Let’s not sugar coat it. Jetlag is never fun, and if you have limited time and have travelled halfway round the world, you want to make the most of your holiday. Evenings are not so bad, but if you, like me, end up awake at silly o’clock in the morning, you don’t want to just sit in your hotel room. Experiencing jetlag in Seoul can be an excellent opportunity to explore the city during the early hours when it's quieter and more peaceful.
Here are some great early morning activities to help you make the most of your time:
·Feeling energetic? Why not take a walk, or even jog, along the Han River?
The Han River parks are perfect for an early morning jog or walk. The cool, crisp air and the beautiful sunrise over the river provide a refreshing start to the day. Several parks along the river offer scenic views and well-maintained paths. Yeouido Hangang Park and Banpo Hangang Park are popular spots where you can enjoy the sunrise over the river, rent a bike, or just take a leisurely stroll.
Explore N. Seoul Tower and/or Namsan Park
Take an early morning hike up Namsan Mountain for stunning views of the city. The trails are peaceful in the early morning, and you can enjoy the fresh air. If you time it right, you can visit N Seoul Tower as it opens. Of course, you don’t have to hike it! You can take a cable car up to Seoul Tower. The panoramic views of the city at dawn are breathtaking, and the peaceful surroundings make for a tranquil experience. While the tower itself opens later, hiking up Namsan Mountain or taking the cable car early in the morning can be a refreshing way to start your day. Enjoy panoramic views of Seoul and the tranquillity of Namsan Park.
·Wander Through Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
While the shops might not be open, the architecture of DDP is stunning and worth exploring early in the morning. The futuristic design by Zaha Hadid can be enjoyed without the usual daytime crowds. The futuristic architecture of DDP is striking at any time of day, and an early morning visit allows you to appreciate its design without the crowds. The nearby Dongdaemun Night Market often transitions into early morning, offering unique shopping opportunities and Sparex which is 24hrs.
·Visit a Traditional Market
o Namdaemun Market: Open 24 hours, this is a great place to experience local culture. Early in the morning, you can watch the vendors set up and enjoy some fresh street food.
o Gwangjang Market: One of the oldest traditional markets in Seoul, Gwangjang Market comes alive in the early morning with vendors setting up their stalls. Opening early, it is known for its vibrant food stalls. Try traditional Korean breakfast foods like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and mayak gimbap (mini seaweed rice rolls).
o Noryangjin Fish Market: The market is bustling in the early morning with fresh seafood auctions. It's a fascinating glimpse into local commerce and cuisine.
Early Morning Café
If you prefer a quieter start, find a cosy café serving delicious coffee and pastries. Seoul has a vibrant café culture, with many cafes opening early in the morning. Head to popular areas like Hongdae, Itaewon, or Gangnam to find unique cafes where you can enjoy a quiet cup of coffee and a light breakfast. Some cafes open as early as 7:00 AM! Look for branches of popular cafes like Starbucks, Holly's Coffee, or local favourites like Cafe Onion.
o Indulge in a Korean Breakfast. Why not treat yourself to a hearty Korean breakfast? Try dishes like kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew), bibimbap (mixed rice), or gimbap (seaweed rice rolls) to kickstart your day with authentic flavours.
o Relax in a Traditional Tea House - Seek out a traditional Korean tea house (dado) and savour a cup of fragrant Korean tea while enjoying the peaceful ambiance. It's a perfect way to unwind and ease into the day.
Visit a Temple
Jogyesa Temple is a beautiful Buddhist temple in the heart of Seoul. Early morning visits offers a peaceful and meditative experience to enjoy the tranquillity and perhaps even witness the monks' morning prayers. Open Early: Generally, from 4:00 AM
Bongeunsa Temple is a beautiful, serene space in the middle of the bustling business area of Seoul. In the early morning it offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of Gangnam. It’s a perfect place for a meditative stroll and to experience a bit of Korean Buddhist culture while listening to the morning chants. You could even join a temple stay program if you wish.
Walk Along Cheonggyecheon Stream
This 11-kilometer-long modern public recreation space flows through downtown Seoul. An early morning walk along the stream is refreshing and offers a serene start to the day. The stream is beautifully lit in the early morning, offering a calm and scenic environment.
Attend a Morning Jjimjilbang (Korean Spa)
Many Jjimjilbang are open 24 hours. These traditional bathhouses offer various saunas, baths, and relaxation areas (see blog on Jjimjilbangs if you are interested in learning more!). It’s a perfect way to rejuvenate and shake off jetlag. Many jjimjilbangs, such as Dragon Hill Spa or Siloam Sauna, are open 24 hours. These spas offer a range of saunas, baths, and relaxation areas. They are perfect for unwinding and dealing with the stress of travel.
Explore Bukchon Hanok Village
This traditional Korean village is composed of hanoks (traditional Korean houses) and offers a glimpse into Seoul's past. The village is particularly picturesque in the early morning light, less crowded and perfect for photography in the tranquil streets before they get busy. Just please remember, this is home to many people and politeness is key. Avoid loud noises and conversations and be respectful.
Samcheong Park
From Bukchon Hanok Village, why not walk to Samcheong Park. If you have kids, it’s a perfect place as there are kids playgrounds and there's a great trail up to an observation park. Lots of people hike this area.
Other parks:
Bukhansan (you can hike in Bukhansan from 3am), Ttukseom, Yeouido, Heunginjimun and Mangwon Hangang Park – just to name a few!
Catch the Sunrise at a Scenic Spot
Watching the sunrise can be a beautiful way to start your day. Some recommended spots include:
o Lotte World Tower Sky Seoul: The observation deck offers incredible views of the city as it wakes up.
o Bukhansan National Park: For the more adventurous, an early hike to one of the peaks can provide a breath-taking sunrise view.
Explore Insadong
Insadong is a vibrant neighbourhood known for its traditional tea houses, art galleries, and souvenir shops. Take a leisurely stroll along its charming streets and immerse yourself in Korean culture and arts before the crowds descend.
Take a Cultural Class
Many cultural centres and studios in Seoul offer early morning classes such as traditional tea ceremonies, calligraphy, or even martial arts like taekwondo. Participating in one of these classes can be both educational and invigorating.
Photography Expedition
Use the early morning light to capture stunning photographs of Seoul's landmarks and streets without the usual crowds. Explore iconic sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village or Myeongdong can be particularly photogenic in the soft morning light; or capture the city in its peaceful morning state.
Visit a Palace such as Gyeongbokgung Palace
Visiting this historic palace early in the morning allows you to avoid the crowds and enjoy the stunning architecture and serene gardens in peace. The palace grounds open at 9:00 AM, so it's a good spot to head to as your morning progresses.
Remember to dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to explore outdoor areas or hike. Embracing the early morning hours can lead to unique experiences and a deeper appreciation of Seoul's vibrant culture and scenery.
Tips for Managing Jetlag:
o Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water.
o Get Sunlight: Exposure to natural light helps reset your internal clock.
o Stay Active: Engaging in light physical activities can help you adjust.
o Eat Balanced Meals: Opt for nutritious meals to keep your energy levels stable.
