Discovering Seoul’s Hidden Gems
When people think of visiting Seoul, the first things that usually come to mind are the bustling streets of Gangnam, the towering palaces, and the world-renowned K-pop scene. But there’s so much more to this vibrant city than meets the eye. As a digital nomad who just spent a month exploring Seoul, I’m here to let you in on the local secrets – the neighborhoods, sites, and experiences that the guidebooks tend to overlook.
My journey through Seoul was part of my ongoing remote work travel series, where I review destinations from the perspective of a long-term visitor. And let me tell you, this city just hits different in so many ways. From the dust-blowing stations at the end of hikes to the quiet, clean subway system, Seoul is full of delightful surprises that make it stand out from your typical tourist trap.
Exploring the University Neighborhood of Yeonnam-dong
One of my favorite areas to call home during my stay was the Yeonnam-dong neighborhood – a quaint, university-centric district in the heart of Seoul. This area had a distinct college town vibe, almost like the Brooklyn to Gangnam’s Manhattan. The streets were lined with cozy coffee shops, charming restaurants, and delectable dessert spots, yet it managed to maintain a peaceful, quieter atmosphere compared to the more urban parts of the city.
As I mentioned in my previous post, I felt like I wasn’t missing out on anything by not staying in the renowned Gangnam district. In fact, the brunch places and coffee shops in Yeonnam-dong blew the rest of the city out of the water.
During my time there, I found myself drawn to the neighborhood’s relaxed pace and abundance of laptop-friendly cafes. It was the perfect spot to hunker down and get some work done, with the occasional break for a colorful latte or a slice of decadent cake. And the best part? I was just a quick bus ride away from the palaces, museums, and the glitz of Gangnam when I wanted a change of scenery.
Navigating Seoul’s Unique Transportation System
One of the first things you’ll need to do upon arriving in Seoul is to get yourself a T-Money card from a local convenience store. This handy little card is your key to navigating the city’s world-class public transportation system, allowing you to seamlessly hop on buses and the metro.
But don’t rely on Google Maps to guide you – it’s practically useless in Seoul. Instead, you’ll want to download both Naver Maps and KakaoMap, the go-to navigation apps for locals. These will be your lifelines for finding your way around, discovering hidden gems, and deciphering the public transit system.
As I mentioned in my previous post, the city’s lack of English-language support can make it a bit of a challenge for foreign visitors. But with the right apps and a little bit of patience, you’ll be navigating Seoul like a pro in no time.
Indulging in Seoul’s Incredible Culinary Scene
When it comes to food, Seoul is a city that truly has something for everyone – well, almost everyone. As a vegetarian, I’ll admit that I struggled a bit to find suitable options in this meat-centric culture. But with a little perseverance and some local guidance, I was able to uncover a number of delightful vegetarian-friendly spots, particularly in the Yeonnam-dong neighborhood.
One of my go-to brunch spots was Brunch Thanks Oat, a cozy cafe serving up sustainable, plant-based fare. Their sandwiches, yogurt bowls, and acai bowls were always a hit, and the tea selection was the perfect accompaniment to a leisurely morning.
Another favorite was Brunch Burwood, which felt like a little slice of Venice Beach transported to Seoul. With its beachy vibes, indie music, and drool-worthy Aussie-inspired dishes, it quickly became a regular haunt during my stay.
For dinners, I loved the garlicky greens and delectable dumplings at Yeonnam Dumpling, as well as the spicy, flavorful Thai dishes at Tuk Tuk Noodle Thai. And when I needed a quick, veggie-centric meal, High House’s fresh, creative tacos always hit the spot.
Of course, as a meat-eater, you’ll have a veritable smorgasbord of options, from the ubiquitous Korean BBQ to the Michelin-starred Mingles, which served up some of the most innovative fine dining I encountered during my time in Seoul.
Immersing Yourself in Seoul’s Cultural Treasures
No trip to Seoul would be complete without a visit to the iconic Gyeongbokgung Palace and the charming Bukchon Hanok Village. The palace, with its grand architecture and rich history, is a must-see, and you can even take advantage of a free English-language tour to really dive into the stories behind this national treasure.
Afterward, head over to the picturesque Bukchon Hanok Village, where you can wander the narrow, traditional streets and soak in the cultural atmosphere. Be sure to stop by Onion Cafe for a delectable snack to fuel your explorations – their sweet garlic bread is to die for.
For a truly unique experience, consider signing up for a Fortress Night Hike. This tour will take you on a scenic ascent up a nearby mountain, offering breathtaking views of the city skyline at sunset. Along the way, you’ll even have the chance to sample some local delicacies at a hidden market – a true insider’s glimpse into Seoul’s vibrant food culture.
Embracing the Quirks and Wonders of Lotte World
No visit to Seoul would be complete without a trip to Lotte World, the city’s infamous amusement park. Imagine a half-indoor, half-outdoor theme park nestled within a six-story mall, and you’ll start to get a sense of the sheer weirdness and wonder that is Lotte World.
From the forgettable rides like “Pharaoh’s Revenge” (an Indiana Jones rip-off) to the bizarre tradition of guests donning rented school uniforms for a photo op, this place is a true feast for the senses. It’s the kind of experience that you can’t help but scratch your head at, but it’s also undeniably fun and quirky in its own way.
If you’re looking for a unique and memorable day out during your stay in Seoul, be sure to add Lotte World to your itinerary. Just don’t expect it to be anything like the well-oiled Disney machine you might be used to.
Indulging in Seoul’s Skincare and Beauty Treatments
Of course, no discussion of Seoul would be complete without touching on the city’s world-renowned skincare and beauty scene. As this comprehensive guide explains, Seoul is the capital of the cosmetic procedure world, offering everything from basic facials to more advanced treatments like laser therapy and Botox.
One of the main draws of getting skincare treatments done in Seoul is the cost – on average, they are much more affordable than in the United States, while still maintaining a high level of expertise and safety. During my visit, I indulged in a range of procedures, from pico toning laser treatments to collagen-boosting facials, and the savings were truly remarkable.
Beyond the financial benefits, Seoul’s skincare clinics are on the cutting edge of technology and innovation. Many of the products and techniques used in these treatments are available in the U.S. but are considered luxury services, whereas in Seoul, they are much more commonplace.
So if you’re looking to elevate your skincare routine or even explore more advanced aesthetic procedures, Seoul is definitely a destination worth considering. Just be sure to do your research, communicate your needs clearly, and work with clinics that cater to foreign visitors.
Navigating Seoul’s Unique Challenges
Of course, no destination is perfect, and Seoul has its fair share of unique challenges that visitors should be aware of. As a digital nomad, I found the city to be a bit more difficult to navigate than some other locations I’ve visited.
The language barrier, for one, can be a significant hurdle. While many young people in Seoul are friendly and eager to help, the older generation tends to be less accommodating of tourists. And even simple tasks like booking a workout class or scheduling a hair appointment can be complicated by the city’s reliance on Korean-only booking platforms.
As I mentioned in my previous post, I also struggled a bit with the lack of vegetarian-friendly options in this meat-centric culture. While I was able to find some delicious plant-based meals, it required a bit more effort and perseverance than I’m used to when traveling.
And then there’s the air quality. Seoul can be plagued by poor air conditions, with the city’s iconic Namsan Seoul Tower even lighting up in different colors to indicate the current pollution levels. On particularly bad days, it’s advisable to wear a mask when venturing outside.
Embracing Seoul’s Unique Charms
Despite these challenges, Seoul is a city that I can’t help but love. The sheer energy, the innovation, and the unique cultural experiences make it a truly one-of-a-kind destination. And with a little bit of preparation and a willingness to embrace the quirks, visitors can unlock the true magic of this vibrant metropolis.
So whether you’re drawn to the cozy coffee shops of Yeonnam-dong, the grand historical sites, or the cutting-edge skincare treatments, make sure to add Seoul to your travel bucket list. It may not be the easiest city to navigate, but the rewards are well worth the effort.
