Crew Tip: Exploring Seoul with Jenny

SWISS employee Jenny had lived in Seoul for almost ten years up until February 2023. She takes us on a tour around the "City of Possibilities", as she calls it and shares eleven of countless reasons why she fell in love with the city.

SWISS employee Jenny lived in Seoul for almost ten years and found her love for the city during this time.

Sightseeing

#1 Korean Folk Village @Yongin
Located on the outskirts of Seoul you will find the Korean Folk Village, where you can experience the life of the people in the previous Joseon dynasty through various fun activities and performances. Find more information on how to get there and what activities await you on koreanfolk.com.

#2 Ikseon-Dong Hanok Street
Stroll down the narrow alleys of Ikseon-dong, where each small shop has its own little charm and special decorations. Make sure to plan at least half a day in the area to try a few of the unique little cafés and restaurants.

#3 Seokchon Lake
If you need a break from the bustling city life, visit Seokchon Lake, located right next to Lotte World Tower. Enjoy the walking trail in full bloom of cherry blossoms in spring or the beautifully coloured fall leaves during autumn season – no matter what time of year, Seokchon Lake is by far my favourite retreat in Seoul.

#4 Namsangol Hanok Village
Right behind Myeong Dong, an area well known to tourists for its 24/7 shopping opportunities, you can escape the crowds and enjoy a beautiful view on Namsan Tower while drinking a cup of traditional Korean tea in this small folk village. Entry is free of charge and the village is open daily from 9am to 9pm: Namsangol Hanok Village

Namsangol Hanok Village

Korean Folk Village

Ikseon-Dong Hanok Street

Seokchon Lake

"At every corner you can pick up a new hobby: eat in a "Mat-Jip", release stress by singing your heart out at karaoke, have a drink or enjoy a cup of coffee."

Coffee & Dining

#5 Dosan Bunsik @Apgujeong
Dosan Bunsik takes you back to the Seoul of the 80s and 90s and serves you some traditional Korean street food reinvented. Located in one of the most expensive neighborhoods of Seoul, prices are a little higher than at a regular street food vendor, but the experience is worth it. Find more information on Instagram @dosanbunsik.

#6 Zion Burger
Zion serves you great burgers, fries or chicken wings in a wonderful American retro atmosphere. If you visit their Chongro branch, you will also enjoy a splendid view over Namsan tower. Visit their Instagram @zion.seoul for more information.

#7 Neurin Maeul
Only a few minutes away from Gangnam station, you can find the best Makgeolli (rice wine). The brewery is located right in the restaurant, giving the place a special atmosphere. You can also choose amongst a wide selection of anju (food that accompanies one's drinks), with the Kimchi- or Seafood-Pancakes being the most popular ones.

#8 Café Pepper @Songridan-Gil
If you suffer from any gluten or lactose intolerance, this is the place for you. Located at Songridan-Gil, a long street full of hip cafés, restaurants, and bars, Café Pepper is a small café full of gluten-free treats and milk alternatives for your coffee. Check out their Instagram @cafe_pepper_ for more information and be sure to go on a weekday to avoid long waiting hours.

At Dosan Busik, you'll find traditional Korean food – with a little twist.

If you're looking for tasty burgers in a retro American atmosphere, Zion Burger is the place for you.

Good news if you're gluten intolerant: all the treats at Café Pepper come gluten free.

Activities

#9 Lotte Cinema
Within Lotte World Tower – which is worth a visit by itself – you can find Lotte Cinema with the world's largest screen and most amazing facilities: the Super Plex hall. So, if there is a movie screening that you like, it is definitely worth a visit. And don't worry about the language, all movies are shown in English with Korean subtitles. More information at lottecinema.co.kr

#10 Experience Korean photo booths – anywhere in Seoul
Choose some accessories, hop into one of the countless photo booths and start taking pictures. It is a fun activity and will help you keep your memories of your trip.

#11 Studio "kkot-il-da"
Do you need good headshots for your company or ID card? Then visit Studio "kkot-il-da", located just a few walking minutes from Gangnam station. Make a reservation by phone call or through Kakao Talk to make sure that they have time for you and try to visit on a weekday morning to get a 10'000 KRW discount.