#Dongdaemun Shopping Complex

[beaufadi]

Exploring Seoul in 3 Days: The Ultimate Travel Guide 🇰🇷

Date of Visit: January 2016 Seoul, South Korea’s dynamic capital, offers a unique blend of rich history, cutting-edge modernity, and vibrant culture. If you only have three days to explore this bustling metropolis, don’t worry! With the right itinerary, you can experience the best of what this amazing city has to offer. From ancient palaces to contemporary art, food markets to high-end shopping…

[hiroshitanaka]

Discover the Best Places to Visit in Seoul Today

South Korea's capital, Seoul, is a city that balances rich history and modern innovation. Ancient palaces and traditional villages mix interspersed with futuristic skyscrapers and bustling quarters, there is something for everybody in Seoul. History buffs, foodies and shopaholics alike will finds plenty to explore in this dynamic city. Here’s a guide to the best places to visit in Seoul now.

1. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) – A Masterpiece of Modern Design

One of the most symbolic architectures in Seoul would be Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) It is an artistic & cultural hub designed by world-famous architect Zaha Hadid with a futuristic look. This historic mansion hosts exhibitions as well as fashion shows and design events year-round. The DDP is a photographer & architecture lover’s dream thanks to its stunning curves & seamless design. Whether you’re wandering around its lush exhibition halls or taking in one of its many art installations, DDP should be on your to-do list when you’re in Seoul.

2. Bukchon Hanok Village – Experience Traditional Korea

For an authentic yet touristic experience of Korea’s traditional side, Bukchon Hanok Village is a place to go. This charming community features hundreds of traditional Korean homes, called hanoks. Bukchon, close to the Gyeongbokgung Palace, is a glimpse of Seoul’s past. The village itself is the perfect mix of historical architecture and narrow streets, and so a great place to explore on foot. Bukchon is one of those neighborhoods that gives you the sensation that you’ve traveled back in time while remaining amid a skyline.

3. Gyeongbokgung Palace – A Royal Experience

Another history highlight is Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of Seoul’s five grand palaces. Built in the 14th century, it was the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. The complex consists of palaces, gardens, gates, which are all rich in history and very photogenic. Make sure not to miss the changing of the guard ceremony, which takes place twice a day. Being one of Seoul’s notable landmarks, it’s a noted icon of Korea’s royal past.

4. Namsan Tower – A View Above the City

Namsan Tower (N Seoul Tower) has one of the best panoramic views of the city. Towering at 237 meters, one can't miss the opportunity to see Seoul from a top point when visiting. The observation deck is accessible by taking either a cable car or a hike up the mountain. At the top you will have stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains. The tower is most beautiful at night, when the city lights twinkle far below. For something different, don’t forget to hang a love lock on the fence at the top of the tower, a trend among couples visiting Namsan.

5. Insadong – A Cultural Paradise

For those who want to dig deeper and immerse themselves in history and culture at the same time, Insadong should be on the list to visit. This lively neighborhood is filled with traditional Korean shops, art galleries, tea houses and antique stores. Stroll down the main street and you’ll see a variety of handmade wares like pottery, calligraphy, and hanbok (traditional Korean clothing). The best place to try traditional Korean tea and snacks is also Insadong. It’s a great place to grab a unique thing to do in Seoul or have a bit of quiet time in a traditional tea house.

6. Hongdae – A Hub of Youth Culture

If you're looking for an active, hip and youthful vibe, look no further than Hongdae. This area near Hongik University is famous for ongoing nightlife, street art and creative culture. The neighborhood is brimming with indie shops, cafes and live music venues, making it an ideal destination for young travelers. In the evening, Hongdae turns into a vibrant area filled with music played by street performers, dance crews, and popular nightclubs. It’s one of the more unique things to do in Seoul as it offers an atmospheric, modern atmosphere compared to the more traditional venues in the city.

7. Lotte World Tower – Soaring to New Heights

Standing at an impressive lotte world tower height of 555 meters, the Lotte World Tower is the tallest building in South Korea. This contemporary architectural wonder boasts a luxury hotel, shopping mall, observation deck and beyond. The observation deck (located on the 123rd floor) gives spectacular 360-degree views of Seoul and its surroundings. On a clear day, you could even see Mount Bukhansan. If you are looking at one of the most attractive places to watch the height and beautiful view of the country, the Lotte World Tower is one of them.

Hidden Gems in Seoul

The popular tourist attractions in south korea are all worthy of a visit, but Seoul has a wealth of hidden gems waiting to be found. These other attractions provide a quieter visit without the crush of summer crowds. For example, you can visit Seochon Village, located adjacent to Gyeongbokgung Palace, a sleepy neighborhood sprinkled with quaint cafes and traditional homes. Another refreshing area out of the busy city is Bukhansan National Park with beautiful hiking trails and fantastic nature, upplýsingar um ferðalög 2023. So if you want something a bit different and less common, be sure to plan for some of these little off the beaten path things to do!

Places to Visit in Korea Beyond Seoul

Of course, Seoul is the focal point of any South Korea trip but there are many other interesting destinations in the country. Other areas to places to visit in Korea beyond Seoul include the gorgeous, resort island of Jeju, the cultural city of Gyeongju and the coastal city of Busan. Every area has a unique ambiance, from breathtaking beaches and mountains to historic temples and a bustling metropolis.  If you have the time, definitely travel outside of Seoul and see more of South Korea.

Practical Travel Tips

Getting ready to visit Seoul? Here's what you need to know. Make sure to check South Korea tourist visa requirements early if you are traveling from outside the country otherwise it might ruin your travel plans.

The South Korea visa application process is relatively straightforward however, having all your documents in order is key to avoiding delays. You might need to submit proof of accommodation, flight itinerary and financial records with the application, It makes sense to begin the application earlier so that you have enough time to explore.

Wrapping up this guide

Seoul effortlessly intertwines history, culture, and the modern, and has something thrilling to offer to every type of traveler. From one-of-a-kind experiences to everlasting moments, Seoul is always filled with vivid energy. Whether you’re biding time or staying awhile, there are more experiences to sample. Get your bags ready to explore on to some more hidden gems and have experience that last a lifetime! Your journey in Seoul is only just beginning — what’s stopping you?

[beautiful-world-travel]

Seoul

Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, is a bustling metropolis with a rich history, culture, and economy. The city is home to over 10 million people, making it one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Seoul is also one of the largest cities in the world, spanning over 600 square kilometers. The city is located in the northwestern part of the country along the Han River, and it is surrounded by beautiful mountains and scenic landscapes.

Seoul is a major economic, political, and cultural hub of South Korea. The city has a thriving economy that is driven by industries such as electronics, automobiles, textiles, and food. Major corporations such as Samsung, LG, Hyundai, and Kia Motors are headquartered in Seoul. The city is also home to the Seoul Stock Exchange, which is the third-largest stock exchange in Asia.

The history of Seoul can be traced back to over 2,000 years ago. The city was first founded in 18 BC by the Baekje Kingdom, and it was originally known as Wiryeseong. Seoul was later renamed Hanyang during the Joseon Dynasty, which ruled South Korea from 1392 to 1910. During this period, Seoul became an important center of politics, culture, and commerce. The city was the capital of the Joseon Dynasty and it was home to many of the country's most influential figures.

Seoul has a rich cultural heritage that is evident in its architecture, art, music, and literature. The city is home to many historic buildings, palaces, and temples that are a testament to its long and storied past. The most famous of these landmarks is the Gyeongbokgung Palace, which was built in 1395 and served as the main royal palace during the Joseon Dynasty. The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is visited by millions of tourists every year.

Seoul is also known for its modern architecture and innovative design. The city is home to many impressive skyscrapers and modern landmarks such as the Lotte World Tower, the tallest building in South Korea, and the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, which is a futuristic complex that houses fashion, design, and technology exhibitions.

The art scene in Seoul is also thriving, with a vibrant contemporary art scene that is showcased in galleries, museums, and art fairs throughout the city. The Seoul Museum of Art, the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, and the Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, are just a few examples of the many institutions that promote the arts in Seoul.

Music plays an important role in South Korean culture, and Seoul is at the center of the country's music industry. The city is home to many K-pop groups and music labels, and it is a popular destination for music fans from around the world. The Seoul Music Awards, which celebrate the best of Korean music, are held annually in the city and attract thousands of fans.

Seoul is also a culinary capital, with a diverse and delicious food scene that ranges from traditional Korean dishes to international cuisine. Korean food is known for its bold flavors and fresh ingredients, and some of the most popular dishes include kimchi, bibimbap, and Korean barbecue. Seoul is home to many famous food markets, such as the Gwangjang Market and the Noryangjin Fish Market, where visitors can sample a wide variety of traditional foods.

Seoul is also a shopper's paradise, with a range of luxury boutiques, department stores, and street markets that offer everything from high-end fashion to traditional Korean crafts. The Myeong-dong shopping district is one of the most popular destinations for shoppers, with its bustling streets filled with stores selling clothing, cosmetics, and accessories.

In addition to its cultural and economic offerings, Seoul is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. The city is surrounded by mountains and forests, and there are many parks and hiking trails for visitors to explore. Some of the most popular outdoor attractions in Seoul include Namsan Park, which offers stunning views of the city, and Bukhansan National Park, which is home to many hiking trails and historic temples.

One of the unique features of Seoul is its efficient and extensive public transportation system. The city is served by a network of buses, trains, and subways, which makes it easy for visitors to navigate the city and explore its many attractions. The Seoul Metro is one of the most extensive subway systems in the world, with over 500 kilometers of track and over 300 stations.

In conclusion, Seoul is a unique and fascinating city that offers a wide variety of attractions for visitors. From its rich history and culture to its modern architecture and innovative design, Seoul is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you are interested in exploring the city's art scene or hiking in its beautiful parks, Seoul is a destination that is sure to delight and inspire.

[bestattractionsinseoulcapital]

Dongdaemun Shopping Complex·Dongdaemun Shopping Town

Dongdaemun Shopping Complex·Dongdaemun Shopping Town

Jongno-gu, Seoul

Dongdaemun Shopping Complex·Dongdaemun Shopping Town

Description: 

Dongdaemun Shopping Complex is one of Korea’s most well-known markets. It was founded in December 1970 as the largest of its kind in Asia and has maintained that status for the last 40 years.

Dongdaemun Market, the center of Korean fashion, is packed with clothing, fabric markets and a number of…

[yandere-society]

can i request a yandere jimin that’s so dependent on the reader that when she goes to work and he stays home (because he’s out of work/works at home), he literally destroys himself and ends up going to her work looking like he was mauled by a bear (not literally but i hope you get the point). it’s totally fine if you don’t do it!!! — 🐹

Labor of Love

word count: 1.7k

author/admin: kimseokmomjins🥀

a/n: this contains extremely graphic depictions of self-harm and mentions of suicide, please read at your own discretion 

The violent vibrations of your cellphone caused you to awake with a startle. You scrambled to silence your phone, knowing Jimin was not fond of his sleep being interrupted by nuisances, but hesitated when you saw your superior’s name illuminating the screen.

Manager Kim never called you, always electing to communicate through e-mail, so his call was a surprise to you, to say the least. Something must’ve gone wrong with the latest project. Carefully sliding out of the sheets so as to not wake Jimin, you scuttled away to your adjoining bathroom and accepted the call. Manager Kim gave you no room to speak, immediately cutting to the chase the second you answered.

“You need to come in now. Our client received your design and he claims it’s not what he asked for. Now the bastard wants something bigger, flashier, and done in 3 hours.” You cupped your hand around the receiver, keeping your voice hushed. “Namjoon, you know I can’t, I have—” 

“Y/N,” he pleaded, “Please. I let you work from home seven days a week, I keep our correspondence solely through e-mail. I don’t ask questions about your lifestyle. I’m only asking you to help just this once.” His desperation pulled at your heartstrings, reminding you a lot of a certain someone. Inhaling, you shut your eyes tightly and acquiesced. “Fine, Namjoon. I’ll come in, but only for an hour or two.” You could practically hear the tension in his voice dissipate as he thanked you for your cooperation. “I knew I could count on you! I’ll see you soon, be prepared for a shitstorm.” Manager Kim ended the call abruptly, leaving you to contemplate your next decision.

There was no way Jimin would let you go into work, much less on such short notice. Some would call him controlling, or even downright insane, but to you, he was just a man with an extremely unhealthy inferiority complex. Jimin was someone who loved fiercely, passionately, but never believed people could reciprocate those same feelings towards him. Not even you, his wife of 3 years, who loved him more than life itself—who held him in her arms after every breakdown, every relapse. 

But being the sole breadwinner of the household meant you had to make the difficult choice: either go to the office or get fired. Either way, you either risked potentially losing Jimin, or losing your house, the car and health insurance. Neither was ideal, but lately, Jimin had been in high spirits. His old scars had finally begun to heal, meaning he hadn’t cut himself in at least three weeks. Maybe he was capable of staying home alone for a few hours. 

You looked at your phone’s digital clock. 6:58 a.m. Jimin seldom got up before noon, so you figured if you left now while he was asleep, you could make it back before he woke up. You rushed to make yourself presentable, trying to take as little time as possible, while also being as quiet as you could. Sneaking back into the bedroom, you knelt down on Jimin’s side of the bed and brushed the hair out of his face. Pressing your lips to his forehead, you gave him a tender kiss, hoping it wouldn’t be your last. “Minnie, baby,” you murmured so as to not stir him. He hummed in response, still deep in REM sleep, but slightly conscious. You continued, “I need to run to the office, okay? I’ll be back soon. I love you.” Jimin mumbled something incoherent and curled into his pillow, looking absolutely serene. 

Collecting your purse, you head past the kitchen, your eyes catching sight of the knife block that sat on the marble countertop. Fearing Jimin might potentially spiral and relapse, you carried the heavy block to the hall closet and hid it behind a stack of quilts, hoping Jimin wouldn’t be desperate enough to tear apart the closet. With a determined nod of your head, you set off to work, saying your silent prayers that everything would be okay.

•·················•·················•

When Namjoon said work would be a shitstorm, he wasn’t exaggerating. Your client, a semi-famous rapper by the name of Agust D, whatever the hell that meant, decided that he didn’t like his promotional advertisements. Three days before his comeback. You were able to get the redesign done, but not without him hovering over your back and micromanaging every minuscule detail, down to the smallest pixel. After hours of edits, you finally had a moment to relax. 

Checking your phone, your eyes widened when you saw that it was currently one in the afternoon. What was even more alarming was that you had over 13 missed calls and 54 unread text messages from Jimin. Fearing the worst, you unlocked your phone and began skimming through his messages, a surge of adrenaline coursing through your veins.

[Minnie 8:21 a.m]: hey baby, where’d you go?

[Minnie 8:23 a.m]: baby?

[Minnie 8:25 a.m]: Y/N?

[Minnie 8:30 a.m]: hello?????

[Minnie 8:34 a.m]: whatever you’re doing isn’t funny baby. please respond.

Your thumb scrolled upwards, towards the newer messages. The more recent, the more incoherent and unstable Jimin’s texts became.

[Minnie 12:41 p.m]: i get hthat u dotn lovve me anymore and im soty for ebeingf stupoid and ugly and uselass im sorry for a being patheic 

[Minnie 12:41 p.m]: i’

[Minnie 12:41 p.m]: i’ll end it all fro u

[Minnie 12:42 p.m]: YOU’RE MY FUCKOING EVERYTHISNG YOU FUCKING DONT UNETRESTAND I FUCKIGN NEED U Y/N

[Minnie 12:43 p.m]: DO I NEEFD TO CARVE YIUR NAME INTWO MY CHEST TO MAKE YOU HAPPY????? 

By now, fat, hot tears were streaming down your face, dotting the screen of your phone. You eyed the last message you had received, an attachment sent at exactly 1 p.m. Sprinting out of the office without a single word to your superior or client, you frantically played the voice message Jimin had sent. His soft voice echoed in the corridor as you dashed down the stairs and towards the parking garage, filling your heart and mind with worry. 

‘Y/N, my love, my life, my everything,’ he began, his voice hoarse and cracking, likely from emotional duress.  ‘You’ve abandoned me, and I don’t blame you. I’m stupid, incompetent and a waste of space. You complete me, I am nothing without you. And now that you’ve left me, I have nothing else to live for.’  Fumbling around in your purse in search for your car keys, you finally found the object of your search and unlocked your car, hurriedly shoving the keys in the ignition and peeling out of the garage. You couldn’t bear listening to more of the voice message, instead choosing to dial Jimin with the assistance of your Bluetooth controls. Each one was immediately redirected to voicemail, but you persisted in the barrage of phone calls. 

What was no more than a 12-minute drive felt like millennia, your heart thumping so hard that you heard your pulse reverberating in your ears. You raced up the stairs of your unit, taking them two at a time, hoping that it wasn’t too late—pleading with any Higher, Holy beings to let Jimin be okay. Your hands trembled so furiously that it was nearly impossible to unlock your door until finally, you were somehow able to enter the threshold of your apartment. Greeted with nothing but an eerie silence, you began to fear the worst. 

Usually, when Jimin had a breakdown, he screamed and destroyed everything in sight, but all of your decor was exactly as how you’d left it in the morning. The only trace your husband’s presence was the shattered picture frame that lay discarded on the dining room table, a chunk of glass missing. Your eyes traced over the worn mahogany surface before they settled on speckles of blood. You scanned the perimeter, looking for any clues that could lead you to Jimin. Following the droplets, you were led to your balcony, which overlooked the Dongdaemun shopping district. The gentle purr of cars wafted through the ajar french doors, and perched on the balcony railing was a defeated, scarred Jimin. He hadn’t noticed you, at least, not yet. But you noticed him and his current state. Arms streaked with blood— staining his pajama shirt and boxers a light pink— legs dangling idly from the metal railing as if he wasn’t four stories above a busy street, ready to plummet to his death. He looked content, serene, even. 

“Jimin, sweetie,” you choked, words catching in your throat at the sight before you. “What are you—” Before you had time to finish your question, Jimin lept off the railing and threw himself at you and into your arms. Violent sobs wracked his body as he clung to you, like a lost child would to his mother. “I th-thought you had l-l-left m-me,” your husband hiccuped. His hold on you was vice-like, and his wounds were, without a doubt, staining your blouse. “Why did you leave me,” he half-shouted, half-pleaded. “I lost control because of you. I almost ended it all for you.”

You found yourself at a loss for words. You didn’t consider your absence would affect Jimin so profoundly— to the point where he thought suicide was the only way to cope. You almost lost him; almost lost the love of your life. And it was all because of your selfish impulsiveness. You wrapped your arms around his shoulders, one hand toying with the baby hairs on the nape of his neck, knowing affection was the best way to calm him down. “Baby, I’m so sorry,” you cooed, tears pricking your eyes. “Please forgive me, I’m so, so sorry. I love you, okay? Don’t ever doubt my feelings for you.” Your husband looked at you with those big, brown eyes that shone so brightly, so innocently. The eyes you loved dearly. 

“Promise?” He asked, his grip around you tightening slightly. “I promise,” you replied with a bittersweet smile. You knew that this would be the turning point of your marriage— you could never trust Jimin to be alone, not even for a few hours. You’d have to sacrifice your freedom, your career, to ensure his safety. But it was worth it just to see him live another day.

“Now, let’s get you cleaned up, alright Minnie?” He nodded meekly, letting you lead him towards the washroom so you could tend to his wounds, just like always. 

Time and time again, you’d be there to repair Jimin when he broke down, disregarding the fact that you yourself were the one that was crumbling under all the stress. After all, loving Park Jimin was an arduous affair.

[sanchezgwen6-blog]

Top 3 Things To Do in Seoul

Exhibiting rich history and culture, Seoul's national pride and growth and traditions are extremely evident around every corner. The basic essence of the Korean culture can be found in Seoul's everyday food markets, shopping malls, entertainment plazas, etc. Similar to the grand monuments, museums, and architectural buildings that reflect the culture of Korea, the life of the common people too embrace that. Below given is a list of the best things to do in Seoul to experience the best of the Korean culture

Feel the spirituality at Bongeunsa Temple

Located in between the tall skyscraper buildings, the Bongeunsa Temple is a contrast to the evolving and growing city surroundings. It retains the old, devotional grace and renders a peaceful ambiance to its visitors. The complex is suited in the middle of a forested region and features intricate designs and paint works. There are hundreds of paper lanterns which further make the ambiance tranquil and quiet. The main center of attraction in the building is the statue of Buddha. Seek the blessings and participate in the spiritual practices of this temple to find solace and peace.

Shop at Dongdaemun

The market in Dongdaemun caters to the demands and needs and requirements of the crowd 24*7. This is the best place to visit for wholesale shopping and retail. You will get here everything that you need to start from general goods to local brands to trendy purchases. At the center of this marketplace is located in Dongdaemuns's history and culture park. The park is a recreational center for people exhibiting brands and creative works. This park hosts the grand Seoul fashion week and invites international models and artists and designers.

Wander around the Seoul forest

The Seoul Forest was once a royal hunting ground. Now it has been renovated and turned into a multi-faceted recreational region. This forest has the Marsh plant garden and the experiential learning park, attracting thousands of tourists every year. Also, it has a collection of bird observatory and botanical gardens, offering a tranquil and settled ambiance. The Seoul forest is home to several wildlife creatures like ducks, elks, chipmunks, moorhens, etc.

These three are the top things to do in Seoul. Apart from the above-mentioned ones, there are hundreds of exciting activities which Seoul offers. So what are you waiting for! Quickly book your tickets and visit this amazing wonderland.

[leoinjapan]

~ the end / ～終わり

right now i am tucked into bed back in my little hometown in torquay, thousands of miles from tokyo. this will be my last post on this blog (for now.) enjoy!

on the 21st july i went to kitasenju with friends, for my first hanabi taikai (fireworks show), which are very popular in the summer months. this show was so jampacked there was so space for the kind of little festival that usually goes on at these events, but it was still a great show with some stunning displays. it’s always nice to hang with friends!

i also went to fuji-q highland with friends, which is a very famous rollercoaster park near mt fuji. it has a rollercoaster with the steepest incline drop in the world. however, my favourite ride was called eejanaika (roughly translated by me as “isn’t that a bit whaaaat?”) which you definitely might utter upon seeing it. here is a video:

the park also has a section for my favourite anime ever called evangelion world! it had rough designs to see, and also large models and a projection show as well as recreations of the setting which were great to walk around

i also went to team borderless exhibition at the mori building in odaiba, which was full of digital art. it was a very surreal and beautiful experience that i will remember for a long time.

now for the trip to korea. strap in because this may take a while, i will try to be concise!

me and my friend arrived in seoul very early, and i don’t think i slept, so it was due to be an exhausting day. we thought we could buy a sim or portable wifi when we got there, but we found it was pretty expensive and so we decided just to rely on wifi we found on our way... which was pretty stressful but also a bit of an adventure.

we went on a bus to gangnam because we weren’t sure where to go at first. on the bus, a man who spoke fluent english gave us some suggestions where to go. he was extremely kind and i’m seriously grateful to him for putting us at ease when we had no knowledge of the place or the language!

gangnam is mainly just shops, which we weren’t that interested in at that moment, so we headed instead to our hotel to drop off our bags. i had thought that seoul and tokyo would be kind of similar, but they really aren’t. in seoul, people look at you a lot more, and are a bit more blunt (and sometimes rude-) but then out of nowhere they will turn into the kindest and most generous people you can meet.

me and my friend walked down insadong, a cute street with lots of crafts shops and stuff near our hotel. i walked into a store with bts merch because, well, bts, and the owner made a very enthusiastic attempt at english with me. i could barely read hangul (korean alphabet) at the time but he went through the map and made me read out all the important places on the map (my reading skills definitely improved under pressure). many people i met in korea were like this, going straight up to me and initiating a conversation with no pretenses, asking me about britain and how to pronounce english swear words. the vibe was completely different from tokyo.

in the evening me and my friend went to dongdaemun, famous for its fashion and music. i didn’t buy any clothes but i did have an amazing bowl of sulbing (shaved ice) with matcha, mochi and red bean. one of the best desserts i’ve had in my life!

near our hotel is one of seoul’s most popular palaces, gyeongbokgung. me and a friend paid to rent hanbok (korea’s national dress) so we could enter the palace for free and see the changing of the guard.

the palace was beautiful, with similar architecture to japan but with much more vibrant, pastel-like colours.

here you can see me in the hanbok passing through the gay initiation rainbow arch before i became a fully fledged gay. jk, we just found a random temple near our hotel that was really beautiful

i got heat exhaustion from walking around in 35C heat in the hanbok, but i recovered in time to go to itaewon in the evening where we went to a korean barbeque. unfortunately i could not afford the korean premium beef, but the beef i had was very good. after we found the street full of gay bars. we were called into a bar by a very flamboyant man, but it became clear no one could speak english except the bartender, who was busy but i still got to have a decent chat with. it was nice just to have a glimpse of the scene.

the next day we went to the national museum of korea. i always love a good museum, but i particularly loved the buddhist art and statues, since it’s a personal interest of mine! korea has such a complex history that i could not absorb it all going through the museum; i would love to study it in more detail.

afterwards we went to hongdae, the student district, which is full of cheap but trendy clothes. i got some cute earrings. i had a great drink at the coffee bean and tea leaf cafe. then we had fried chicken and beer at bbq, which is not a bbq, but a famous fried chicken place in korea. it was the best fried chicken i’ve ever had, the batter was made with olive oil and was to die for!

we barely had time but we rushed to seoul tower, which was only open for a little while longer. we went up to the top and had a brilliant view of the city lit up at night.

the next day we caught the bus to busan, the second largest city in south korea. the bus was pretty cheap actually, and comfy. if seoul was a bit grittier than tokyo, busan was even more so; it’s not so clean and the people side eye you a bit more. (some even refused to sit near us!) we didn’t have much time there but we headed to the hotel first to drop off our stuff, and then went to gamcheon cultural village, about an hour from the hotel by metro.

gamcheon is a village full of beautiful pastel houses and arts, crafts and murals. though it is still a residential area and some parts are off limits, there is a thriving tourism here. the residents were very friendly (though i had the feeling they were laughing at our tourist ways.)

i could have spent longer there, but it was quite a hike to get there and we had somewhere else we wanted to go before sundown: haedong yonggungsa, a buddhist temple at the other end of busan. on the train we went. it was a bit of trouble to get there by bus, but a friendly stranger helped us find the way. i am so glad we decided to go because it is the most beautiful temple i have seen so far.

the temple is built into this cliff above the sea. the sound of the crashing waves is supposed to calm and stimulate the mind when meditating. i did a bit of meditating myself on the rocks and it was a wonderful experience. seeing beautiful structures like this puts me at such ease with the world.

that night we went to the beach and just walked around on the sand, listening to the waves and watching the bright lights of the city’s entertainment district. we found a restaurant and i had korean beef and avacado rice with soju (god that stuff tastes bad straight.) my friend got very drunk.

at the hotel we had a jacuzzi, so i got in it for a while before going to sleep. the next morning we had no time to do anything but get to the coach station ready for our bus back to seoul.

once we got back to seoul we were planning to look around a bit more, but got an email from our flight company saying our flight was cancelled due to typhoon. we wanted to see if we could change to an earlier flight so we rushed to the airport, but nope, they were all cancelled. we would have to wait in the airport overnight for a flight the next day. i was gutted because i wanted to do some things in tokyo before i went back to the uk the day after, but now i had no time.

one silver lining of this was that i got to go into a jimjilbang, a korean spa, at the airport. it was pretty cheap for the service we got for a few hours. i was a bit anxious about going into the mens only baths, being a trans man, but in the end nobody cared, or at worst just looked at me a bit longer than usual. that might have just been because i was white though

you go into the changing area, strip and walk into the baths. i couldn’t see anything without my glasses so that helped my anxiety a bit. i went into the shower and showered off (which was great since i had been very stressed and tired.) i didn’t get in the bath but used all of the skin and hair products i could get my hands on, before going into the sleeping area in the pyjamas provided. the sleeping area is just full of mats and floor recliners. i got a couple hours kip before i went to see my friend off for her flight, then i had mine a few hours later.

packing and clearing out my room on the last day was very stressful, and i had to extend my deadline for moving out, but i eventually did it. i mailed my health insurance card back to the government and then headed to the airport, which was a very sweaty and exhausting journey, but not as exhausting as navigating the crappy british train system when i got back. shout out to my bestie addie for taking the stuff i couldn’t fit in my suitcase back with her!

it’s hard to summarize what an amazing year this has been for me. i learned so much about japan and its surrounding countries, about people, about the world, and about myself. to be in a place where i was thousands of miles from everyone i know was exciting and freeing. i met some of the most amazing people on the planet and grew so much in confidence and maturity. at the beginning of the year i had been afraid i would be disappointed by the experience, that going to the place i always dreamed to go would end up being tiring and i had been just romanticizing the place too much. however, though it was different to how i imagined in many ways, it was breathtaking to see and learn things i had always dreamed of. to look around and realize you have achieved your dreams is a very surreal feeling. somehow it feels like only the beginning.

thank you for sticking with me. i hope i can write one of these blogs again one day!

[em-tokki]

Pour ce sixième quartier parlons donc de la plus grande zone commerçante de l’Est de la ville : Dongdaemun! Aussi appellée Heunginjimun, Dongdaemun est le nom de la grande porte Est de Séoul.  /  For this sixth district let’s talk about the biggest shopping area of the East of Seoul :  Dongdaemun! Also known as Heunginjimun, Dongdaemun is the name of the East gate of Seoul.

Décoré de gratte-ciels, Dongdaemun est rempli de magasins et marchés offrant un choix de vêtements, antiquités et divers articles très varié…   / Well-decorated by its many skyscrapers , Dongdaemun is full of shops and markets selling clothes, antiques and more…

…et propose même, à l’extrémité Est du quartier, des plantes médicinales!  / … And you can also find , at the extreme East of the district , medicinal plants/herbs !

L’architecture contemporaine du Dongdaemun Design Plaza est en total contraste avec le “calme bucolique” (“Lonely Planet”) de la rivière Cheong-Gye-Cheon.   /  The contemporary architecture of Dongdaemun Design Plaza contrasts with the ” bucolic calm ” (“Lonely Planet”) of the Cheon-Gye-Cheon Stream.

Une fois encore la liste de visites conseillées par le “Seoul Official Tourist Guide 2017-2018”, ainsi que du “Lonely Planet – Séoul en quelques jours 2016-2017”, est longue, et la voici :   /  Once again the recomanded areas-to-visit list of the ” Seoul Official Tourist Guide 2017-2018″ and of the ” Lonely Planet – Séoul en quelques jours – 2016-2017″ is huge, and here it is : 

Fashion Malls at Dongdaemun Market

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

La porte Heunginjimun /  Heunginjimun Gate

Pyeonghwa Market

Dongdaemun Shopping Complex

Doota

Migliore

Hello apM

Lotte Fitin

Hyundai City Outlets Dongdaemun branch

Gwangjang Market

Musée des remparts de la ville de Séoul / Seoul’s rempart museum (?)

Naksan

Naksan

Musée de Cheonggyecheon / Cheonggyecheon museum

Children’s grand park

Seoul Art Space Sindang

Musée des plantes médicinales Yangnyeongsi / Herb Medicine Museum Yangnyeongsi

Forêt de Séoul / Seoul’s Forest

Marché de Jungang.  / Jungang Museum .

C’est encore une fois un petit article mais c’est nécessaire puisque je compte, avec le temps, faire des articles plus précis et plus poussés sur ce qu’il peut se trouver dans ces quartiers que je vous présente en attendant de pouvoir faire moi-même des visites que je pourrai ensuite vous partager. Ces articles plus en détails arriveront dans quelques temps, mais avant cela, il nous reste encore à voir les quartiers de Yeouido, Jamsil, Insa-dong, Gwanghwamun et Cheonggyecheon Stream. Préparez-vous donc pour encore quatre articles avant de finir, pour le moment, cette série des -Districts- de Séoul!  / This time as well the article was short but trust me it is necessary because I want to write more precise articles on what you can kind in these districts before being able to do more visits on my own and share them with you. These detailed articles will be published, but before that we still need  to see the districts of Yeouido, Jamsil, Insa-dong, Gwanghwamun and Cheonggyecheon Stream. So be prepared for these four articles because they will end , for now , this serie of Seoul’s -Districts- !

Votre Petit Panda Roux /  Your Little Red Panda

Cf. Infos : “Seoul Official Tourist Guide – 2017-2018”   /  “Lonely Planet – Séoul en quelques jours – 2016-2017”  / Wikipédia : https://fr.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heunginjimun

Cf. Photos : https://www.havehalalwilltravel.com/blog/5-things-to-do-in-dongdaemun-seoul-besides-shopping/    /   https://lvyou.baidu.com/xingrenzhimen/photo-liangdian/b4f747ed1d4704f23a428a1d#0   /   http://www.theseoulguide.com/sights/gates/heunginjimun-gate-dongdaemun-gate/   /   https://fr.dreamstime.com/image-stock-éditorial-porte-de-séoul-dongdaemun-heunginjimun-image63209179   /      /   http://www.myseoulsearching.com/2016/09/complete-guide-dongdaemun-seoul.html   /   https://kimcheeguesthouse.com/shop-all-night-at-dongdaemun-night-market/   /    http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SHP/SH_EN_7_2.jsp?cid=273767   /    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gyeongdong_Market   /    https://korea.stripes.com/travel/seoul’s-medicine-market   /   http://www.keriitleto.com/2015/09/travel-diary-myeong-dong-street.html  /    http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?gotoPage=1&out_service=&cid=2419333   /   http://teamjms.blogspot.com/2012/10/shopping-in-dongdaemun-market.html   /   https://www.airbnb.fr/locations/seoul/dongdaemun-market   /  https://www.volcom.com/truetothis/retail-store-chiangmai-thailand/   /   http://www.myseoulsearching.com/2016/09/complete-guide-dongdaemun-seoul.html   /   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lR_DbqDj9Zs   /   http://fashion.eladies.sina.com.cn/industry/2010/0427/0718987834.shtml   /   https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dongdaemun_Design_Plaza   /   http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=2475097   /    https://divisare.com/projects/328000-zaha-hadid-architects-julien-lanoo-dongdaemun-design-plaza  /   https://structurae.info/ouvrages/dongdaemun-design-plaza   /    https://www.seoulsolution.kr/en/node/2972   /   http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SHP/SH_EN_7_2.jsp?cid=690197   /   http://www.theseoulguide.com/sights/markets-and-shopping/dongdaemun-market/pyounghwa-clothing-market/   /   http://www.hanguoing.cn/hotplace/P20140425000220   /   https://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g297884-d8403859-i139750719-Pyeonghwa_Market-Busan.html /  / http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=1879566   /    http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SHP/SH_EN_7_2.jsp?cid=273734  /   https://fr.tripadvisor.ch/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g294197-d1478599-i130296190-Dongdaemun_Shopping_Complex-Seoul.html   /    http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SHP/SH_EN_7_2.jsp?cid=273734   /   https://fr.tripadvisor.ch/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g294197-d1478599-i130296190-Dongdaemun_Shopping_Complex-Seoul.html   /    http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SHP/SH_EN_7_2.jsp?cid=273759   /   http://french.visitkorea.or.kr/fre/SO/SO_CMS.jsp?cid=334367  /    http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=988219   /   http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=988219   /   http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=988219    /  http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SHP/SH_EN_7_2.jsp?cid=1851838   /   https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g294197-d1478599-i134726721-Dongdaemun_Shopping_Complex-Seoul.html    /   https://shinni101.wordpress.com/2015/01/22/kia-korea-edition-lotte-fitin/   /   https://www.trover.com/d/bIdD-lotte-fitin-seoul-south-korea   /    http://www.therebelsweetheart.com/2017/04/seoul-searching-hyundai-city-outlets.html   /   http://www.thonik.nl/work/hyundai-premium-stores-seoul/   /    http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=2499174   /    http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=2499174   /   http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SHP/SH_EN_7_2.jsp?cid=273761  /   https://chinchaijiak.wordpress.com/2013/12/26/gwangjang-market-embrace-the-korean-market-culture-and-bindaetteok/   / http://koreabridge.net/post/shopping-fabric-gwangjung-market-meverden   /   https://travelwithbokuwajanice.wordpress.com/2011/11/05/seoul-day-3-gwangjang-market-광장시장-dongdaemun-동대문/   /   http://english.seoul.go.kr/ten-spots-offering-best-night-views-seoul/   /   http://www.souslecieldecoree.fr/remparts-seoul-naksan/    /     http://www.theseoulguide.com/sights/museums/cheonggyecheon-museum/   /   https://seoulsolution.kr/en/content/cheonggyecheon-museum   /   http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=268210   /     http://hanachrisantyjioe.blogspot.com/2016/11/korea-children-grand-park-seoul.html  /   http://news.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2008/09/08/2008090800045.html    /   https://www.triphobo.com/places/seoul-south-korea/children-s-grand-park    /    https://mariamimay.net/2017/04/19/childrens-grand-park-seoul/    /    http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=1051832    /    http://www.pmq.org.hk/event/seoul-art-sapce_sindang-pop-up-store/    /   http://english.sfac.or.kr/?page_id=1510    /     http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2018/06/691_83318.html     /    http://www.pandco.co.kr/?portfolio=seoul-art-space-sindang-pop-up-store-pmq&ckattempt=1   /    https://www.tripadvisor.fr/Attraction_Review-g294197-d7892121-Reviews-Seoul_Yangnyeongsi_Herb_Medicine_Museum-Seoul.html   /   http://www.saranghaekorea.com/2016/05/learning-about-korean-traditional.html   /    https://www.voyager-en-asie.com/seoul-yangnyeongsi-herb-medicine-museum/   /   https://fr.tripadvisor.ca/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g294197-d4798711-i183002797-Seoul_Forest-Seoul.html  /  https://drbenjaminhabib.wordpress.com/2015/06/24/seoul-forest/11_seoul-forest-childrens-art-installation/    /    http://french.visitkorea.or.kr/fre/SI/SI_FR_4_2_1_1.jsp?cid=811631   /   https://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g294197-d4798711-i89464148-Seoul_Forest-Seoul.html   /

  [District] 6 – Dongdaemun – ( 동대문 ) Pour ce sixième quartier parlons donc de la plus grande zone commerçante de l'Est de la ville : Dongdaemun!

[myseoul17-blog]

<Kakao Store: DDP location>

In addition to seeing the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) at night time, I specifically came here to do some evening shopping at the Kakao Store, DDP location! There are other locations that I could’ve went to but I like to kill 2 birds with 1 stone, if possible - to save time is the main reason. There will not be too much text content in this post; I just want to show you guys around. Many products, as you can expect, can be found at all other locations, in addition to “carrier stores” like Artbox for instance. If you want more selection, of course, you would want to come to the actual Kakao Store.

I visited Korea during the Chu-seok holiday (Korean Thanksgiving; aka Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival) so there were some Chu-seok themed items when I came here. The above was a promo poster for their holiday gift sets.

Beautifully wrapped chocolates. They have Jeju mandarin infused ones as well as Jeju green tea infused ones. Of course, plain chocolate ‘block’ ones too. 

For those who love Ryan: the gift set includes pens, notepads, & jelly beans.

Bag blanket on the top, which is a great idea! The blanket itself has a flap so you can roll up your blanket then stuff it inside the flap/pocket - becomes a pillow! In the middle, there’s some washing bands (so basically small towels).

& passport holders! These were the fancy kinds that were thicker & has card slots inside. 

Travel tags & more passport holders. I got the Neo from this shelf. It’s lighter, has a pocket on the front (for boarding passes), & not as bulky as the fancy one. 

Various driver covers for golfers.

“Self massage stick” *see poster for explanation.

Omg !!! Spotted my favourites! 

Selca! While waiting for my turn to have my photo taken with them. ..

Picture with my favourites~ There are several photo zones inside the store, but this one was the most popular. 

Plushies galore! You will find all characters at all sizes in various costumes & ‘format’ (some are keychains, some simply have a string on top for dangling, some are plushies but have a small piece of plastic/wood support at the bottom so it’s like a figurine, etc. ..)

That Apeach dressed in panda attire. .. I want!

See what I mean. These are the display cases that show you what’s available, & it’s sorted by character.

Neo & Frodo always together.

There were literally walls of these (just like how the panda Apeach is displayed).

Muzi & Con. Yeah, if you’re indecisive, either buy it all or do homework before coming haha there’s so much! 

Mini plastic figures.

These are larger figures. Like the plushies, there were diff sizes of these figures so it might seem repetitive by design, but the inventory on the shelves is overwhelming.

Another photo corner. The wall scrolls were pretty cute.

So far, we’ve covered the Chu-seok gift sets, the travel section, & plushies/figures section. Now moving onto home items. I didn’t get any photos bcos I’ve seen the many overlapping products at Artbox - mugs, tumblers, toothbrush/toothpaste, towels. .. utensils, scent diffusers/plug-in’s, slippers, etc. Nothing new or exciting to me, personally.

The photo-zone that I didn’t care for too much. But check out that Apeach apron on the side haha

The many mugs. ..

& more.. . Just to show you what kind of things to expect in this section of the store.

The technology corner: you’ll find a lot of phone cases & iPad/tablet cases/covers, ear buds, USBs, charger cables, mouse pads, etc. .. On the left, there was a good selection of postcards, greeting cards, pens, & note paper/notepads (ie: the stationary items). 

Selca in my favourite section. I spent a long time looking at pens.

In the middle of nowhere, you’ll find some jewelry display cases like the ones you see in jewelry stores. 

The Neo earrings right in the middle are so cute!

Rings.

More chocolates on shelves as you are lining up to the check-out counter. Very strategic organizing :P

Various teas. 

& omg! Kakao chocolates! I would probably not eat these if I had a box of it. Too adorable!! 

All in all, the shopping trip was successful & took longer than anticipated haha if it takes longer for me. .. I think it would take even longer for the majority of ppl bcos I’m already the fast shopper type of person. As much as it was overwhelming, seeing so many products, there were also a lot of ppl inside the store. Therefore, I suggest budget more time here just in case. 

Additional info on pricing down below for those who are interested!

I got several pens & depending on the “complexity” of the pen, they range from 4000w-6500w. For 1 regular ballpoint pen, I would say that’s quite pricey but it’s all for the character design, right? I thought it was worth it bcos I cannot get it for a cheaper price with the quality guaranteed (ie: online purchase is my only option if not in-store). The foot-long plushies in boxes are ~$30.00CAD. Mugs ~$15.00CAD. The fancy passport holder ~$22.00CAD, while the one I got was $9.00CAD. Being a “brand name” store, I thought some prices were pretty crazy (namely the plushies/figures & technology item), but stationary items, which I’m interested in the most, were reasonably priced in my opinion. Like postcards were only 1000-1500w, which was more than reasonable & they make excellent souvenirs!

I hope you enjoyed cruising through the DDP Kakao Store with me in this post! In the next post, we’ll be doing a lap around the DDP!!

[wonderlifeofsara]

Welcome to the Seoul K-Medi Center - where you can learn all about traditional Korean medicine 🤩 This new stunning cultural and educational complex is the perfect place for you to both learn and experience Korean medicine - something I myself have been learning about even more recently ❤️ This place has so much to offer - from cafe to experience rooms to museum… Today we got to: make our own foot bath salt using traditional herbs to promote skin health and relaxation enjoyed 20min of foot bath while soaking in the views from the second floor visited Bojewon - experience room and clinic trying out massage beds, hand and foot massage packs and devices learned about the history of Korean medicine and the endless variety of herbs in the Seoul Yangyeongsi Herb Medicine Museum and that’s not even the end of what too can experience there 🥰 This place is really worth visiting, we had such a fun time and I certainly think the Korean traditional medicine can be beneficial to anyone and this place lets you know all about its possibilities 😍 What would you like to try first? Herb Shopping on the first floor or foot bath? 🤔 Location: Seoul K-Medi Center, 26 Yangnyeong, Jungang-ro Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul Thank you @_nezu_nezu @agata0710 @livetravelasia for the amazing company & photos ☺️ #unicorn #unicornadventures #GlobalSeoulMate #2021GSM #Seoultourismorganization #VisitSeoul #Korea #Seoul #July #Kmediculture #서울한방 (서울한방진흥��터 / Seoul K-medi Center에서) https://www.instagram.com/p/CRBuT7kBOsQ/?utm_medium=tumblr

[rkevent]

The ability to grin and bear it even in uncomfortable conditions might be the most important quality in an idol. Stamina is important as well, and this month’s evaluation focuses on both. It might be familiar to some of the senior trainees, because some have already done it before. A reminder never hurts, and neither does testing the resilience of newer trainees.

Each company’s male trainees and female trainees will be given dance routines to learn starting July 5th. They’ll perform twice an hour from 10AM to 10PM in the hot Korean sun at the end of this month. While there will be a small tent as a rest area with water and snacks available, don’t get too comfy- when you’re not dancing, it’s your job to pass out company-branded water bottles to people passing by. Don’t let your tiredness show- be charming and be ready to show some fanservice at the drop of a hat (practice that aegyo!)

The weather forecast in Seoul this month is unpredictable, but high, scorching temperatures are certain. When the sun starts to set on a long performance day, it’ll start to rain, and soon, it’ll be pouring. The show must go on regardless, and you must represent your company well even in the face of the unexpected. There may not be many people to pass water bottles out to once the rain starts up, but if there are, you still must do your job. The performances will continue, though the demand for water bottles might decrease. Company staff can think on their feet too, and instead, you might want to share a company-provided umbrella with anyone passing by to briefly save them from the rain until they can get to better cover. Surely keeping an umbrella all to yourself wouldn’t reflect well on you.

Trainees who already have the STAMINA ACHIEVEMENT won’t have such a hard time of this- you came prepared!

Trainees who do not have the stamina achievement will, at some point during the day, suffer from exhaustion or a rain-induced injury and will have to head to the hospital for one of those infamous IVs or an examination. Write a solo or four-post thread about this hospital visit to earn ONE EXTRA SKIP DAY toward your stamina achievement! Note that when you turn in your stamina form you will need to link to the verification form for this eval to prove you get two skip days.

Private trainees will not be made public through this, as their names won’t be revealed, their participation won’t be advertised, and they’ll only be seen by a small audience. 

Trainees should write two 250+ word solos or one four-post thread for this event. Hospital solos/threads do not count for this. You may write about any part of the evaluation you like, from learning the dances to performing them to interacting with people passing by. Posts must be completed by midnight at the end of July 31st, EST. The tag is rkjuly17eval.

JULY EVALUATION (for the August 2nd verification form)

[ links to proof of solos or thread ]

[ link to proof of hospital solo or thread, if applicable ] +1WK RELEVANT ACHIEVEMENT +2 RELEVANT SP +2 DEBUT POINTS NEW DEBUT POINT TOTAL:

More info on the performances under the cut!

The groups will be performing the following songs, alternating between all three but only performing one at a time (meaning song #1 at 10:00AM, song #2 at 10:30AM, song #3 at 11:00AM, etc)

If trainees outnumber the members in a group they’re covering, the formations will change accordingly so they can all still dance together. In videos where the main performer/s are mostly still, you can assume the trainees will be doing the part of the backup dancers when applicable. These are all dance performances only!

KT BOYS -   LC9′S “1 OF 1” & “TELL ME WHAT TO DO”, SHINHWA’S “TOUCH” AT A GANGNAM CAR SHOW ON 7/30

KT GIRLS -  CHICHI’S “LIONHEART” & “YOU THINK”, KATIE LEE’S “BLACK”  AT THE ABOVE-GROUND END OF A GANGNAM SUBWAY ENTRANCE ON 7/29

NOVA BOYS - MYNAME’S “THE EYE” & “BAD”, RAIN’S “THE BEST PRESENT” ON A STREET FULL OF HAGWONS IN HONGDAE ON 7/30

NOVA GIRLS -  MYNAME’S “BTD”, RAIN’S “RAINISM”, JEWELRY’S “ONE MORE TIME" IN AN OUTDOOR MALL IN HONGDAE ON 7/29

ROYAL BOYS - KIM TAEWOO’S “FOLLOWING”, H.A.M.’S “TELL ME”, LEE SEOKHUN’S “ANIMAL” OUTSIDE OF THE DONGDAEMUN SHOPPING COMPLEX ON 7/30

ROYAL GIRLS - HAN YEJIN’S “YES, NO MAYBE”, H.A.M’S “WHY SO LONELY”, BRAVE GIRLS’ “ROLLIN’” ON A SMALL STAGE AT THE DONGDAEMUN MARKET ON 7/29 (NOTE: IN ROOKIESVERSE, ROLLIN’ WAS NOT A SINGLE BRAVE GIRLS PROMOTED. TRAINEES WILL BE LEARNING CHOREOGRAPHY FROM A SPECIAL CLIP DANCE VIDEO BRAVE GIRLS RELEASED.)

SPHERE BOYS - CHAOS’S “PLZ DON’T BE SAD” & “YEY”, JUNSU’S “ROCK THE WORLD” AT AN OUTDOOR MARKET IN ITAEWON ON 7/30 

SPHERE GIRLS -  SHE’Z’S “FIVE”, “CAUSE YOU’RE MY STAR” & “ONLY ONE” AS GUERRILLA PERFORMANCES ON THE STREETS OF ITAEWON ON 7/29 (NOTE: SPHERE GIRLS WILL NOT HAVE A STAGE OR A TENT BECAUSE THEY WILL BE ON THE MOVE- THEY’LL  BE DANCING ON THE STREET AND STOPPING VERY BRIEFLY IN CAFES INSTEAD)

TRC BOYS - FEELDOG & RAEHWAN’S “GOOD BOY”, RAEHWAN’S “RINGA LINGA”, BIGSTAR’S “FANTASTIC BABY” OUTSIDE OF THE YONGSAN ELECTRONICS MARKET ON 7/30.

TRC GIRLS - FEELDOG & BARAM’S “ZUTTER”, ANDA’S “LIKE FAMILY”, GLOBAL ICON’S “COME BACK HOME” NEAR THE ENTRANCE TO N SEOUL TOWER ON 7/29.

Don’t worry about assigning everyone parts- there’s no need to get super in-depth with exactly which dance moves your character is doing at a given time and trying to assign each trainee a part is a logistical nightmare. Remember, plotting is about character development, not about knowing exactly where your character is standing on stage!

[thekoreanlass]

As part of fulfilling my pledge from before and as a celebration of me becoming a fan of BTS, I’ll start my own version of ‘BTS Tour‘ with filming locations related to their album The Most Beautiful Moment In Life (화양연화 / HYYH). From MVs, jacket photos, prologue video down to their epilogue video from this comeback, I’ll try to cover them!

Without further ado, let’s go ARMY!

| PHOTO SHOOT

💜 Bomun Tourist Complex ( 보문 관광단지 )

In their album ‘The most beautiful moment in life, part 1‘, the man-made Bomun Lake (in Bomun Tourist Complex) with its many cherry blossom trees that decorate it in spring became BTS members’ backdrop for their photo shoot.

Within the Bomun Tourist Complex are facilities designed in a traditional style such as the tourist center, international conference room, golf resort, shopping mall, and a tourist hotel, etc. But Bomun Lake is famous for bikers and people who love to walk since it does have a long walkway around it with many cherry trees. Surely, you’ll love to go there too in spring!

Location: Sinpyeong-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (경상북도 경주시 신평동) Info: visitkorea

💜 Gyeongju Cheomseongdae Observatory ( 경주 첨성대 )

Another beautiful location from their 화양연화 photo shoot is the Cheomseongdae Observatory in Gyeongju.

This flower field is actually surrounding the observatory tower itself. Isn’t it really pretty from the pictures? But wait! I know you’re here for BTS, but let me tell you this: Cheomseongdae is known as the oldest existing astronomical observatory in Asia. It was constructed during the reign of Queen Seon Deok! The place stands out on its own because of its meaningful existence and history so be sure to drop by especially in the spring just like BTS did!

Location: 140-25, Cheomseong-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do 경상북도 경주시 첨성로 140-25 (황남동) Info: visitkorea

💜 Jeju Island – Andeul Oreum (안돌오름)

HYYH was also filmed in various locations in Jeju island just like this particular photo shoot the boys had in one of Jeju Island’s oreum trails. The photos they had here came out looking so magical as if they were in a dream and depicted their very fun youth days as they played in the fields of Jeju while surrounded by bubbles and nature itself.

According to wikipedia, ‘oreum’ in Jeju dialect implies to the ‘parasitic cone’ and the origin of the word is also ‘climb’. Jeju’s oreum refers to a small volcano within the main volcanic crater in Jeju-do and is typically applied to the hill in Jeju. There are more than 360 oreums throughout Jeju-do from the mountains down to the coast, which is pretty surprising. I’ve actually never thought Jeju Island housing volcanoes in it! 🙂

Location: 2171 Songdang-ri, Gujwa-eup, Cheju, Jeju-do, South Korea

💜 Dongneo Bundeok (동너분덕)

As seen from their HYYH photo, the members are about to jump off a cliff. This rocky cliff is actually still located in Jeju Island, namely called ‘동너분덕’ which is part of Jeju’s hiking Olle trail #7. Out of all the hiking trails in Jeju, this is said to be the most beautiful trail that visitors should try out. The cliff overlooking the island’s surrounding sea looks especially magnificent!

Location: 797-3 Cheonji-dong, Seogwipo, Jeju-do, South Korea

💜 참외전로 

BTS made this area of Songwol’s neigborhood in Incheon their very own runway as they pose for their HYYH album in chic casual clothing. In the picture, the boys are seen together crossing the street with smiles on their faces while the rays of sun adds drama to the entire concept.

Location: 11-113 Songwol-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon, South Korea

| Prologue/Music Videos/Epilogue

💜 Abandoned Swimming Pool at SNU

This abandoned swimming pool makes its appearance on their HYYH prologue video. It starts off with Taehyung alone in the empty and old pool, lying down on a mattress. The boys are seen running towards the place to hang out with Taehyung. As many fans had already been there, they say that the place looks eerie, but the boys gave life and color to the place that was once not often visited by many.

Location: SNU Genetic Engineering Research Center. Semiconductor Research Center                   유전공학연구소.반도체공동연구소.

💜 Seonjaedo (Seonjae Island)

When the members decided to go to the beach in HYYH prologue it was Seonjae Island where they went to apparently.

Seonjaedo which is located in Incheon is believed to have been there since the Neolithic Era. The name Seonjaedo literally means “an island where a divine fairy came down and danced.”

Location: 101, Seonjae-ro 34beon-gil, Ongjin-gun, Incheon

💜 Nodeulseom (Nodeul Island)

As seen from their Run MV, the members of BTS passes under the Hangang Bridge in full speed, stopping at some point to join Jungkook who looks rather lonely, but smiles as soon as his hyungs reaches him.

This filming location is known to be part of Nodeulseom, which is an artificial island in Han River. The Hanggang Bridge passes directly over the said island that is actually to the east of the larger island of Yeouido.

See here an image of Nodeulseom from Google maps.

Location: 305-9 Ichon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea

💜 North of Banpo Bridge

Another scene from the Run MV was filmed around north of the infamous Banpo Bridge–known for its ‘Moonlight Rainbow Fountain‘ which is known as the world’s longest bridge fountain.

Location: 271-120 Seobinggo-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea

💜 Mosan Airfield in Jecheon

Mosan Airfield, which was featured in BTS’ ‘Epilogue: Young Forever‘ MV is now a well known tour spot to ARMY alike. In the video, the members are seen walking this path as the sky turns a shade of pink, orange, yellow and amber as the sun starts to set at the distance.

The airfield was built in the 1950s for military training as an effort to prevent war and protect peace. However, today, the place has been transformed into a park after the city and military agreed to open a part of the land to the public.

Location: 1065-2 Goam-dong, Jecheon, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea

💜 Gyeongjeong Beach

In the prologue MV, the boys went out to go to the sea. They happily watch the sun go down while sitting on the sea wall. A poignant looking Taehyung, however, looks up and notices the tall platform installed nearby facing the sea. He climbs up the platform and doesn’t go down despite the other members finally noticing him and telling him to go down. Then, Taehyung bravely jumps as if he has wings of a butterfly.

Location: 426-1 Gyeongjeong-ri, Chuksan-myeon, Yeongdeog, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea

💜 Dongdaemun Apartment

From the ‘I Need U’ MV, Taehyung is seen walking around the corridors of this apartment building.

The said apartment building is inhabited by real people and has been renovated and repainted over time, so it may be a little confusing if you go there. Also, if ever you guys have plans to go to the place please be considerate of the people living there.

Location: 328-17 Changsin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

💜 Wolmido Culture Street

In ‘For You‘ MV, Jungkook dejectedly sits down on a bench in his bear costume with Wolmido Island’s ‘Culture Street’ in the backdrop. The view is so captivating from the filmed MV that one won’t just be able to take their eyes of it!

In addition, the island of Wolmido is located roughly 1km off the coast of Incheon. Due to its accessibility, many people go to the island over the weekends to have fun, enjoying various activities like performances at night, street artists showcasing their talent in drawing, cafe and seafood restaurants open to bring good food along the coast so these can be enjoyed while viewing the sea. Also, there is also a theme park here called ‘Play Hill’ which is famous for its thrill rides, including the Viking and Apollo Disco.

Location: 57 Wolmimunhwa-ro, Gaho-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon, South Korea

💜 Incheon Open Port Nuri-gil

Also in ‘For You’ MV, Jungkook is seen standing right in front of an old-looking building that has that Japanese feel to it. While I want to give emphasis to how cute JK looks here, I want to also focus on the area where this building stood. This area is called ‘Incheon Open Port Nuri-gil’ which actually opened in 1883 during the Japanese colonization in Korea. The establishment of this area in Incheon forced the birth of other modern historical architecture here than are still found intact. There are also other known architectures such as the Incheon Art Platform, Jemulpo Gurakbu, Jung-gu Office and the Incheon branch of Japan’s 1st, 18th and 58th bank.

Location: 1-2 Haeandong 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Incheon, South Korea

💜 Saemangeum reclaimed land, Buan County

The ‘Save Me‘ MV graces us with dance moves from BTS members that I never thought would be born. Again, BTS becomes one with nature when they shot the MV at a clear land under a not-so-clear sky, but then again the ambiance added to the charm of the song itself.

But did you know this? If you watch the behind story of this MV, you’ll find out they actually filmed the MV while it was raining. So, it was very hard for them to dance as soil turned to mud! Good thing that our hard working boys made it possible for the masterpiece to still look perfect!

Going back to the main point, the MV was actually filmed in Buan County. As Yoongi hinted in the behind story, Buan is located in North Jeolla. The nondescript land is actually reclaimed land in front of the Saemangeum Project Office in Byeonsan neighborhood, so it might be hard to find. Plus, if you look in Google maps, most likely it will only point you to an image of the sea, so in case you want to try and go there try searching for ‘Saemangeum Project Office’ instead.

Location: Daehang-ri, Byeonsan-myeon, Buan-gun, Jeollabuk-do

💜 Neungnae Tunnel

At Neungnae tunnel, we see such a head-turning scene where Jin’s pick-up truck blocks the way, preventing other cars from passing through. Jungkook sits atop of Jin’s truck and looks back victoriously behind him and eventually the seven of them cause trouble–spray painting the cars, spitting drinks, jumping over cars, throwing cups and everything a rebellious teen in their age in BU will do.

See here for google map view of the tunnel.

Location: 951 Sanbon-dong, Gunpo-si, Gyeonggi-do

💜 Hwajeon Tunnel 

Another running scene from ‘Run’ MV was shot at the Hwajeon Tunnel in Gyeonggi-do. In here, just like with most scenes from the MV, BTS goes for an endless run at night as if having a blast just being together.

See here for an image of the tunnel from Google maps.

Location: South Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Goyang-si, Deokyang-gu, Hwajeon-dong, 583-3

–

So, ARMY there you have it! I didn’t know that HYYH era actually used a lot of filming locations in Korea, but here they are. This is for sure not the complete list you must be looking for but I’ll try to find out more information as I search along, since I do still wonder where that trailer track is located at, or that place at the end of the prologue MV where they all fell asleep at. I’m still so much curious and I know I haven’t showcased everything, so I’ll make sure to update this post once I get a hold of the right information.

Lastly, this shall not be the last ‘BTS Tour’ post! I’ll come up with other posts for the other eras or other BTS related filming locations and try to research really hard to help whoever curious souls are out there that are hungry to know where they can go in Korea in the name of BTS. 🙂

In the meantime, check out the other snapshots I took from their videos.

More images captured from BTS’ videos during HYYH era:

  credits: wikipedia, DEOKUTOUR, visitkorea, jjkfire, koreajoongangdaily, btsinfo1 snapshots are all by THE KOREAN LASS 2019

        [Travel] BTS -‘The Most Beautiful Moment In Life’ Filming Location Tour As part of fulfilling my pledge from before and as a celebration of me becoming a fan of BTS, I'll start my own version of '

[bestattractionsinseoulcapital]

Dongdaemun Dak Hanmari Alley

Dongdaemun Dak Hanmari Alley

Jongno-gu, Seoul

Dongdaemun Dak Hanmari Alley

Description: 

Dongdaemun Dak Hanmari Alley is located near Dongdaemun Shopping Complex and the many restaurants have operated anywhere from five to thirty years.

It is located near Dongdaemun Market and Pyeonghwa Market, the largest clothing market in Korea. 

If you order a chicken, it will serve a bowl of plenty of soup and a…

[lifesobeautiful]

7 Reasons to Head Over to Seoul Right Now

You might have heard the saying: Go to Seoul to refresh your soul.

It is one of those emerging tourist spots where the new meets the old. If you haven’t visited this South Korean capital as of yet, then you should totally do it at least once in your lifetime.

Why visit Seoul?

Here are 7 great reasons why Seoul should be on your must-travel list.

Exciting Nightlife

The Seoul scene does not die with the sun. Instead, it comes alive with the darkening skies.

After a hard day’s worth of work, the South Korean population tends to get out of their houses and become a part of the vibrant nightlife culture. Amidst the dazzling neon lights and the echoes of laughter, you’ll find people clubbing to vivacious music in the Gangnam district and relaxing in the mini-pools of Club Bugatti Syndrome.

Other than that, you’ll see them heading to the famous Dongdaemun Market to get their hands on the latest fashionable items and to shop till they drop. Karaoke in Noraebang is also one hot nightlife activity which you should add to your list.

Historically Rich

Seoul has a tale as old as time which is inscribed on the artifacts in its museums and embedded in its famous historic sites. One such site is the revered Changdeokgung which is a grand royal palace of the times of Joseon dynasty. It has a neat architecture and sprawling gardens.

Similar in the theme is the Gyeongbokgung Palace. It’s a large 14th-century wonder, having an attached museum and a peaceful landscape.

Free guided tours are offered for these sites.

Seoul is quite rich when it comes to museums, covering both antiquity and modernity. This includes the 1946-built National Folk Museum of Korea, which highlights the customs and culture of the Korean people. There’s the 2005-built National Museum of Korea as well which displays recent military artworks.

You can visit these, in addition to the famous War Memorial, traditional neighborhoods of the Bukchon Hanok Village, and the rehabilitated historical city gates of Namdaemun and Heunginjimun.

Technologically Savvy

Even though Seoul’s feet are dipped in its traditions, it continues to soar through the clouds of digitization. Just take a look at last year’s Olympics that Seoul hosted.

There were multi-lingual robot greeters, virtual reality ski-jumping simulators, ‘ghost skier’ technology and holograms, 5G speeds, and integrated AI to blow the mind of the internationally visiting crowds.

Other than this, Seoul’s passion for technology shows in its architectural wonders, too. Just look at the Lotte World Tower which was constructed in 2016 and opened to the public in early 2017.

It is a major recreational complex which hosts the world’s largest indoor theme park, movie theaters, and shopping facilities. But its most advanced and highlighting feature is its super-fast elevator which covers ten meters per second. It’s covered with animating screens on all sides.

Spiritually Enlightened

Even though the people of Seoul are becoming more religious, they still value their old traditions at heart. They continue to respectfully visit their Buddhist temples of yore.

These quaint places are full of spiritual energy and you can be a part of it by going for the so-called Templestay Programs. It’ll allow you to live like the Buddhist monks for more than one night. You can observe their rituals and even go on a lengthy discussion with the resident scholars. The 7-story pagoda temple of Jogyesa with vast halls should be on your list.

Low-Budget Options

Though it is true that the average cost of living in Seoul is going on the rise, there are still some pocket-friendly options which will not bore a hole through your budget.

The accommodation is pretty cheap. It’s around US $10 a night if you go to an Airbnb. You can also easily book a dormitory or rent a room in a guesthouse online.

Not only that, if you go around Seoul on public transportation instead of hiring a private cab, you’ll save a lot. Food is also quite budget-friendly and tasty.

So, it is possible to have fun in Seoul without going too much out of your way- money-wise.

Hiking & Mountaineering Possibilities

Seoul is a confirmed metropolis but that does not mean that it lacks natural wonders. There are mountain ranges interspersed throughout the land, offering many hiking opportunities for the locals and the tourists.

Bukhansan is one such range. Having a triple-peaked face, it’s located near Seoul. It’s around 2744 feet in height and is a part of a wider Bukhansan National Park.

Other than that, there is a mountain fortress city to the southeast named Namhansanseong. It’s one of the ideal places to hike through. Inwangsan which means ‘mountain of generous king’ and Gwanaksan are other famous mountain ranges which you should look into.

Culinary Varieties

If meat-based dishes are for you, then you need to visit the famous Korean BBQ spots.

Imagine carving through the tender marbled cuts of meat lightly seasoned to suit your taste. Brings water to your mouth, doesn’t it?

Head over to Wang Bi Jib to savor such high-quality cuisine. If you’re a vegetarian, then there are Buddhist food options for you, too. One of them is located at the tranquil Sanchon. If you’re a fan of the weird and the extravagant, then Seoul’s themed cafes are waiting for you. Cartooned Hello Kitty or Kakao Friends cafes are some of the most popular sites.

So, what are you waiting for?

Make South Korea’s Seoul your travel destination ASAP.

The post 7 Reasons to Head Over to Seoul Right Now appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

This article was first shared from Dumb Little Man

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This blog post contains affiliate links. For more information, please read my Disclaimer.

It’s no secret that Seoul is one of my favorite cities in the world. Delicious food, fantastic shopping, interesting culture, and amazing people, it’s a dream vacation! Another thing that I love about Seoul is how family-friendly the city is. Most popular attractions have kids on their priority, with a curation of programs and activities designed for the young. Their subway system is so extensive and one of the best in the world, you can go from one place to another with no trouble at all. Taking the taxi is affordable too which makes traveling even more convenient and comfortable.

If you are in the planning stages of your trip to Seoul, you’ve come to the right place. Whether it’s your first, second or if you’ve visited several times in the past, you’ll never get bored while in the city. There are plenty of things to see and do within Seoul and its neighboring provinces. For first-time visitors, you need at least 4 full days to visit the city’s most popular landmarks and tourist attractions. But don’t worry, this 7-day itinerary can be easily customized to fit your interests and schedule. Depending on how much you want to see in a day, you can combine some activities into just one day but beware though, it will be very tiring so pack some extra energy! But I assure you, it’ll be loads of fun!

7-Days Itinerary for your First Visit in Seoul, South Korea

Day 1

Start your day early with a visit to Gwanghwamun Square. See the golden statue of King Sejong in the middle of the plaza. Just across Gwanghwamun Square is the Gyeongbok Palace, also known as Gyeongbokgung. Watch the Gatekeeper Military Training at 9:30 AM and Changing of the Royal Guard Ceremony at 10:00 AM, both held at the main gate of Gyeongbokgung. After this, you can join a 1.5 hr free walking tour of the palace with an English-speaking guide. Japanese and Chinese-speaking guides are also available at a different schedule. The walking tour starts at 11:00 AM at the Gyeongbokgung Palace Information Center. If you do not want to join the tour, you can just watch the Gwanghwamun Gate Guard on Duty Ceremony at 11:00 AM (or come back for the 1:00 PM schedule) and explore the palace grounds on your own.

After lunch, head over to the National Folk Museum of Korea. Spend about an hour inside the museum learning about the Korean culture and way of life.

From the National Folk Museum of Korea, it’s time to see the traditional houses of Bukchon Hanok Village. You’ll pass by Samcheong-dong, a street of artisan shops, small boutiques, tea shops and cafes, etc. Spend an hour exploring Bukchon Hanok Village and make sure to stop by the 8 scenic spots of the village for your Instagram-worthy photos.

Your last stop for the day is Insadong, a popular neighborhood in Seoul because of the many cafes, restaurants and shops selling traditional Korean goods.

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#hanok #seoul #southkorea #travel #igtravel #iphonephotography #iphonography #amateurphotography #travelphoto #blogger #foodandtravel #wanderlust #girlsthatwander #traveljournal #travelpic #kgbinwanderland #traveldiary

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Day 2

Today is theme park day! There are several theme parks in Seoul but the most visited parks (and popular with tourists) are Lotte World Theme Park, which is right in the city and the other is Everland located in Gyeonggi-do, about an hour away from Seoul. If it is your first time in Seoul, I highly recommend visiting Everland instead of Lotte World. Although it is outside of Seoul, you can easily reach Everland by booking a roundtrip shuttle service from Seoul’s main tourist districts (like Myeongdong). Trust me, it’s super convenient! Most people usually recommend Lotte World Theme Park if you are traveling with young children, but I honestly find Everland to be more enjoyable than Lotte World, even with a toddler!

[irp posts=”3069″ name=”Seoul Family Travel: Everland Theme Park”]

Day 3

You should never leave Seoul without visiting one (or two) of their outdoor markets. One of which is the Namdaemun Market. No need to have breakfast before you leave your hotel, eat at the infamous Kalguksu Alley. Order the Kalguksu and Boribap set meal, it’s really good! While in the area, don’t forget to stop by the Namdaemun or the Great South Gate.

Next stop is Seoul’s most iconic landmark, the N Seoul Tower. Ride the cable car up the Namsan Mountain and spend an hour enjoying the views of the city from the top. Hello Kitty fans will be delighted to see and visit the Hello Kitty Island inside the tower.

Instead of taking the cable car down back to the city, ride the bus to Myeongdong.

You’re just in time to enjoy some street food in Myeongdong. Food stalls line up the streets of Myeongdong from afternoon until late at night. Shop ’til you drop for clothes, shoes, accessories and skin care products. You can also enjoy some delicious desserts and coffee at the many cafes in the area. Dinner choices are endless. Popular choices are Korean-style Fried Chicken or AYCE BBQ.

Oh, and don’t forget to stop by the Myeongdong Cathedral.

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Boribap (Barley Bibimbap) #bibimbap #seoul #southkorea #namdaemun #noodlealley #kalguksualley #streetfoodseoul #realtravel #igtravel #wanderlust #kgbinwanderland #traveldiary #foodie #foodography #foodandtravel #blogger

A post shared by Karen GB (@kgbinwanderland) on Sep 12, 2018 at 6:47pm PDT

Day 4

Today we go on a little day trip outside the city. One of the most popular day trips from Seoul is to Nami Island and Petite France. The most convenient way to visit these two must-sees is to book a tour package that would include the roundtrip shuttle service, entry tickets and a tour guide. I highly suggest that you book the tour instead of DIYing this part of the itinerary, it’s worth paying extra for the convenience.

Once your back in the city, you can go back to Myeongdong for even more street food and night shopping! Or do some night shopping at Dongdaemun.

Day 5

First stop of the day is the Naksan Park and the Seoul Fortress Wall. Enjoy a leisurely stroll in the park and take a picture of the stunning views of the city. Walk along the Seoul Fortress Wall until you reach Ihwa Mural Village, popular for its street art and wall murals, and also a prominent backdrop on several K-dramas.

If you haven’t been to Dongdaemun yet, now is the perfect time to explore the area at a more leisurely pace. Bargain-hunters will love Dongdaemun Traditional Market. A lot of the shops and malls here are open until the wee hours of the morning, that’s why it’s also perfect for some nocturnal shopping! Be sure to visit the Heunginjimun or Dongdaemun Gate. And just a few steps away, you’ll find yourself in Dongdaemun Seonggwak Park. Enjoy spectacular city views from the top of the park (especially at night). And anyone traveling with kids should stop by the Dongdaemun Toy Street to pick up a few pieces for your little ones.

Eat at one of the food stalls in Gwangjang Market. Make sure to try the Mung bean pancake (Bindaetteok), Blood sausage (Soondae) and Drug Rice Rolls (Mayak Gimbap). Don’t worry about the last one, it doesn’t actually contain any narcotics, but instead earned its name because it is highly addicting to eat!

Also in the area is the Dongdaemun Design Plaza or the DDP. Designed by the infamous, Zaha Hadid, the DDP is a modern architectural landmark on the heart of Seoul.

End the evening with a stroll along Cheonggyecheon Stream before heading back to your hotel.

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Ramyun by the river 🍜 #hanriver #ramyun #shinramyun #seoul #southkorea #travel #foodandtravelblog #igtravel #igseoul

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Day 6

If you have an extra day to spare, might as well visit the Lotte World Theme Park since it’s right in the city. It’s not big compared to Everland, but what’s great about it is that it has both an indoor and outdoor park. Plus it’s directly connected to a mall! Lotte World Theme Park is most suitable for families traveling with young children. You’ll be spending at least 5 to 6 hours inside the theme park so if you want to make the most of your time, try to visit as soon as they open so it won’t be as crowded and you’ll have more time to enjoy the rides. Also in the area is the COEX Aquarium.

Next stop is the Gangnam Area, one of the popular districts in Seoul. This district is well-known for shopping. Aside from the high-end luxury brands, there’s also an underground shopping complex in Gangnam Station for those on a budget.

For the young travelers, tonight is the night to put your dancing shoes on and enjoy the nightlife in Gangnam, as it has some of the best clubs in Seoul. But if you’re anything like me, head over to Seoul Station and shop for souvenirs, Korean snacks and products at Lotte Outlets. Stock up on your favorite cup noodles, face masks and fill your honey butter obsessions from this supermarket. It’s open until midnight so it’s perfect for some last-minute shopping.

Day 7

Start the day by visiting Changdeokgung (Changdeok Palace). This palace is less busy than the neighboring Gyeongbokgung, but it is actually worth visiting. Inside the palace is the Secret Garden, which you can only enter with a guide. Don’t miss this!

Next is Yeouido Hangang Park. Enjoy a mini picnic by ordering chicken and beer, and have it delivered to you at the park. If you prefer a quick bite, buy some instant ramen noodles at one of the convenience stores in the park. These convenience stores have a designated area for cooking noodles. After lunch and a little bit of sightseeing, take a cruise on the Hangang River.

After the cruise, head to Hongdae for some dinner and coffee. Hongdae is a hip and cool neighborhood, mostly because of its close proximity to Hongik University. Shopping tends to be slightly cheaper here since it mainly caters to the student population. At night, you can experience the hustle and bustle of street artists and performers.

Still need ideas for things to do in Seoul? Check out my 30+ Top Things to Do in Seoul South Korea!

Like this post? Need it for later? Pin it!

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Lastly, to help you plan your trip to Seoul, I have listed here some Seoul Travel Essentials that you can book in advance for a better travel experience.

4G Wifi Rental (Airport Pick up) Seoul Hotels Seoul Hop-On Hop-Off City Sightseeing Bus Tour AREX Incheon Airport Express Train to Seoul Station (One Way) Discover Seoul Pass T-Money Card (Pre-loaded with KRW5,000) Korean Rail Pass

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Seoul in 7 Days: An Itinerary for First Time Visitors This blog post contains affiliate links. For more information, please read my Disclaimer. It's no secret that Seoul is one of my favorite cities in the world.