Seoul trip
Hy
4 days ago
Hy님의 аяллын төлөвлөгөө сонирхож байна уу!
Seoul 5-day Trip2026-01-09 ~ 2026-01-13
Seoul, to me, is a city that feels both familiar and full of freshness. This trip wasn't scheduled too tightly; instead I chose to walk slowly with my feet and let my sense of taste remember every moment, piecing together my own Seoul memories from the bustling city center to the quiet alleys.
The first stop of the trip starts in Myeongdong. This is almost always the place everyone visits the first time they come to Seoul, and it’s one of the areas where you can feel the city’s energy the most. During the day the streets of Myeongdong are clean and bright, lined with major Korean beauty brands, clothing stores, and drugstores like Olive Young and various makeup counters, and it’s easy to spend hours browsing without noticing. Most clerks can communicate in Chinese or English and are very friendly to foreign travelers; there are often discounts or gifts with purchase, so you can shop happily and with peace of mind.
By evening, Myeong-dong really comes alive. Street night market vendors start to appear, and the whole street is filled with all kinds of tempting aromas. Tteokbokki, cheese hot dogs, grilled sausages, and odeng soup — each one is hard to resist. Standing by the roadside eating steaming snacks and watching the crowds go by, you suddenly feel, 'This is what travel feels like.' Simple but real, and especially joyful.
After leaving Myeong-dong, I went to Gyeongbokgung. This is one of Seoul’s most iconic historical sites and a place where you can feel Korea’s historical atmosphere. The towering gates and the neatly symmetrical palace buildings, set against the backdrop of Bugaksan in the distance, make for a very spectacular scene. Many visitors rent hanbok to enter and explore; walking through the quaint palace feels like stepping back into the Joseon era. Even just strolling slowly without rushing, you can sense a calm that is completely different from the city.
Next, head to the youthful atmosphere of Hongdae. This is a gathering place for art, music, and trend culture, with street performances everywhere and many unique shops and cafés tucked into the alleys. Hongdae also has a wide variety of snacks: fried chicken, tteokbokki, cup-style grilled meat, and Korean pancakes, each with its own character. I especially like wandering around here at night, casually stepping into a small shop, ordering a simple dish, and experiencing the daily life of the local young people.
When it comes to traveling in Seoul, Gwangjang Market is an absolute must. This place is a paradise for street food, with stall after stall bustling from morning till night. The mung bean pancakes are crispy on the outside and soft inside, the mayak kimbap makes you keep reaching for another bite, and there are steaming knife-cut noodles and live octopus that leave a strong impression. The aunties in the market are friendly and straightforward; even if you don't share a language, you can still order with gestures, and those interactions often become some of the most memorable parts of the trip.
Besides the food, Seoul's coffee culture is also impressive. Almost every few steps you'll find a café, from minimalist and retro styles to themed coffee shops. Sitting by the window, watching the street and pedestrians while sipping a hot latte is the most relaxing moment of the trip. These seemingly ordinary scenes become the memories you most want to keep.
Seoul at night is equally charming. I especially like walking in Hangang Park, feeling the breeze, watching the city's nightscape, and experiencing Seoul's quieter side. The city that is busy during the day seems to slow down at night, giving you time to sort out your thoughts and recharge.
This trip to Seoul didn’t chase popular photo spots; instead, I slowly felt the city’s warmth through street snacks, alleyway scenes, and interactions with people. Seoul is not only a paradise for shopping and food, but also a city to savor slowly. When I left, I was already quietly looking forward to my next visit to continue exploring more of Seoul’s everyday sights
