I never actually considered visiting South Korea anytime soon. I simply hadn't heard enough about it, and until around a month before to my trip, I honestly didn't even know the exact location. However, I've learned enough to compile this trip guide to Seoul. I understand, Expert Advice For A Trip To Seoul.
Before you criticize me for my poor geography skills, let me say that I don't study maps and that I had a rough concept of where it was (I assumed it was where Mongolia is), but I was completely wrong.
I had spent the whole summer going through reel after reel on Korean skincare, but my initial goal was to visit Japan since I was craving sushi. If you know me, you are aware of my skincare obsession. In a later stage of my life, if I ever settle down and establish roots, I might think about going into skin therapy.
I immediately made the decision to travel to Seoul in order to participate in all of the beauty-related activities I had seen online after seeing on the map that South Korea was virtually next door to Japan. The color analysis, the hair spas, the beauty clinics, the skincare products, and, of course, the cuisine.
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Why Should You Put This Place on Your Bucket List?
After the Korean War, Seoul was completely rebuilt to become a modern metropolis. This place is ideal for people of all ages and interests since it combines old history with modern trends, from K-Pop to castles. If you enjoy seeing the trees turn into vivid hues of orange, yellow, and red in the fall, this is the ideal place to visit.
Travel Guide to Seoul:
Apps You'll Require
Maps on Google
This only applies to public transit. Consider buses, subways, and trains. Directions for walking or driving are not compatible with it. However, you may simply use a map to see where you need to go if you can read it. You will want a different app if you would like step-by-step driving or Expert Advice For A Trip To Seoul.
Naver
The natives use this app to navigate about. It provides directions for driving, walking, and public transit. You can usually enter the name of your place and it will locate it. Other times, unless you can clearly provide the Korean address or name, it won't recognize it.
Sincerely, I became irritated with this situation and continued to use Google Maps for all public transportation-related purposes, just following the roads on the map when I was walking. Another bothersome thing to keep in mind is that it's not always obvious which subway door to enter, so you might occasionally find yourself on the incorrect side. However, I am well known for my poor subway and train skills.
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Communication
KorailTalk
If you want to purchase train tickets to different areas of Seoul, this is a fantastic method to guarantee a seat before you arrive at the station.
Kakao Conversation?
Many companies communicate using this app rather than WhatsApp. For additional purposes, you may want to use this to schedule your beauty visits and/or communicate. However, bear in mind that this software requires a Korean phone number, therefore you cannot use it if you have a Hong Kong e-sim.
Google Translate
Download it right away if you don't already use it for travel! Any language may be downloaded, allowing you to utilize it without data. The coolest feature is that you can hold the camera over anything that has text on it, such menus or signs, and it will translate everything for you on the screen in real time.
How Can I Get From The Airport There?
One of the most nerve-racking parts of landing somewhere you've never been before is always leaving the airport. You're exhausted from traveling, you don't speak the language, you don't know where to go, and you probably don't have any data yet.
One of the first East Asian, not Southeast Asian, countries I visited was South Korea. Why am I bringing this up? Because there just wasn't the deluge of people attempting to get you into their cab as soon as you stepped out of the airport. I usually have all of my possessions close at hand and am ready for my serious face, but I didn't have to do that in this situation. I could relax.
You may now choose to take an Uber from the airport, but as you are aware, I always use public transit wherever possible. In addition, your Uber app will change to a version tailored for South Korea once you have data there. You will still be able to order an Uber as usual, but it will be somehow linked to the non-Uber drivers they employ there. To be honest, I had no idea how it worked, but I knew it worked, lol.
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Where Can I Stay in Seoul?
With a population of around 10 million, the city itself is rather big, with several areas to choose from. I'll outline the primary options available to you, the advantages of each place, and the one I suggest you stay at.
The Hongdae
For young people, travelers, and first-time visitors, this is perhaps the most visited location. Since the university is located in Hongdae, the scene is more youthful. This area has a number of eateries, pubs, and adorable stores. There is a large, vibrantly painted Main Street that is bustling with activity in the evening.
Itaewon
If you don't mind being outside of the main city, this is another excellent place to stay. Aside from Hongdae, this area has one of the largest nightlife scenes and a ton of eateries and businesses to explore.
Gangnam
Those of you who are boujee and bad belong here. Gangnam is well-known for the song, Gangnam-style, and you can really see the popular hand gesture in a huge monument there. This is a posh neighborhood. Imagine upscale skyscrapers, well-known stores, and beauty parlors.
Jongno
I spent 90% of my time in Seoul in this neighborhood, which is located in the center of the city. The CBD (downtown) and the other locations mentioned below are accessible from you.
If you enjoy walking, you can walk anywhere. If not, using the public transit system is very simple; you may just get on and off busses or trams as needed.
Where and What Should I Eat?
This place has an amazing culinary scene. It's no secret that Koreans are renowned for having beautiful skin, and Asians generally have long, healthy lives. Their diet and the amount of kimchi they consume, in my opinion, are major contributing factors. which is fermented veggies that can help slow down the aging process, reduce inflammation, encourage weight reduction, and regulate the immune system. Whoa, I better go to eating that!
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Korean barbecue
Without Korean BBQ, did you visit South Korea at all? If you have never done this before, you essentially cook your own meat on a table with a large hot plate. It comes with kimchi, rice, and veggies. When the waiter asks what kind of meat you want, I suggest buying a selection! Going with a group is enjoyable since you can all cook together and eat a lot of food.
Fried chicken from Korea
This is a well-liked dish among gourmets. Beer and Korean fried chicken are essential! Gochujang is the most popular taste, but there are a ton of other options. I had one with, I think, sweet onions or garlic when I went here with some gals, and it was really delicious. I strongly advise you to experiment with various types! It is renowned for being exceptionally delicious and crispy.
Mandu
These dumplings are from Korea. This is the place to be if you enjoy dumplings. They come steamed or fried with a variety of fillings. The most common ones are kimchi, shrimp, veggies, and pork. Try the kimchi ones, I promise you—they're AMAZING! I was eating mandu practically every day.
The Tanghulu
I had to give this a try after seeing it online. It's essentially fruit on a stick, usually grapes and strawberries, coated in a crystal-clear, rock-hard sugar coating. They're like hard candies, so bite into them carefully, but they're delicious!
FAQs: Expert Advice For A Trip To Seoul
Is 7 days in Seoul too much?
All things considered, I advise staying in Seoul for at least three days; otherwise, you'll probably miss too much. If you plan ahead, you will have enough time to explore many of the city's highlights in a week, which is a fantastic introduction the Expert Advice For A Trip To Seoul.
What do I need before going to South Korea?
To enter Korea, you need a current U.S. passport. For stays of 90 days or less that are for business or tourist, US nationals are exempt from the Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) requirement from April 1, 2023, until December 31, 2024.
What should I know before travelling to Seoul?
Check out the Seoul airport and the many transit options beforehand, and become familiar with your visa details. Additionally, go with an understanding of communication, currency information, and the Internet environment.
