[Seoul Day 1] Secret Garden, Insadong & Seochon Walk

 πŸ‡°πŸ‡· [Day 1] First-Time in Korea? Explore Hidden Beauty of Seoul’s Heritage: Changdeokgung, Secret Garden, and More

Best Travel Tips, Historical Insight, Local Eats & Walking-Friendly Route

🌏 Why This Itinerary is Perfect for First-Time Visitors to Korea

If this is your first visit to Korea and you only have a short time in Seoul, this route offers the perfect blend of history, natural beauty, cultural experiences, and great local food. You’ll walk through peaceful palaces, explore intimate alleys, and enjoy traditional Korean dishes—all in one day.
Designed for beginners: English-friendly, walkable, and unforgettable.

πŸ—“️ Day 1 Itinerary Overview

πŸ“ Main Stops:

  1. Changdeokgung Palace & Secret Garden

  2. Insadong (culture street & lunch)

  3. Seochon Village & Tongin Market

  4. (Optional) Seoul Fortress Wall Trail (Inwangsan section)

⏰ Total Duration: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🚢‍♂️ Walking-Friendly + Subway Access

πŸ“ Stop 1: Changdeokgung & Secret Garden (09:00–11:30)

πŸ“– Historical Background

Built in 1405, Changdeokgung is a UNESCO World Heritage site and known for its unique harmony with nature. Unlike other palaces built in symmetrical layout, Changdeokgung follows the natural slope and geography, making it feel more human and peaceful.

The Secret Garden (Huwon) behind the palace features 17 beautifully preserved pavilions along forest trails, natural ponds, and streams.

🌟 What to See

  • Injeongjeon (Main Hall)

  • Seonjeongjeon (Council Hall)

  • Buyongji Pond & Buyeongjeong Pavilion

  • Aeryeonjeong (Love Lotus Pavilion)

  • Ongnyucheon Stream (King's retreat)

πŸ’‘ Insider Tip

  • Secret Garden Tour requires a separate ticket and reservation. Book via changdeokgung palace website.

  • Best time: Spring (Apr–May) and Fall (Oct).

  • Photo Spot: Buyeongjeong Pavilion reflection on the pond.

πŸš‡ How to Get There

  • Subway: Line 3, Anguk Station, Exit 3 → 5 mins walk

  • 🎟 Admission: ₩3,000 (Palace), ₩8,000 (Secret Garden guided tour)

πŸ₯’ Lunch: Try Traditional Korean Food in Insadong (12:00–13:00)

Walk 10 minutes to Insadong, known for Korean art, tea houses, crafts, and antique shops.

πŸ₯˜ Recommended Restaurants

  • Sanchon – Temple food (vegetarian), traditional vibe

  • Doore Yoo – Michelin guide Korean fine dining

  • Insadong Sujebi – Comfort food with handmade noodle soup

πŸ’‘ Don’t forget to stop by a traditional tea house like “Dalsaeun Dalman” for Korean herbal teas (omija, ginseng, jujube).

πŸ“· Stop 2: Insadong Walking Tour (13:00–14:30)

πŸ“ Highlights

  • Ssamziegil: Craft shops & rooftop views

  • Hanji (Korean paper) stores

  • Calligraphy & ceramic galleries

  • Take photos in alleyways—many foreign visitors love the narrow, curved paths

πŸ’‘ Did You Know?
Insadong’s main street curves slightly like a stream. In fact, the road was built on top of a historic stream, giving it a “human scale” feel.

πŸ“ Stop 3: Seochon Village & Tongin Market (15:00–17:00)

Walk or take a short bus ride to Seochon (West Village), a less touristy neighborhood with traditional homes and artistic flair.

πŸ₯’ Tongin Market Tip

Buy a Dosirak (lunchbox) token set at the market office and exchange tokens for food samples from market stalls.
✅ English signs available. Try the pan-fried Tteokbokki (oil-based).

🧭 Cultural Highlights

  • Suseongdong Valley: Restored creek painted by Joseon-era artist Jeong Seon

  • Yoon Dong-ju Literature House: Tribute to Korea’s beloved poet

🏞 Optional: Inwangsan Fortress Wall Walk (17:00–18:30)

If you’re feeling energetic, walk a portion of the Seoul Fortress Wall Trail from Cheongun Park → Changuimun Gate → Inwangsan trailhead.

πŸ“ Why it’s Special

  • View of Seoul skyline at sunset

  • Ancient stone walls and peaceful mountain trails

  • Safe and beginner-friendly trail (approx. 1.5 km)

🚦 Transportation Tips for Day 1

TransportInfo
Subway PassUse T-money card for subway and bus. Buy at airport or convenience stores
NavigationDownload KakaoMap or Naver Map (Google Maps is limited in Korea)
LanguageMost tourist signs are in English/Korean/Chinese/Japanese
ToiletsPublic restrooms available in palaces and tourist areas

🍜 Bonus: Evening Dinner Option

If you still have energy after your day tour:
Head to Ikseon-dong Hanok Village (10 mins from Insadong) for dinner.
Trendy restaurants in traditional houses:

  • Yunseul Sikdang – Modern Korean

  • Tteuran – Tea + dessert in 100-year-old house

  • Cheong Su Dang – Korean dessert cafΓ© (viral on Instagram!)

✅ Summary: Why You’ll Love Day 1 Itinerary

What You’ll SeeWhy It’s Special
Changdeokgung & Secret Garden  UNESCO heritage blending nature & tradition
Insadong Street  Cultural heart of traditional Korea
Seochon & Tongin Market  Local life + food adventure
(Optional) Inwangsan Wall Walk  Nature, skyline, and ancient fortress

πŸ’¬ Next Up: Day 2 – Royal Power, Modern Transitions, and Hidden Histories in Seoul
(Coming in Part 2 – 경볡ꢁ, μ’…λ¬˜, 뢁촌, λ•μˆ˜κΆ λ“± μ†Œκ°œ μ˜ˆμ •!)

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