Overview
** SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA TOURS **
Read travel tips for Seoul from our amazing community of BLACK AND BROWN TRAVELERS that will help you find some of the best places to visit in Seoul.Our variety of travel tips will definitely help you plan your next trip. Our tips range from best places to visit in Seoul, affordability, nightlife, local food, where to stay and even what it is like Traveling While Black. Lastly, we are working diligently to create a comprehensive city guide for Seoul tours. Stay tuned! But in the meantime, scroll down to read tips below!
1) Read City Reviews Left By Our Members – Although we do not have comprehensive guides created for this city quite yet, members of our community can still share their experiences in the form of city reviews. Scroll below to see what they are saying about this city.
2)Leave Your Own City Review – Scroll down to the “Add a Review” section on mobile and “Write a Review” section on the desktop in order to share a meaningful comment/rating linked to one of our travel categories. It would be a great help to our growing travel community. Also, if you know someone who has been to this city, ask them to leave a city review.
3)Personal Travel Map – We offer a free feature to create a digital travel map in your profile. Once you finish, if you would like to share with the community, please send an email to featureme@greenbookglobal.com and we will prioritize your travel map and photo to be featured on our Instagram page.
4)Existing City Guides – Check out the below city guides to inspire your next trip. Some guides require membership so Register today (don’t worry it is free99).
a) Havana, Cuba (Members Only)
b) Venice, Italy
c) Bali, Indonesia (Members Only)
d) Johannesburg, South Africa
e) Sydney, Australia
f) Cartagena,Colombia (Members Only)
g) Dutchess County New York (Beacon/Poughkeepsie)
PS – Drop Us a Line – If you really want the creation of a city guide or maybe we are missing a city that you would like to review, send an email to newcity@greenbookglobal.com and let us know. Also, if there aren’t any reviews for this city yet, go ahead and be the first!!
I’ve been to Seoul a few times. Certain neighborhoods are better or more entertaining than others. There will always be something to do.
The biggest palace is completely flooded and can be a bit overwhelming. Don’t worry about the perfect photo and skip past the middle. There will be more lovely photo op locations inside.
Experiment with the food and snacks. Seoul isn’t the best place for food, but it has a good variety from across Korea all located within Seoul
Lived here for 5 years. The hustle is bustle is REAL! Your personal space is now community space, don’t be offended, that’s just what people are use to. Don’t be loud on the trains. People will want to touch your hair. They will try to charge you more in the markets because you are American. They love kids, even have a special day to celebrate kids. Some places, (clubs mostly) do not welcome foreigners. I recommend Itewon for a first-time adventure. Download all the travel apps and get you a T-money card. People are friendly enough and there always seems to be an English speaker around (especially in the US military towns)
I visit Seoul, South Korea as well as a few surrounding cities. I didn’t feel bothered or discriminated as a black woman can feel in many Asian countries. I ate good food, enjoyed the nightlife, and used public transportation to explore different areas. I felt safe and free to be myself!
I didn’t enjoy my time in Korea, the locals arent friendly and I feel some are racist. In Asia you will see whitening skin cream everywhere so being dark is a no no. I enjoyed the food tho. Explore Seoul, its very similar to Tokyo with the clubs and nightlife but also unfortunately in their suicide rate. Both Japan and Korea have high suicide rates because the extreme expectations of culture. You have to get good grades, go to good college get a good office or other high level profession and if you are son you are expected to get married and have a kid, preferably a son and if you are daughter you are expected to get married at a certain age and of course have kids. Depending on the parent if you do all these things they will disown you or remind you all the time you’re a failure. I knew all of this before I arrived but watching the news and talking to people I saw it first hand. If any black person is thinking of visiting I would say just go to Japan instead.
Seoul, South Korea was a great trip. I was cold and we spent a lot of time outside. The food was great, shopping was better. We did however experience racial discrimination at a restaurant (I forget the name). They would not serve us at all. We waited for 30-45 minutes (there was only one other the couple there) we were not serve water or anything. We left and went to the restaurant a across the street and we were eating within 15mins. I still recommend visiting Seoul. Traveling while black was still good besides that mishap.
After living in South Korea for two years, I can honestly say that it is impossible to run out of things to do in Seoul. There are soo many bars, cafés, shops and museums to keep you entertained, each one with their own unique vibe and aesthetic. I would recommend café hopping and shopping in Gangnam and Myeongdong and Nightlife in Itaewon and Hongdae. The cost of living here is quite low which makes going out very easy. I would typically stay in AirBnBs in Seoul, or at the Hamilton hotel. Check out some links below of places to stay and things to do!
Hamilton Hotel:
https://www.hamilton.co.kr/
Seoul Escape Room:
https://www.seoul-escape.com/
I had the pleasure of traveling to Seoul in July 19 and December 19…and I absolutely loved it. I was planning on going back this past April but Covid put a stop to that. The city is rich with history and the food markets are out of this world. The people are extremely friendly and very helpful. The public transportation is cheap, clean and is easy to get around on. Not only is the city a must but so is the country. I cannot wait to go back.
I lived in Korea for 4 years and it was the best time of my life. I stayed in the heart of Seoul, and in the international district known as Itaewon. In Itaewon, it is probably the most diverse district in South Korea. Here, you will find retail stores, GREAT food from all over the world, hotels, unlimited coffee shops, bars, and clubs. Because of the military base near it, all of the main stores, bars, and restaurants have employees that’s speak English. This would be a perfect place to stay if you are looking for a lively time while vacationing because the parties don’t stop until 5am. This is also a central location to get to the famous Gangnam district and Myeongdong. All of it is just a taxi or short train ride away for less than $5.
Having lived in Korea for 3 years, and spending multiple weekends in Seoul, you’d think I would’ve seen all there is to see there, but you’d be wrong.
Seoul is really one of the best cities in the world, and for a reason. The dichotomy between city and nature means, whether you’d prefer hiking a beautiful mountain or spend the day shopping till you drop, you can do it all in this city. There is something for everyone, and with each visit, you can find something new to do, which is what keeps this place exciting. From escape rooms, to rage rooms to PC rooms, making your own rings, making your own perfume; cultural museums, trick eye museums, art museums.. the list goes on and on.
There is a plethora of amazing local food, that even if you don’t like 5 things, you’ll definitely love 15 others and in addition to that there are a number of non-Korean restaurants with food from all over the world too. This is a city that never sleeps, and safety is mostly always guaranteed, which is something you can truly appreciate as a black woman.
And lastly, a review of Seoul without mentioning the cafe’s, is not complete. These themed cafe’s are some of the top attractions in Seoul, from 2D art cafe’s where you feel like the pop up on a piece of paper , to cat and dog cafe’s where you can drink your coffee in the presence of fury friends, to those where you can drink a latte with your face on, the list is ENDLESS. Make sure to make a day or 3 just cafe hopping. It is worth it.
I stayed at the InterContinental COEX. It’s a great hotel. Its located in Gangnam-gu, of the popular song “Gangnam Style.” The staff is amazing and the breakfast in the morning was AH-MAZING! The hotel is also connected to a very popular mall with popular tourist destination spots right inside like the Starfield Library. Seoul is a great city for its mix of modern and traditional culture and the COEX gets that point across flawlessly! Right outside of my room (I stayed at COEX 2) I could see traditional temples. It’s also really easy to catch a cab from this location and the hotel staff does a great job of helping you catch a cab and assisting in communicating with your driver. They also provide you with cards to give a cab driver that lets them know how to get to the hotel.
I arrived in South Korea in March 2017. As soon as got in, i took up hiking, paragliding, and rock-climbing. I didn’t necessarily look for these things but a friend of a friend of a friend experience here and there led me to more and more affordable adventurous activities. Winter 2018, even more adventurous associates introduced me to snowboarding. I guess the 2018 winter olympics inspired the country abroad to expand its winter resort activities. One snowboard experience after another (there are several resorts all over the peninsula) i started to improve and got addicted. Now i travel the world looking for ski resorts. So far i’ve carved mountains in South Korea, Japan, USA, and soon to be Austria.
All in all, South Korean people are hard-working, very humble, and kind. I had a better overall experience as a Black American than many places i’ve been back home. Seoul is extremely diverse, with ease of commute (public trans is amazing and cheap). Baseball there is like football in the US. Bike-riding along the Han River is quite the sight. My two years there were the most fruitful two years of my life.
I’ve had the opportunity to travel to Seoul (for business) a few times over the past 4 years and each visit has been enjoyable. I traditionally use public transportation to get around (more fun than a car service) however, in the winter it can get extremely cold (and I saying that as someone from New England). Great country, friendly people, many English speakers and absolutely no issues traveling while black.
Review is a mix of Busan and Seoul. Korea is a really fun place and very easy to get around via train, bus, and taxi. Be mindful, the taxi drivers I encountered did not speak very much english. Download the app Naver. Google maps was useless, this was so clutch. It display train vs bus vs taxi with cost associated. It tells you exactly what exit to use for the train to get you where you need to be. @elcidjarhead for Korea story
Things to do: 1. N Seoul Tower. I caught the bus here and made the long hike up the paved hill to the tower. There are some viewpoints on the way up. It is steep. If you are not athletic take a tour bus or taxi. 2. Jagalchi Fish Market.(Busan) Fresh seafood. You purchase it and they prepare it for you upstairs. 3. Gamecheon cultural village. A super cool place to walk and explore wall art and etc. (Busan) 4. Lotte Tower. (Pro tip: Take a pic from Seoulism) 5. Gyeongbokgung palace. Tip for insta photo folks. Grab some traditional wear before you head over and take pics. 6. Taejongdae (Busan) is a cool place with various sights. Yeongdo lighthouse is pretty cool. Tip: B e prepared to hop on and off the trolley. The lighthouse has numerous and it is a good distance and vey steep in between attractions. 7. Gwangalli Beach (Busan). Super chill beach to vibe and relax and enjoy a pretty cool view of Gwangan bridge in the backdrop. 8. Visit the Gangnam Style tribute at COEX Mall or East gate I think it is called. (Be sure to find my video on insta and like it. Lol)
Nightlife: One word, Itaewon (lit!). Gangnam and another area that starts with an H also offers very good clubs and bars.
Traveling while black: Non-issue. Period.
I literally cannot recommended Seoul enough. I lived there for 2 years and there is plenty of stuff to do. You do get a lot of looks while out and about because although traveling to Korea is becoming more popular, it didn’t use to be. Most Koreans will tell you they have only seen black people on tv or the internet but do NOT let that be a hinderance. The food is good, nightlife is fun, and there are so many other countries you can visit from Korea for a cheaper price.
One of my favourite places so far. There is a US army base and alot of teachers on transfer to help with English, so you don’t really need to speak Korean, most people will understand you and if they don’t use Google Translate. Made a few friends in the clubs and at the Gyeongbokkgung palace, the street food is great and the fashion is 1 of a kind. I only remember 1 club “A:TENSION” and they played Rnb Hip hop and Kpop but the place to be is around Hongik University.
I only gave it a 4 rating because there is still some stereotypical things happening with people trying to take pictures with you and questions like “do you play basketball” but in my experience they were nice about it, so all in all 9/10 would recommend.
2 things to note that doesnt have to do with being black- when I was there Monzo didnt worked all the time, so having cash or another card with a good exchange rate is key.
And they dont sell most of the alcohol you are used to eg JD, Vodka in stores so if you need a pre-drink either get something at Duty free or you can try their local gin “Soju”.
I went to Korea without having a clue What Korea really was, But just when I got to the airport I was surprised Because I landed in one of the best airports in the world the only point Negative in Korea is that people do not speak English at all but they are very friendly, As soon as he sees that you are lost they automatically help, Transport is very affordable, the city is very clean Lol especially at the restaurant when a Korean tells you that it is not spicy is that it is very very spicy ? In any case it is a good destination to do a few days before going to Japan. it’s my opinion. ps As a black I felt good there and I could advise you to go visit this beautiful country
My experience traveling while black was mostly AMAZING. The people were so friendly and welcoming. I didn’t encounter many English speaking people but the Google translate conversation mode was very helpful. While walking on the street I was looking for a store and I stopped a lady and her family to ask which way, so I used the translator. She not only gave me directions but grabbed her husband and daughter and walked me to the shop so I wouldn’t get lost. This similar experience happened when I was looking for a traditional hanok village street, a college student helped me by stopping and walking me right to it. Another experience I had was at an energy day celebration taking place at a park. I was just walking by the park and some of the college students stopped me to ask what I thought about saving energy and how it was to have been a student in the US. Overall a had many friendly and welcoming interactions. There was a bit of curiosity at a lunch shop with to older ladies working there just coming up and touching my hair without asking. And one unfortunate encounter where I was planning to go to a club MADE the bouncer said they had a no foreigners policy and I couldn’t be allowed in. I’m not sure how true or how much being black had to do with that. Overall I highly recommend any black traveler go to Seoul, Korea
I heard Seoul was the number 1 layover airport so I made the most of a long layover. I had a 17 hour layover and made the most of it. I got in about 3AM and went to the korean spa in the airport to soak, shower and nap. You can sleep on the heated floor or opt to pay about 12 for a private room. There is a train in the airport that takes you to thr center of the city, which takes about an hour. It also drops you 1 block away from the hop on hop off bus. I visted the traditional village and came out through the back entrance and walked the entire trail to the north tower. It took me about and hour. The smog was extremely thick so if you’re asthmatic I wouldn’t advise it. And yes the bus stops there but it was good to be around the locals in the park. You can also take a cable car to the top.I saw a few palaces and there are a few stops to go shopping. I chose where they had more traditional shopping for souvenirs. I missed the changing of the guard and I did not get to go outside of city limits, so I guess I’ll have to go back.The airport has a service to store your luggage, a movie theater, ice skating rink, many restaurants and a mock royal family processional. There is also a center where you can make you’re own souvenir from traditional tools.
Seoul is a huuuge densely populated city with much to see. Subway system is incredibly efficient, clean and spacious. Sometimes tricky to get around by taxi as everyone’s English is limited outside of the tourist spots so I’d recommend keeping your hotel address handy in Korean.
If you want nightlife, Itaewon, Hongdae (get off at Hongik University stop) will give you full wild night vibes, or for the upscale area mixed with kareoke spots on each corner, visit Gangnam. Many people stay out until the sun rises. Koreans definitely have a drinking culture and it’s still ok to drink in the streets.
As far as safety, I’ve never felt so safe anywhere else. If you are in a local spot surrounded by Koreans, you could literally leave a purse at the table, dance all night and return with your items still there. Unfortunately if you’re in a tourist spot, I wouldn’t take my chances.
Being that it is a homogeneous society, don’t be surprised if you are asked to have a photo taken with them, they’re curious and for some you may be the first non-Korean (or East Asian) they’ve encountered in real life.
Things to do other than party: shop, eat Korean BBQ, visit temples, explore and enjoy getting lost. So many quirky spots you’ll find that you wouldn’t see back in the States (probably for good reasons) like animal cafes…drink your coffee and pet a cat, sheep or even raccoons!
Feeling adventurous? Go hiking or stay at a jimjilbang (Korean sauna). Always plenty to do.
Seoul was a breath of fresh air – I mean this literally and figuratively. After months of living in Shanghai, you forget what clean air is like, but Seoul is a great reminder.
I spent a week in Seoul over Chinese New Year and it was absolutely amazing. I left feeling as though I’d picked the wrong Asian country to live in.
Overall, Seoul is clean, modern and super tech savvy. You could get just about anywhere using the metro/subway system and it is fairly affordable.
A few useful apps to download:
– Seoul Subway system. This gives you the timetable for each subway station and allows you to work out roughly how long it’ll take between places.
– Kakao T. This is pretty much their taxi app. It’s really easy to use. You can select to pay the driver directly so you don’t have to worry about additional bank charges.
– Kakao Talk is their instant messaging app. It’s not necessary but it made it easier for me to connect with certain tour companies in Seoul
THINGS TO DO
1. Seoul Namsan Tower. The tower is not the highest, however, it’s location gives you a great birds eye view of the city. I’d recommend going at night. Although , it can get a bit busy. There are great combo deals on tickets including one with beer, popcorn and entrance.
2. Visit one of the palaces. Seoul has 5 main palaces. They’re all equally beautiful and tell the story of Seouls history. There is a bit of walking to do so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. I visited Changdeokgung which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The palace is quite stunning. There is a rental shop nearby which allows you to rent traditional South Korean attire and explore the palace.
3. Bukchon Hanok Village. It’s the largest concentration of traditional homes in Seoul. The tiny alleyways are mesmerizing and you can easily get lost, however, they tell a beautiful story of Seouls history. There are cute coffee shops and even souvenir shops nestled between the houses.
4. Gangnam !! If not to do the ridiculous dance next to the metro sign, you need to visit Gangnam for its insane nightlife! There is a bar and club around every corner and each one better than the next. The proximity of bars and clubs allows you to spend every hour in a new spot. Drinks aren’t too badly priced and most places have free entrance.
The food in Gangnam is also amazing. You can choose from fine dining or local street food, it’s all up to you!
5. National Museum of Korea. This massive museum takes you on a journey through Korea’s history . the museum is fairly large, however, the exhibits are well spaced out which allows you to easily decide on what you’d like to see.
6. Lotte World. If Disneyland and adventure rides are your cup of tea then I would highly suggest this! Lotte world is the largest indoor amusement park, which also includes a mall area , ice skating rink and massive tower. There are thrill rides, virtual reality games, arcade games and theatre shows so that everyone has something to choose from. The park extends outside to Magic island which has some of the most insane thrill rides ever!!!
Tickets are discounted after 4pm and with the park closing at 10pm this allows quite a bit of time for the rides.
I’d advise downloading the Lotte World App and purchasing magic pass tickets ahead of time.
7. Ski Trip ?
Depending on where you are based in Seoul , I’d really advise a trip to a ski resort. Bears Town was the resort that we visisted as it was closest to our accommodation. I got a great deal off Trazy.com. the tour was really great
8. Hongdae / Hongik. University Area. This part of Seoul is similar to Gangnam with its high density of bars and clubs. However, given its proximity to the university and that most of the people there are students, the prices are much lower. There are many clothing, jewellery and tech stalls so if you aren’t too keen to party it up you can still enjoy a stroll in the area.
Seoul is an absolute blast!! I definitely want to visit again
South Korea for each time I visit is super dope! Best things to do starting with night life you can literally bar hop the city and find your way into cool nightclubs or karaoke is very big there still lol.
Exploring I suggest the DMZ tour u should always do this once it’s a really cool tour teaching you a lot of history on north and south Korea’s war against each other and you actually get to go in of the tunnels North Korea used to try to invade South Korea
Another place to visit is Bongeunsa Temple which over looks downtown Seoul it’s pretty cool as well
Another temple to check out is Gyeonbuk palace, don’t just go there you have to dress up in the heritage costumes. Personally I suggest not buying from the Main Street even though the costumes are cheaper. I prefer down the allies where they are little more costly but the costumes are better taken care of and they are more custom and less likely to see you outfit twice while touring. When wearing the costume you are allowed in the temple for free. I also suggest a tour guide to learn about a little background behind this temple. You can easily spend 2-4 hours at this temple as it’s pretty large.
Hope you enjoy South Korea!
I had the pleasure of planning my first visit to Seoul with my Dad in June, 2018. Prior to visiting Seoul, we travelled to Tokyo, Japan which is 2hr, 45 mins flight to Seoul. Combining both cities in a single was great because of the closeness and the airfare deal we got from Korean Air.
In Seoul, we stayed 6 days at Park Hyatt. We choose to stay here because of its closeness to the city center and the luxury benefits it offered: from providing complimentary airport shuttle to all-inclusive breakfast.
While in Seoul, we visited the most popular tourist attractions as follows:
1. Gyeongbokgung Palace. Gyeongbokgung Palace was the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty, located in northern Seoul. It is one of the grandest structures in the city and is a fine representation of Korean architecture. Commonly referred to as the Northern Palace, it houses a pavilion located on an artificial island in the middle of a beautiful lake with three stone bridges spread across the palace grounds.
2. Namdaemun Market: the largest traditional market in Korea, Namdaemun Market houses more than 10,000 stores. Offering daily essentials and local products, this market is a vivid exhibition of wholesale goods from traditional oriental medicine to cheap Korean snacks.
3. Bukchon Hanok Village. A trip to Bukchon Hanok provides a cultural experience ideal for travelers who want to delve deeper into Korea’s history. This ancient village preserves a 600-year-old urban settlement giving visitors a rich insight into Joseon Dynasty traditions. Located north of the Cheonggye Stream, the village is home to the Bukhchon Traditional Culture Center and houses many venerable homes with Korean-style architecture.
We dinned out at several restaurants around Myeong-dong. Korean BBQ was delicious. My Dad’s favorite is Korean Dumpling ( which taste totally different from Chinese Dumpling).
Overall, the locals are very welcoming. I will definitely go back to Seoul whenever time allows.
Seoul is no doubt somewhere you’d want to be if you want to make your money stretch. Everything there is super cheap from the food, to the drinks, to the retail stores, to the hotels. I stayed at Hotel28, a beautiful hotel for about $100 a night (a hotel that would cost about $170 in the states). It is a gorgeous city with tons of things to do for little of nothing. A lot of the historical places are even free. You could definitely go to Seoul and ball on a budget.
Out of my travels this is the first time I felt completely out of my comfort zone. Many places there was no English in sight or a person that looked like me. I had to navigate the public transportation and get around town. I got many stares, but considering my time there I felt comfortable as a black person. People were when I asked questions or seemed lost. Although it is really different, I would recommend visiting for any person of color
This bustling metropolis should be at the top of everyone’s bucket list. With a public transportation system that could put many American cities to shame, Seoul is a vibrant city with much more to offer than one would think. Being someone who likes to experience a little bit of everything, I traveled all over the city taking in every sight, smell, and most importantly taste! When it comes to things to see, Seoul offers an abundance of things. After touring the city for 14 days, I have compiled a list of 6 things to full your days up.
6. Tour Deoksugung Palace
Topping this list off at number 6 is the beautiful ancient palace of Deoksugung. Inhabited by the Royal Family during the Joseon monarchy, Deoksugung not only contains a variety of buildings but a forested garden as well. Arrive at 11:00, 14:00, or 15:30 to catch the Changing of the Royal Guards Ceremony. The children will enjoy all the vivid colors and movements. After watching the Ceremony, grab a ticket for a tour. Children are free, while teenagers are 500 won and adults are 1,000 Won. The juxtaposition of ancient tradition against the overgrowing metropolitan should not be missed.
5. Take a stroll in Ihwa
Known for the beautiful paintings artists create on its’ stairs, Ihwa is a visual playground. Walk the hilly streets and basks in all the art surrounding you. Around every corner, you will find a mural to take your breath away. In 2006, the crumbling city set for demolition was completely renovated through the “Art in the City” campaign. The people of the village are very friendly and always eager to show it off, just be mindful that this is their home. Be respectful and try not to disturb them.
4. Visit the National Museum of Korea
It is only right that while traveling to a country you visit at least one museum. Considering that I was on a budget and most of Korea’s museums are free, I visited almost all of them. The National Museum of Korea was by far my favorite. Divided into three floors, this museum takes you on a voyage through the ground floor containing all things nature, to the second floor representing Koreas past, and finally through the top floor which represents Korea’s future. Not only is this museum visually appealing they also have tons of hands-on children activities. This is an attraction for the entire family.
3. Go Hiking in Naksan Park
Looking down on Ihwa, Naksan Park offers a stunning view of Seoul. From this park, you are able to see 2 of the 5 mountains surround the city. The welcome center has a very informative room full of artifacts and articles about Seoul and how the park came to be. The trails are not strenuous and dog freely so be on the lookout for furry friends. To my surprise, I also witnessed wild boar frolicking in the fields. Definitely, a sight to see.
2. Shopping in Myeong Dong
This one is for the ladies….. and men who LOVE to spend that mula. The Myeong Dong shopping streets will be your sanctuary. On every street, there is a massive variety of stores to buy just about anything you can think of. Grab a glimmering crystal bracelet for you mom or buy some silly socks for your nephews. This is most definitely the place to get any souvenirs you want. Just make sure you remember how to get home! It’s very easy to get lost in the crowd.
1. Scale the Namsan Seoul Tower
For the most magnificent view of the city, find your way over to the Seoul Tower. If catching the bus there, be mindful that the bus stop is a short uphill walk to the actual building. The fee of 10,00 Won (Adult) or 8,000 Won (Children) grants you access to the observatory as well as the gift shop. With an altitude of almost 480 meters above sea level, the Seoul Tower soars over everything within site. The 360 view is one you will never forget.
SEOUL… there’s something about you, I feel most alive when Im here! The people, culture AND food makes me feel like I belong (I don’t quite blend in lol but you know what I mean)
The variety of different foods you are able to get here is insane. But of course.. when in Seoul I tend to only eat Korean meals. My favorite dish besides Korean BBQ which is DELICIOUS btw… I tried Korean fried chicken, Gimbap, Tteok-bokki, Naengmyeon (cold noodles) to name a few. The street food culture is not only affordable its very tasty ! My favorite is tornado potato. You’re welcome! Head over to Myeongdong shopping area to check out these yummy foods and bring cash!
Is it the crazy night life? The weekends consists of dancing, boys and booze. If you’re looking to get a little ratchet, go to Itaewon, its party central and a hot tourist spot (so don’t worried about the language barrier). Here you can find men and women from all over the world.. your type is bound to be here… No seriously WHATEVER you’re into its going to be here. I literally thought I found my future ex husband at a bar called Thursday. I am 100% sure I met Thor’s younger Lithuanian brother (Remind me to go to (LIT)huania when I have a chance.. the men are attractive and tall AF), Norway is also looking good too haha. A lot of Americans.. There are two military bases located in S. Korea so you’re bound to find a melting pot of them from all over the country!
I met this amazing guy, a Chinese business man, Cash, at my Airbnb. He was very friendly, charismatic and a great conversationist. He took my sister and I out to dinners, treated us EVERYTIME.. He refused to let us pay for anything. We took the train to his favorite Chinese/Korean fusion restaurant, he knew the owner and they hooked us up with a private dining room and gave us extra food. Cash ordered us Chinese Rice wine (Yantaiguniang)… we did back to back to back to back shots of it. As soon as I finished my shot, he would immediately refilled my cup. Before dinner I felt tried, the rice wine woke my ass up real quick. It was a great buzz, I felt energized and ready to to out that night. After dinner we returned back to our Airbnb, my sister was passed out in her bed, she wasn’t ready lol.
Cash then took me to Octagon… it’s rated one of the best nightclubs in the world.. yes WORLD.
LET THE LITivities BEGIN!
Cash contacted the manager to get us in, a Korean club promoter ( he didn’t speak much english) came out to escort in the venue. We ( I mostly) danced till 5am… I am a dancing machine .. once I get going.. its hard for me to stop lol. Cash couldn’t keep up but I love how he let me do my own thing. I like to dance in the middle of the crowd, take a break, then head back out to the crowd. Again, he wouldn’t let me pay for anything… He was such a gentlemen!
Octagon has multiple levels where you can enjoy music and listen to your favorite DJ from a huge main stage. If you enjoy EDM this is going to be your favorite floor. If you don’t like the crowd there are many tables available for bottle service. I’m not really into EDM but it was cool to watch for a bit. What I LOVE about Octagon that there are multiple rooms that cater to specific types of music..! I went to the American Hip Hop room and twerked the night away. I met a lot of Black Americans there.. they were really cool and a bit rebellious, the majority of them were military and were out past their 1:30am curfew (YOLO) this hands down is the best nightclub I have ever been to. Sorry LIV (Miami). Cash invited me Beijing ( where he is based at) OHH SHIT.. Cash don’t tempt me with a good time. So will there be a China blog/vlog post in the near future? You never know ;)
This second trip to Seoul was a reminder of why I fell in love with it in the first place… The people, the food, and the attractive men that come to visit. Seoul will always hold a special place in my heart. Till next time.
If you love to shop and eat Seoul is definitely the way to go. There were so many great food options, especially if you’re a foodie! Shopping is also a big thing there, most of my money went to food and shopping ! There so much to explore, within the city, including the history and a different perspective on life. Transportation by the subway is very easy to use, and affordable. The currency is much like the USA, so not a huge difference in prices. Otherwise great place to visit and venture off to. It is very diverse and easy to get accustomed to!
I loved visiting Seoul and busan. The food is great but if you are s fussy eater like me there are many restraunts to choose from. The history and culture is beautiful and the people is what made me fall in love. The ticket was a little pricey but once you’re there EVERYTHING is cheap!
I love south Korea. I’ve been four times so far. It’s my Jacket spot. I always go before christmas with a extra empty bag. They have the best quality jackets here. Moncler quality jackets for around $10. Make sure you shop in the subway. They have tons of stalls selling quality clothing for dirt cheap. I have my own clothing line (Drunk Tourist Clothing) so I know a little something about clothing. http://www.drunktouristclothing.com If you want to check that out. Quick lil plug lol. Okay back to my review if you’re a shopaholic like me this is paradise. Lastly for my foodies Make sure you try the chicken. No matter where you eat get the chicken. It’s amazing and they always add great spices, you can immediately tell they feed us BS over here in the states. You can def taste the difference. Okay anymore questions or tips just message me here or follow me on IG @Hoesinthepocket and dm me. I love talking about traveling and giving advice on what to do or where to go so feel free to reach out.