My family visited Seoul quite a while back, around 2014, and unfortunately, they didn't have the best experience. That kind of deterred me from considering South Korea for a while. However, after hearing about the amazing experiences my friends had during their uni exchange, I felt it was time for me to give South Korea a chance too!
Seoul South Korea Itinerary
Airbnb in Seoul South Korea
Let's discuss the pros and cons, shall we? Starting with the positives, the location was excellent. As I mentioned earlier, there was a pizza place and a bar just opposite, and while it wasn't smack in the middle of the bustling street, it was still within walking distance. This made our surroundings lively yet peaceful. Additionally, there were several Korean convenience stores nearby where you could grab those S$2 soju.
The rooms were surprisingly spacious. We had enough room to move around and even do some workouts on the floor. However, with each of us carrying large luggage, opening them on the floor took up considerable space.
The rooms were safe in terms of security. You need a passcode to enter both the main door to the hostel and your room.
Moreover, the rooms were exceptionally clean and comfortable. For those visiting during winter, you'll appreciate the heated floors! It was incredibly comforting to return from the freezing cold and warm our feet and backsides on the floor.
On the first level, there's a pantry stocked with snacks, bread, and bananas, along with complimentary drinks. You can use the washing machine and dryer for a fee too.
Now, onto the downsides. First, the noise. Perhaps it was due to our room's proximity to the entrance, but the rooms were NOT soundproof. This meant we could hear people entering and exiting the hostel, removing their shoes, and having loud conversations next door. Let's just hope you don't have horny neighbours.
Moreover, there were instances when people forgot their passcode and kept trying to re-enter it, resulting in an annoying beeping sound that woke me up at 7am every morning.
Then there's the bathrooms. I highly recommend booking a room with a private bathroom. We had to use the shared bathroom, which, although clean, lacked places to hang clothes and towels. It's quite perplexing to have a bathroom without hooks for hanging clothes! Like whose smart idea was this?!
Furthermore, the doors and walls of the showers weren't opaque, so when you showered, you could see the outline of someone else showering nearby. It was a bit unsettling. Thankfully, there were separate showers for males and females, so there was no risk of encountering weirdos in the showers.
What to do in Seoul South Korea
Food in Seoul South Korea
One standout meal was at Jangin Dakgalbi in Myeong-dong. Despite the crazy queue, we lucked out by arriving before the dinner rush. The portion was massive, but I could have used more cheese!
Another gem was Boseung Hall, known for its exceptional pork rib soup. Opting for the beef soup, I found it heavenly, offering warmth and comfort, perfect for winter. At around S$10 per bowl, it was a steal, complete with free-flow kimchi.
For BBQ lovers and fans of Running Man, Loco Quan 401, owned by the iconic duo Kim Jong Kook and Ha Ha, is a must-visit. While slightly touristy, the food was decent, though not the cheapest. The highlight was the set meal featuring various cuts of meat, best enjoyed with the house-made sauce.
For something unique, consider dining at Korea House, which offers Hanjeongsik, a Korean full-course meal based on noblemen's cuisine from 1957. Though pricey at about S$150 per person, it was super delicious, and this experience was something we couldn't find anywhere else.
We also visited many cafes! One of them was Offer Bakery Cafe, known for being a filming location for the famous K-pop sensation New Jeans. It was just a five-minute walk from our hostel. The cafe adopts a unique concept where you select your pastries first before proceeding to pay. Its ambience resembles an interior company's lobby, offering some of my favourite treats, like the Earl Grey Tart and Circular Croissant.
There's also Raised Bed Cafe, which boasts a charming two-story setting with a rooftop for relaxation. While the coffee was average, the pastries were pretty good, and I felt like I was watching an Is It Cake? episode because some of the pastries were crafted to look like fruits.
Being a BTS fan, my cousin insisted on visiting fan cafes while in Seoul. These cafes host fan events in close collaboration with organizers and offer loads of free merchandise. Near the HYBE building, we stumbled upon several fan cafes, especially during BTS V's birthday week.
Things to do in Seoul South Korea
Korean makeup is significantly cheaper in Korea, obviously. Plus, if you're a Gentle Monster fan, you'll be thrilled to discover that their sunglasses here are almost S$200 cheaper than in Singapore.
We also explored Ssamzigil, an open-space shopping complex nestled within Insadong’s bustling shopping street. It has four floors housing over 70 shops offering arts and crafts, souvenirs, and fashion items. The things here are artisanal, so it was kinda pricey.
A must-do in Korea is visiting the self-photo studios, which are abundant in places like Hongdae and Myeong-dong. Compared to those in Singapore, they're more affordable and offer a myriad of props and concepts. Plus, they're usually less crowded, allowing you to capture the perfect shot at your own pace. We chose one with a Sanrio concept and the pictures we took were so cute.
We also went for a colour analysis session at Cocory. FYI, colour analysis helps individuals discover the most flattering colours for their skin tone and complexion. You can read more about my Cocory review to find out more about my colour analysis experience.
My mom insisted on visiting the DMZ, so we booked and tour to go. The Korean Demilitarized Zone is a significant strip of land across the Korean Peninsula, rich in history from the Korean War and Cold War era. Our guided tour took us to places like Imjingak Park, the Freedom Bridge, the Third Infiltration Tunnel, and the DMZ Exhibition Hall.
Peering through binoculars atop observatory towers, we caught glimpses of North Korea, including North Korean soldiers. Venturing into the DMZ village was eye-opening, witnessing the daily lives of its residents. And yes, we even found a convenience store selling coveted DMZ ginseng, a must-buy souvenir in Korea!
Other things to note when travelling to Seoul South Korea
Despite my fear of the cold and subzero temperatures, our winter trip turned out to be incredibly enjoyable. We even had snowfall for three days straight! Remember to pack your boots; my trusty Dr Martens, thanks to their excellent grip, saved me from slipping on the icy sidewalks.
Spending a week in Seoul South Korea
My trip to South Korea was super fun, and it actually exceeded my expectations. From the delicious food to the warm hospitality of the people, the fascinating sights, and the rich history, every aspect of the journey left a lasting impression. I also found that exploring South Korea wasn't as expensive as I had anticipated. Overall, I'm eagerly looking forward to returning to this vibrant and captivating country in the near future!
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