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…
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