Photo by Simon Williams-Im
When you hear ‘Gwangmyeong,’ it is very likely that Ikea will spring to mind in conversation. SeoultheJourney would certainly recommend a visit to Ikea.
The Gwangmyeong Ikea was the first to open in South Korea and is easily accessible by the KTX high-speed train, metro and numerous bus services. This Ikea stretches only 53,739 square meters (so drink some coffee to keep yourself on the go!).
Photo by Simon Williams-Im
Inside, countless show spaces, warehouse areas and the food court and children’s play area!
Yet, SeoultheJourney wants to suggest something different in this lovely part of Korea.
Take a visit to Gwangmyeong Cave, a 194m long wine cave that offers an extensive range of domestic wines (170+). Don’t forget to try one of the wine tasting events on the weekend between 12noon – 4 pm.
Beyond the caves and the wine, the Gwangmyeong Upcycle Art Center and Resource Recovery Facility offer a wide range of eco-friendly creativity.
(Photos by Simon Williams-Im)
For more information here and explore more options on this link.
Transport – tickets!
Getting there: Book your train with Korail.
Don’t stress, my Korean is terrible and I managed to get the KTX booking done in Korean. So give it a whirl and just think about how you book a ticket in your own language! (Alternatively, try the Korail website!).
Some readers were curious about how to buy a Seoul metro ticket and so we’ve found the following video that will certainly help you!
Back in Seoul
Photo by Simon Williams-Im
After a very lovely day drinking wine, mooching around Ikea and exploring the shops that I didn’t want to tell you about – yes – there are even more shops to tempt you in Gwangmyeong – Lotte Mall!
Let’s head back to Seoul – it is time to put your feet up and grab a magazine!
One of the coffee shops that we would suggest is Stretto in the heart of Gongdeok.
Soak up the atmosphere, the smells of a very ‘foodie zone’ of Seoul with a wide range of restaurants to tempt you to a delicious dinner. The coffee shop offers a relaxing atmosphere and if you are in town during the spring, enjoy the beautiful view of Cherry Blossom and the Seoul skyline!
For more ideas, explore our blog!
Location:
242-44, Gongdeok-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
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Dinner time and more shops – Lotte Department Seoul Jongno
After a busy day, the heart and soul want some rest!
We gave you the suggestion of a lovely coffee shop in the heart of a neighborhood that will allow you to enjoy a wide range of local treats.
Alternatively, we want to send you to Jongno to explore Lotte Department Store (maybe, even your hotel is above the Lotte Department Store). We recommend a short walk downstairs to the fantastic food hall, then head up to the hotel lobby and find a few treats.
Photos by Simon Williams-Im
Check out the Lotte Hotels in the city – here!
Lotte Hotel Spa and take time to explore the galleries in the city to let the mind free – check out this blog.