November, 2025 - Parfaitement-Imparfaites.com

Seoul, My flight was actually one of the smoothest I’ve had in a long time — I knocked out right after dinner, so I didn’t even feel the 14-hour direct flight from London to Seoul. The longest I’ve done so far. And Korean Air did their big one on this too; bibimbap and kimchi were exactly what I needed as an introduction to what would end up being the best 10 days as a solo traveller in SK.

Weather

The temperature in September was between 25 and 30 degrees ,80% of humidity on some days with minimal rain. So yes, be prepared to walk around with your mini fan. No complaints from me — you know I hate London weather, so I was more than happy to sweat.

Google Maps is not optimal in South Korea. Better to use Naver or whatever app TikTok or YouTube recommends. Seoul’s transport system is quite easy to use, but you can still get lost. Thanks to my paper map (I’m definitely a millennial).
Seoul is big , and you feet will be defeated! To save my energy, I dedicated one day per area, it made things simpler and also gave me room to wander if I felt like it

Activities

My travel plan is always the same: I need to see (sightseeing), to learn (classes or museums), to eat (local food only), and to spend (local brands if possible). I usually know by day one or two if I’m going to do damage in terms of shopping, so I try to pace myself — a learning moment before a spending moment, just a way to justify my love for overconsumption. In Seoul there is a lot to do and to see!

I booked most of my activities via Klook and GetYourGuide application, but usually hotels or hosts leave you guides for things to do around the area. I visited the Gyeongbokgung palace, after walking the Seoul wall. The entry fee is free if you wear the hanbok but I didn’t manage to rent the hanbok or visit the Bukchon Hanok Village. To enjoy most of the attractions, you need to get there early in the morning, as it gets crowded rapidly.

I went to the WAR&WOMEN’S HUMAN RIGHTS MUSEUM in Mapo-go. The exhibition covers the history of the Japanese Military Sexual Slavery- a painful past between Korea and Japan. It is an interactive exhibition and hard to watch sometimes, especially the testimonies, but worth the stop.

I also booked a pub tour in Itaewon via the app and the group was a vibe! Clubbing in Seoul was interesting: first because I haven’t been clubbing in ages and I really missed the feeling of being out all night. People my age are usually at home under a nice blanket with some honey tea. Second, the music style of South Korea is interestingly diverse, between US Hip Hop and kpop or EDM, everybody can have fun and I sure did. However, some clubs in Seoul refuse foreigners entry: we were actually stopped at the second club because one girl in our group was « overweight ». I kid you not.

The following day, I went to a baseball match and it was such a great experience. Baseball is so foreign to me, I was surprised to find out how huge it is in Korea (and Japan too). The atmosphere at Jamsil Stadium was out of this world. I was cheering for both teams because the vibe was simply impeccable. Even the Americans in our group were impressed. Incredible.

Did I watch the whole three-hour game, drink beers, sing in Korean and understand the rules? I sure did, when in Rome right ! Now I can rock my Doosan Bears jersey as an actual fan of the team, not just for the aesthetic!

I went to Busan too. I stayed only 24 hours — enough to see Gamcheon Village and hear the southern accent. Loved it. It was slightly rainy and very humid but I still managed to walk along the Gwangnalli beach and try some raw sea food.

Food

If you’re unfamiliar with Korean cuisine, let me tell you: you’re kind of missing out. Korean food offers a wide range of flavours, from the Korean BBQ to the tteokbokki, everything tasted soooo good. And I was finally able to try the makgeolli (wine rice) I was living my KDrama dream! However, one thing for sure: if you follow the most viral TikTok places, you might be disappointed. The best spot are not the Instagrammable places.

The best meal I had was in a small restaurant run by an “halmeoni” and her husband near the Dongguk University station. No guest Wi-Fi, minimal words exchanged, me pointing at pictures, but the food? 100 out of 10.

7-Eleven in SK is also elite: the banana milk? A classic, not so great mixed in the coffee and that lemonade though? Liquid diabetes. Use with caution.

Mentioned already on my previous post but the coffee culture is insane. Coffee hopping is my new favourite hobby — Seoul is the perfect city for it.

Shopping

The Korean style is either streetwear with sparkle of grunge/alternative but well put together, or girly with lace and frills. It’s fresh and young and I found good pieces and discovered a few brands like Tomboy Studio. I wish I’d done even more financial damage because the prices in London are pure robbery. Another reason to go back.

Accommodation

Prices varies but from I think it is reasonable compared to some prices in Tokyo. Since I’m in an existential crisis, I thought I might as well indulge in nice accommodations. My Airbnb was a loft in Dongdaemun area, walking distance from the Dongdaemun Design Plazza and Cheonggyecheon, so really central.

The Mondrian Itaewon Hotel deserves a mention here. I chose it for the second part of my Seoul stay. It’s in Itaewon but a bit of a walk from the station, and the service? Chef’s kiss.
The rooftop is small but cozy, and the bars (both rooftop and on the first level) have a great vibe. It’s on the pricier side, but I don’t regret the splurge.

Seoul, even almost two months later, is still on my mind. The city is so vibrant! I made so many memories and I really want to go back. Looking at all the photos I took — and every photobooth I could find (they all have my pictures now) — I really enjoyed my time there.

This was my second solo trip, and I reckon it is one of — if not the — best trip I’ve had. I enjoy travelling with my friends and family but I found a new appreciation of solo traveling. The first solo trip felt longer although it was only 4 days, as I had less activities prepared, I felt at some point the weight of travelling solo. This time, things were different because I was intentional about it.

After an average of 25k steps per day and getting dangerously close to the weight limit on my checked baggage, I flew to Tokyo for five incredible days…

7th of October and I’m back in London.It’s 3 a.m. and I’m jet-lagged.

I somehow managed to avoid any jet lag on my way to Seoul, but now that I’m back in my routine, there’s no reason to fight it. I’m scrolling through my pictures, reflecting on the trip, and realising how amazing it felt to be in a different country, with a different language and a different culture.

This is what I love about travelling: the unknown, the slight discomfort, but also the surprising moments of familiarity. Familiarity because, yes, I may be far from home, but little things—like the daily walk to the convenience store, the daily stop at the coffee next door or finding a new route back to the Airbnb—quickly become habits. I rarely feel lost in a new city and I love that for me.

The looks people give you, their smiles or their curiosity… it makes me feel oddly at home every time I travel, which is a bit crazy when I think about it. Sometimes I actually wish I didn’t feel at home, so I wouldn’t start imagining my life in every city I visit. Every time I feel comfortable somewhere new, I can’t help but romanticise my life there. My ability to adapt amazes me, but it also scares me because it means I could live anywhere I want—it’s just a matter of making the decision.

As I mentioned in a previous post, I feel like I need a drastic change, but I’m stuck. Travelling helps me understand why I need to be where I am… yet I always come back with fewer convincing reasons to stay here.

On thing for sure and two things for certain ,Seoul got soul

I already knew that before going, thanks to the shaming amount of Kdrama I have binged and the countless YouTube videos and vlogs I watched after booking my tickets. I even felt like I recognised certain streets of my favourite series! Seeing them in real life was surreal.

And let’s be real, the chokehold that South Korea has on the rest of the world currently needs to be studied. Seoul wasTHE place to be in 2025 and the numbers of tourists outside holidays period truly surprised me.

I’ve always been interested in different cultures, but over the past couple of years—especially since moving into my new flat and gifting myself a big TV—I’ve really dived deep into Asian and Korean culture. From societal issues like the education system that disadvantages low-income families or the increasing amount of male suicide , to lighter topics like the unrealistic expectations created by K-dramas and the music idol industry.
It’s fascinating to think of a country that lived under Japanese occupation, is under constant threat of a war with the North, was labelled a third-world nation not that long ago (60 years), and is now one of East Asia’s driving forces—with companies like Hyundai and Samsung.

Another reason I chose Korea was, of course, the food.

I love letting my taste buds travel, and Korea did not disappoint(Tokyo was a another level! ) It’s hard coming back to London and feeling the same emotions in front of a Sunday roast with salty gravy.
The great thing about London is the diversity, so if I crave Korean food of Japanese omakase here, I can easily find an excellent restaurant but the prices here though?!! outrageous. And the joy of eating sushi in Tokyo, tteokbokki in Seoul, or raw seafood in Busan? Truly unforgettable.

I mean 10 out of 10, no scrum left, literally.

Seoul is young and dynamic. The city is full of little corners, artsy streets and cosy cafés where you can sit, unwind, and let your mind wander for hours. They really value the idea of a “third space”—in sociology, it’s the social environment outside home (the first place) and work (the second place). Third places include churches, cafés, restaurants, and parks. They’re great because you don’t have to pay to exist there, and no one’s rushing you out.

Unfortunately, London has no beaches, and I haven’t found many places that truly offer relaxation and community. I’m not saying they don’t exist, but I do feel we’ve lost sight of the importance of third spaces since Covid. In Seoul, I found that feeling again.
Of course, when you’re on holiday, everything looks softer and more idealised—I’m sure the reality is different. But reconnecting with that lost spirit meeting new people, sharing experiences, did me good, and made me realise it’s one of the changes I need to make in my own life.

I vlogged consistently during my holidays, which is part of my 2025 resolution to “document my life.” and will gather the courage to post those videos.

I have so many stories to tell that i am still writing as I met so many people and can’t wait to share them! More to come

Month: November 2025

Seoul Is Still on My Mind

We Need to Talk About Seoul