Day 4: Seoul to Gyeongju (10 February 2025)

Started the Day by Lugging Our Luggage from LifeIn Insadong to Anguk Station

 

The struggle was real as we lugged our suitcases through the quiet morning streets of Insadong, braving the cold morning air. Navigating the narrow and bumpy sidewalks made the journey to Anguk Station feel much longer than it actually was! Once there, we took the subway to Seoul Express Bus Terminal to begin our journey to Gyeongju.

 

By the way, you may also check out my full summary post here for a day-by-day breakdown.

Breakfast at "No Brand Burger" at Seoul Express Bus Terminal

 

With some time to kill before boarding our express bus (we had purchased the tickets on Klook back in Malaysia), we grabbed breakfast at "No Brand Burger," a popular fast-food chain known for its affordable yet delicious burgers. I really didn't mind having Western food for a change—it was a comforting start to a long travel day.

 

 

Express Bus Journey from Seoul Station to Gyeongju Express Bus Terminal

 

After breakfast, we waited for our express bus to Gyeongju at Platform 9. The bus arrived about 10 minutes before departure, and, as expected, it left right on the dot—Koreans really are incredibly punctual!

 

The 3.5-hour ride to Gyeongju (335km south of Seoul) was smooth and scenic, with snow-covered landscapes rolling past the windows. Watching the winter countryside unfold felt almost cinematic—bare trees dusted in white, frozen rivers, and sleepy villages tucked between mountains.

 

🌨️ Check out the romantic snowfall scene from the bus window! ❄️

 

 

Checking in to Stay Romantic Trip Hostel

 

Upon arriving at Gyeongju Express Bus Terminal, we walked to our accommodation, Stay Romantic Trip Hostel. True to its name, the place had a charming and cozy vibe, perfect for couples. The heated bed was a welcome relief from the cold, and the best part? It was within walking distance of the famous Silla kingdom mound tombs, making it an ideal base for exploring Gyeongju’s rich history.

 

 

My Winter Outfit Look

 

How do I look? ❄️ Here's my full winter ensemble:

 

• Heattech (top & pants)
• Long winter skirt
• Sweater
• Woolen vest
• Puffer jacket with down
• Wool scarf, gloves, hat, winter socks, and boots

And yet... I was still freezing to the bone! 😭

 

Honestly, I thought Gyeongju would be warmer since it’s south of Seoul (335 km away), but it didn’t feel like it at all—especially when the wind blew. Brrrrr! 🥶

 

Romantic Evening in Gyeongju Hwangnidan Street

 

As evening fell, we explored the beautifully lit streets of Gyeongju Hwangnidan-gil, known for its traditional hanok buildings, trendy cafes, and unique boutiques. The soft glow of lanterns and the crisp evening air made it feel like a scene from a historical drama.

 

Romantic Dinner at Sohyangmong Restaurant

 

 For dinner, we had a romantic meal at Sohyangmong Restaurant, indulging in their couple menu featuring:

 

🍖 Royal Galbijjim (braised short ribs) – rich, tender, and packed with deep, savory flavors.
🍶 Gyeongju Cherry Makgeolli – a subtly sweet, refreshing twist on traditional Korean rice wine.

 

The perfect pairing made for a memorable dining experience, ending our first night in Gyeongju on the most delightful note.

 

📍Sohyangmong Restaurant

🏠 Address: Sajeong-ro 57beon-gil, 16 소향몽 1층, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea

 

 

Day 4 was perfect! From the bustling energy of Seoul to the historic charm of Gyeongju, the journey reminded us just how diverse and beautiful South Korea is. We couldn’t wait to see what Day 5 had in store! ✨

Seoul Day 3: A Day Trip to Suwon & Ending the Night in Myeongdong (9 February 2025)

Started the Day with Breakfast at GS25 Convenience Store

 

I had always wanted to visit a GS25 convenience store, and finally, we did! For breakfast, I had two samgak kimbap (triangular rice balls) and a cup of instant café latte. Hubby had a bowl of instant ramyeon.

 

By the way, you may also check out my full summary post here for a day-by-day breakdown.

First Time Taking the Subway: From Jonggak Station to Suwon Station

 

Taking the subway for the first time in Seoul was both exciting and slightly nerve-wracking! With multiple lines and transfers, I was worried about getting lost, but it turned out to be quite manageable as long as we studied the routes beforehand using the Seoul Subway app in English.

 

 

We used our T-Money card for all subway rides.

 

The subway train we took was clean, efficient, and punctual, making the hour-long journey from Jonggak Station to Suwon Station a breeze. And yes, the stereotype is true—most Koreans wore black, white, or blue winter jackets!

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress (UNESCO Heritage Site)

 

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Hwaseong Fortress is a massive, well-preserved structure that surrounds the heart of Suwon. Walking along the fortress walls, I was amazed by the panoramic views of the city, framed by traditional gates and watchtowers.

 

 

Walking during winter was an entirely different experience—the crisp, cold air, the soft crunch of snow underfoot, and the fortress grounds lightly dusted in white made the scenery even more breathtaking. The contrast between the icy landscape and the warm golden glow of the afternoon sun gave the fortress an almost storybook-like charm, making every step along its historic walls feel surreal.

 

Hwaseong Haenggung & Haenggung Street

 

Nestled within the fortress, Hwaseong Haenggung Palace was once a temporary royal residence. The palace grounds were serene and beautifully restored, with traditional hanok-style buildings giving insight into royal life during the Joseon Dynasty. Just outside, Haenggung Street was lined with charming cafes and souvenir shops, offering everything from Korean crafts to street snacks—a perfect blend of history and modern culture.

Walking from Seoul Station to Myeongdong – Crossing the Zebra Crossing

 

After returning from Suwon and alighting at Seoul Station, we decided to walk to Myeongdong. One of the unexpectedly fun moments? Crossing the zebra crossing near Namdaemun Market! Unlike the famous Shibuya Crossing in Japan, this one had fewer people but still a vibrant city energy. For a brief moment, I felt like I was in a K-drama scene, surrounded by bright billboards, car horns, and the fast-paced rhythm of city life.

Namdaemun Market & Myeongdong Street

 

 

We walked through Namdaemun Market, where we found a street food stall selling hotteok filled with japchae (glass noodles)—a savory twist on the normally sweet Korean pancake! The crispy, chewy texture paired with the seasoned japchae filling was a surprising yet delightful treat.

As we strolled into Myeongdong, the bustling atmosphere immediately hit us—cosmetics shops, street food stalls, and neon lights made it feel like the ultimate shopping haven. Walking through Myeongdong Shopping Street, I couldn’t resist soaking in the energetic vibe of one of Seoul’s most iconic districts.

 

I couldn’t resist buying Korean strawberries (KRW 10,000) and Shine Muscat grapes (KRW 9,000)!

 

Myeongdong Cathedral – Attending Korean Youth Mass

 

We attended the 7PM Korean Youth Mass at Myeongdong Cathedral. The cathedral’s majestic Gothic architecture stood in stark contrast to the lively streets outside, offering a quiet, spiritual retreat. Though the Mass was in Korean, the universal warmth and solemnity of the service made it a deeply moving experience.

Mini Shopping Spree at Olive Young

Before heading back for the night, I indulged in a mini shopping spree at Olive Young, Korea’s ultimate beauty and skincare paradise. From sheet masks to serums and cute travel-sized finds, the store was packed with endless beauty must-haves. It was the perfect way to wrap up a fulfilling day—exploring history, enjoying street food, and indulging in a little retail therapy!

 

 

 

Enjoying Peaceful Late-Night Vibes of Insadong Alley

 

 As the crowds thinned and the shops closed, Insadong’s alleys transformed into a quiet retreat. The glow of traditional lanterns, the faint scent of tea, and the crisp night air made for a serene and magical late-night stroll.

 

 

 

How's My Hangul Handwriting?

 

I used the Papago app to translate a message and wrote it down on a piece of paper to leave on the clothes dryer at our accommodation. Since it was late at night, we didn’t want to stay up waiting for the load to finish, so the note explained our situation.

 

It was the perfect way to end our second day in Seoul, and we couldn’t wait to see what Day 4 had in store!

 

Seoul Day 2: Exploring Gyeongbokgung & Dinner at Tongin Market (8 February 2025)

Started the Day at Insadong

 

We officially kickstarted our Seoul trip by exploring Insadong on a beautiful, sunny yet cold morning on 8 February 2025.

 

By the way, you may also check out my full summary post here for a day-by-day breakdown.

 

 Although the sun was out, coming from a tropical country, we found the weather considerably cold at -3°C. See the chart from AccuWeather below.

 

 

We strolled along the beautiful street of Insadong with its traditional hanok-style shops, art galleries, and modern cafes. One of the highlights was Ssamziegil, an outdoor multi-story shopping complex with quirky souvenir and craft stores.

 

 

 

Brunch at Imun Seolnongtang (이문설농탕)

 

Then, we stopped by Imun Seolnongtang for brunch to enjoy a hearty bowl of seolleongtang (ox bone soup) with rice. This milky-white broth is slowly simmered for hours, resulting in a rich and flavorful soup that is both nourishing and comforting—perfect for a winter morning.

 

Well, it was more like we stumbled upon it while looking for a place to escape the bitter cold wind... 😅🤣

 

 

According to VisitKorea, Imun Seolnongtang first opened in 1907, making it one of the oldest restaurants in Seoul. It has been serving its bestselling seolleongtang for over a hundred years, making it a must-visit spot for those craving traditional Korean flavors.

 

📍 Location: 38-13, Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 우정국로 38-13)

 

Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony at Gyeongbokgung

 

After brunch, we made our way to Gyeongbokgung Palace to witness the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony, an iconic and historically significant event held at the Gwanghwamun Gate (main entrance).

 

The entire performance lasts about 20 minutes and showcases a reenactment of the royal guards’ traditional changing of duty, complete with colorful hanbok uniforms, ceremonial weapons, and traditional Korean music. The event felt like stepping back in time, providing a glimpse into Korea’s rich royal heritage. Plus, it’s completely free to watch!

 

Gyeongbokgung & The National Folk Museum of Korea

 

Then, we took time to explore Gyeongbokgung, the Royal Palace built in 1395 during the Joseon Dynasty. Throughout history, it has been destroyed multiple times but has since been restored and remains one of the most significant palaces in South Korea. The palace grounds were expansive with traditional architecture set against a stunning mountain backdrop.

Next, we visited the National Folk Museum of Korea, which is located within the palace grounds. This museum showcases Korean traditions, daily life, and cultural artifacts from different historical periods, giving us deeper insight into how people lived during the Joseon era.

 

Winter Street Food

 

After leaving Gyeongbokgung, while on the way back to Insadong, we stumbled upon a street food truck selling some of the most iconic Korean winter treats! Yes, we didn't have a concrete plan, so we ended up stumbling upon places quite a bit... 😅🤣

 

So, we bought:

 

🍯 Hotteok (Korean sweet pancake): This food struck sold the crispy version of hotteok, filled with a gooey mix of brown sugar and nuts. The crunch on the outside and the warm, caramelized filling inside made it absolutely delicious!

🐟 Bungeoppang (fish-shaped pastry): This iconic winter street snack has a slightly crispy exterior and is filled with sweet red bean paste. This was my favorite!

🥚 Gyeran-ppang (egg bread): This is a small chunk, fluffy bread roll with a whole baked egg on top. The mix of savory and sweet flavors, combined with the warmth of the bread, made it the perfect comfort food for the chilly evening.

 

Dinner at Chebu-dong Janchi-jib in Tongin Market

 

 

While munching on our snacks as we made our way back to Insadong, we unexpectedly walked into Tongin Market. I was ecstatic because I hadn’t planned on accidentally stumbling upon one of Korea’s oldest traditional markets so early in our trip!

 

Well, we also needed a place to escape the wind again, as it was already evening, and the temperature has dropped drastically (it was double-digit negative Celcius... 🥶🥶)!

 

According to the Internet, Tongin Market is a historic market that has been around since 1941, originally built to serve the nearby Seodaemun and Gyeongbokgung Palace neighborhoods. While it has evolved over the years, it remains a beloved local market where you can find everything from fresh produce and handmade snacks to traditional Korean meals.

 

📍 Location: 18, Jahamun-ro 15-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 자하문로15길 18)

 

For dinner, we opted for a home-style Korean meal at Chebu-dong Janchi-jib. The restaurant—packed with locals—has a simple, no-frills setting, but the food speaks for itself—hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.

Here’s what we ordered:

🍜 Janchi-guksu (잔치국수): This simple dish consists of thin wheat noodles in a light anchovy broth, topped with sliced eggs, seaweed, and scallions.

🥣 Sujebi (수제비): This dish is similar to the Malaysian Pan Mee with hand-pulled, chewy dough in a warm, savory broth—an ideal dish for a chilly winter night.

🥟 Mandu (만두): These are Korean dumplings stuffed with minced pork, glass noodles, and vegetables.

📍 Location: 5-1, Jahamun-ro 4-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 자하문로4길 5-1)

 

 

 Nighttime Walk from Gyeongbokgung to Insadong

 

 Finally, despite the bitter, wintry cold wind, we still needed to hurry back to Insadong. Walking seemed to take our minds off the freezing temperatures. The streets at night had a completely different atmosphere—quieter, with warm lights glowing from teahouses and boutique stores.

 

 

22,745 steps by 10:30pm!

 

It was the perfect way to end our second day in Seoul, and we couldn’t wait to see what Day 3 had in store!

Seoul Day 1: Arriving in Insadong (7 February 2025)

 

I'm going to keep this post short and straight to the point.

 

You can also check out my full summary post here for a day-by-day breakdown.

 

What I Prepared Before the Trip

 

1. Choosing travel dates: I chose the school holiday period. I'm forever grateful that my parents-in-law were able to take care of the two kiddos while my husband and I went on this trip.

 

2. Buying air tickets and booking accommodation: We did this through Agoda.

 

3. Applying for K-ETA: Use the official link - K-ETA Official Website (ours was approved within 24 hours).

4. Downloading necessary mobile apps: I downloaded Kakao Map (very important because Google Maps doesn't work as well, especially for walking navigation), Papago (translation app), Uber, XE (currency converter) and Seoul Subway (for the subway system).

5. Staying connected: We decided to turn on international roaming.

6. Planning itinerary: You can view the brief South Korea trip itinerary in this blog post.

 

7. Exchanging money and topping up GXBank: We exchanged 300,000 KRW and ensured our GXBank account had a sufficient balance in case needed to use the GX debit card. We also brought along our credit cards.

 

8. Checking the weather: Upon Googling, I realized that it was still winter in February.

 

9. Packing appropriate winter clothing: Since I'm from a tropical country, I definitely didn't want to under-pack. I prepared:

 

• Layer 1: Heat tech inner top and bottom
• Layer 2: Wool sweater and winter skirt
• Layer 3: Waist-length wool vest
• Layer 4: Padded outerwear (preferably with a hood to reduce the stinging wind on your face)
• Other necessary gear: Winter gloves with screen-touch, scarf, hat/beanie, wool socks, and winter boots.

I tried a winter mask, but it fogged up my glasses. I had forgotten to get an anti-fog spray!

 

Other essentials: Toiletries, medicines, skincare, and disposable panties.

 

Note: Bring disposable bath towels. If you're staying in budget guesthouses or cheaper motels, their towels are tiny!

 

Remember to bring your passport!

 

Watching the Sunset from the Plane

 

 

The flight was about 6.5 hours, non-stop from KLIA 2 (AirAsia) to Incheon International Airport.

 

 

We flew past snowy plains—a surreal sight from above!

 

Arriving at Incheon International Airport

 

 

 We touched down at Incheon International Airport at 6:15pm (local time).

 

 

 The airport itself wasn’t too cold, but the moment we stepped outside to hail a taxi, the temperature was -5°C. The experience was shockingly cold because I was underdressed at that point. I had to scurry back inside and put on more layers, or I would have frozen into an ice lolly!

 

 

 We took a taxi to our accommodation for the next three nights—Lifein Insa in Insadong.

 

 

Excited to see snow, even if it was just on the sidewalk! ❄️

 

First Meal in Insadong

 

 

By the time we reached the guesthouse, it was already almost 10pm. So we just went to the nearest 7-11 and grabbed some convenience store food.

 

 

Yes! The long-awaited banana milk in its signature bottle! 🥤

My dinner: Instant ramyeon, a meat-stick thingy, and banana milk. 🍜