Thanks to the Chuseok holiday, I was able to trade Daejeon’s laid-back vibe for a week of adventure in Seoul. With classes on hold for the holiday, I couldn’t resist the chance to explore the capital city at my own pace. Seoul is only a quick train ride away, but it feels like a whole different world—a buzzing metropolis where every corner is brimming with energy, food, and culture. Here’s a look at my packed week of shopping, street food, palace tours, and spontaneous fun in one of Korea’s most exciting cities!
Day 1: A Shopper’s Paradise and Street Food Galore
First stop: Myeongdong, a shopping mecca where you can find everything from trendy Korean skincare to the latest fashion. But it wasn’t just the stores that caught my eye—Myeongdong’s night market came alive with vibrant food stalls. As soon as I caught a whiff of the street food, I knew I had to dive in. I treated myself to Japchae, those deliciously chewy stir-fried glass noodles packed with veggies. A perfect street snack to kick off my Seoul journey!
Day 2: New Looks, New Friends, and Hongdae Nights
Started my day slow with a famous Isaac Toast and coffee to get some work done, but the real fun began in Hongdae. Known for its artsy, youthful vibe, Hongdae was the perfect place to get a spontaneous haircut. But the highlight? I met up with a group of fellow international friends I connected with through NomadHer, an app for solo female travelers. We went to an unlimited tteokbokki place (yes, unlimited spicy rice cakes!), and the night quickly escalated into an unforgettable one.
We then went to a Karaoke place and sang our hearts out like we were auditioning for the next big K-pop band (even though we sang all English songs). And just when we thought the night couldn’t get any better, we ended it at 4 a.m. with some greasy, finger-licking Korean fried chicken at Hongdae’s Outdark. No regrets—except maybe my sleep schedule!
Day 3: Café Hopping and a Stairway to Seoul’s Best Views
Day three started on a much calmer note at Prunus Garden Café near Seoul Forest, a leafy oasis in the city. After grabbing croissants and a green onion bagel from the famous Songsu Bakery for lunch, I took a stroll through Seoul Forest. The playground slides for kids were tempting, but I refrained (barely).
The afternoon’s challenge? Climbing the stairs up Namsan to reach the iconic N Seoul Tower. Spoiler alert: I didn’t know there were multiple routes, and I, of course, took the one with an endless staircase. My legs were definitely screaming, but the panoramic views of Seoul lit up at night from the top made every step worth it. If you ever go, take the non-stairs route on the way back—it’s a life-saver!
Day 4: Time Travel in Hanbok and Seoul’s Palaces
This day was all about Seoul’s rich history. My friends and I rented hanboks (traditional Korean clothing) from Daehan Hanbok and we kicked off our palace tour at Gyeongbokgung Palace**. Decked out in hanbok, we explored the beautiful grounds, but the heat eventually forced us to swap our royal attire for shorts and tees.
After fueling up on some killer bibimbap at a local spot, we wandered through the picturesque streets of Bukchon Hanok Village, where we stumbled upon a street performer doing a Houdini-like escape act. By nightfall, we arrived at Changdeokgung Palace, which was open late and gorgeously lit up. We were lucky enough to catch a traditional Korean performance, which we later learned was a part of the Moonlight Tour which we got to experience for free—an experience that felt both magical and otherworldly.
To top off the night, we headed to the Gwangjang Traditional Food Market and devoured everything from mung bean pancakes to gimbap. But after a full day of palace-hopping and feasting, I was ready to crash and skipped another late night out in Hongdae.
Day 5: Chuseok Calm in Gangnam
Chuseok is like the Korean version of Thanksgiving, and the city felt noticeably quieter as many locals left Seoul to visit family. I decided to have a slower, chill day and headed to COEX Mall in Gangnam for some shopping. Located right outside the mall was the famous Gangnam Style statue where foreigners and locals alike were taking pictures in PSY’s dance pose. My Instagram had been flooded with photos of the stunning Starfield Library, and seeing it in person was just as jaw-dropping. The only downside? The library is smack-dab in the middle of the mall, so it was super crowded. Still, I got my photo op in and then escaped to a nearby Twosome Place Café for some quiet time.
Twosome Place is one of Korea’s most famous chain cafés, and rightfully so. The Peach Whipped Cream Cake I ordered was so good, I might’ve found my new favorite dessert. I spent the rest of the afternoon sipping coffee, catching up on homework, and people-watching from my cozy café corner. After a quick dinner nearby, I packed up and got ready for my early train ride back to Daejeon the next morning.
As much as I love Daejeon’s slower pace, this whirlwind week in Seoul was just the shake-up I needed. From the hustle and bustle of the markets to the peaceful moments at the palaces, Seoul has a way of pulling you in and leaving you with unforgettable memories. Can’t wait for my next trip!
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