Seoul: A Post Grad Adventure
This trip to Seoul was more than just a vacation—it celebrated a major milestone in my life: graduating college. With diplomas received and the world at our feet, my friends and I set off on this journey to mark the end of one chapter and the exciting beginning of another. What better way to commemorate our achievements than by exploring the vibrant culture and culinary delights of Seoul?
May 15th marked the beginning of our unforgettable journey to Seoul. We landed in Tokyo, Japan, and after a brief layover, we took another flight to our final destination. While waiting for our flight at Haneda Airport, we indulged in the most delicious wagyu fried rice. If you ever find yourself with a lengthy layover there, I highly recommend trying it—it's the best airport food I have ever had.
We arrived at our Airbnb in Seoul around midnight and quickly settled in for the night. The next morning, on May 16th, we set out early to explore Gyeongbokgung Palace. The palace was breathtaking, with its stunning architecture and the vibrant traditional hanboks worn by many visitors. We were fortunate enough to witness the main gate guard changing ceremony, a captivating experience.
For lunch, I dined at Italyjae, an Italian restaurant. The food was phenomenal—surprisingly some of the best Italian cuisine I've ever had. If you're in Seoul, make sure to visit Italyjae; you won't be disappointed. I recommend trying the scallops, truffle pasta, and tiramisu. Afterward, we headed to Gwangjang Market, where we sampled a variety of quick bites. We tried ah boong and dumplings, and even picked up some adorable tote bags.
Our exploration continued at Changgyeonggung Palace and the Secret Garden of Changdeokgung Palace. The serene gardens and lush greenery were absolutely breathtaking, providing a peaceful respite from the city's hustle and bustle. You cannot tell you are in a massive city walking around all of the relaxing green. Unfortunately, I had some stomach issues and couldn't join my friends for Korean barbecue that night, but they raved about the incredible food and experience.
Most mornings, we grabbed breakfast at the GS25 convenience store. The onigiri and other snacks were quick, cheap, and perfect for our busy days. For our caffeine fix, we frequented Roastery Coffee House (일용할커피), a quaint coffee shop just a few minutes' walk from our Airbnb. Their tea and coffee were exceptional, making it an amazing start to our mornings.
On May 17th, we visited the National Museum of Korea and the Korean War Museum. Both were fascinating and deeply thought-provoking, offering rich insights into Korea's history and culture. For lunch, we enjoyed Korean barbecue near Dongbuchon Market—the best Korean barbecue I have ever had. Normally, in America, I frequent all-you-can-eat Korean barbeque restaurants that involve fast paced binge eating. Here, we slowed down and enjoyed the high meat quality. Later, we treated ourselves to bingsu at Snowball, trying mango, strawberry, and oreo flavors. The mango bingsu was my personal favorite, but all were incredibly refreshing and delicious.
That evening, we met up with a friend's college buddy who now lives in Seoul. He took us to a local brewery with amazing fried chicken. While I'm not a beer fan, I shared a glass of wine with a friend, and the rest of the group couldn't stop praising the beer. We then headed to One Night, a culinary bar with incredible vibes. We enjoyed soju and music in our private room, making it a night to remember.
The next day, we pampered ourselves with facials at Jfeel. I opted for the LDM facial, which left my skin feeling hydrated and refreshed. Although the service wasn't as personalized as I had hoped, the overall experience was comfortable. A tip for anyone considering such treatments: research beforehand to ensure you know exactly what you want.
After our spa session, we wandered around the area near the Jfeel clinic, indulging in some window shopping. We then made our way to the Noryangjin Fish Market—a unique experience where everything is alive and fresh. We purchased clams, oysters, sashimi, and a whole king crab. Thankfully, our Seoul-based friend helped us barter and avoid being overcharged. A cool thing about this market is that after you purchase your food you can send the seafood upstairs to be cooked to perfection.
As a special treat for one of our friends, we visited the T1 League of Legends building, where we bought lots of swag for him and his brother. The building itself was impressive and a must-visit for any esports fan.
Our adventure culminated with a ride on the Namsan cable car to the summit of Namsan Mountain. The three-minute ride offered fantastic views of downtown Seoul, and the scenery from the top, near the N Seoul Tower, was simply breathtaking.
This trip to Seoul was a perfect blend of cultural exploration and culinary delights, creating memories that will last a lifetime. From historic palaces to vibrant markets and unforgettable meals, Seoul has a special place in my heart. If you're planning a visit, be sure to follow in our footsteps for an extraordinary experience.
