Gangnam Smile Laser Travel
Chen Hao Li
20 hours ago
[Seoul Postscript] From blurry to clear: departing Kaohsiung, meeting a new perspective in zero-degree Gangnam
The starting point of this trip was Kaohsiung Xiaogang Airport. Used to the warm sun of southern Taiwan, the moment the plane landed at Seoul Station Incheon that night, even though it was already evening, stepping out the airport doors and feeling that sharp cold air—temperature 0 degrees—instantly woke up every sense in my body. This wasn’t a simple sightseeing trip, it was a long-awaited “vision renewal” journey.
The hotel we stayed at was the Uh Flat Signature Gangnam in the Gangnam district. The moment we opened the door, the chill was replaced by a cozy atmosphere. This was the loft room type I really liked, the high ceilings made the four nights feel completely unconfined, and the large floor-to-ceiling windows reflected Gangnam’s bustling night skyline. Even though the wind outside was bone-chilling, the heated floors inside made me want to curl up on the sofa and look forward to the big event happening the next day.
The temperature warmed up a bit on the second day, but I felt both nervous and excited. The main event that day was going to B&VIIT for an eye exam and laser eye surgery. Traveling to a foreign country for medical treatment, the language barrier was my biggest fear, but thankfully they arranged a professional Chinese interpreter to accompany me the whole time. From the precise preoperative checks to the surgery itself, the interpreter’s careful explanations were a real comfort and eased my anxiety. The procedure went faster than I expected, and when I walked out of the clinic, my vision still needed some time to adjust, but I knew that when I opened my eyes to see the world again, everything would be different.
On the third day, as the temperature kept warming up, I had my first post-op checkup. After confirming everything was fine, I could finally see the city clearly with my brand-new vision. We chose to stroll around the Gangnam area, and it was the first time I could take in the colors and outlines of the streets directly, without looking through eyeglass lenses. While casually shopping, I found a coat I really liked. It had a sharp cut and the right warmth for Seoul Station's dry, cold weather, and buying it felt like a little commemorative gift for the successful laser eye surgery.
Day four was a full-on day for energy and appetite. The temperature was still comfortable, so we decided to leave Gangnam, cross the river and head to North Seoul’s old neighborhoods to feel a completely different vibe. The first stop was the lively Gwangjang Market. Watching ajumma flip mung bean pancakes on the griddle, steam rising with the scent of sesame oil, that raw, bustling energy made our mouths water. One bite of the crispy pancake, paired with the fresh sweetness of raw marinated beef, and you get the most authentic taste Seoul Station has to offer.
Next we headed to Myeongdong and other popular spots. It feels great to have clear vision, I could even read the small print on distant signs. Another highlight that day was a big shopping spree. I have to say, Korea’s streetwear brands are such a bargain locally! Like Kodak clothing with a vintage film vibe, and the Matin Kim pieces that have been all over resellers recently, prices are much friendlier than in Taiwan and the selections are more complete. Carrying big bags of finds, I kept mentally tallying the savings from exchange rates, and my steps felt lighter. From cheap eats at traditional markets to cutting-edge street fashion, the day was full and satisfying.
Happy times always go by especially fast, and suddenly it’s already the fifth day. As if to remind us we were about to leave, the temperature that day plunged to the trip’s lowest point at -3 degrees. The early morning sky had a clear icy blue, the air was cold enough to make you shiver a little, but it also made you feel wide awake. Because our flight was very early, we had to say goodbye to the city at that moment and take a car to the airport.
The return flight was still bound for Kaohsiung. Traveling from -3 degrees at Seoul Station back to warm Kaohsiung, the short few-hour flight felt like moving between two seasons.
Looking back on these five days and four nights, even though the schedule was tight, every moment was full of meaning. This was not just a trip for eating, drinking, and having fun, it was a milestone. I enjoyed peaceful nights in the loft at Uh Flat, regained clear vision at B&VIIT, felt the city’s pulse amid the bustle of Gwangjang Market and Myeongdong, and satisfied my shopping cravings at Kodak and Matin Kim’s shops.
This Seoul Station trip brought back more than souvenirs in my suitcase, it brought a pair of eyes no longer bound by glasses, eyes that see the world more clearly. Maybe that's the meaning of travel — you leave one way, and you come back a better version of yourself.
