Korea to the fullest: how to party in Seoul, crash into Busan
Bogdan Voronin
9 days ago
Hey everyone! My name is Bohdan, I'm 23, and I just got back from a trip to Korea that changed my view of Asia. I wasn't going for idols or dramas (although I'm a bit of a fan now), but for adrenaline, unreal food, and an awesome vibe. Here's how to plan a trip so it's not boring, but truly old-school fun.
Days 1–3: Seoul — where they never sleep, eating hotteok and searching for the best view
Landed in Incheon — the airport itself is like a city of the future. First lifehack: get a T-money card right away and load it with cash. Without it — nowhere to go.
Seoul isn’t about palaces (although Gyeongbokgung made a few cameo shots for Instagram so mom would be happy). Seoul is about the energy. In the daytime I headed to Hongdae — a paradise for our crew. Narrow streets, street art, tattoo studios, pubs that play indie rock, and a million places with amazing coffee. Local young people hang out here, and it’s easy to slip into a group. In the evenings, either in Hongdae or in Itaewon — the parties are epic. Rooftop bars are a must-visit. The view of the night city, the cocktails, and the atmosphere are worth every won.
What I ate: Street food is our everything. Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) with cheese, hotteok (sweet pancakes) with nuts, and braised chicken legs (kanjeong-chicken) — divine. For a serious meal — samgyeopsal (you grill the pork at the table). Cheap, honest, and very cozy.
Insider tip: The best view of Seoul isn’t from a tower but from Namsan Mountain if you hike up the trail on the back side. It’s free, fewer people, and you feel like a winner. Or go to Seoul Sky in Lotte World Tower — there’s a glass floor on the 118th floor, adrenaline guaranteed.
Days 4–5: Busan — surfing, seafood, and the vibe of a port city
I bought a ticket for the KTX (high-speed train) and in 2.5 hours I was already in another world. Busan is all about freedom and the ocean. First thing — to Haeundae Beach. There you can rent a surfboard (yes, there is surfing in Korea!) or just hang out on the sand. In the evening on the waterfront — street musicians and food trucks.
But the main thrill is the Jagalchi Fish Market. It's an attraction. You pick a live crab or a giant scallop, and they'll grill it for you right away. I tried sannakji (a wriggling octopus) — the sensations are indescribable; you should try it at least once in your life.
For vibey photos — the cultural village Gamcheon (colorful houses on the hillside). But cooler and less touristy views open up around Yeongu-do and from the Sky Park in the Haeundae area.
Day 6: Soraksan — when you crave nature and action
To sober up from neon (literally and figuratively), I headed for the Soraaksan mountains. This wasn’t a leisurely walk. I took a difficult route to Ulsong Peak — with chains and steep ascents. It was a challenge to myself, and the view at the summit was worth it. A full feeling of having conquered something epic. After the descent I stopped at an ordinary roadside diner and ate tondjimag-guksu (a spicy noodle soup) — the best food after physical exertion.
What I liked:
1. Parties and networking. Korean youth are open; many speak English well. It's easy to find a group at a bar or at karaoke (noraebang).
2. Food is a religion. It's cheap, tasty, and everywhere. From street stalls to 24-hour diners. Kimchi goes as a side with everything, and it's fire.
3. Technology to the max. Free Wi‑Fi everywhere, everything through apps: ordering food, taxis, navigation. KakaoMap and Kakao T (like Uber) — download them right away.
4. Safe. You can get lost at 3 a.m. in an unfamiliar neighborhood and not worry. You should, of course, protect your valuables, but the overall atmosphere is calm.
What not to do: Spend the whole day shopping in Myeongdong — it's too mainstream and crowded. Instead, check out Dongdaemun for wholesale finds or the Apgujeong and Cheongdam areas for cool streetwear.
In short, Korea isn't just a point on the map. It's the energy you absorb with every piece of galbi, every climb up a mountain, and every party that lasts until morning. A country where you can be yourself and discover something new at every step. 10/10, I'll go again.
