Seoul Searching: A Whirlwind in the City of Hallyu
okay, so i’m still trying to process *Seoul. seriously. the energy here is… a lot. i landed a few days ago, and the air feels thick, like someone turned up the humidity dial to eleven. i just checked and it's...oppressive, a really clingy kind of warmth. hope you like that kind of thing.
my flight time was 1279292, and the estimated arrival was 1356370311, which, honestly, didn’t feel inaccurate. it's a city that runs on its own schedule, a beautifully chaotic rhythm of neon lights, sizzling street food, and hushed temple courtyards.
I’m a freelance photographer, constantly chasing the perfect shot, and Seoul is a visual feast. street style is insane - so many unexpected combinations, bold colors, and just a fearless sense of self. i spent yesterday wandering through Myeongdong, getting happily swallowed up by the crowds while trying to capture the essence of it all. a local warned me about pickpockets there, “keep your bag close,” she said, with a knowing glint in her eye. good advice.
gear-wise, my trusty Canon EOS R6 is getting a serious workout. i've also been relying heavily on my DJI Mini 3 Pro for some aerial shots - the perspectives are killer. Filters are essential, especially in this light. polarizers are my best friend for cutting through the glare on the Han River. and don't forget a portable charger; my battery life is not forgiving when I'm chasing golden hour.
but Seoul isn’t just about the flashy stuff. i’m trying to carve out time for the quieter corners. i visited Bukchon Hanok Village this morning, and it felt like stepping back in time. the traditional Korean houses are so beautifully preserved, and there’s a palpable sense of history hanging in the air. i overheard a couple talking about a hidden tea house tucked away in the alleyways - apparently, it's a real local secret.
seriously, the food. oh god, the food. i’ve been living on tteokbokki, bibimbap, and endless cups of makgeolli. someone told me that the best Korean BBQ is in Gangnam, but it's pricey. i’m sticking to the smaller, local places for now. Yelp has been a lifesaver for finding hidden gems. Yelp is a must for finding authentic eats.
I’m trying to embrace the chaos, to let myself get lost in the city's flow. i'm aiming to explore some DMZ next week - that feels… intense, but important.
And the people! so polite, so helpful, even when there’s a language barrier. it just makes you feel… welcomed. it reminds me of why i love traveling in the first place. if you get bored, Busan is just a short KTX ride away. i'm thinking of heading down there for a few days to soak up the coastal vibes. Visit Korea has tons of helpful info. i'm hoping to catch a K-Pop* performance too, but that’s a whole other level of organized mayhem.
It’s definitely a sensory overload, but i’m loving it. Seoul is a city that demands your attention, that challenges your perceptions. It’s a messy, beautiful, exhilarating place, and i have a feeling i’ve only just scratched the surface. Maybe i’ll even attempt to learn a few Korean phrases - the pronunciation is brutal.
planning ahead is key for saving money - check out a budget travel blog like Nomadic Matt. oh, and be prepared for a lot of walking. your feet will thank you for comfy shoes.