[Travel Seoul] Take Bus 143 and Travel Freely around Seoul!

Hello everyone! We're Creatrip, your group of Korean travel experts.

Korea's travel industry has been booming!

The number of travellers visiting Korea has been increasing gradually and Korea has become more traveller-friendly.

But if it's your first time visiting, it probably isn't all over easy peasy.

Seoul's metro map pretty much looks like a maze and so many bus routes operate all over Seoul and more!

So today, we at Creatrip are going to show you a way to go around the city via one bus route!

Bus #143 will take you to many interesting places of Seoul including Hyehwa(college town), Changgyeonggung Palace, Gwangjang Market, Myeongdong, Namsan, Gyeongridan-gil, Haebangchon, Hangang Park, Express Bus Terminal, Sinsa Garosu-gil, etc.

Let's take the bus now and take a look around!

1. Hyehwa (college town)

- Jeongneung Bound: Get off at 'Hyehwa Station, Marronnier Park'

- Gaepodong Bound: Get off at 'Hyehwa-dong Rotary'

Sundae Story (순대실록)

This place is near Hyehwa station exit 1 and serves sundae, Korean blood sausage.

The most popular dishes are sundae steak(순대스테이크) and sundae hot pot(순대전골).

Sundae steak is a steak-filled pork blood sausage. It's a pretty special menu for locals and attracts a lot of people to come and try them!

Sundae Steak(순대스테이크) : ₩14,000 - instagram @miel_jade

Sundae Hot pot (순대전골): ₩25,000 (3 servings)

The other popular dish is the sundae hot pot, I recommend this dish to those of you who like to eat spicy food!

The soup is filled with pork blood sausages and vegetables which made me full just by looking at it. Also, don't forget to order the fried rice that gets cooked with your leftovers.

Address: 서울특별시 종로구 동숭길 127

Hakrim Dabang(학림다방)

Hakrim Dabang has a long history of over 60 years. It was also where a scene from the drama, My Love from the Star, was filmed. This cafe was also selected as one of the historic stores featured in Seoul Future Heritage.

You can get a feel of an old traditional cafe in Seoul from 60 years ago.

Cream Cheesecake(크림치즈케이크): ₩6,000 / Iced Vienna Coffee(비엔나커피 아이스): ₩6,000

This charming cafe with 6 decades of history is also a place that serves famous movie writers and directors often!

As soon as I walked in, I hit with nostalgia from the old-style sofas and tables as well as black and white posters of singers on the wall.

The cafe has two floors. Drinking coffee quietly upstairs made me feel very content.

Do note that this place is very crowded on weekends and people often have to wait in line to get in.

Popular orders include Cream Cheesecake and Vienna Coffee.

What sets it apart from generic cake is that it looks like a pudding. You can also add blueberry sauce and tangerine sauce on top.

Vienna Coffee has cream squeezed on top, it attracts lots of people with sweet tooth!

Address: 서울특별시 종로구 대학로 119 2층

2. Changgyeonggung Palace

- Jeongneung Bound : Get off at 'Tongshindae Yihwajang'

- Gaepodong Bound : Get off at 'Changgyeonggung Palace, Seoul University Hospital'

Changgyeonggung Palace is located beside Changdeokgung Palace and is known for its cherry blossoms. It's been attracting lots of people coming to look at cherry blossoms since 1900. One foreigner visiting Korea in 1900 wrote, 'the entire courtyard is filled with pink hues from the cherry blossoms which makes the atmosphere warm and mellow.'

Other flowers make the courtyard filled with even more colours.

Another famous feature of the palace is Chundang Pond, you can occasionally see a group of ducks swimming about leisurely.

Changgyeonggung Palace looks ravishing at night too!

The lit-up palace and the moonlight attract many visitors at night.

Address: 서울특별시 종로구 창경궁로 185

3. Gwangjang Market(광장시장)

- Jeongneung Bound: Get off at 'Jongno 5-ga (Jongno Oh-ga)'

- Gaepodong Bound: Get off at 'Jongno 4-ga (Jongno Sah-ga)'

This market, once featured on Netflix's 'Street Food', is frequented by many locals and tourists!

This is one of the places that is visited at least once by travellers from abroad.

What attracts so many people is the fact that they can get affordable street food and traditional Korean food in one place!

Visitors seem to love the busy vitality of the market.

The superstars at Gwangjang Market are mung bean pancake(빈대떡), raw beef(육회) and drug kimbap(마약김밥)!

Locals like to eat mung bean pancakes with makgeolli (rice drink). Mmm, they say it sets the mood especially well on rainy days!

The most popular mung bean pancake place in Gwangjang Market is called Soonheene Bindaetteok(순희네 빈대떡).

Korean raw beef dish is also a popular option here. They also serve a popular, altered option which is raw beef served with live octopus on top.

The most popular places for these dishes are Jamejib(자매집) and Hyeongjae Yukhui(형제육회).

Don't be startled by the name! There are no narcotics added to the kimbap. Rather, its name is trying to express how addicting and delicious this kimbap is.

Although made only from everyday ingredients, the savoury flavour and texture of kimbap make people keep coming back for more.

Address: 서울특별시 종로구 예지동 6-1

4. Insadong(인사동)

- Jeongneung Bound: Get off at 'Jongno 3-ga (Jongno sam-ga)'

- Gaepodong Bound: Get off at 'Jongno 3-ga (Jongno sam-ga)'

Insadong Pot Sujebi(인사동 항아리 수제비)

This restaurant can be found along the alley of Hanoks(old Korean architecture) in Insadong!

The entrance is very small and complicated.

The reason Insadong sujebi(a type of Korean noodle soup) is so popular is because of its exquisite taste!

The broth is made by boiling and simmering anchovies. Then, handmade flour noodle is put in and boiled together.

The warmth from the soup and the chewy texture from the noodles provide comfort.

Lots and lots of noodle!

Compared to other places in Insadong, this place offers big portions and affordable prices.

I'm not done eating yet...

Look at how gigantic this pajeon(green onion pancake) is!

If you'd like something on the side to go along with the sujebi, I recommend you order the pajeon.

If you're afraid you won't be able to finish their grand portions, I suggest two people order one sujebi and one pajeon.

Address: 서울 종로구 인사동8길 14-1

Beautiful Tea Museum (아름다운 차박물관)

The interior of the museum. Wow!

This place is famous for its green tea shaved ice.

To be honest, I was a bit frightened after taking my first bite.

Because it's made from green tea, it wasn't very sweet.

I'd order this for people who appreciate the natural flavour of green tea.

Then, I went ahead and ordered green tea latte.

The green tea latte was sweet which satisfied my sweet tooth. Mmm!

Traditional Tea Set Display

Because this place is a museum, not a tea shop, they have lots of traditional tea sets on display. Come over and learn about the tea tradition of Korea.

Address: 서울특별시 종로구 인사동 193-1

5. Myeongdong(명동)

-Jeongneung Bound: Get off at 'Lotte Young Plaza'

- Gaepodong Bound: Get off at 'Shinsegae-ahp'

Chadol Bakhin Jjukumi(차돌박힌쭈꾸미 명동점)

Chadol Bakhin Jjukumi is a place where you can taste beef briskets and octopus at the same time.

The place is one-minute walk from Myeongdong station exit 1, so if you are visiting Seoul Tower or shopping at Myeongdong, this place is a good option to stuff up your belly.

The signature dish here is the beef brisket + octopus grilled on the pot.

Pot of melted cheese, salad, potato cheese stick are all complimentary.

Spicy level can be adjusted.

The strong meat flavour from the beef brisket and the slightly spicy taste of the octopus make this a great combination. Delish!

Dipping the beef brisket and octopus in melted cheese was even tastier.

Don't forget to get fried rice at the end too!

Address: 서울특별시 중구 퇴계로16길 5

Myeongdong Cathedral (명동성당)

This old cathedral opened its doors in 1898. The biggest catholic events are often held here. The Cardinal lives at this cathedral too.

Pedestrians and tourists also stop by this historic church to appreciate its beauty.

Address: 서울특별시 중구 명동길 74 명동성당

6. N Seoul Tower(남산 N서울타워)

- Jeongneung Bound: Get off at 'Namsan 3 Tunnel (남산3호터널)'

- Gaepodong Bound: Get off at 'Namsan 3 Tunnel (남산3호터널)'

N Seoul Tower is a must-see location among tourists and visitors! Its old name used to be Namsan Tower because the tower is located on Namsan(Nam Mountain). It's a great place to overlook the entire city.

N Seoul Tower is famous for its nightscape. If you'd like a relaxed experience then you take the elevator up first and then transfer to the cable car to the tower. The climb can be quite exhausting!

Lots of locals go to Love Locks, a place where couples write their names, messages and wishes on a lock. It is said that if the lock is secured, the wishes come true.

Make sure you stop by this popular destination, enjoy the nightscape, and lock your wishes in.

Address: 서울특별시 용산구 남산공원길 105 N서울타워

7. Gyeongridan-gil Road, Haebangchon(경리단길, 해방촌)

- Jeongneung Bound: Get off at 'Itaewondong Namsan Daelim Apart, Yongsandong Apart'

- Gaepodong Bound: Get off at 'Haebangchon'

This area of Itaewon, started gaining in popularity about 5 years ago!

Lots of delicate beer are situated on Gyeongridan-gil Road and Haebangchon!

This is the place to be for beer lovers. 🍻

It's interesting to see lots of fusion menus that mix foreign flavours with korean dishes. It could be influenced by the fact that the US military base is in the area.

For example, you can get Kimchi Pasta here! Weird or nah?

Itaewon and Haebangchon is nice for taking a stroll and looking around.

Address: Noksapyeong station exit 2

8. Banpo Hangang Park(반포한강공원)

- Jeongneung Bound: Get off at 'Banpo Daegyo Namdan, Hangang Sheemin Gongwon Yipgu'

- Gaepodong Bound: Get off at 'Banpo Daegyo Namdan, Hangang Sheemin Gongwon Yipgu'

Banpo Hangang Park is one of the many hangang parks in Seoul.

Banpo Hangang Park is well known for its Sebitseom(artificial islands that light up) and Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain Shows.

It is considered a park with an elegant night view.

Banpo Hangang Park is peaceful in the daytime too. It's got wide trails and bicycle tracks, making it a great place for outdoor activities.

In addition, Seorae Island, located next to it, has a variety of flowers.

Address: 서울특별시 서초구 신반포로11길 40

Sebitseom(세빛둥둥섬)

You'll see Sebitseom, floating buildings on the water, when you walk along the park.

Many travellers from abroad find the architecture fascinating and a scene from Avengers was shot here too.

Sebitseom is comprised of four floating buildings, the biggest one named Gavit, round-shaped Chavit, Solvit, and Yevit where you can watch video contents.

It's often visited by couples on dates but it's also a great place to spend time with family!

Address: 서울특별시 서초구 올림픽대로 683

9. Express Bus Terminal(고속버스터미널역)

- Jeongneung Bound : Get off at 'Express Bus Terminal'

- Gaepodong Bound: Get off at 'Express Bus Terminal'

Famille Station

A big Starbucks is located close to Famille Station.

You'll see it right when you come out of Express Bus Terminal exit 4.

This Starbucks location, 'an urban coffee forest,' opened up as a way to celebrate Starbucks' 15th anniversary in Korea.

The huge circular glass roof and feeling of flying in the sky are the concepts of this place.

Address: 서울특별시 서초구 사평대로 205

Express Bus Terminal Underground Shopping Mall(고속버스터미널 지하상가)

One interesting way to get your shopping done around this area is to explore the array of little underground shops connected to major subway stations.

One of the biggest underground shopping mall is connected to Express Bus Terminal station. This mall is frequented by local Korean women who want to purchase lots of clothes for cheap.

It's possible to purchase t-shirts and pants for just ₩10,000 but be aware that some are of poor quality.

If you search around and sort out the ones with great quality you can purchase great items at great prices.

I've seen a cardigan I bought for ₩10,000 sell for ₩24,000 in Sinchon.

That's how much prices differ sometimes!

It's a good place for stacking up on basic items including t-shirts and jeans, highly recommended!

Address: 서울 서초구 신반포로 200 고투몰

10. Sinsa station Garosu-gil Road(신사역 가로수길)

- Jeongneung Bound: Get off at 'Sinsa Middle School (Sinsa joong-hak-gyo)

- Gaepodong Bound: Get off at 'Sinsa Middle School (Sinsa joong-hak-gyo)

LINE FRIENDS Store(라인스토어 신사 가로수길점)

LINE FRIENDS Store's flagship store located near Sinsa station, takes up from first to third floor.

There's a wide range of options from stationery to toys to choose from.

In addition to the giant bear plush at the entrance, there are other giant LINE FRIENDS plush placed throughout the store.

This place is highly recommended for LINE FRIENDS fans!

Address: 서울특별시 강남구 신사동 535-15

Baskin Robbins 31BROWN(베스킨라빈스31 브라운)

This is one of the best Baskin Robbins' locations in the world! You can choose from over 100 different flavours.

You can choose from ice cream cakes, ice cream pizzas plus other desserts that go well together with ice cream.

Address: 서울특별시 강남구 도산대로 327

Today I showed you how you can experience bits and pieces of Seoul on Bus #143 but there are so many more places and attractions that I suggest you visit!

If you have more questions about travelling Seoul, please leave a comment down below.