Three full days
b
6 days ago
This trip to Korea was a balanced three-day plan visiting popular areas like Myeongdong, Gangnam, Seongsu, and Anguk. Overall, it was a fulfilling itinerary that let you enjoy sightseeing, food, and shopping without overdoing it, and I think it’s a great flow for first-time visitors to Korea.
On the first day I flew to Korea in the morning on Korean Air and arrived in Myeongdong around midday. I was a bit tired from traveling, but Myeongdong is easy to get around, so it was very convenient to start sightseeing right away. Myeongdong is packed with cosmetic shops, fashion stores, and gift shops, and it’s a fun area just to wander through. K-beauty cosmetics especially come in a wide variety and are often cheaper than in Japan, so it’s a great place to pick up souvenirs. I started shopping in the afternoon, but with so many stores it’s easy to lose track of time just browsing, so I found it helpful to decide on a few places to visit in advance to make the most of the time.
At night I enjoyed BHC Chicken and Gong cha. BHC Chicken is a popular chicken chain in Korea, and I was impressed by the crispy coating and juicy meat. The seasonings are a bit different from Japan, and there are many varieties like sweet-spicy sauces and cheese flavors, making it a distinctly Korean meal. Also, Gong cha is available in Japan, but drinking it in its home country felt more enjoyable because there’s more freedom with size and sweetness adjustments. Choosing a Myeongdong-centered plan for day 1, even after traveling, made it easy to enjoy without pushing myself, so it was a great way to start the trip.
On day two we headed to Gangnam in the morning for a makeup experience. Korean makeup focuses on a natural look while emphasizing skin glow and dimensionality, offering a charm different from Japan. Having a pro do my makeup let me discover new styles that suit me, it was a very valuable experience. Gangnam has a calm atmosphere, giving a more urban impression compared to Myeongdong.
For lunch I had Yukhoe Bibimbap at Yeongcheon Yeonhwa. The fresh yukhoe, rice, and vegetables blended perfectly, making it a very satisfying dish. It's something you don't often get to eat in Japan, so I felt it's a must-try when visiting Korea.
In the afternoon I moved to Seongsu and went around shops selling clothes. Seongsu is often called a trend hub of Korea, with many stylish select shops and cafes gathered there. There are lots of uniquely designed clothes, so it’s especially recommended for anyone looking for items that won’t match what others are wearing. Also, the whole neighborhood has a refined vibe and many photo-worthy spots, so it was fun just walking around.
At night we returned to Myeongdong and had Chukumi Samgyeopsal. The spicy Chukumi (baby octopus) seasoning combined with the samgyeopsal was really tasty, it made us eat more rice. Korean food has a reputation for being spicy, but there’s a depth of flavor in the heat that makes it addictive. On day two we moved across different areas, but the well-developed subway made getting around smooth, so I felt we could sightsee efficiently.
On the third day I went to the Anguk area in the morning and visited a bakery. Anguk is a calm area lined with hanok, and even though it’s a tourist spot, the pace of life feels relaxed. The bakery was stylish, with many pastries that show Korea’s unique attention to presentation, and it was uplifting first thing in the morning. Visiting a peaceful area like this at the end of sightseeing made the whole trip feel more balanced.
After that, I returned to Myeongdong to enjoy some last-minute shopping. Since you can recheck souvenirs you forgot to buy and items you were curious about, I found it very efficient to plan a return to Myeongdong on the final day. In the evening I headed to the airport and ate there. The airport also has Korean restaurants, so it was nice to enjoy Korean flavors until the very end.
What I felt throughout this trip was that each area has a very different vibe, and each one has its own charm. Myeongdong is for sightseeing and shopping, Gangnam is about beauty and a polished urban feel, Seongsu is trendy and stylish, and Anguk offers calm and tradition. By choosing where to go based on what you want to do, you can have a very fulfilling trip even in a short time. Also, getting around using the subway or taxis makes travel smooth, so I found that deciding on a rough route in advance makes the trip more comfortable.
This itinerary is highly recommended for first-time visitors to Korea and for those who want to sightsee efficiently with limited time. It strikes a good balance of shopping, food, and hands-on experiences, and it’s designed to be enjoyable without being too tiring, so I hope you’ll find it useful.
