenir shop attached. This gave us one last chance for last-minute shopping, with discounted items and souvenirs. It turned out to be a good decision since, by the time we cleared immigration at the airport around 10pm, almost all the duty-free shops were closed.
Airport departure
Surprisingly, the airport shops closed early, leaving only a Dunkin’ Donuts open. For anyone planning to shop at duty-free, an earlier flight might be a better option. We weren’t able to find an Olive Young store at the airport either. Unfortunately, I had to skip buying items at Olive Young in Myeongdong earlier due to the long lines, so this was a disappointment.
Overall, my last day in Seoul was packed with shopping stops, a fun cooking class, and the bittersweet feeling of heading home after an eventful trip.
Our hotel in Seoul - Hotel Cullinan, Jongno District
This hotel was listed in the itinerary as Smart Hotel, but its actual name was Hotel Cullinan.
What we liked about the hotel:
- The location was convenient. We didn’t explore much of the immediate area, but there was a 7-Eleven and an EMART within a five-minute walk, which was great for grabbing snacks or essentials after a long day.
- The hotel was in the Jongno area, close to Jongno subway station, just a few hundred meters away. This made it convenient for commuting if you wanted to explore on your own.
- One highlight of the hotel was the breakfast, which was better than what we had at Airsky Hotel. It was a small buffet with about 10 items, but everything was good. I remember having bread, rice, bacon, and even French fries—an unusual offering at 7am—as well as little packets of seaweed, which I really liked. The coffee was also quite good, which was a nice way to start the day.
What we didn’t like:
- The rooms here were slightly outdated and a bit smaller that the first hotel we stayed at.
- One notable issue was the electrical sockets—they sparked slightly when plugging in chargers. On our first night, my mom tried using the hairdryer, and it shorted out, leaving a noticeable smell of smoke in the room, which was a bit unsettling.
- The bathroom design also left much to be desired. It wasn’t very wheelchair-friendly, with a combined tub-and-shower setup that required stepping into the tub to shower. Additionally, there were no barriers between the shower and the rest of the bathroom, so the floors would end up flooded with water every time we showered.
Overall, while the hotel had its issues, it worked well enough as a budget option in Seoul.
Book Your Stay: Hotel Cullinan jongno
Experiences we missed and want to return for
I have three main things in mind that I’d like to do if I ever go back. First, I’d want to visit the Italian Village, which we missed. It looked really interesting from the entrance, but since it required a hike to get there, we didn’t have enough time to visit both it and Petite France. I’d also love to return to the Starfield Library to spend more time looking at the books. Most of the titles were in Korean, but it was fascinating to see the covers and recognize books like Twilight in Korean translations.
I would skip some of the more touristy stops, like the Ginseng Museum, which I don’t feel the need to revisit. But I’d definitely go back to Gyeongbokgung Palace to explore the areas we missed and to take more time appreciating the architecture. Another must is Myeongdong, especially to visit the giant Olive Young store I didn’t get a chance to shop in last time. I’d also want to do more skincare shopping since it’s such a great place for deals. For example, buying 10 face masks often gets you another 10 for free. Even though we have some of these brands in the Philippines, they don’t offer nearly as many freebies as in Korea.
We also didn’t get to try the famous Korean spas or head massages—there just wasn’t any time. If we’d had any free time at all, I think I would have liked to try the color analysis trend that’s so popular. It seems like such a fun and unique experience, but unfortunately, we couldn’t fit it in this trip.
Food and souvenirs
Meals in South Korea
- Pork bone soup: One of the first things we ate in Korea was pork bone soup, and it was absolutely delicious. It was always served with rice in a metal bowl, which helped keep it warm—something I really appreciated.
- Korean barbeque: No trip to Korea is complete without experiencing Korean barbecue, and it didn’t disappoint. The best part was that it was refillable, so you could eat as much as you wanted. The kimchi served at all the barbecue places was fantastic, and I made sure to eat plenty since I love kimchi.
- Hot pot and street food: We also enjoyed hot pot for lunch one day, which was another highlight. In Myeongdong, we sampled a variety of street food, including tteokbokki, fish cakes, and tanghulu (candied fruits).
- Sambap: Another memorable dish was sambap, which involves wrapping pork and rice in a leaf, typically lettuce, and adding ssamjang or kimchi before rolling it up. It was both healthy and delicious, like much of the food we had in Korea.
- Side dishes: One of the best things about eating in Korea is the abundance of side dishes, which are always refillable. I especially enjoyed the kimchi and pickled radish—it’s great to have the option to eat as much as you want.
Souvenirs to bring back
- Dried peaches: Among the souvenirs, dried peaches were my favorite. Korean peaches are amazing, and while I didn’t get to try fresh ones this trip, the dried version was fantastic—similar to Philippine dried mangoes but with peaches. I regretted not buying more of them because they were so good.
- Korean snickers (X-5): Another fun souvenir was X-5, a kind of Korean Snickers—chocolate with a wafer roll inside and nuts. It was a unique twist on the classic candy bar and really tasty.
- Kimchi: If you have the chance, I’d highly recommend buying kimchi. We saw large tubs of it at a souvenir shop near the airport, though we didn’t buy any since it would’ve needed to go in our suitcase.
- Skincare: Finally, skincare is a must-buy in Korea. The products are high-quality, and many stores offer great deals, like buying 10 face masks and getting 10 for free. Korean skincare is also known for providing lots of freebies, making it one of the best souvenirs to bring back.
Second time's (also) the charm
Even though this was my second time visiting Seoul, I never felt anything close to boredom. The city is so vibrant and full of things to see and do, it’s endlessly entertaining. If you’re like me and enjoy a chill in the air, I’d definitely recommend visiting in autumn to admire the foliage. I hope everything I’ve shared here helps you plan the most perfect trip to Seoul!
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