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Seoul Searching (and Slightly Sweaty): A Drummer's Dispatch

@Felix Drake3/8/2026blog

okay, so. seoul. wow. just…wow. i’m still peeling glitter off my snare drum, honestly. flew in for a gig - a corporate thing, ugh - but managed to squeeze in some actual exploring. and sweating. a lot of sweating.


I just checked and it's…a humid hug out there right now. Like, the air itself is trying to give you a bear squeeze. The numbers say it’s around 0.86 degrees, feels like it too, pressure’s 1028, and the humidity is clinging to everything like a lovesick octopus. Not complaining, though. It’s…atmospheric.

This gig was in *Gangnam, naturally. You know, the place where everything is shiny and expensive and people look like they’re perpetually auditioning for a K-pop video. The venue was…fine. The band was…a collection of polite, slightly bewildered musicians. But hey, a paycheck’s a paycheck, right?

I spent most of my downtime wandering. Got completely lost in Myeongdong - seriously, that place is a labyrinth of cosmetics and street food. I think I walked in circles for an hour. Found this amazing little place selling tteokbokki though. Spicy, chewy, glorious. Definitely worth getting lost for. Check out the reviews on TripAdvisor - https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g298314-Myeongdong_Seoul.html. Seriously, go.


I’m staying in Hongdae, which is way more my vibe. It’s all indie shops, street art, and buskers. Found a vintage clothes store - seriously, a goldmine. Managed to snag a killer leather jacket for like, next to nothing. I’m a sucker for a good find. If you’re into that sort of thing, check out this local board for more hidden gems: https://www.visitseoul.net/things-to-do/shopping.

Someone told me that the cafes in Hongdae are all about the aesthetic. Like, the coffee is secondary. Which, honestly, I’m totally on board with. I spent a solid two hours in one place just taking pictures of the latte art. It was a swan. A very photogenic swan.


I overheard some drunk tourists arguing about whether Bukchon Hanok Village is “authentic” or just a tourist trap. Honestly? It’s both. It’s beautiful, but it’s also crawling with selfie sticks. Still worth a wander, though. Just…brace yourself for the crowds. Yelp has some decent tips on avoiding the worst of it: https://www.yelp.com/biz/bukchon-hanok-village-seoul.

I also spent an afternoon in Itaewon. It’s…interesting. A lot of expats, a lot of international food. I heard that it used to be the place to be, but things have changed a bit. Still, it’s got a certain energy.


If you get bored, Incheon and Suwon are just a short drive away. I didn’t make it out there this time, but I’ve heard good things.

My gear list for this trip was pretty minimal:

 Snare drum (obviously)
Earplugs (essential for corporate gigs)
 Portable charger (because my phone dies faster than my enthusiasm)
A really good water bottle (seriously, stay hydrated)
 Comfortable shoes (you’ll be doing a lot of walking)
A phrasebook (my Korean is…non-existent)

Pro-tip: Learn how to say “thank you” (kamsahamnida*). It goes a long way. Also, download KakaoMap. Google Maps is pretty useless here.

Honestly, Seoul is a sensory overload in the best possible way. It’s chaotic, it’s vibrant, it’s a little bit overwhelming. But it’s also incredibly rewarding. I’d go back in a heartbeat. Just maybe in the fall, when it’s not trying to drown me in sweat.

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About the author: Felix Drake

Just a human trying to be helpful on the internet.

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