Seoul State of Mind: Dodging Rain and Finding Kimchi Dreams

okay, so. seoul. wow. i’m still buzzing, honestly. i just got back and my brain feels like a tangled ball of soju-soaked yarn. i’m a touring session drummer, you see, and this was a weird little gap tour - a month of gigs in various Korean clubs, mostly playing covers of 90s Britpop (don’t ask). it was…an experience.

I just checked and it’s drizzling there right now, a proper misty sort of drizzle. the kind that soaks you through before you even realize it’s happening. the weather app said 9.05°c, feels like 6.35°c, pressure 1018, humidity 76%. basically, pack a raincoat. seriously. don’t even think about cute little cardigans.

My digs were in *Hongdae, which was…loud. like, really loud. but in a good way? Lots of street art, tiny bars overflowing with people, and the constant thrum of music. I found this amazing little place on Yelp - https://www.yelp.com/biz/hongdae-bbq-seoul - for Korean BBQ. Seriously, go. Get the pork belly. You won’t regret it.

Speaking of regrets… someone told me that the Myeongdong shopping district is a tourist trap. And they weren’t wrong. It’s… intense. Like, a sensory overload of cosmetics and street food. But hey, I got some face masks. Can’t argue with that. I also spent a surprisingly long time wandering around Insadong, checking out the traditional crafts. It was a nice contrast to the neon chaos of Hongdae.

“Apparently, if you’re looking for authentic Korean food, you gotta go to a place where they eat. Not the places TripAdvisor recommends.”

That was drunk advice from a guy I met at a gig. He was a local musician, playing some seriously cool experimental stuff. He also insisted I try sannakji (live octopus). I politely declined.

I spent a lot of time just wandering, you know? Getting lost in the back alleys, stumbling upon hidden cafes, and people-watching. Seoul is a city of contrasts - ancient temples next to gleaming skyscrapers, traditional hanoks alongside modern apartments. It’s fascinating. I found this really cool forum with local tips - https://www.visitseoul.net/.

Here’s a quick rundown of things I wish I’d known:

*T-money card: Get one. Seriously. It’s essential for public transport. You can load it up and use it on the subway and buses. It saves so much hassle.
*Learn a few basic Korean phrases: “Hello” (annyeonghaseyo), “Thank you” (kamsahamnida), “Excuse me” (joesonghamnida). It goes a long way.
*Embrace the kimchi: Seriously, eat all the kimchi. It’s everywhere, and it’s delicious.
*Be prepared for crowds: Seoul is a big city. Expect to be surrounded by people, especially in popular areas.
*Download KakaoTalk: It’s the main messaging app in Korea. If you’re meeting up with people, this is how they’ll communicate.

If you get bored, Busan and Daegu are just a short drive away. I didn’t have time to visit them this trip, but I’ve heard great things. I’m already planning my return. I even found a local board with some cool events - https://seoulcity.grandelkorea.com/.

I overheard a local warning someone about the Namsan Tower - apparently, it’s always packed with couples. Romantic, I guess, but not exactly my vibe. I preferred just wandering around Namsan Park* itself. The views are amazing, and it’s much quieter.

“Don’t trust the ajummas with the street food. They’ll try to sell you everything.”

That was something a local warned me about. I think she was exaggerating a little, but be prepared to be approached.

Honestly, Seoul just… got under my skin. It’s chaotic, it’s loud, it’s overwhelming, but it’s also incredibly vibrant and full of life. I’m already missing the street food, the music, and the general sense of energy. And the kimchi, obviously. Definitely go. Just pack a raincoat.

Seoul State of Mind: Dodging Rain and Finding Kimchi Dreams

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About the author: Ava Morales

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