Girls' trip to South Korea
YUWEI HAO
12 days ago
This trip to Korea centered on Seoul and lasted three nights and four days. Although I had been interested in Korean culture for some time, this was my first time visiting in person. The flight from Japan was just under two hours, and it reminded me that it really is an easy overseas trip. When I arrived at Incheon International Airport, the signs inside the airport were available in English, Japanese, and Korean, which gave me the reassurance that I could get around without getting lost even on my first visit.
I took the A’REX airport railroad to Seoul Station. The view from the train was mainly modern office buildings and wide rivers, somewhat reminiscent of cityscapes in Japan, but the Hangul signs and use of color gave it a distinctive atmosphere. After arriving at Seoul Station I immediately dropped off my luggage at the hotel and headed to Myeongdong. Even on a weekday Myeongdong was always crowded with people, lined with tourist-oriented cosmetic shops and food stalls. The sweet aroma of hotteok floated from the stalls, and I couldn’t resist buying one. The outside was crisp, while the brown sugar and nuts inside melted into a gooey filling — just right for eating while walking.
On the first night we moved to Dongdaemun and decided to enjoy some night shopping. The lighting of Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) was more magical than I had imagined; the futuristic architecture and LED-lit façade made me feel as if I had wandered into part of a near-future city. At nearby fashion buildings many shops stayed open late into the night, bustling with young people and tourists picking up items one after another.
On the second day, to experience Seoul's traditions and culture, I visited Gyeongbokgung Palace. The palace, spread across a vast site, was magnificent and had a sense of tranquility despite being in the heart of the city. Many tourists wore rented hanbok and took photos, and their vivid colors complemented the scenery of Gyeongbokgung beautifully. After watching the guard-changing ceremony, I headed to the nearby Bukchon Hanok Village. The sloping streets lined with traditional Korean houses were perfect for a stroll, and walking while imagining past ways of life made time feel like it passed more slowly.
For lunch I ate at a traditional teahouse in Insadong. I ordered a set with medicinal herb soup and bibimbap, and the flavors were gently brought out so well that between sightseeing I felt a comforting sense of relaxation. Also, the streets of Insadong have many museums and craft shops, giving the area a calm atmosphere filled with cultural charm. I bought a small ceramic plate at a souvenir shop as a memento of the trip.
In the afternoon we moved to Hongdae. Known as a hub of youth culture, the area was even more exciting in person: crowds gathered around street musicians' live performances, and quirky specialty shops clustered together, making simply walking around stimulating. It is also known for its cafe culture, and when I stopped by a cake shop popular on social media, the sweets were not only visually adorable but also delicious.
For dinner we enjoyed samgyeopsal in Sinchon. At many Korean barbecue restaurants the staff grill and cut the meat for you, so even first-timers can relax and enjoy it. Wrapping thick slices of pork in leafy greens with garlic and gochujang, then biting in, the balance of juiciness and texture was perfect — I even ended up eating more than I intended. My friend and I were surprised and said, 'Even after eating this much, it's cheaper than in Japan,' and we felt how rich Korea's dining-out culture is.
On the third day we went to the Gangnam area. The cityscape of high-rise buildings and polished streets stood in contrast to the more old-fashioned downtown atmosphere of the previous days. At COEX Mall, the massive digital art and the 'Starfield Library,' with its shelves stacked high like a library, left a strong impression and many people were taking photos. Just walking through the shopping mall felt like a major entertainment experience.
In the afternoon we visited the cafes and fashion streets of Apgujeong, and for the final night we decided to relax at a park on the Han River. The riverside at dusk had a pleasant breeze; people were jogging, lying on the grass, and enjoying chicken and beer with friends—each spending their time as they wished. Scenes that looked like ones from Korean dramas unfolded right before our eyes, and it was a very satisfying way to conclude the trip.
On the last day I enjoyed shopping at the markets. At Namdaemun Market you can find everything from clothing to miscellaneous goods and food, and light price haggling with the shopkeepers is part of the pleasure of the trip. I bought kimchi and laver as souvenirs, and by the time I headed to the airport my suitcase had gotten quite heavy.
What struck me most during this trip to Korea was that it is a country where tradition and modernity coexist in a well-balanced way. The sense of history I felt at Gyeongbokgung and Bukchon Hanok Village, and the dynamic contemporary culture I experienced in Gangnam and Hongdae. The fact that both exist in harmony within the same city was extremely appealing. Also, much of the food suited the Japanese palate, and I can say that virtually every meal during my stay was a success.
Even long after returning home, the aromas of the street stalls and the scenery along the Han River suddenly come back to me. Despite being geographically close to Japan, there is a coexistence of foreignness and a sense of comfort, and even a short trip can provide a deep sense of satisfaction. It was a journey that made me want to visit areas outside of Seoul next time, such as Busan or Jeju Island.
The hair salon I booked using creatrip was also really great
