Seoul Searching: Lost in Translation (and the Humidity)

okay, so where to even begin with *Seoul? it's…a lot. i got here after a seriously bumpy flight - felt like the plane was wrestling with a giant magnet for a good chunk of it. the numbers i saw before landing? 1687164 and 1608396060. no idea what they meant, but it definitely added to the surreal feeling. i'm feeling it: temp 22.96°C, feels like 23.45°C. humidity is a whole thing at 82%. honestly, i'm pretty sure my hair is actively trying to achieve sentience.

so, i’m a freelance photographer, which basically means i’m constantly chasing the perfect light, which is proving…challenging. this whole city is bathed in a hazy glow. it’s beautiful, don’t get me wrong, but it makes capturing anything sharp feel like a Herculean task. i’m trying to document the street life, the little pockets of chaos and calm, but the air is thick with something - exhaust, maybe? or just the sheer density of people.

my first impression? overwhelming. a beautiful, chaotic, neon-drenched overload for the senses.

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I heard that the best street food is found down in Myeongdong, but be prepared to fight for a spot. It’s a madhouse.

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i snagged a place at a little cafe near Gangnam. the coffee is strong, which is a definite plus, and the pastries are…interesting. i’m still trying to figure out what exactly went into that green tea thing. 1608396060 is definitely a lot of digits.

i spent yesterday wandering through Insadong, getting hopelessly lost in the maze of shops selling tea, pottery, and all sorts of trinkets. i’m definitely practicing my “excuse me” in Korean. someone told me that bargaining is expected, but i’m terrible at it. i'm also trying to find a decent place to get a proper massage - my shoulders are screaming. i saw a place on TripAdvisor, but the reviews were…mixed.

the neighbors here are…well, they’re busy. everyone’s rushing somewhere, their faces glued to their phones. if you get bored, Busan is just a short train ride away. I'm planning a trip there next week. i feel like i need a change of scenery, even though i’m already drowning in stimuli.

Someone warned me about the kimchi - said it can be…an experience. Apparently, there’s a whole spectrum of spice levels.

Hapjeong is supposed to be the trendy spot, but it felt a little…sterile. too many Instagram-perfect cafes and not enough genuine character, if you ask me. honestly, i'm just trying to soak it all in, one slightly confused step at a time. i'll probably end up eating way too much street food and spending way too much time wandering aimlessly.

i'm thinking of checking out a traditional Korean bathhouse - a jjimjilbang*. i heard it's a really social experience, but also potentially…intimidating. i've read about some great spots on Yelp, but the sheer number of choices is paralyzing! i'm also looking into some photography workshops - maybe i can finally learn how to properly shoot in this incredibly challenging light. you can find some great info on photography blogs like Digital Photography School.

and okay, the humidity. it’s relentless. seriously, i’m pretty sure i’m permanently damp. i need to find a good hair dryer stat. i’m heading to a local board for recommendations soon. this whole trip is a beautiful, messy, slightly overwhelming adventure, though. and i wouldn’t trade it for anything. maybe. i’m still processing all this information. it's a lot to take in.

Lonely Planet Seoul has some helpful tips, too.