14Mar

The Ultimate Korea Bucket List

No – this isn’t Rome, it’s one of Korea’s many cafes that seem to have been MADE for instagram – there are so many for you to add to your Ultimate Korea Bucket List!

If you know anything about me, it’s that I have the worst case of FOMO you’ve probably ever encountered. Because of this, whenever I go to a new destination, I obsessively plan everything out so that there’s no chance that I miss the opportunity to do something, especially if it’s seasonal. So when I moved to South Korea to teach English for a year, I went full type A and made a list of everything I needed to do in the calendar year, fittingly naming the note in my phone: The Ultimate Korea Bucket List.

Whether you’re living in Korea for a year to teach English, or simply trying to decide the best time of year to visit, I’ve decided to publish this Ultimate Korea Bucket List for your convenience. It isn’t a travel itinerary, and is definitely geared to people who are either studying or teaching here for a year! After all, wouldn’t it be a shame to live somewhere for a full year, and not take full advantage of it? For convenience’s sake, I’ve started with September, as that’s when most English teachers arrive to Korea, but feel free to skip to whatever month you’re arriving (or visiting!) in. Let’s dive right in.

The Ultimate Korea Bucket List:

Whether you’re living in Korea for a year to teach English, or simply trying to decide the best time of year to visit, I’ve decided to publish this Ultimate Korea Bucket List for your convenience. It isn’t a travel itinerary, and is definitely geared to people who are either studying or teaching here for a year! After all, wouldn’t it be a shame to live somewhere for a full year, and not take full advantage of it? For convenience’s sake, I’ve started with September, as that’s when most English teachers arrive to Korea, but feel free to skip to whatever month you’re arriving (or visiting!) in. Let’s dive right in.

The Ultimate Korea Bucket List:

September

Exploring your new home!

Because you’re probably just settling in as an English teacher or a student, chances are you won’t be super adventurous, as you’ll be so preoccupied with surviving your first month in Korea. In light of this, I just suggest doing some of the main tourist attractions in the city that you’re living in. This also helps you familiarize yourself with public transportation and build confidence in doing things alone. Whether it be Seoul, Busan, Daejeon, or a smaller city in Korea, there are lots of things to do no matter where you are.

Personally, I chose a job in Busan so that I could live in a city and be by the ocean, and I’ve not regretted my decision once! My first month, I Hiked the Igidae Coastal Trail, visited Gamcheon Culture Village and explored the famous temple by the sea, Haedong Yonggungsa. I hauled my tripod with me, as I hadn’t made friends yet, but I wasn’t going to let that stop me!

Chuseok Holiday

*** Also something to note is that the Korean Thanksgiving holiday (called Chuseok) happens in September, and I had a 5 day weekend! This would be my third longest break as an English teacher, and even though I didn’t have friends, I made the trek up to Seoul and explored on my own! I took advantage of this time to wear a Hanbok on a traditional Korean holiday – and wearing a Hanbok is, in and of itself, an item that should be on your Korea Bucket List! Traveling alone was very freeing, empowering, and a travel opportunity that shouldn’t be missed if you have holidays off at your job or school. If you’re based in Seoul, Consider coming to Busan, as the weather would still be warm enough to relax on the beach!

Another great location to spend Chuseok during September is Jeju, as the flights are cheap and the weather is still definitely warm enough to lounge on the beach and play in the crystal clear water.

 

October

Ulsanbawi hike – Seoraksan National Park

If you’re into hiking, October in Korea is a dream. if you’re not into hiking, it’s still a dream and you’re just going to have to give hiking another try! The main hike that I was dead set on doing was the Ulsanbawi hike in Seoraksan national park. It is a beast of a hike, and although not long, was straight up stairs the entire time. The view at the end, was one of the most beautiful things I’ve seen in Korea, and if you have the opportunity to take a weekend and spend in in Seoraksan National Park, it will be well worth your time.

Nami Island

Another thing I knocked out in the same weekend, was visiting Nami Island. Since, I’ve been two more times, and although I’m a bit “Nami’d” out, it is still a really special place to see, especially in the fall. The Ginko trees (all the little leaves that I have all over my blog are Ginko leaves!) turn Neon yellow, and although I went to early for the leaves to be covering the ground as well as the trees (timing is tricky!) it was still an incredible day trip.

I took a tour with the company Enjoy Korea (the best tour company in Korea ever), and we knocked out Nami and Ulsanbawi in the same weekend. They made it very accessible and they’re definitely something to check out if you want to take all these adventures but are intimidated by logistics.

Daedunsan Hike – Cloud Bridge

A hike that I was dying to do in October was Daedunsan Mountain. They have an incredible suspension ladder as well as a suspension bridge they’ve nicknamed “The cloud bridge”. The fall foliage that time of year is absolutely incredible, but by the time I had a free weekend to visit, the trees were already bare and It didn’t seem worth it. I’m still hoping to get this hike checked off the ultimate Korea Bucket list before I leave, but the weather is warming up and it’s not looking like it’s going to happen!

November

Naejangsan National Park

This is something that you’d want to accomplish either in October or early November, as the main draw for this is, once again, the fall foliage. Once again, figuring out the transport logistics would’ve been crazy, but I looked into it and there were tons of tours offering day trips from my city! Defnitely check out Viator for some affordable options if this is something you want to do. I didn’t end up making the trip, and I’m kicking myself for it, as I won’t be staying another year!

It’s definitely hard to fit in everything you want to do, and while I did my best there’s still boxes left unticked 🙁 Do a better job at planning than me!

Temple Stay 

Another perfect thing to do as the weather is cooling off but before it gets too freezing, is to attend a temple stay. Living with real Buddhist monks for 2 days and going through their daily routine is an incredible experience that you shouldn’t miss!

I have yet to do this, and summer is approaching, so I’m definitely going to be sweating profusely for my two days, as I’m not entirely certain of the state (or existence) of the air conditioning in Buddhist temples to be completely honest.

Still, it’s something I’m not willing to leave Korea without doing, so I will complete this tick this item off the Ultimate Korea Bucket List and report back shortly. Stay tuned.

December

Christmas Break

Chances are, you have at least a week off for your Christmas break. What you do with this is completely up to you! Because I was visiting while there was still a mandatory 14 day quarantine upon entry to Korea (meaning I couldn’t leave the country during my holidays:( , I didn’t venture too far! Again, I was based in Busan, and had only been to Seoul once, so I used this time to really explore Seoul deeper than I had been able to over Chuseok. Oh, and I had friends with me this time, which definitely made things better!

One thing that I didn’t get to do that you should NOT miss is to visit the DMZ! you can actually set foot inside North Korea, and I’ve heard great things about the tours – plus you get bragging rights LOL!

Use this time to either travel somewhere tropical, or if you want to stay in Korea, go somewhere new! There are plenty of cities left for you to explore, or even day trips to be taken from your home city. December is a choose your own adventure kinda month!

January and February

Lunar New Year

Obviously, South Korea has some pretty brutal winters. There’s not that much that you can comfortably do in January, besides trying out lots of new restaurants, going to all the aesthetic cafes that Korea has to offer, or going to different exhibits and galleries! There’s nothing pressing for you to do in January, to be quite honest, except towards the end! Typically, the Lunar New Year holiday falls towards the end of January or the beginning of February, and most schools give you a long, typically 4 day weekend. With this short little holiday theres a few things I suggest you doing:

Garden of the Morning Calm

This is probably the best place to see Christmas Lights in all of South Korea! The Garden of the Morning Calm is the biggest private Garden to put on a light show like this, and although the weather at night when the lights turn on is absolutely freezing, all you need to do is grab some spiked hot chocolate to keep you warm while you take in the beauty! It really feels like you’ve fallen into a magical fairy forest with all the lights everywhere. It’s something I’m really glad I didn’t miss!

Ski Resort

Korea is famous for being an extremely mountainous country, and between that and the brutal winters, it makes for some really excellent skiing and snowboarding! There are many to choose from, but I personally went to YongPyong Ski resort through a tour company, and it made getting there and renting gear super easy! I had never snowboarded before, but they gave me a small lesson and the bunny slopes made it really easy to learn!

YongPyong has a few olympic hills that you should definitely try out if you get the chance, and regardless of you’ve ever done anything like that before, I think it’s definitely worth a shot while you’re in the country.

March

Weekend Trip

While the weather is still pretty cold in March, you’ll probably get a fake little spring where you get a really warm weekend! When I was here in March, we took advantage of that by going to Daegu for the first time, and it was awesome! It’s definitely important to get out of your comfort zone and go experience something a little different from the usual routine, so I say take as many weekend trips as you can while living in Korea! Whether you visit Pohang, Daejeon, Daegu, Busan, or even Seoul for a weekend, the odds of you coming back to Korea after your study abroad or your teaching contract are probably slim so it’s important that you don’t let opportunities like this slip by.

Jjimjilbang

Another thing that’s perfect for the tail end of winter is going to a Jjimjilbang. a Jjimjilbang is a traditional Korean bathhouse, where there are loads of different saunas, pools, hot tubs, and areas for you to relax. The real kicker of these bathhouses is that you generally have to strip naked for them! Although it sounds intimidating, it’s just the way things are done so no one really looks twice.

If you happen to be in or near Busan, there is a massive Jjimjilbang in Centum City called Spaland, where they have at least ten different sauna rooms made of different materials, ranging from mosaic tile to pink Himalayan salt blocks. They have cold plunge pools and hot tubs, and you can even pay a little extra to get scrubbed head to toe. This activity is perfect for winter, as it’s super relaxing, it warms you up, and it adds in a little self care during the months that are a little bit extra hard on all of us.

April

Jinhae cherry blossom festival

Without a doubt, the greatest thing to do in South Korea, and maybe top item on the Ultimate Korea Bucket List, is to see the cherry blossoms come to life. There are so many different places you can do this, and there are incredible places to view the cherry blossoms, especially in major cities like Seoul and Busan, but if you’re committed to the cause, the 100%, hands-down, best place to see these gorgeous flowers is by attending the famous Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival.

I’ve never quite seen something like that in my life, and while it was very crowded, everyone was very respectful of everyone else’s photos and experiences, and there were so many iconic places to capture views of the cherry blossoms. If you can make it happen, as it is fairly out of the way, definitely do so; you won’t regret it.

May

Biseulsan Azalea festival in Daegu

Although I missed my chance to visit this festival, I’ve heard incredible things about it! Flowers in South Korea are absolutely no joke, and during the springtime, it seems as if every two weeks another gorgeous flower seems to overwhelm the entire country, and in May, azaleas blanket not only the countryside but also the cities. There are a few mountains just outside of Daegu that are completely covered in azalea shrubs, and for two weeks in the beginning of may, it turns the mountains completely purple.

Still kicking myself for missing this one, but it is truly an incredible sight to see if you get the chance!

Buddha’s birthday

Another absolute TREAT that happens in South Korea during the month of May is Buddha’s birthday. It is a national holiday and a nearly month long celebration, where cities hang up lanterns along major roads and Buddhist temples absolutely COVER the grounds with scaffolding that makes it seem as though you’re walking through tunnels that are made completely of colorful lanterns. Wherever you are in Korea, be sure to visit your local Buddhist temple to partake in the festivities, but if you happen to be in Seoul or Busan this month, some of the best temples to see are Beomosa, Samgwangsa, and Jogyesa.

June

Beoseong green tea fields

One of the greatest things I go to see in Korea, and definitely something that you should add to your ultimate Korea Bucket List, regardless of how far away it may be from you, is to see the Green Tea Plantation in Boseong. You can see these mountains covered in lush green tea bushes between the months of late May to August, although I recommend going in the first few weeks of June before the intense heat that is so characteristic of Korean summers rolls in. All the different shades of green were just absolutely LUSH, and as my favorite color is green, I was living my very best life.

Obviously, be sure to try not only the green tea itself, but also the green tea ice cream, and whatever you do, ~DON’T~ skip out on the green tea churros.

Temple Stay

Another thing you should be sure to tick off your list before leaving Korea is participating in a temple stay. You can do this at most Buddhist temples for a fairly inexpensive price, and I’ve heard it’s some of people’s absolute favorite things to do while in the country. Apparently it’s a really eye opening experience: getting to participate in rituals and Tai Chi and having tea with Buddhist Monks sounds like an unforgettable experience, and while I haven’t been able to experience it just yet, I’m hoping to squeeze it into the three months that I have left in South Korea – and if I do I will be sure to update you!

July and August

Beaches and Boats

If you aren’t already familiar with the climate in South Korea, the summers are SWELTERING. The humidity is very high, and some parts of the country get unusually hot. It’s difficult to do a lot of things outside, unless you’re at a beach – so that is just what you should do during the summer. It definitely helps if you’re living somewhere that you have access to a beach, but if not, be sure to make the most of your weekends by traveling to places that do! Take surf lessons, go paddle boarding, or my personal favorite – charter a boat! As long as you have a big group, chartering boats in a place like Busan is very simple, and it’s a fun, inexpensive way to elevate your summer experience.

This is also another great time to visit Jeju island! Crystal blue water, waterfalls, more green tea fields, and pristine beaches can be found all over the island of Jeju, and if you’re not traveling internationally for your summer vacation from work or school, Jeju is the perfect place to unwind and relax.

That concludes the Ultimate Korea Bucket List!

Of course, there are endless things to do in South Korea – especially if you’re really into hiking! I don’t have a lot of hikes on this list, because although I am very into hiking, I know a lot of people aren’t! And I haven’t found many friends that also enjoy hiking so that’s definitely put a damper on my exploration of the mountains here. Additionally, there are so many more smaller cities that have so many hidden gems that are just waiting to be discovered.

Whether you’re trying to decide what month to visit South Korea, or trying to figure how to maximize your time as an English teacher or a student living here for a year, hopefully this comprehensive bucket list helps organize your schedule and gives you ideas for how to explore this lovely country.

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12Mar

How To Make Friends As An Expatriate

Moving to a new country is a huge step to take – there are so many things that you have to do to set up your new life outside of your home country! From figuring out banking and phone plans, adapting your diet to the potentially more limited options at the grocery store, dealing with navigating a new public transportation or road system (maybe in an unknown language!), there’s a lot to think about. Although all of these things are important, the only thing that will truly make a new place feel like home is a sense of community. But how exactly do you go about finding friends as an expatriate? 

Unfortunately, finding friends in a foreign country isn’t as easy as making friends at home is – especially if you don’t speak the language! At home, you had school, work, the gym, a random person that you can communicate with on the street (the language barrier really makes it difficult!). But in this new country, you never know if you’re gonna have co-workers who have similar interests or are even in a similar age bracket as you! Maybe you’re the only foreigner at your job. Maybe you don’t have a job! There are so many barriers that make finding friends as an expatriate seem discouraging – but never fear! I’m here to tell you the secrets to building a thriving community of friends during your years as an expat. 

How to make friends as an expatriate: 

Bumble BFF 

No this is not sponsored – but hey Bumble plz hit me up?? And I know it sounds a little bit silly, but if I’m being honest, the majority of my friend group is all thanks to this silly little app. For a little bit of background, I came to South Korea to teach English for a year, and I’m living in Busan. I hopped right on Bumble BFF the first week I was here, and I met up with a lot of girls who were in similar situations! Before I even met up with the girl who has become my best friend here, she was able to help me start my washing machine (it was all written in the Korean alphabet!) I don’t care how introverted you are, everyone needs a friend to help them when you have problems. It doesn’t hurt if they’ve been living in the country for longer than you and can show you the ropes! I have met up with lots of girls from Bumble BFF, and while not all of us have become forever friends, I definitely struck gold with the ones that have stuck. 

  1. Meet your friend’s friends!

This sounds like a given, but it’s something that should still be mentioned! Victoria, the girl I met on Bumble BFF, invited me to a bar, and her co-worker, another girl around our age, invited everyone that she knew. Her male co-worker even sent invites to a few girls that he knew, and we organized a blind girls get-together! The girls that her male-coworker invited have quickly completed our little group of 4, and we never would have met them if it wasn’t for a little bit of faith and initiative! Never be afraid to reach out to people you know ~of~ but don’t necessarily know; you never know when it can pay off in a big way. Never be afraid to politely invite yourself to something you know is going on, even if it is a little uncomfortable or nerve-wracking! Friends are so important, especially as an expatriate, and you have to step out of your comfort zone to find them. Rarely are they dropped into your lap! 

  1. Facebook Groups 

Before coming to Korea, I joined multiple facebook groups of all different types: foodie groups, an all-women’s group, a general group for my city, a hiking group, etc. There is literally a facebook group for every interest, and they frequently organize events and meet-ups. This hasn’t really happened for me as meetups don’t happen as frequently during pandemic times, and South Korea had a 6 person limit on gatherings for a while, but I’ve had success with the hiking group here! Hopefully everything begins to die down soon and these meetups start to happen more frequently again, because facebook groups are an awesome way to meet people. 

  1. Talk to People 

I know this sounds so obvious but sometimes it can be intimidating to put yourself out there! Although I love the Korean friends that I do have, there’s just something so comfortable about meeting people who share your first language as well as the new chapter of life you’re experiencing – so whenever I see a foreigner on the streets here my first reaction is always to strike up conversation! Maybe they’ve established a life here and have no interest in meeting new people, but maybe they’re in the same boat as you! I know that the two girls who approached me during my first week here to tell me that they liked my outfit made me literally so happy when they went out of their way to do that. We exchanged instagrams and they were able to give me so many recommendations of places to check out in the area. One weekend, I saw a group of foreigners in a

bar and decided to go up and join in! We all became fast friends and exchanged instagrams. Fast forward a month or two, and one of them asked if my school was hiring! Surprisingly, it was, and now we are co-workers and bffs. Talking to people will never steer you wrong. Whats the worst that could happen? 5. Fitness Classes 

Another way that I’ve managed to make friends here in Korea is by going to Yoga class every week! Another expatriate that I know is a yoga teacher in Busan, and she frequently hosts English classes and advertises them to other English speakers living in Korea. She hosts fundraisers as well as your typical weekly classes, but every week brings in a new crowd and I’m starting to realize how small the expat community really is in our particular city. We all hang out for a little bit after class, just talking about weekend plans and our weeks at work, and we’ve all even planned a trip for this Sunday to visit the cherry blossom festival up in Jinhae. Check in any facebook groups to find English speaking fitness classes and check some out! You literally never know where you’re going to find your new best friend. 

  1. Expat Bars 

Don’t get me wrong, I love going to the local spots as well, but it does kill the vibe when you or your friend tries to go up to someone to say hi and you end up having to bust out Papago or Google Translate to understand each other! Life abroad can get lonely, and a lot the regulars at expat bars end up becoming as close as family. Living abroad as an expatriate can be really lonely, especially around holidays, and lots of bars will provide Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner so that you don’t have to spend it alone. I’ve found a few here in Busan, and between Thursday night trivia, darts competitions wing Wednesdays, UFC on Saturday mornings, and holiday dinners, I’ve made lots of friends and always feel like I have a place to call home. If you find someplace you like, I guarantee they have a facebook page and you can be in in the loop and have lots of opportunities to make friends. 

  1. Go on dates 

This is general advice, as I have a lovely long distance boyfriend, but this has worked for my friends. Often times, one date is all it takes to realize that you’d be better off as friends anyways. Or, if it goes well, meet ~their~ friends, and maybe your people will be there. This isn’t my favorite point, as going on actual dates is

much more scary than Bumble bff dates, and people can be scary and weird sometimes, so be sure to use your discretion and always stay safe, but it is a very effective way to meet people and find friends! 

  1. Be Patient! 

You may meet lots of people, but true friends are hard to come by. If you’re lucky, you’ll find them first thing, like me. Sometimes, it takes a lot longer, and that’s okay! Please never let the lack of people around you deter you from going out and exploring by yourself, by planning trips for you and you alone, from setting up a freaking tripod to take a cute little picture of yourself. There is nothing wrong with learning to enjoy your own company while you actively look for your people who will make this new place feel like a home. 

Good luck! I know you can do it. Put yourself out there, meet your people, find your community, and thrive in your new life as an expatriate in an exciting, new country!

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14Oct

Best things to do in Seoul

Oh Seoul – South Korea’s biggest city, home to cute cafes, streets lined with K-pop merch, and endless things to do – I love you. Although I lived across the country from Seoul, it is so well connected to the rest of the country that it made frequent visits from my home in Busan a breeze. There are so many things to do in Seoul that it can seem overwhelming to plan a trip there, especially if it’s only for a few days. Thankfully, though Seoul is a sprawling city,  the metro/bus system is SO superior, and you can be all the way across the city in an hour or less. This makes fitting everything you want to do into a few days not as intimidating as you would expect, especially if you group all the things you want to do into blocs by proximity.

I’ve been to Seoul a few times, and here’s a list of what I believe to be the best things to do in Seoul – and some things that I have done that were ~fine~ but not my fav – But I’ll include pictures of even these so you can at least have everything in one place in case we have different tastes or ideas of fun! It’s a choose your own adventure kind of day over here at Emma’s Daydream.

Visit a Palace

Seoul has 5 palaces in total, but if you only have time for one, the best option is Gyeongbokgung Palace. The grounds are enormous, and its very centrally located smack in the northern middle part of the city. If you rent a Hanbok – a traditional Korean outfit worn on special occasions – your entry ticket is free! Plan on spending an hour and a half here to make sure that you hit everything!

Changdeokgung Palace is still on my list, but I’m waiting til the summer to visit until the secret gardens are in full bloom. If that sounds like something that would interest you, or you’re visiting in the Spring or summer, be sure to book a tour, as that’s the only way you can see these secret gardens.

Walk Around a Hanok Village

One of the best things to do in Seoul is to visit the Bukchon Hanok Village. When my friend and I got off the metro stop near the Hanok village, we looked at each other in confusion. Were we even still in the city? It was so quiet, the skyscrapers and packed buildings of the concrete jungle seemed to be so far in the distance. A Hanok is a traditional Korean house/style of architecture, and smack in the middle of Seoul is a beautiful neighborhood that has preserved all of the Hanoks that were there as the city originally started to take shape. It’s definitely a hike of a walk through the village, and we kept to the main street and looped around to the left. The views are gorgeous, but our favorite part of the whole experience was that we stopped to cool off and rest our feet at THIS tea house. We ordered the iced flower tea (INCREDIBLE) and a sweet red bean bingsu – but only because they were out of Mango Bingsu. Bingsu is a sort of milky shaved ice with different toppings, it’s so refreshing and such a classic thing to eat in South Korea. This tea house had a gorgeous garden in the center with picture windows panning out to views of the mountains. It was a secluded escape from the city, one that I would recommend a thousand times over.

The second time I went, we started our day by stopping at Onion cafe – a hanok style cafe that’s right by Bukchon Hanok village – before we started our tour of the village. After we had gotten our fill of sightseeing, we stopped by the Asian culture museum of art for a cup of hot tea and to enjoy their rooftop – a gorgeous vantage point from which you can see all the hanok roofs as well as some of the city in the distance.

A lot of people choose to rent Hanboks here as well – and if that sounds like something that interests you there are plenty of rentals at the start of the Hanok Village. Speaking of Hanboks….

Wear a Hanbok

You can’t go to Seoul and not wear a Hanbok – whether you choose to do this at Gyeongbokgung Palace or the Hanok village, its not a want, it’s a NEED. Renting a Hanbok is not only an incredible photo-op, but it’s so cheap. A lot of places even give foreigners discounts or do their hair for free because it is so special to them that we participate and appreciate their culture! I’ve had a few people ask me about cultural appropriation, but it’s not seen as anything even close to that here. It is encouraged with the discounted entrance fees, and it was an honor to wear. I wore a Hanbok over the Korean Thanksgiving holiday weekend, when everyone was out and about in their Hanboks too, and it was a really special experience.

They typically go anywhere from 10,000 won to 15,000 won for two hours – which when converted to USD is less than 15 dollars max. You get to choose your skirt as well as your top, your hairpieces, your bag, a locker for the rest of your things, everything! I got my hair done, chose a Hanbok in my favorite color, and had myself the best day ever.

Starfield Library – Coex Mall

There’s really no good reason to come here other than the crazy photo ops- most of the books are written in Korean, so unless that’s your jam, you’re probably out of luck. There are 50,000 books in this library/book store, and it’s unlike any Barnes and Noble I’ve ever been to. In true Korean fashion, the sheer magnitude of the bookshelves are mainly just for show and serve no practical purpose. Like….how do you even get to the books at the top??

I came by myself the first, and the amount of times I went up and down these escalators trying to get the perfect shot with my tripod and self timer is actually so laughable. I had a fun time though, and I’m such a book lover that I loved just wandering around, getting a starbucks coffee (they have a store inside the library) and just staring for a good 30 minutes. If you happen to be there during the winter, the Christmas decorations are insane and add to the overall magical atmosphere, but they also decorate for every season so don’t be disappointed if your trip falls over the summer.

It’s truly gorgeous!

While you’re at it, go shopping, the mall is really big and has lots of awesome options.

Visit a Themed Cafe

Cafe culture in Korea is absolutely insane. There are cafes on just about every street, selling their own unique spins on the classics, serving up signature drinks and handmade cakes, and drawing in locals and tourists alike by committing to a theme. There are themed cafes all over Korea, but Seoul is the best place to go to find a themes cafe, as it is definitely the epicenter of it all.

While in Seoul, you have quite a few to choose from! The Pink Pool Cafe, The Cave Cafe, the Poop Cafe, the 2D cafe, the Harry Potter cafe….. your options are quite literally endless! Pick your poison, take some crazy photos, and fuel up for the rest of your sightseeing.

 

Go Shopping in Myeongdong

Whether or not you’re in need of new clothes or not, I recommend you stay in the Myeongdong area during your time in Seoul. It is the most central out of all the locations, and all the other neighborhoods of Seoul are easily accessible by subway. Myeongdong is known for it’s shopping streets, and if you’re looking to try out K-beauty this is the place to be! I’ve only been to Seoul during the pandemic, so the vibes were way less crazy than normal, but I’ve heard that pre-COVID Myeongdong was absolutely the place to be, especially during the evening.

Also in Myeongdong is one of the iconic Stylenanda flagship stores, where its 7 stories of pure pink hotel themed goodness, clothes, and photo ops.

 

Ikseon-Dong

One of the best things to do in Seoul, and my personal favorite, is to spend half a day in Ikseon-Dong. It is also a hanok village, but instead of it being residential, it has been converted into one of the chicest shopping and dining centers that I’ve ever seen. The mix of the old, vintage Hanoks with the trendy restaurants and boutique Jewelry stores is an unmatched dynamic. We indulged in souffle pancakes and Shabu Shabu and it was honestly the highlight of my entire trip. I mean, just LOOK at these streets. When we first took a bite of our pancakes, my friend Victoria said, “I’m going up and making out with the woman who made these” if that tells you anything about our experience.

If you go, I recommend Flippers for the pancakes, Madang flower cafe or Cafe Highwaist for the aesthetics, Water Meal or Saladaeng Bankok for a gorgeous meal, and Ocheneonjip for an incredible Korean meal that will blow your mind.

 

Lotte World Tower

While one of the pricier things to do in Seoul at 27, 000 won a pop (25 ish dollars) the Lotte world tower is the highest point in Seoul, and definitely something that you need to see. Seoul is absolutely freaking ENORMOUS, and going up to the 120th floor withe the clear floors and floor to ceiling windows definitely puts it into perspective and lets you appreciate it even more. You’ll also get gorgeous views of the Han river, Namsan tower, and the mountains in the distance.

Theres a gift shop, a cafe, a bar and lounge on the 123rd floor, as well as countless photo ops and bean bag chairs so that you can just hang out. I went smack in the middle of the day, but I would definitely save your money and come at dusk, just when the city is starting to light up.

Or, instead of spending the money to go up in the tower, maybe you just want an epic view of it. After all, whats a view of Paris without the Eiffel Tower, you know what I’m saying? In that case, head over to Seoulism cafe, where the rooftop and its SEOUL sign take the cake for views of the lotte world tower. Grab a sangria, admire the stained glass-incense-burning-ornate-mirror vibe of the cafe, and then head up to the roof.

 

Flops

Like I said at the beginning of this article – In addition to listing the best things to do in Seoul, I’m also going to list the things that were cool to see but ultimately the flops that I wouldn’t recommend and that you should potentially eliminate from your itinerary.

First up – Dongdaemun Design Plaza.

 

While I got one singular cool photo, there wasn’t much to do. We tried finding different exhibits (we heard there was a really cool digital art one) but the inside of this building was the most unorganized chaos we’ve ever seen, and we didn’t even spend 30 seconds inside. We walked around, tried and failed to take cool pictures, were disappointed by the sad christmas lights installation, and left. If you stumble upon it – great! If you don’t – don’t go out of your way.

Second on my list is the Iwha Mural village in Itaewon. We hiked up a HILL to find this place, and it took us at least an hour to find even one mural. They were all mediocre at best, and while there was a good view of Seoul from this high up, I wouldn’t waste your breath.

Enjoy this picture of me looking very sad, cold, windblown, and unimpressed but feeling the need to at least take a picture because ya know – the blog lol

The Namdaemun market let me down, as did the Jogyesa Buddhist Temple (if you go during Buddhas birthday, however, it should be at the top of your list! without all the festivity, and thanks to the fact that the lanterns didn’t turn on until 7:30 at night, we left a little disappointed.)

 

I’ll probably make a few more trips back to Seoul during my time here, hopefully during the warmer months where I have more outside options available to me, but for now, these are some of the things I consider to be the best things to do in Seoul.

Seoul is amazing. The culture is so much fun to participate in, from the unique food options, to the cafe community, to the k-pop and the cute EVERYTHING, Korea truly is unlike anywhere I’ve ever been, and I hope you can come and visit too:)

 

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13Oct

Batter Up! A Guide to Experiencing the Thrills of a Korean Baseball Game

Introduction:

Korean baseball isn’t just a sport; it’s an electrifying experience that brings together fans of all ages for a celebration of athleticism, camaraderie, and pure excitement. If you’re looking for a unique and thrilling adventure during your time in South Korea, attending a baseball game is an absolute must. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of this unforgettable experience.

Pre-Game Excitement: Getting Ready for the Big Day

Before you head to the stadium, take some time to soak in the anticipation and excitement. Grab your friends, don your team’s gear, and get ready to immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere of Korean baseball fandom. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer to the sport, you’re in for an unforgettable ride. As for purchasing tickets, purchasing tickets at a ticket booth at the stadium is easiest.

Choosing Your Team: Picking a Side and Getting into the Spirit

In Korean baseball, each team has its own dedicated fan base known for their passionate cheers and colorful chants. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the teams and choose your allegiance. Will you root for the Kia Tigers, the Samsung Lions, or perhaps the mighty Doosan Bears? Once you’ve picked your team, embrace their colors, slogans, and chants to fully immerse yourself in the experience.

Arriving at the Stadium: Soaking in the Atmosphere

As you approach the stadium, you’ll feel the excitement building with each step. The air is alive with the sounds of cheering fans, the smell of delicious snacks, and the energy of anticipation. Take a moment to absorb the sights and sounds of the bustling stadium surroundings before you make your way inside.

Ticket purchase is fairly easy, you can find a ticket booth at the side of the stadium, and purchase it there. We purchased tickets for 15,000 Won ($15 USD), for upper level seats

The Game Begins: Witnessing the Action Up Close

As the players take the field and the first pitch is thrown, the stadium erupts into a chorus of cheers and applause. From the crack of the bat to the roar of the crowd, every moment is filled with excitement and anticipation. Whether you’re a baseball aficionado or a casual spectator, you’ll be captivated by the skill and athleticism on display

One of the most memorable aspects of attending a Korean baseball game is the passionate fan culture. From coordinated chants and dances to inflatable cheering sticks and team mascots, the fans go all out to show their support for their beloved teams. The fans really get into the game, the fans stand up the entire time their team is up to bat and are singing and chanting the entire time. The atmosphere is electric!

No baseball game is complete without indulging in some delicious stadium snacks. From classic favorites like hot dogs and popcorn to Korean specialties like fried chicken and kimbap, there’s something to satisfy every craving. Be sure to try a few local delicacies and wash them down with a refreshing beverage as you cheer on your team.

The Final Stretch: Navigating the Late Innings

As the game enters the late innings, the tension mounts and every play becomes increasingly crucial. Whether your team is ahead or behind, the energy in the stadium reaches a fever pitch as fans hold their breath in anticipation of the final outcome. Stay glued to your seat and soak in every thrilling moment until the last out is recorded.

Post-Game Celebrations: Reflecting on an Unforgettable Experience

As the game comes to a close and the final score is tallied, take a moment to reflect on the incredible experience you’ve just had. Win or lose, attending a Korean baseball game is about so much more than just the outcome; it’s about coming together with fellow fans to share in the joy, excitement, and camaraderie of the sport. Soak in the memories, and start planning your next trip to the ballpark – because once you’ve experienced the thrill of Korean baseball, you’ll be hooked for life.

Conclusion:

Attending a Korean baseball game is an experience like no other – an electrifying blend of athleticism, fan culture, and pure excitement that will leave you exhilarated and eager for more. So grab your gear, rally your friends, and head to the stadium for an unforgettable adventure you’ll be talking about for years to come. Play ball!

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