Seoul Day 2: Gwangjang Market, DDP, Cheonggyecheon & Myeongdong

Day 2 is food, design and shopping — and almost all of it is walkable. Part of the 3 days in Seoul itinerary.

Morning: Gwangjang Market

Opened in 1905, it’s one of Korea’s oldest markets. Come hungry: mung bean pancakes, mini “mayak” gimbap and hand-cut noodles. Full list: what to eat at Gwangjang Market.

• Subway: Jongno 5-ga Station (Line 1)

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

A 15-minute walk away. The silver, curving building by Zaha Hadid is Seoul’s design landmark — great for photos, exhibitions and a coffee. At night the LED rose garden lights up.

• Subway: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station (Lines 2, 4, 5)

Afternoon: Cheonggyecheon Stream

A stream running right through downtown, restored as a public walkway in 2005. Walk west along the water — it’s cool, quiet and leads you toward the center.

Evening: Myeongdong

Seoul’s busiest shopping street: K-beauty stores, fashion and street-food carts in the evening. Myeongdong Cathedral is a calm spot just up the hill.

• Subway: Myeong-dong Station (Line 4)

Next: Day 3 – lake, library & Han River

More Korea travel guides

• 3 Days in Seoul Itinerary: The Easy First-Timer Plan
• Seoul Day 1: Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon & Ihwa Mural Village
• Seoul Day 3: Seokchon Lake, Starfield Library & the Han River
• Gyeongbokgung Palace Guide: Free Entry in Hanbok & Tips
• Gwangjang Market: What to Eat (and How to Order)
• Han River Parks in Seoul: Ramyeon, Bikes & the Rainbow Fountain
• Busan 2-Day Itinerary: Beaches, Temple & Seafood
• Gyeongju 1-Day Itinerary: Bulguksa, Royal Tombs & Wolji Pond
• Seoul First-Time Tips: T-money, Subway & Apps

Photo credits — Tycho Atsma tychoa / CC0, via Wikimedia Commons; kallerna / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Basile Morin / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.