✧ Series Note – South Korea Trip 2024 ✧
Feels like coming home. Like flipping through a familiar chapter, this time with braver eyes and a bolder heart. 🇰🇷✨
📅 November 01-06, 2024

I woke up at 5 AM local time and checked out of the guesthouse early. With my 7 AM KTX high-speed train looming, I headed straight to Busan Station, determined not to miss a beat. Before boarding, I grabbed a few snacks to enjoy on the ride—some I had bought the night before, others I picked up that morning.

Sure, this was my last day in Busan… but something told me I’d be back again. The city had only begun to unfold its magic.

The train departed right on time. As we glided through South Korea’s picturesque countryside, I watched as lush green fields, sleepy villages, and autumn-tinged landscapes rolled by. After two serene hours, I arrived in one of my favorite cities in the world: Seoul.

As I stepped off the train and entered Seoul Station, memories from my first day here rushed back like a familiar song. The city greeted me with its usual rhythm—bustling crowds, echoing announcements, and the ever-present aroma of street food drifting through the air.

Chaotic? Yes. But this beautiful chaos was Seoul—vibrant, kinetic, and alive, effortlessly blending centuries-old traditions with sleek modernity.

🏠 Dream Guesthouse—My Home in Seoul City

Finding the way to my guesthouse was a small misadventure—I took the wrong exit, naturally. (It wouldn’t be a CJ trip without at least one navigation hiccup!) But eventually, I arrived at Dream Guesthouse, my cozy sanctuary for the remainder of my journey.

Tucked in a prime location—steps from Hoehyeon Station and within walking distance to Namdaemun Market, Namsan Tower, Seoul Station, and Myeongdong Night Market—it was the perfect base. The all-female dormitory had its own bathroom, privacy curtains, lockers, and charging outlets by every bed. The elevator? A godsend after long days of walking.

The kitchen and dining area were squeaky clean, inviting, and stocked with coffee, tea, and water—perfect for winding down after a full day out or striking up a conversation with a fellow traveler.

⛪ Myeongdong and the Cathedral of Solace

After settling in, I set off to revisit Myeongdong—not for shopping this time, but to return to the beautiful Myeongdong Cathedral. Mass was ongoing when I arrived. Although I couldn’t understand every word, I was able to quietly participate and reflect.

It was meaningful, just like my first time here. Back then, this cathedral had also been my first stop—a sacred moment to thank God for my safe arrival. This visit was no different. In the middle of a bustling city, I found a quiet spiritual pause.

🌄 Climbing Namsan—No Cable Car, No Problem

Instead of taking the cable car to Namsan Tower as I had before, I decided to hike up this time. It wasn’t the easiest route, but oh—what a rewarding one.

The winding path was framed by vibrant autumn foliage—shades of gold, crimson, and amber carpeting my way. Though the hike took more than an hour, every turn gave me breathtaking views of the Seoul skyline. The rustling leaves, crisp air, and chirping birds created the kind of peace that makes you forget you’re in a megacity.

Tired but filled with joy, I reached the top. Sometimes, walking the long way gives you the richest stories.

The entire journey felt like a delightful escape from the urban hustle, and I felt a profound sense of gratitude for choosing to walk the trail. It was an experience that was both revitalizing and filled with awe, leaving me with cherished memories of my time in Seoul.

🌿 Solo on Seoul-O

From Hoehyeon Station, I took a leisurely walk to Seoul-O, the elevated skywalk that connects to Seoul Station. This refreshing stretch is flanked by greenery and blooms, offering a new vantage point to watch the city move—cars below, skyline above, and golden-hour sunlight dancing in between.

If you want to fall in love with Seoul slowly, step by step, this is the place to do it.

🎨 Docking Seoul: Art, Colors, and Rebirth

Along the way, I stumbled upon Docking Seoul—a vibrant repurposed space where history meets creativity. What once was an old spiral ramp is now a cultural landmark, with bright murals, installations, and a renewed vision for the future.

It’s that beautiful Korean touch—preserving the past while breathing new life into it.

🎭 Culture Station Seoul 284

Just nearby, I popped into Culture Station Seoul 284—a gorgeously restored former train station turned arts hub. Inside were galleries, a charming café, and exhibits that tell the story of Seoul’s artistic heart. If you’re a fan of art or just need a reflective pause, this space wraps you in a warm, creative hug.

The space is not only a feast for the eyes but also a haven for relaxation, featuring a cozy café where guests can enjoy a soothing cup of coffee surrounded by inspiring surroundings. Additionally, the on-site gift shop offers an array of unique souvenirs, showcasing local craftsmanship and creativity, allowing visitors to take a piece of Seoul’s vibrant culture home with them.

💧Cheonggyecheon: Ending the Day with Flow and Flavor

My last stop of the day? Cheonggyecheon Stream.

As night fell, I watched the stream come alive—families, couples, and solo wanderers like me, all savoring the cool breeze and the city lights reflecting in the water. I had imagined floating lanterns but instead found a stream lit by quiet joy and real-life magic. Books in laps, conversations floating gently through the air—it was the perfect exhale.

Hungry and content, I found a nearby local diner and ordered a steaming bowl of kimchi jjigae. Spicy, rich, and deeply comforting, it was the perfect end to a deeply moving day.

Each spoonful was a burst of flavor, rich and authentic, embodying the essence of Korean cuisine. As I savored the last bites, I was filled with a deep sense of satisfaction and gratitude for the extraordinary meal that beautifully capped off my day of exploration.

*** I wrapped up 2024 with a solo trip to South Korea as the finale. From visa anxieties to subway rides, from cathedral quiet to Myeongdong chaos, I’m documenting the highs, lows, and everything in between. Thank you for reading, supporting, and walking this path with me—one step, one train, one heartwarming misadventure at a time. 💙***