From The Straits Times    |

Admire the beauty of Gyeongbokgung
This is arguably the largest and grandest of the five traditional palaces in Seoul. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the picturesque grounds (admission: 3,000 won), and try to catch the fascinating guard-changing ceremony. I couldn’t resist sidling up to an unsmiling guard in his bright, traditional costume to sneak a shot.

Getting there: Take the subway to Gyeongbokgung Palace Station (Line 3) and use Exit 5.

Browse and buy crafts at Hongdae Free Market 
Every Saturday from 1-6pm, the children’s playground across the street from Hongik University’s main gate transforms into a vibrant craft market. Don’t expect pre-loved items here – what you’ll find are kitschy, one-of-a-kind accessories, jewellery, shoes, toys, stationery and home decor gems.

Getting there: Ride the subway to Hongik University Station (Line 2). Take Exit 9 and make the fi rst right turn. Walk until you arrive at the main gate of Hongik University, then turn right. Walk straight ahead and you’ll see the playground on your right.

Soak in some culture at Insadong
A well-known arts and culture street, Insadong is lined with quaint cafes, teahouses and art galleries. But walk further and you’ll come to a modern complex called Ssamziegil – a designer handicraft hub. Its picture-worthy, spiral alleys are packed with shops selling beautiful artisanal products. I couldn’t resist buying two pretty, hand-painted fans.

Getting there: It’s a 10-minute walk from Gyeongbokgung (exit from Gwanghwamun gate). Cross the main road and turn left. Go straight along the main road and you’ll see Insadong on your right.

Go on a food trail at Myeongdong
Myeongdong – the most famous shopping junction in Seoul – is a shopaholic’s dream. But it’s also full of good eats. Yoogane’s dak galbi (marinated chicken in spicy sauce) fried rice – with cheese! – tops my list; the well-marinated chicken is tasty and tender. I also tried Miss Lee Cafe, made famous by the K-reality show, We Got Married. The cafe specialises in tinned box lunches containing kimchi fried rice, seaweed, egg and luncheon meat, and you’re supposed to shake the tin to mix it up before eating – a novel experience with more-than-decent food.

Getting there: Take the subway to Myeongdong Station (Line 4) and use Exit 6. Look for the Uniqlo store and turn right. Yoogane is on your left. For Miss Lee Cafe, walk to the end of the shopping street and you’ll spot its signage.

Learn more about history at the DMZ

A heavily militarised stretch of land separating North and South Korea, the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) is an iconic symbol of the tension between the two nations. A half-day tour starts at Imjingak Park, where war monuments – along with bullet-riddled tanks – are a sombre reminder of the Korean War in the 1950s.

I liked going down the Third Infiltration Tunnel – discovered just 52km from Seoul, it’s believed to have been created by North Korea to move thousands of soldiers underground. Another highlight of the tour is the Dorasan Observatory Tower, where you can catch a glimpse of North Korea over the border. Bring along your passport in case they ask for identification.

Getting there: Most hotels and hostels offer bookings for DMZ tours (prices are from 40,000 won), so get them to arrange one for you.

Experience thrills and spills at Everland Resort 
For a break from shopping and cultural sights, take the kids to Everland (one-day pass: 40,000 won) – the largest amusement park in Seoul with over 40 rides, a gorgeous flower sculpture garden, safari and petting zoo. My heart-stopping favourite: the T-express – a rickety-looking wooden roller coaster with an almost 90-degree drop. Visiting Everland is a whole-day affair so get an early start.

Getting there: Ride the subway to Gangnam Station (Line 2). Take Exit 5 or 10 and walk straight until you see a bus stop outside the Krispy Kreme shop. Board bus 5002 to Everland (the travel time is approximately 50 minutes)

Cuddle with felines at a cat cafe
I love cats and try to visit a cat cafe – if there’s one – whenever I travel. This place is clean and cosy, with nary a whiff of cat litter. There’re plenty of toys and cubbyholes to keep the furry residents – 33 of them – occupied. You need to buy a drink to enter but there’s no admission fee. The cats are friendly and freely hop onto my lap for a cuddle (or snooze).

Getting there: If you’re coming from Hongdae, look for the shopping street with an Art Box store. The cafe is on the third floor.

This article was originally published in Simply Her March 2014.