My 5 Days in Seoul
Exploring the City Through Adventure, Culture, and Tradition
Seoul is a city that truly has it all—vibrant neighborhoods, rich history, incredible food, and plenty of unique experiences. I spent five unforgettable days soaking in its charm, and here’s what I got up to.
Day 1: Discovering Hongdae
Where I Stayed: Hongdae—a neighbourhood known for its youthful energy, quirky cafes, and buzzing nightlife. I wanted to be in a place where I could leave my doorstep and be able to go to cafes, restaurants and night markets with an easy-going vibe and Hingdae didn’t disappoint.
Our first day started with a laid-back exploration of Hongdae. We wandered the streets, stopping for local coffee and indulging in delicious food at tiny mom-and-pop eateries. After fueling up, we headed to Boulder Friends Climbing, a local bouldering gym. It was the perfect way to connect with the city’s active side and meet friendly locals.
As night fell, Hongdae transformed. The night markets came alive with food stalls, street performers, and vendors selling unique trinkets. It was the ultimate sensory experience—music, laughter, and the aroma of street food all around.
Day 2: City Life, Markets, and a Show - the time my boyfriend got married
The second day was all about Seoul’s urban heartbeat. We ventured to Myeongdong, a must-see for experiencing shopping and street food.
Our Favourite Market Food: the variety of food is incredible however our top pick was egg rolls and coconut prawns from the street vendors as we strolled through the bustling markets.
In the evening, we caught the Nanta Show—a non-verbal comedy and musical performance that combines acrobatics, traditional Korean rhythm, and clever kitchen-themed antics. It was hilarious and engaging, with plenty of audience participation. Definitely one of the highlights of the trip with Scott being selected from the audience to join the show and ending up playing a role in the staged wedding scene—it was hilarious and unforgettable!
Day 3: Embracing the Outdoors in Bukhansan
On day 3 we swapped the city skyline for nature on day three with a visit to Bukhansan National Park. Although some trails were closed, we still enjoyed wandering through lush forests and exploring a serene Buddhist temple tucked away in the hills.
Nearby, we discovered the quaint town filled with outdoor gear shops and stumbled upon a massive climbing gym. Even without completing the hike, the tranquillity and fresh air made it a day to remember and this will be a spot we will spend more time in our future trips to Seoul.
Getting There: In hindsight, we could have been better prepared for the day. Bukhansan National Park has multiple entrances, and navigating without Google Maps in South Korea can be tricky—especially as English signs become scarce the further you get from the city. We ended up lost a few times but had a memorable encounter on a bus with an elderly lady. Despite the entire conversation being in Korean (with us mostly nodding along), she handed us 5 won. Later that day, we visited a temple and realised the coin was meant as a donation—a small but meaningful gesture.
Day 4: Traditional Seoul
Day four was a deep dive into Seoul’s rich history and culture.
We began at Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of the city’s grand royal palaces. Walking through the ornate gates and courtyards, I felt transported back to the Joseon dynasty. I noticed many locals (and a few tourists) wearing hanbok, the traditional Korean dress. Fun fact: wearing a hanbok grants you free entry to the palace!
Next, we wandered through Bukchon Hanok Village, a neighbourhood of traditional Korean houses. The narrow alleys and preserved architecture made it feel like stepping into a time capsule. It’s a peaceful escape, but remember to be mindful of locals who still live in these homes.
To unwind after a day of exploration, we visited a traditional jjimjilbang (Korean bathhouse) in Insadong. The experience was both relaxing and cultural. We soaked in hot baths, tried out a salt sauna, and indulged in some traditional spa rituals. Pro tip: go for the full package for the ultimate treat!
Day 5: Wrapping Up in Hongdae and riding back to Icheon int. Airport
On our final day, we embraced the laid-back vibe of Hongdae one last time. We started with a relaxed morning at a cozy cafe, took a leisurely stroll through its lively streets, and soaked in the neighbourhood’s energy before heading to the airport. Getting there was a breeze—just a single bus ride straight to our terminal.
Reflections on Seoul
Five days felt like just scratching the surface of what Seoul has to offer. From outdoor adventures to historical treasures and vibrant urban scenes, the city is a treasure trove of experiences. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or an outdoor enthusiast, Seoul has something for everyone.
Would I return? Absolutely! There’s still so much to see and do, and I’d love to dive even deeper into this incredible city’s culture and charm.
my travel tips
Getting Around Seoul
Navigating Seoul is a breeze with its efficient public transport system, which includes buses and subways operated by different companies. The key to seamless travel? A transport pass!
You have three main options: NAMANE, T-money, and Cashbee.
NAMANE: Available as a physical card at transport hubs or as a digital card via the app. Load it up and use it for public transport and even at some retailers.
T-money & Cashbee: These cards can be bought at convenience stores and transport hubs. T-money is the most widely accepted, especially in shops, while both are great for subways, buses, and even taxis.
Although you can purchase single-ride tickets or pay in cash on buses, a transport card offers more flexibility and convenience—especially since T-money cards come with special deals for tourists.
2. City Rhythm: A Slow Morning Start
If you’re an early bird, prepare for a leisurely start—most cafes and shops in Seoul open around 10 a.m. While we loved exploring local coffee spots, we often had to rely on big chains like Starbucks for our caffeine fix in the early hours.
3. Style & Comfort
One of the joys of exploring Seoul is the relaxed approach to fashion. You can dress comfortably without feeling out of place—perfect for days filled with adventure.
4. Coffee Culture
One of my favourite things in Seoul was the local coffee culture. Bubble teas were everywhere—iced, customizable with sugar and ice levels, and bursting with flavour. Plus, every coffee comes with the option of hot or cold, letting you savour your drink your way.
5. Food in Seoul: A Culinary Heaven
Words can’t do justice to how incredible the food scene is in Seoul. From humble street-corner eateries to sizzling Korean BBQ spots and bustling food markets, we ate our way through the city. Honestly, I wish we had more time to try everything!
6. Choosing Where to Stay in Seoul
With its diverse districts, Seoul has something for everyone. Find your perfect spot, dive in, and prepare to fall in love with this vibrant city! Seoul’s neighbourhoods each have their unique vibe, so pick one that matches your travel style:
For Nightlife & Energy: Hongdae
For History & Culture: Jongno
For Shopping: Myeongdong or Dongdaemun
For Art & Charm: Samcheong-dong or Garosugil
For Luxury: Gangnam
For Outdoor Enthusiasts: Bukhansan and surroundings (1h outside of Seoul)
