Insadong (Seoul, Korea)

Insadong is really a nice place to walk around in Korea! There are many places here which provide rental services for hanboks (traditional Korean costumes). Thus, it is a common scene to see tourists (and locals!) walking around in hanboks and taking pictures of the scenic place! Some restaurants and even places of interest even offer exclusive discounts to people who are dressed in the traditional costumes! 

Gyeongbokgung (Seoul, Korea)

Gyeongbokgung is very accessible via subway or buses! You can alight at either the Gwanghwamun station (Exit ) or Gyeongbokgung station (Exit ).

Similar to other palaces, free guides are available. Do check the official website for the timing of the tours so as to plan your visit. Admission ticket to the paace costs 3000 won. You can consider getting the combined ticket package at 10000 if you are planning to visit other palaces and the Jongmyo Shrine.

It is the biggest palace in Seoul and it is preetty magnificent! When I visited in Dec 2014, a new museum within the palace has been established. The museum was free for admittance (at that point in time) and it exhibits many written works of Korean scholars and allows a greater insight into Korea history and the people's way of living.

Exit through the North gate of the palace and you'll find yourself facing a blue house! It houses the South Korea president and there are also municipal buildings nearby.

I particulary found this amazing as it shwoed how the Korean characters derive from Chinese characters.

Jilsiru Ddeok Cafe (Seoul, Korea)

This is my favorite cafe! It was my third visit over the past few years and the ddeoks are just as nice! It is a Korean Ddeok Cafe which serves ddeok and coffee! It is a ten-minute walk from Jongno 3-ga station exit 5. It is easy to find, on the left side of the road as you head towards Changdeokgung.

You can find more information on the visitkorea website and the map at the official website. 

There is a wide variety of rice cakes!

There are english descriptions and clear price tags, most are within the range of 800-1500 won.

Nice exterior design of the cafe. You'd definitely want to stop by for a photo or two!

There is also ddeok museum above the cafe (the cafe is actually part of the Traditional Korean Dessert School), it used to free for consumers at the cafe, however, at my latest time of visit, the admission to the museum costs 3000 won :(