Layover in Seoul

The Incheon International Airport is an hour long train ride from the capital of South Korea - Seoul! If you have a long layover at this popular airport then don’t miss out on visiting this bustling metropolis filled with historic sights, great food, and lots of shopping. There is lots to see if you have one day in Seoul or are visiting during a layover at the airport. After navigating from the airport to the city, here is what I did during my long layover in Seoul. 

Sungnyemun Gate (Namdawmun) 

From Seoul Station, Sungnyemun Gate is within walking distance. This is the original gate to the city! There is an opening ceremony held at the gate each day at 9AM, except for Mondays when the gate is closed. If you are visiting on a Monday, as I was, you can still get a good view and picture from a close distance.

Sungnyemun Gate

Namsan Seoul Tower (N Seoul Tower) 

From Sungnyemun Gate, you can continue walking towards the park that surrounds N Seoul Tower. The park surrounding the iconic tower also has pieces of the Old City Wall and other monuments. The N Seoul Tower is at the top of a hill.

Instead of walking all the way to the top of the hill, we took a cable car up to the base of the tower. The round trip ticket is 15,000 won (about 10 USD).

Cable Car to N Seoul Tower

I would highly recommend the cable car as it offers great views of the city during the ride. Also, because it saves you from the long hike up the hill!

View of Seoul from Cable Car to N Seoul Tower

Once you arrive at the base of the tower, there is a little area with a couple shops and more cool views of the city.

View of Seoul at the base of N Seoul Tower

There is also an intricately detailed pavilion to sit in called Namsan Palgakjeong or Octagonal Pavilion.

Octagonal Pavilion

Additionally there is a spot for Love Locks! After all, N Seoul Tower is called “A Romantic Island in the City”. You can also elect to go to the N Seoul Tower Observatory (for 21,000 won) or dine at one of the restaurants in the tower. 

N Seoul Tower

Myeongdong District

After seeing a couple incredible sights in Seoul, it was time for lunch. We headed to the Myeongdong shopping street(s). There are blocks of shops with clothes, food, and most notably beauty and skincare products. You can easily spend hours here depending on your appetite for shopping. We did and then took a train back to Seoul Station to return to the airport as we were nearing the end of our layover. 

Myeongdong District

Other Ideas

If you do have more time and want to check out other areas, I recommend Namdaemun Market which is also near the Sungnyemun Gate and Seoul Station. Here you can find more good food and souvenirs. Finally, inside Seoul Station there are numerous options for food. One unique place is actually in a grocery store with a noodle counter at the back - Lotte Mart Zettaplex!

Visiting Seoul, South Korea

After a layover in Seoul, I want to plan a full trip to see more of this city and the surrounding areas! Seoul is a beautiful city where I felt comfortable to walk around without a worry. Good food, great shopping, and both modern and historical buildings - what more could you ask for! 

Check out this post to learn the exact steps to get from Incheon International Airport to Seoul. 

Helpful to Know 

• Public transportation is clean and easy to use! But make sure you have Korean currency, the won, when using the kiosk for the train. 

• When thinking of the cost, I like to think in 10,000 won as a unit. 10,000 won is equivilant to around 7.25 USD. This helped me when doing quick math to determine the cost of anything from a new shirt or a bag of candy when in Seoul.

• Most people wear crew neck short-sleeves and long sleeves. It is uncommon to show your shoulders in Korea.