✧ 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

☕ A Café, A Walk, A Moment

Before I knew it, my last day in Seoul had arrived.

To make the most of the time I had left, I followed my sister’s recommendation and set off to visit a charming café. I had already checked out of my hostel, so I boarded the subway at Hoehyeon Station (Line 4, Light Blue Line), transferred to Line 3 (Orange Line) at Chungmuro, and rode all the way to Hongje Station.

According to Naver Map, the café was a 20-minute walk from the station. As someone who finds joy in walking, I gladly took the time to explore the quiet neighborhood and pass by rows of typical South Korean apartments. It was fascinating to get a glimpse of local life beyond the tourist trail.

Pokpo Café turned out to be a cozy little gem tucked into a residential area, complete with a picturesque traditional watermill and an inviting outdoor space. Although I didn’t stay long or wait for it to open, simply being there added a gentle, memorable touch to my final morning in Seoul.

From there, I hopped back on the subway and made my way to Insadong. While nibbling on freshly made gyeran-ppang (egg bread), I noticed the shops slowly opening for the day. Known for its celebration of traditional Korean culture and arts, Insadong felt quieter than usual, which made wandering its alleys even more enjoyable.

🥚 Insadong’s Early Glow

Quaint cafés, calligraphy shops, hanbok rental boutiques, and galleries lined the peaceful streets. I watched tourists dressed in vibrant hanbok smile for the camera in front of vintage signs and wooden doors. The whole scene felt like a moving postcard—calm, colorful, and cultural.

🏘️ A Return to Namsangol

A few hours later, I found myself back in Chungmuro, retracing steps to Namsangol Hanok Village, one of the first places I visited on this trip. Returning there on my last day felt symbolic. The traditional hanok homes, shaded gardens, and mountain views offered a sense of closure. I ended the afternoon with a quiet walk through Namsan Park, letting the golden light of sunset settle my thoughts as Seoul’s skyline slowly faded into the dusk.

🚆 Farewell, Seoul

Before reality sank in, I returned to my guesthouse, picked up my luggage, and headed to Seoul Station to catch the airport train.

It was a smooth and quiet ride to Incheon International Airport. After checking in with Jeju Air and going through passport control, I sat at a Paris Baguette with a croissant and coffee, quietly watching planes taxi by, already missing the rhythm of the city I had just left behind.

Until next time, Seoul—thank you for the memories, the culture, and the calm.

🌙 Reflection: The Gentle Goodbye

As the train whisked me away from Seoul, I reflected on the soft rhythm of my final day. In quiet neighborhoods, cozy cafés, and timeless hanok villages, I discovered a gentler side of this vibrant city—a side I’ll carry with me always.

These peaceful moments reminded me that travel isn’t just about famous landmarks. It’s about the small, meaningful experiences that linger in the heart long after the journey ends.

*** 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. 💙***