Wander logo

A Solo Trip To Seoul South Korea

I did a solo trip to Seoul South Korea and want to share my experience in food, culture, and adventure.

By Patrick LucasPublished about a year ago 7 min read
Like
My Solo Trip To Seoul South Korea

I did a solo trip to Seoul South Korea and want to share my experience in food, culture, and adventure.

South Korea is an amazing country with a rich culture and delicious food. I was lucky enough to travel there in 2018 and experience some of the best night markets, things to do, and places to eat and visit. I had an incredible time traveling to Seoul South Korea. The food was amazing, and I loved experiencing the culture and adventure.

There is so much to do and see in Seoul like the Changdeokgun Palace, Myeong-dong Night Market, and the Myeong-dong Shopping District. You can also explore beautiful areas like Yeouido Park, and the vibrant bustling Seoul Main Station. Come with me as I take you on my journey through Seoul. It was an amazing experience that I will never forget.

The food was incredible - I tried so many new things and loved them all.

Bakery & Dwaeji Gogi Jeon at ICN Airport

My journey started upon landing at Incheon International Airport, with an incredible bakery, offering some awesome treats. I then had an onion sausage patty for breakfast I believe it was called Dwaeji Gogi Jeon. I then continued by train to Peyeongtaek, where my true adventure actually began. I met up with a friend to stay the night and recover from the flight.

The adventure began when the app I used to get a taxi to the train station in Seoul could not find any taxis available. I could not get ahold of my friend, and while it was pouring rain, decided I would walk to the train station. It was bout a 35-minute walk, and in this city, English both spoken and written was hard to come by.

"Get Your Traveler Sim & T-Money Transport Card Here"

Once I arrived, I realized I had forgotten my phone charger. I went to the convenience store and purchased one, only to realize it was the wrong size – something that could have been avoided if I had spoken in more Korean. After a few attempts at making an exchange, with the help of a kind local who spoke some English, I eventually managed to get the correct charger. It was a great reminder to stay humble, even when traveling. Experiences like this taught me the importance of being able to communicate in the local language and adapt quickly to foreign situations.

Small Cafe At Peyeongtaek Station

After arriving by train soaking wet from the rain and my phone charger adventure, I found a cute little cafe called Angels In Us. Korea is actually known for some incredible coffee, and I was able to have my first taste of an awesome Americano. I partnered it with this egg sandwich that had a soft brioche bun, fresh tomatoes, and a delicious egg patty. It was the perfect way to get ready for a full day of traveling in Seoul South Korea!

Eating at Seoul Main Station.

Amazing Bibimbap at Seoul Main Station

I arrived at Seoul Main Station after an amazing train ride and being hungry began sampling some of the local dishes, including kimchi soup, bibimbap, soju, and a variety of various fermented dishes.

Get Your Seoul City Pass & Transportation Card Here! 100+ Attractions, One Card, One Great Price.

If you're looking for a taste of the local flavor, there's no better place to start than Seoul Main Station. This busy transit hub is surrounded by restaurants and food stalls, so you can sample a variety of Korean dishes without straying far from your train.

I found a cafe located in the Lotte Outlets area and enjoyed some Kimchi soup a hearty and flavorful option. I also had this incredible bibimbap, a rice dish topped with vegetables and meat. For something truly unique, sample some of the fermented foods on offer, such as kimchi or gochujang.

Kimchi, Marinated Beef and Soju at Seoul Main Station

And of course, no meal in Korea would be complete without soju, the traditional Korean rice liquor. Whether you're looking for a quick snack or a sit-down meal, Seoul Main Station has what you're craving.

I visited some of the city's most popular tourist attractions, like Myeong-dong Night Market.

Myeong-dong Night Market | Seoul South Korea

Myeong-dong Night Market is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Seoul, and for good reason. The market is a feast for the senses, with rows upon rows of stalls selling a wide variety of food, clothes, and souvenirs. I was particularly impressed by the variety of street food on offer.

Myeong-dong Night Market Street Food | Seoul South Korea

From savory grilled meats to savory snacks like this Korean-style street corn, there was something to suit every taste. The market was also incredibly cheap, which meant that I could try a little bit of everything without breaking the bank. Myeong-dong Night Market is definitely worth a visit if you're ever in Seoul.

Get A Personalized Local Host To Take You Around The Best Of Seoul!

Myeong-dong shopping district.

Myeong-dong Shopping District | Seoul South Korea

Myeong-dong is one of the most popular shopping districts in Seoul, and for good reason. The streets are lined with all sorts of stores, from high-end boutiques to bargain basement discount shops. Myeong-dong is also home to a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and street food vendors, so you can always find something to eat no matter what time of day it is.

If you're looking for Korean face masks and skin care products, the Myeong-dong shopping district is the place to go. This vibrant neighborhood is packed with stores selling everything from sheet masks to BB creams, and you can find just about any k-beauty product you could want. The best part of Myeong-dong is that it's a great place to bargain shop - so don't be afraid to haggle with the vendors to get a good price.

Trust me, it's all part of the fun! And if you need a break from all the shopping and eating, there are plenty of entertainment options to choose from as well. Whether you're looking for a place to shop 'til you drop or just want to people-watch, Myeong-dong is the perfect place to be.

Check Out The Longest Running Culinary Theater Show in South Korea!

Touring the Changdeokgung Palace.

Changdeokgung Palace | Seoul South Korea

There's something special about touring Changdeokgung Palace. Maybe it's the history of the place, or maybe it's the fact that it's so well-preserved. Whatever the reason, touring Changdeokgung Palace is always a treat.

The Changdeokgung Palace was first built in 1405, and it served as the main residence of the Joseon Dynasty for more than 200 years. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Seoul. The palace grounds are beautiful, and there is a lot to see and do. Visitors can explore the various buildings on the grounds, or they can take a stroll through the gardens. There is also a traditional Korean folk village that is worth checking out.

Changdeokgung Palace Tour | Seoul South Korea

Whether you're interested in history or just looking for a nice place to spend a day, touring the Changdeokgung Palace is definitely worth your time.

Get Picked Up At Your Hotel And Enjoy A 3 Hour Tour Of Historic Palaces & Temples All Around Seoul!

Exploring Yeouido Park in Seoul South Korea.

The first thing you notice when visiting Yeouido Park is the stunning views. The park sits on an island in the middle of the Han River, and it's easy to see why it's such a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. With its manicured gardens, weeping willows, and scenic walking paths, Yeouido Park is the perfect place to relax and take in the sights.

Yeouido Park | Seoul South Korea

Get A Half Day Tour of Dae Jang Geum Park! Get Picked Up at Lotte Hotel!

But Yeouido Park is more than just a pretty face. The park is also home to a number of unique attractions, including an outdoor amphitheater, a Korean Folk Village, and even an aviary. And if you're looking for some thrills, you can always hop on the riverboat ride or take a spin on the carousel. No matter what your interests are, there's something for everyone at Yeouido Park.

Incredible food options at Incheon International Airport.

As I prepared to leave Seoul, I knew I had to take advantage of the food options at Incheon International Airport. With so many different restaurants to choose from, I decided to go with a Japanese Udon noodle soup. This dish was not only delicious, but it also showcased the different types of food available at the airport.

Japanese Udon Noodle Soup | Incheon International Airport

Get Premium Lounge Access At ICN Airport At This Special Price.

From Korean BBQ to Italian pasta, there is something for everyone at Incheon International Airport. And with so many options, you're sure to find something to suit your taste. So whether you're looking for a quick bite before your flight or a leisurely meal before your next adventure, be sure to check out the food options at Incheon International Airport.

Closing out my trip with an incredible experience onboard an Asiana Airlines A380.

Asiana Airlines is one of the few airlines to offer regularly scheduled Airbus A380 service, and I was lucky enough to fly on one of their flights from Korea to Los Angeles. The Asiana A380 is a spacious plane with plenty of room for passengers to stretch out and relax.

Asiana Airlines | Los Angeles | Seoul South Korea

The main cabin is also equipped with an impressive inflight entertainment system, featuring a wide selection of movies, TV shows, and music. The Asiana Airlines staff was incredibly attentive and provided excellent service throughout the flight. The highlight of the Asiana A380 experience was definitely the Korean BBQ meal that was served in the main cabin.

Asiana Airlines | Korean BBQ Meal In Main Cabin

The food was delicious, and it was a great way to try some traditional Korean cuisine. Overall, I had an excellent experience flying Asiana Airlines, and I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a comfortable and enjoyable flight.

Should you take a vacation to Seoul South Korea?

Get Private Airport Transfer For Up To 7 People For This Ridiculously Low Price...

Beautiful South Korean Skyline

If you're looking for a delicious and culturally rich experience, I highly recommend traveling to Seoul, South Korea. You can find everything from amazing food to beautiful palaces and shopping districts. The people are incredibly welcoming and hospitable, making your trip an unforgettable experience.

Have you been to Seoul? What were some of your favorite things about the city? Let me know in the comments below!

Check Out Get Your Guide for Some Of The Best Deals on Tours and Experiences Around The World.

solo traveltravel advicetravel photography
Like

About the Creator

Patrick Lucas

Food & Travel have been major passions of mine, most of my life. I'm excited to finally share some of these stories and, hopefully, inspire you to get out, and try some of these amazing places.

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.