Seoul Searching: Lost in Translation & Kimchi Dreams
okay, so i just got back from seoul. wow. just…wow. i’m still processing. the numbers that kept popping up? 1855753 and 1392686294. honestly? they felt like digital breadcrumbs leading me down some seriously interesting rabbit holes. i don't even know what they were for, but i'm clinging to the mystery.
and the weather? it's…well, it's there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. like, a surprisingly humid 82% humidity. the temperature felt a little cooler than it actually was - 6.91 feels-like, despite a temp of 8.14. it’s springtime in seoul, but the air is thick with a kind of energy. it's kind of overwhelming, in a good way. *grnd_level was 954, but the pressure was a steady 1021. a little stable, maybe? who knows with weather anymore.
my room in Myeongdong was tiny. seriously, you could barely swing a cat in there. but it was clean, and the location? perfect. i spent most days wandering, totally lost, which, let's be real, is half the fun. i definitely recommend checking out some of the street food - the tteokbokki is addictive. i stumbled upon this amazing little place on Yelp - Yelp Link - that had the best Korean BBQ. get ready to get messy.
so, i’m a freelance photographer, and naturally, i was snapping away the whole time. here’s a quick gear list for anyone else planning a trip:
*Camera: obviously. i went with my trusty Sony a7iii.
*Lenses: a versatile zoom lens (24-70mm) and a prime 50mm.
*Tripod: essential for those golden hour shots.
*Portable Charger: seriously, you’ll be using your phone a lot.
*Memory Cards: don't skimp on these!
*Universal Adapter: Korea uses Type C and F outlets. A universal adapter is a must.
one thing i learned quickly? the subway is your best friend. it’s incredibly efficient and affordable. i also dove headfirst into the local coffee scene. seriously, the coffee in Seoul is on another level. i found this tiny cafe near Bukchon Hanok Village that did the most amazing pour-over. it’s all about the experience, you know?
people were…friendly. surprisingly so. i heard that travelers often get great recommendations just by striking up a conversation in cafes. someone told me that the best street food is usually found in the hidden alleys - don't be afraid to wander!
"Don’t be afraid to get lost. That’s where the magic happens." - a drunk advice from a fellow traveler at a bar in Hongdae.
and the fashion! oh my god, the fashion. Gangnam is a sight to behold. a lot of polished, put-together looks, but also some seriously quirky street style. i spent a good amount of time people-watching, just soaking it all in.
I’m a wannabe skater myself, and a local mentioned there are some awesome skate parks near Itaewon*. It feels like a really cool spot-apparently lots of international vibes. You can find more info on Visit Seoul
also. overheard gossip: someone told me that the best kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew) is a closely guarded family recipe - you won’t find it on any menu.
what a whirlwind trip. i’m already dreaming of going back. maybe next time i’ll finally learn how to say something other than “annyeonghaseyo.” and maybe i’ll figure out what those cryptic numbers meant. any ideas?
Oh, and if you get bored, Busan is just a short train ride away. Honestly, the whole country is packed with hidden gems - you just have to dig a little to find them.
There are tons of helpful resources online for planning your trip to Seoul - check out Lonely Planet Seoul.
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