Discovering Seoul Through the Eyes of a K-Drama Fanatic
As I emerged at Gwanghwamun Square, flustered and overwhelmed, I couldn’t help but gape at the towering stone warrior staring down at me. I had arrived late for my first barbecue dinner in Seoul, but the familiar sight momentarily distracted me from my galbi cravings. This was my first time in this plaza, yet my brain insisted I had been here before – I recognized it from the hit Korean drama, Memories of the Alhambra.
You see, I had become quite the K-drama enthusiast during the pandemic. My gateway series was Crash Landing on You, an endearing romance between a South Korean heiress and a North Korean soldier. I blazed through 16 episodes in just 5 days, my heart alternating between migrating to my throat and melting into a maudlin lump. The fashion, the food, the tableaux, the personalities – this was my world now.
I had added Korean slang to my Google Translate, Korean won to my XE currency app, Korean beauty products to my Sephora cart, and Korean ingredients to my grocery list. These viewing sessions became my closest approximation to travel, filling the passport-shaped hole in my life. By the time South Korea’s borders reopened, Seoul had jumped from ‘someday’ to ‘ASAP’ on my travel wish list – and I guess I wasn’t alone.
Hallyu Takes the World by Storm
According to Grant Ekelund of InsideAsia Tours, we’ve seen a “huge interest in travel to Korea” in recent years, with the pandemic only accelerating this trend. The “Korean Wave” or Hallyu – a Chinese term for South Korea’s ascendant cultural power – is now being exported to far corners of the globe.
“It would not be an exaggeration to say that Hallyu is the world’s biggest, fastest cultural paradigm shift in modern history,” as author Euny Hong wrote in her book, The Birth of Korean Cool. Fans descend in droves to tread in the footsteps of their favorite idols, and travel companies like InsideAsia now offer Hallyu-themed itineraries to accommodate this demand.
As I explored Seoul, I encountered recognizable elements everywhere – from the signage at Angel-in-Us, the setting of a reunion in Crash Landing on You, to the ppopgi candy I knew from Squid Game and the fish-shaped bungeoppang pastries I had craved while watching Vincenzo. It was as if my K-drama curriculum had sprung to life all around me.
Navigating Seoul’s Dizzying Contrasts
Seoul is a city of dizzying contrasts, where the slick, ultra-modern coexists with the richly historic. I found myself navigating lightning-fast internet and robot waiters one moment, and traditional hanok houses the next.
“Having these pockets throughout the city keeps Koreans grounded in their traditions, grounded in themselves,” explained Meggie Yu, an American expat who first arrived in Seoul a decade ago to study Korean history. “Preserving these clear pieces of culture is almost an insurance policy for preserving itself.”
This sentiment rang true as I wandered through the atmospheric hanok houses of Ikseondong and Bukchon, marveling at how these historic pockets stood in the shadow of gleaming towers. It was a juxtaposition that encapsulated Seoul’s unique identity – a city that seamlessly blends its ancient roots with its futuristic aspirations.
Immersing Myself in Seoul’s Vibrant Neighborhoods
My first stop in Seoul was the Insadong neighborhood, where I found myself lost in a maze of charming alleyways and pedestrian-only streets. This area, with its boutiques, cafes, and well-known, popular restaurants, set the tone for my entire Seoul experience.
I quickly learned that waiting in line for a table is part of the Korean restaurant culture – something I had never encountered before in my travels. But the prospect of sampling delicious local fare made the wait more than worth it.
As I ventured deeper into the city, I stumbled upon the Cheonggyecheon, a serene, man-made stream with a picturesque river walk. The juxtaposition of nature and the towering skyline was a revelation, and I could easily envision locals enjoying this urban oasis for a peaceful respite.
Next, I made my way to the bustling Myeongdong district, a veritable mecca for shopping and street food. Pedestrian-only streets made navigating the crowds a breeze, and I happily indulged in the vibrant energy of this lively neighborhood.
Discovering the Joys of Korean Fried Chicken and Beer
No visit to Seoul would be complete without sampling the local cuisine, and I was eager to dive in. Luckily, I had the perfect opportunity at BHC Chicken, where I ordered a half-and-half platter of Korean Fried Chicken (KFC).
The saucy, spicy version was a revelation – sweet and spicy, with a delightfully crunchy exterior. The regular fried chicken was equally delicious, with a flavorful spice blend that elevated it far beyond the KFC I’m used to. Paired with a refreshing Cassi beer, it was the perfect way to fuel my Seoul explorations.
As I savored every bite, I couldn’t help but reflect on how Korean cuisine has been a standout during my travels around the world. And now, here I was, in the heart of Seoul, indulging in this culinary delight. It was a moment of pure joy and gratitude.
Navigating Seoul’s Unique Challenges
Of course, not everything in Seoul was a seamless experience. I quickly discovered that Google Maps is not entirely reliable in this city, as not everything is accurately mapped. Trying to get directions proved to be a bit of a challenge, as I found myself relying on the Naver map app instead – though even that had its quirks, with many location points displayed in Korean.
Another surprise was the sticker shock I experienced when it came to pricing. Having just come from Southeast Asia, where the costs are significantly lower, I found Seoul to be more expensive than I had anticipated, especially when it came to Western food. This meant I had to be strategic in my dining choices, opting for local Korean fare whenever possible to get the most value for my money.
Discovering the Best Places to Stay in Seoul
As I planned my Seoul itinerary, I knew choosing the right neighborhood to base myself in would be crucial. After much research and personal experience, I’ve come to the conclusion that Myeongdong is not necessarily the best area to stay for first-time visitors, despite it being a common recommendation.
Instead, I found that neighborhoods like Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong offered a more immersive and authentic experience, with easy access to historical and cultural sights. The Hongdae area also caught my eye as a trendy, budget-friendly option.
Ultimately, I believe the key to finding the best area to stay in Seoul depends on your unique preferences and interests. Whether you’re drawn to the bustling energy of Myeongdong, the cultural charm of Insadong, or the youthful vibrancy of Hongdae, there’s a neighborhood in Seoul that’s sure to captivate you.
Embracing Seoul’s Contrasts and Delights
Seoul is a city that defies simple categorization. It’s a place where the ancient and the modern, the serene and the kinetic, exist in a constantly evolving dance. As a first-time visitor, I found myself pleasantly surprised at every turn, whether it was stumbling upon a hidden hanok village or indulging in the addictive flavors of Korean fried chicken.
Thanks to my year-long dive into the world of K-dramas, I arrived in Seoul with a sense of familiarity, but the reality of this vibrant metropolis still managed to exceed my expectations. From the towering stone warrior in Gwanghwamun Square to the cozy cafes of Insadong, Seoul captivated me with its complexity, its contrasts, and its unwavering commitment to preserving its rich cultural heritage.
As I prepare to depart this incredible city, I can’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia. Seoul has etched itself into my heart, and I know that I’ll be back – perhaps as soon as my next trip to Hotel Stay Inn Seoul, where I can immerse myself in the vibrant energy of this captivating destination once more.
