In my last blog, I believe I ended on the note of when we dressed in Hanbok and wandered around Gyeongbok Palace. With just a couple of days left, we were ready to explore even more and see what else the city had to offer!

It was a bright, new day in the stylish area of Gangnam. Known for its glitzy, high-end lifestyle, Gangnam is home to a wide range of restaurants, condos, and shops. My friends and I wanted to play the part, so we dressed up (well, we dressed nicely!) and set off to explore this trendy hotspot.

Gangnam

We began our adventure by heading to the famous Gangnam Hands statue. From what I understand, the statue symbolizes themes of connection and unity, which align with the fast-paced, interconnected vibe of Gangnam. We did the classic thing—admired the statue, took some photos, admired it some more, and then moved on. I mean, what else do you do with a statue? It was definitely interesting, but I’m not one to linger too long at art exhibits. From there, we made our way into Coex Mall.

This place has plenty to offer, much like any other large mall, but one classic tourist spot is the Starfield Library. With its unique design and light pouring in from every corner, it’s definitely a sight to behold. We took a quick stroll through the library to admire the architecture and the overall vibe. After that, we stopped by a café for a quick bite, where I had an iced coffee and tiramisu cake. It was pretty decent (though, forgive me—it was almost a year ago, so my memory may be a little fuzzy!). We then continued browsing and shopping. I can promise you that you won’t tire of the endless shopping and food options here (especially if you’re a big foodie or shopaholic).

Though I had pretty much had my fill of shopping by then, I didn’t mind because I was happy to spend time with my friends.

After a bit of retail therapy, the group split up since two of the girls had some business calls to take. The third girl and I continued to explore other parts of Gangnam. We ended up checking out a shop known as Wiggle Wiggle. This was another TikTok find, and it sold all sorts of quirky and unique items. From keychains to plush toys, it offered a wide variety of trendy fashion and fun accessories. The inside had a cool vibe, with lots of colors and differently styled rooms. Whether it’s an upside-down room or a ’60s-themed kitchen, you’ll find all sorts of interesting spaces inside.

Another quirky and cool place we visited was Haus Dosan, which shares a space with Gentle Monster. The main reason we came here was to see the robots moving in a sci-fi-inspired atmosphere. It was fascinating to watch them slowly interact with each other, and the futuristic theme really added to the experience.

Thoughts on Gangnam

As for my final thoughts on Gangnam, while I can appreciate the area for being modern and built up, there isn’t really that much to do there beyond what I’ve mentioned. Sure, there are the classics, but I tend to find joy in discovering cultural and historical sites. While I can admire Gangnam for its stylish background, it’s not somewhere I’d hang out often. Everyone has their own preferences, though! Personally, I enjoy walking through street markets and exploring historical sites. With all its glamour and modern appeal, Gangnam just doesn’t quite match my taste, so I’d likely spend my time elsewhere.

Itaewon

Now, I know what you’re probably thinking… of course, going out in Seoul is a must-do. So, we headed to the bustling Itaewon, known for its multiple lounges, bars, and clubs. We ended up at Waikiki near the Han River. It was like any other night out—loud, busy, and with a decent vibe. People were trying to approach us, I guess to flirt? Whether you entertain that or not is up to you. Honestly, I’m starting to feel like I’m at an age where clubbing isn’t as exciting as it used to be. Most of my party days are behind me, and I prefer a nice bar now. But hey, it’s all part of the experience.

It does seem that being a group of girls in a foreign country has its perks? Even though two of my friends didn’t drink, we received a free bottle of Prosecco on the house. So, there’s that! Since the girls I was with weren’t huge party people, we ended up calling it a night pretty early.

I wouldn’t say nights out in Seoul are the worst thing to try, but you definitely have to stay alert. Some people don’t respect personal space (like most clubs in most countries), but you can still have a good time if you’re determined to enjoy yourself!

Final days and haircare!

With our final days in tow in Seoul, we took it upon ourselves to do one of the famous procedures in Korea and that was the 15 step scalp treatment. The treatment we got at the location can be found at Park-Jun Beauty Lab. For 180,000 Won (or about £100) – Yes I know…. expensive – We got a consultation on scalp advice and a range of treatments (listed on the website) – from scrubs, to nourishing to infusions and tonics. Honestly my scalp never felt fresher! But it is something that I guess would require constant upkeep. It was a treatment that I would only recommend if you want to treat yourself and to definitely take on board what they recommend if you want your scalp to remain fresh and squeaky clean.

After the procedure we went to the famous Hongjecheon Artificial Falls. This is one place I highly recommend visiting. It’s serene, beautiful, and peaceful. We went on a slightly rainy day, and although it’s a manmade waterfall, it still provides a refreshing space to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Spending an afternoon surrounded by nature was exactly what we needed to relax. While I love exploring cities and immersing myself in different cultures, sometimes it’s important to find balance by stepping away from city centers and enjoying a nice hike through a park. Much like my time in Japan, I wanted to experience both urban and rural settings. So, if you find yourself in Seoul, make sure to check out this peaceful spot!

On a similar note, we also had the chance to meet up with a new local friend and go for a hike near her home. Well, when I say hike, it was more of a walk, but it was still lovely, especially with a local temple nearby. The walk was surrounded by vibrant, colorful flowers and beautiful, bright skies.

One of the final stops on our itinerary was Seoul Tower. It offers incredible panoramic views and plenty of activities to enjoy. Whether you want to dine there, attach a love lock, or simply ride the cable car, it’s a great place for a day out. There are fantastic photo opportunities with views of the city, and you can visit via Myeongdong Station, take the bus, or ride the cable car up. For a fee of 26,000 won (£13), you can head to the top and take in the views. To be honest, you can get a pretty good view of the city without going up, but the restaurants and souvenir shops at the top are worth checking out if you feel like it.

I had one day to myself and decided to visit the tower twice—once during the day and once at night. Both offered spectacular views, but there’s something about the nighttime that feels especially serene. I found myself sitting on a bench, just gazing out at the twinkling city lights. There were plenty of people snapping aesthetic photos (and I don’t blame them), but sometimes it’s nice to just pause and appreciate the moment. It’s a great way to end the day, whether you’re alone or with friends!

Twilight Shopping

If there’s one thing that was spontaneous and completely random, it was our shopping trip at 3 a.m….

Now, I don’t claim to know much about skincare—honestly, I just followed whatever my friends bought and went with that. But as you probably know, Korea is famous for its skincare products. So, off we went to explore Dongdaemun. This area is packed with skincare stores and accessory shops where you can find great products at lower prices. Whether it’s advanced snail serums or moisturizers, you can find everything in convenience stores across Seoul. We just happened to be there in the middle of the night because… why not!

One accessory store that stood out was Nyu Nyu. This seven-story shop is open from 11 a.m. to 5 a.m., and honestly, it’s insane! The place is filled with endless accessories, bags, shoes, and just about anything you can think of, from earrings to scrunchies. After spending what was probably two hours there, I can honestly say I’ve never felt more deluded and brain-fried than I did that night—especially with a train to catch the next morning!

Train to Busan (quite literally!)

Once again, we had to get up (after our night of long shopping) to catch our train to Busan. When I said I never felt more sleep deprived, I lied… THIS journey I had never felt more sleep deprived. Packing, planning and getting on a train with only a couple hours sleep was… less than satisfactory. Our train was very early morning and we were all had dead at this point. Coffee was a MUST for the next 2 1/2 to 3 hours.

It is as you expect the train to be, pretty smooth, amenities and LONG. So off we went on our train leaving Seoul behind and heading to the next city!

Final thoughts on Seoul

Seoul is a vibrant, modern city filled with cutting-edge technology and an endless list of things to do. It has a wealth of shopping, food, nightlife, and parks to explore. Beyond its bustling streets and neon lights, the city also has a strong cultural pulse, offering historic landmarks like Gyeongbokgung Palace and the peaceful Bukchon Hanok Village, where you can walk among traditional Korean houses. While I can appreciate the energy and excitement of the city, I’m not sure I’ll be returning anytime soon. If I were to come back, it would probably be for a few nights before moving on to other parts of Korea. For city lovers, Seoul will definitely captivate you, with plenty to enjoy, but I was ready to explore the rest of South Korea.

Seoul is big, modern, and offers everything a city lover could want. It’s clean, with a great nightlife scene, and an abundance of street food to try. From Myeongdong’s fashionable stores to Insadong’s antique markets, there’s something for everyone. The city is a shopping haven, whether you’re looking for the latest trends or quirky, handmade crafts. You can easily lose yourself wandering from one district to another, discovering hidden gems in places like Hongdae, where vibrant street art and indie music scene thrive, or Gangnam, where luxury and high-end fashion reign.

Now, I can’t entirely blame Seoul for this, but I think I was starting to crave some nature and natural landscapes. Despite the city’s extensive parks and the beautiful view from Namsan Tower, I found myself longing for a slower pace and a bit more space. Nature lovers can enjoy spots like Hangang Park, where locals bike, jog, and picnic along the river, or take a hike through Bukhansan National Park, which is only a short subway ride away from the city center. Still, after a few days of city life, I felt the need to recharge in a quieter, more relaxed environment. So, off we went to Busan!

Thank you for reading my post—I hope you enjoyed.

Until my next blog of intrepid tales on my trails…!