March 5 - 6, 2017 (2D1N): Last leg of the 2017 Asia trip.  I redeemed my Chase ultimate rewards points for a free First class from Taipei to JFK on Korean Air, which required a layover in Seoul. I used the opportunity to experience a 24-hr layover in Seoul and visited a friend while there.

*Highly Recommended

Day 1

• Afternoon flight arrival in Seoul from TPE

• Airport Express to Seoul station (~6900 won pp) + taxi (~4800 won) to Metro Hotel

• Check-in @ Metro Hotel

• Dinner @ Hanmiri* (traditional Korean cuisine royalty set menu)

• Walk around Cheonggyecheon (River walk)

• Photos by Gyeongbokgung Palace

• Walk around Myeongdong (shopping area & night market)

Day 2

• Breakfast @ hotel

• Metro to Gyeongbokgung Palace

• Metro to Gangnam:

  • Lunch @ Jangin Dakgalbi* (chicken galbi with cheese)

  • Walk around shopping district of Gangnam

• Taxi to Seoul station (6200 won)

• Airport express to ICH (6900 won pp)

• Evening flight to JFK

Tips

• Taxis are cheap but many of the drivers do not speak English. Make sure you are able to convey where you need to go.