Discover the BEST OF SEOUL in just one day!
Planning your day in Seoul? This itinerary packs in hidden gems, must-try food spots, and stunning light shows, making it the ultimate guide for anyone looking to experience the best of Seoul in just one day. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this guide will show you the perfect way to spend your time exploring Seoul’s vibrant culture, delicious food, and breathtaking sights.
Your Perfect Day in Seoul
Start Your Day in Ikseon-dong: A Blend of Tradition & Modernity
History of Ikseon-dong
Ikseon-dong, one of Seoul’s oldest neighborhoods, dates back to the 1920s, when it was developed as a hanok (traditional Korean house) village. Over the years, it experienced phases of neglect and redevelopment, but its rich history and architectural charm were preserved, making it a cultural gem. Today, Ikseon-dong has transformed into a vibrant hub where old meets new. Traditional hanoks now house trendy cafes, boutique shops, and unique restaurants, creating a captivating atmosphere that blends history with modernity.
Why Visit Ikseon-dong?
Ikseon-dong stands out as a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the perfect mix of Seoul’s heritage and contemporary culture. Its narrow alleys, lined with beautifully restored hanoks, are filled with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered, from quirky art galleries to one-of-a-kind cafes.
Top 5 Best Things to Do in Ikseon-dong
- Savor Amazing Meals at Unique Restaurants – When it comes to dining in Ikseon-dong, the options are endless, and almost every restaurant has rave reviews! Whether you’re craving traditional Korean dishes, creative fusion cuisine, or even Italian, Ikseon-dong has something to satisfy every palate.
- Oncheonjip: Enjoy the 3-tier shabu-shabu set in a beautifully designed hanok-style restaurant.
📍31-10 Donhwamun-ro 11na-gil, Ikseon-dong, Jongno District, Seoul. - ✨ Pro Tip: Stroll around the charming streets and explore the menus on display. Chances are, whichever restaurant you choose will exceed your expectations!
- Oncheonjip: Enjoy the 3-tier shabu-shabu set in a beautifully designed hanok-style restaurant.
- Discover Iconic Cafes – Ikseon-dong’s cafe culture is unparalleled, offering both aesthetics and delicious treats. Top picks include:
- Flipper’s Ikseon: Famous for their fluffy pancakes and seasonal fruit.
📍 31 Supyo-ro 28-gil, Ikseon-dong, Jongno District, Seoul. - CheSoha Salt Pond Ikseon-dong: A tranquil teahouse with garden views and beautifully plated desserts.
📍 31 Supyo-ro 28-gil, Ikseon-dong, Jongno District, Seoul. - Cheongsudang Bakery:
📍 31-9 Donhwamun-ro 11na-gil, Jongno District, Seoul
- Flipper’s Ikseon: Famous for their fluffy pancakes and seasonal fruit.
- Get a Fun Caricature– Stop by one of the caricature artists scattered throughout Ikseon-dong’s streets. These talented artists can sketch a fun, personalized keepsake of your visit. Whether it’s a solo portrait or one with your significant other, it’s a memorable souvenir.
- Test Your Aim at Ikseon Shooting Club– Try something unique and thrilling at the Ikseon Shooting Club, where you can shoot rifles or pistols in a fun, safe environment. Prices start at 5,000 KRW, and sessions last about 5 minutes.
- What to Expect:
- Rifles are more stable and easier to aim, while pistols provide a fun challenge.
- After each session, you can bring home your target paper as a souvenir.
- 📍 Ikseon Shooting Club: 166-49 Ikseon-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul.
- ✨ Pro Tip: Payments are easy, as the kiosk accepts both cash and card.
- What to Expect:
- Shop for Unique Finds– Ikseon-dong is packed with boutique shops selling handcrafted goods, vintage items, and modern trinkets!
Dine at Nangga: Seoul’s Best-Kept Italian Secret
For an unforgettable culinary experience, head to Nangga, a cozy Italian restaurant tucked away just a short subway ride from Ikseon-dong. This hidden gem offers exceptional Italian dishes crafted by Chef Jin, who refined his skills working at a Michelin-starred kitchen and alongside contestant and a judge from Netflix’s Culinary Wars.
Why Nangga is a Must-Visit
- A menu bursting with authentic Italian flavors elevated with Chef Jin’s creative touch.
- An intimate and cozy ambiance, ideal for a romantic evening or a special celebration.
- Exceptional dishes that will leave you dreaming of your next visit.
What to order?
Ian and I have tried nearly everything on the menu, and we love it all, but these standouts can’t be missed:
- 🦑 Cuttlefish – Tender and perfectly cooked, paired with a rich, flavorful sauce.
- 🍝 Spagon Pasta – A balanced combination of textures and flavors that’s simply irresistible.
- 🌲 Porcini Pasta – Earthy, aromatic, and utterly decadent.
- 🥩 Boseong Green Pork Barbecue – A creative dish showcasing the best of Korean-inspired Italian cuisine.
- 🍞 Focaccia Bread – Perfect for soaking up every last drop of those incredible sauces.
The Story Behind Nangga
The name Nangga carries a deeper meaning. Chef Jin combined the Korean words 낭만 (romance) and 요리가 (cuisine), blending them into Nangga to reflect his passion for creating dishes filled with romance and perfection. Each dish at Nangga is a testament to his dedication, crafted with care and executed flawlessly to ensure every bite is memorable.
What sets Nangga apart is Chef Jin’s innovative idea of pairing Korean traditional liquors with Italian cuisine. Contrary to common belief, Chef Jin found that the unique profiles of Korean liquors, like makgeolli and soju, blend beautifully with the rich and bold flavors of Italian dishes. To bring this vision to life, Nangga features a curated list of Korean traditional liquors that perfectly complement the menu. For those who prefer wine, Nangga also offers an extensive wine list, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Experience the Magic of the Seoul Lantern Festival
The Seoul Lantern Festival is a must-visit winter event, illuminating the city with breathtaking light displays and cultural significance. Now in its 16th year, this signature festival has grown into one of Seoul’s most beloved traditions, blending history, art, and modern technology to create a stunning spectacle.
About the Seoul Lantern Festival
First held in 2009, the Seoul Lantern Festival has become a hallmark of the city’s winter festivities. This year’s theme, “Play with the Light of Seoul,” invites visitors to experience over 200 unique light installations that celebrate the harmony of Seoul’s rich traditions and modern vibrancy. Each display is a work of art, meticulously designed to showcase the city’s creativity, history, and cultural identity.
The festival spans the Cheonggyecheon area, from Cheonggye Plaza to Samilgyo Bridge, transforming the 1.2 km stretch into a magical walkway of lights. Visitors can enjoy interactive exhibits, photo opportunities, and immersive experiences that make it more than just a visual treat—it’s a journey into Seoul’s heart and soul.
- 📅 Event Period: 2024.12.13 (Fri) ~ 2025.1.12 (Sun)
- 🕕 Open Hours: 18:00 ~ 22:00
- 🤑 Cost: Free admission
- 📍 Venue: Cheonggyecheon Stream (Cheonggye Plaza to Samilgyo Bridge)
The Meaning Behind the Festival
At its core, the Seoul Lantern Festival celebrates light as a symbol of hope and guidance. Inspired by the Korean “chorong” lanterns, each glowing installation reflects Seoul’s cultural essence, blending tradition and modernity seamlessly.
The festival’s brand identity (BI) features a reimagined version of the traditional chorong lantern, incorporating a modern silhouette with a glowing centerpiece to symbolize light illuminating darkness. This elegant design captures the festival’s vision: a harmonious blend of Seoul’s past, present, and future.
Highlights of the 2024 Festival
This year’s festival promises to be the most spectacular yet, offering:
- ✨ Over 200 Light Installations: Ranging from traditional Korean themes to modern LED creations.
- 🏮 Themed Zones: Each area tells a different story, from folklore to futuristic art.
- 🎥 Interactive Experiences: Visitors can participate in light-based activities and explore Instagram-worthy setups.
- 🌉 Cheonggyecheon Stream: The serene waters reflect the vibrant lanterns, creating a breathtaking atmosphere.
What Makes the Seoul Lantern Festival Unique?
- Cultural Heritage: The festival pays homage to Korea’s traditional lantern-making craft while introducing innovative designs to appeal to modern audiences.
- A Romantic Atmosphere: The glowing lanterns create a dreamy setting, making it a perfect destination for couples.
- Family-Friendly Fun: Activities and installations cater to visitors of all ages, from kids to grandparents.
- Artistic Excellence: Collaborations with renowned local and international artists ensure world-class designs and experiences.
Why the Seoul Lantern Festival Should Be on Your List
The Seoul Lantern Festival isn’t just an event; it’s an experience that embodies the spirit of the holiday season. With its dazzling lights, cultural depth, and interactive elements, it’s the perfect way to celebrate winter in Seoul. Whether you’re exploring with family, friends, or a special someone, this festival promises memories you’ll treasure forever.
✨ Pro Tip
Korean winters can be quite harsh, so staying warm is key to enjoying your evening stroll. Before starting our walk, Ian and I stopped by UNIQLO Gwanghwamun D-Tower, conveniently located near the venue, to grab some thermal underwear and gloves. These essentials made a huge difference and kept us comfortable throughout the night! We also stopped by a CU convenience store to pick up some heat packs, which were lifesavers in the chilly weather. Stay cozy, and you’ll enjoy the festival even more! 🧤🔥
Gwanghwamun Gate Light Show: A Perfect Prelude to the Seoul Lantern Festival
Before heading to the Seoul Lantern Festival, make a quick stop at the Gwanghwamun Gate Light Show—it’s absolutely worth the visit! This awe-inspiring display combines vibrant lights, surreal soundscapes, and media art to transform the historic Gwanghwamun Square into a magical stage of wonder.
We truly enjoyed watching the show and found it to be the perfect way to kick off our evening of exploring Seoul’s illuminated attractions. The interplay of tradition and modernity in this light orchestra was both captivating and inspiring, setting the tone for the magical lanterns awaiting at Cheonggyecheon Stream.
What to Expect at the Gwanghwamun Gate Light Show
- A Surreal Light Orchestra: Watch as brilliant lights and sounds weave together to create a symphony that lights up the iconic Gwanghwamun Gate.
- Blending History & Modernity: Experience a captivating fusion of Korea’s rich history with cutting-edge media art, highlighting both the past and future.
- Immersive Visuals: The 3D projection effects are mesmerizing, making it feel like the gate comes alive in front of your eyes.
- Cultural Significance: Featuring local and international artists, the show celebrates Korea’s cultural richness and artistic creativity.
Our Experience at the Gwanghwamun Gate Light Show
From the moment we saw the enchanting glow of the show from afar, we knew we were in for a treat. The interplay of lights on the historic Gwanghwamun Gate, a symbol of Korean culture and heritage, was a true highlight. The 3D effects were mesmerizing, drawing us completely into the display.
While each segment featured a unique artistic style, we did feel that the visuals became slightly repetitive after a couple of shows. A cohesive storyline might have added an extra layer of engagement for us. However, the sheer beauty, creativity, and cultural significance of the event made it a must-see experience.
- 📅 Event Period: 2024.12.13 (Fri) ~ 2025.1.05 (Sun)
- 🕕 Open Hours: Weekdays and weekends 18:00-22:00 Special Program (Year-End) 18:00-24:00
- 🤑 Cost: Free admission
- 📍 Venue: 03154 1-68, Sejong-no, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Around Gwanghwamun
Watch the Full Experience on YouTube! 🎥
We captured every special moment in this video! Watch as we explore Ikseon-dong, enjoy Italian delicacies at Nangga, and take in the stunning sights of the Cheonggyecheon Stream Lantern Festival and Gwanghwamun Gate Light Show.
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