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.
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!
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