2025 October 14th to October 19th.
Our Korean adventure officially began under the moonlight! My mom and I touched down at Incheon International Airport late on the evening of October 14th. With a packed itinerary starting the next morning, we knew a good night’s sleep was a necessity.
The Arrival Strategy: Grand Hyatt Incheon
Navigating a new country after 23:30 can be daunting, so we opted for a seamless transition by booking a 2 Twin Bed Deluxe room in the West Tower of the Grand Hyatt Incheon. The hotel lobby is impressively grand, and while we were far too exhausted to snap photos upon arrival, the clear directional signage made it incredibly easy to find the front desk. Since the last hotel shuttle departs at 22:00, we simply hopped in a taxi from the airport stand, which was quick and easy to find even at midnight.
Moving In: The Transition to Seoul
After a restful night, we took our time the next morning. We didn’t wake up until 9:00 AM, enjoying a slow start before making our way toward our next destination: The Classic 500 Executive Hotel Pentaz.
Traveling via subway with two large suitcases and extra bags is no small feat, and our goal was simply to drop our luggage off since official check-in wasn’t until 15:00.
We arrived at The Classic 500 around 13:30, ready to store our bags and explore the area. However, the staff went above and beyond, after confirming our three night reservation, they checked us into our room immediately!
It was a huge relief. Between the jet lag and the subway commute, my mom was exhausted. Having the room ready early meant we could skip the sightseeing for a moment and head straight up to drop our bags.
Settling In: Our Home for 3 Nights
The Classic 500 is known for its spacious suite rooms, and our stay for the next three nights was nothing short of luxurious. The suite featured a surprisingly large, fully-equipped kitchen, complete with a stovetop, microwave, etc…
Rather than heading back out to find a restaurant, we decided to lean into the “Executive” lifestyle. We headed out to a local market to stock up on food for our entire stay. Having that private, upscale space allowed us to relax, cook our own meals, and truly settle into the Seoul pace of life. It felt less like a hotel and more like our own private apartment in the heart of the city.
Day 2: A Scenic Escape to Gapyeong
After a long night of rest, we woke up feeling like new people. We had a big day ahead of us with a tour starting at 8:00 AM. It was a packed itinerary, but perfectly timed to see three of the most iconic spots just outside of Seoul.
Stop 1: The Garden of Morning Calm
Our first stop was this massive, 300,000 square meter botanical paradise. It is actually the oldest private garden in Korea, and since we visited in mid-October, the autumn colors were just beginning to peek through.
The garden is designed to showcase the “natural beauty of Korea” through 27 different themed sections. We spent our time wandering across the Cloud Bridge (a fun, swaying suspension bridge) and visiting the Sunken Garden, which is uniquely shaped like the Korean Peninsula. It’s incredibly peaceful, and the mix of traditional Korean architecture with perfectly manicured flower beds made for some of our favorite photos of the trip.
Lunch: A Midday Feast & A Lesson in Patience
After the Garden of Morning Calm, we went to eat at a local restaurant. The food was absolutely delicious, exactly the kind of hearty, authentic meal you crave after a morning of walking.
Ordering was incredibly easy and high-tech; we simply had to scan a QR code at the table, choose our preferred language, and place the order directly from our phones. It took all the guesswork out of the menu!
We truly had a great time enjoying the flavors of the region, though we did have a small “traveler’s tale” at the end! While we were waiting to pay, a local patron who wasn’t part of our tour group tried to cut the line to pay before us. We had to wait a bit, but we didn’t let it spoil the mood. In the end, a tiny delay at the register didn’t matter because the meal was so satisfying. We left with full stomachs, ready for the next stop!
Stop 2: Nami Island (Namiseom)
Next, we headed to the famous half moon shaped Nami Island. To get there, we took a short, scenic ferry ride across the river. The island feels like a little world of its own, there are no telephone poles, as all the cables were built underground to keep the views pristine.
We walked down the legendary Metasequoia Lane, where the towering trees form a perfect natural tunnel. Whether you’re a K-drama fan or just love nature, the riverside walks and the roaming wildlife make it feel like a fairytale. It was the perfect place to slow down and just breathe in the fresh air.
Stop 3: Gangchon Rail Park
We finished our tour with some light “exercise” at the Gangchon Rail Park. This was such a unique experience, it’s an old, discontinued train track that has been converted into a rail bike course.
We hopped onto a 4 seater bike and pedaled along the Bukhangang River. Don’t worry, most of the track is actually downhill, so we didn’t have to work too hard! The highlight was definitely the themed tunnels. Each one is different, some have romantic music and bubbles, while others feel like a disco with strobe lights and upbeat K-pop. It was the perfect, high-energy way to end our day before heading back to our suite in the city.
Day 3: The Ultimate Seoul Contrast Tour
If Day 2 was about the peace of the countryside, Day 3 was all about the energy of the capital. We set off at 9:00 AM for an ambitious tour that took us from ancient palaces to futuristic “floating” islands.
The Heart of History: Gwanghwamun & Gyeongbokgung
We started in the historic center of the city at Cheonggye Plaza, the starting point of the 11km-long Cheonggyecheon Stream. It’s hard to believe this peaceful waterway was once buried under a highway!
From there, we walked through Gwanghwamun Plaza, where the massive statues of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-sin stand guard. This led us straight to the majestic Gyeongbokgung Palace. Watching the Changing of the Guard ceremony against the backdrop of the mountains and the city skyscrapers is a sight I’ll never forget.
Tradition and Taste: Insa-dong & Gwangjang Market
For a change of pace, we headed to Insa-dong, a neighborhood famous for its wooden tea houses, antique shops, and art galleries. It’s the best place to find unique, handcrafted souvenirs.
Next was a highlight for any foodie: Gwangjang Market. As one of Korea’s oldest traditional markets, the atmosphere here is electric. The narrow aisles are packed with stalls serving up bindae-tteok (mung bean pancakes) and mayak gimbap. It’s noisy, crowded, and absolutely wonderful, the definition of authentic Seoul.
Modern Seoul: Seongsu, Jamsil, and Beyond
The afternoon took us across the river to the trendier side of town.
Seongsu-dong: Often called the “Brooklyn of Seoul,” this area is full of old red-brick factories that have been converted into the city’s coolest cafes and fashion boutiques.
Jamsil & Starfield COEX: We made a stop in Jamsil to see the towering Lotte World Tower before heading to the Starfield COEX Mall. You’ve probably seen the Starfield Library on social media—the floor-to-ceiling bookshelves are even more impressive in person!
A Magical Finish: Sevit Island
We wrapped up our 10 hour journey around 19:00 at Sevit Island (Some Sevit) on the Han River. These are three glowing, LED lit floating islands that look like something out of a sci-fi movie. Seeing them reflect off the dark water was the perfect, calm ending to an incredibly busy day.
Beyond the beautiful views, this stop was extra special because we made some new friends from Japan! It was a pleasure to be able to help them communicate and bridge the language gap during the tour. It felt great to lend a hand, and I truly hope our paths cross again back in Japan.
By the time we got back to our suite at The Classic 500, we were exhausted but so inspired by how much ground we covered.
Day 4: A Morning of Self-Care at Cheongdam Circle Clinic
After two back to back days of incredible tours and long walks, we decided to slow down and focus on some serious rejuvenation. South Korea is world renowned for its expertise and cutting-edge technology in the beauty industry, so we knew we had to experience it for ourselves.
The Clinic Experience
We booked our appointment at Cheongdam Circle Clinic for 10:00 AM. High-quality treatments in Korea are a significant investment, and this visit definitely cost us a bit! However, given the clinic’s reputation, we felt it was a splurge well worth making.
The staff was incredibly patient, especially during the counseling session. Since my mom finds it difficult to communicate in English, we were so relieved that the staff didn’t rush us. They took the time to explain everything until we felt completely comfortable with our choices.
The Transformation: Our Treatment Plans
We each had a customized plan tailored to our skin’s needs:
For My Mom:
Thermale (600 shots): A non-invasive radio frequency treatment that uses heat energy to tighten and contour the skin by stimulating natural collagen renewal.
Special Facial Care with equal:ogy products: This included the Circle Neck Serum, the Spicule Shot Neck Mask, and the Circle Eye & Lip Cream.
The Experience: To be honest, my mom found the treatment quite painful. Even though it’s “non-invasive,” the heat energy is intense, and she definitely felt the sting during those 600 shots!
For Me:
SkinCeuticals Phytocare: A soothing treatment designed to hydrate and visibly brighten my skin.
No Pain Skin Booster All-in-One: A powerful mix of Rejuran (salmon DNA for healing), NCTF (a cocktail of vitamins and antioxidants), and Exosomes (nanoparticles that accelerate skin repair).
Customized Soothing Facial Care.
The Experience: I actually expected more pain than I felt! The most intense part was when they used a sterilized needle to slightly open the skin for proper extractions. It lasted about 5–10 minutes, and while it was a bit uncomfortable, it was very tolerable. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by how well I handled it.
The Result
The entire process took about three and a half hours. By 13:30, we walked out of the clinic feeling refreshed and glowing. Even with the brief moments of pain, the feeling of having professional, high-tech care made us both feel like we were truly living the Seoul lifestyle.
Day 5: The Final Stretch & A Lesson in “Always Be Prepared”
After our rejuvenating morning at the beauty clinic, it was time to head toward the coast for the final leg of our journey. Our plan was to board a cruise boat the following day, so we decided to stay somewhere strategic near the ferry terminal.
The Logistics: Moving to Songdo
We chose the Holiday Inn Incheon Songdo, which is a convenient 20 minutes taxi ride from the terminal. After several days of bustling city tours and luxury suites, we were looking forward to a smooth, easy transition before our departure.
A Less-Than-Grand Finale
To be honest, our stay here wasn’t quite what I expected. Upon checking into our room, we were disappointed to find hair in the bathroom, definitely not the standard of cleanliness you hope for.
When I brought this to the front desk, they informed us that the hotel was fully booked, so a room change wasn’t an option. I simply requested a proper cleaning instead. While the staff sent someone up to take care of it, we headed out to grab a bite to eat, trying to keep our spirits high for our last night in Korea.
The Morning Departure Stress
The real challenge came the next morning. Knowing we had a cruise to catch, I had pre-arranged a taxi for 11:00 AM at the front desk. We believe in being early, you never know what might happen on the road!
However, 11:00 AM came and went. We waited in the lobby for 30 minutes, and eventually, I had to ask the front desk to call a completely different taxi. Our ride finally arrived at 11:30 AM.
Making the Boat
Luckily, we had a fantastic driver who understood the urgency. He picked up the pace, and thanks to his quick driving, we made it to the terminal just in time. While we prefer to be onboard well in advance to avoid the stress, we were just relieved to have made it.
Despite the hiccups at the hotel, we were officially ready to trade the city streets for the open sea!
Through the highs of luxury suites and the small hurdles of travel logistics, this trip was an unforgettable chapter for my mom and me. From the neon lights of Seoul to the peaceful gardens of the countryside, and even a little high-tech pampering in between, Korea gave us a perfect blend of tradition and modern energy.
Traveling together isn’t always perfect, but those shared moments, like making new friends or finally reaching the ferry terminal just in time, are what stay with you. We left Korea with glowing skin, full hearts, and a gallery of memories I’ll cherish forever.