Seoul Shuffle: A Day in the Life of a Touring Session Drummer

so here i am, drumming my way through seoul, korea, and let me tell you-it's been a wild ride. i landed here with just my sticks and a backpack, ready to hit the stage at some underground club in hongdae. the city is alive, buzzing like a snare drum in a rock anthem. i just checked and it's 7.82°c there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. perfect weather for wandering around and soaking in the vibe.

now, i'm not usually one for tourist traps, but i couldn't resist checking out gyeongbokgung palace. the history nerd in me was geeking out over the intricate architecture. someone told me that if you visit at the right time, you can catch the changing of the guard ceremony. i missed it, but hey, that's just another reason to come back.

anyway, back to the music. i found this tiny jazz bar called all that jazz, and it was like stepping into another world. the place was packed with locals and expats, all vibing to the smooth tunes. i ended up jamming with the house band, and let me tell you, those guys can play. if you're into live music, this is the spot.

but seoul isn't just about the music. the food scene here is insane. i had the best kimchi stew at this little hole-in-the-wall near my hostel. it was so good, i went back the next day. and don't even get me started on the street food. tteokbokki, hotteok, you name it-i tried it all. just be careful with the spice level unless you want your mouth on fire.

i also took a day trip to incheon, which is just a short train ride away. it's a nice change of pace from the hustle and bustle of seoul. the beach there is beautiful, and there are some great seafood restaurants along the coast. if you get bored, incheon and suwon are just a short drive away.

now, let's talk about the people. koreans are some of the friendliest folks i've met on the road. i was lost one day, trying to find a drum shop, and a kind stranger walked me there. it's moments like these that make traveling so rewarding.

oh, and before i forget, here's a little pro-tip: download the kakao maps app. it's a lifesaver for navigating the city. trust me, you'll thank me later.

anyway, that's my messy, chaotic take on seoul. it's a city that's got rhythm, flavor, and heart. i'll be back, seoul, with my drumsticks in hand and ready to rock.