Namsan Seoul Tower silhouetted against a colorful sunrise sky with wispy clouds and bare trees in Seoul, South Korea.

Last Day in Seoul City: Not the End, Just an Intermission

By | | EAST ASIA, SOLO TRAVEL, SOUTH KOREA, TRAVEL

✧ Series Note – South Korea Trip 2023 ✧
First time in South Korea. Solo. Unscripted. Raw. Real.
A short, cold trip filled with long walks, warm meals, and unforgettable moments.
📅 Dec 1–5, 2023

🌇 Morning Reflections & Farewell to Seoul

I woke up early for my final day in Seoul, my body already in sync with Korean time. There were no fixed plans—just a quiet determination to make every remaining hour count before my flight back to Manila.

Leaving my dream destination felt bittersweet. Part of me longed for home, but a bigger part wished I could stay longer. Time had passed far too quickly.

Namsan Seoul Tower silhouetted against a colorful sunrise sky with wispy clouds and bare trees in Seoul, South Korea.
At dawn, Namsan Tower greets the horizon—a beacon above Seoul where morning light awakens the city.

I made a promise to myself: save more, travel smarter, and return—this time during the autumn season.

This solo journey gave me more than memories. I made new connections, immersed myself in Korea’s rich culture, and discovered a stronger version of myself. I conquered my fear of navigating unfamiliar places alone—especially riding buses—and for that, I felt deeply proud.

The traditional Korean building Ho Hyeon Dang in Seoul with a tiled roof, wooden lattice doors, and a stone platform under a clear sky.
At Ho Hyeon Dang, wooden doors and tiled roofs whisper Seoul’s heritage—a quiet threshold where tradition stands timeless.

Stepping out of my guesthouse, I walked toward Seoul Station, where part of the old city wall stands. I noted this route as a budget-friendly alternative to the cable car for my next visit.

Statue of a seated figure on a pedestal with Korean inscriptions, flanked by stone reliefs and pine trees in a landscaped monument area in Seoul, South Korea.
In Seoul’s monument gardens, stone figures and carved reliefs honor history—a quiet tribute framed by pines.

As I crossed the street and climbed a stairway, I had a sudden realization—I was standing in a filming location of the K-drama My Lovely Sam Soon. A small, unexpected moment that made my heart smile.

🏯 Deoksugung Palace: Imperial Calm in the City

From there, I made my way to Seoul City Hall and visited one of Seoul’s most unique royal palaces.

Hand holding admission ticket and brochure for Deoksugung Palace in Seoul, South Korea, with palace architecture and tree-lined path in background.
At Deoksugung, a ticket is more than entry—it’s a key to Seoul’s imperial past, carried in hand beneath palace trees.

Deoksugung Palace, once part of the Daehan Empire, is known for its elegant blend of traditional Korean and Western-style architecture—something that sets it apart from other palaces in the city.

Highlights of Deoksugung:

  • Junghwajeon Hall—the main throne hall used for official ceremonies
  • Hamnyeongjeon Hall—the king’s private residence
  • Seokjojeon Hall—a Western-style building once used by the imperial family
  • Jungmyeongjeon Hall—the imperial library housing valuable historical artifacts
Traditional Korean palace building in Seoul with a colorful decorated roof, red and yellow lattice windows, a stone platform, and a large decorative urn in front.
In Seoul, painted roofs curve skyward—heritage carved in color, guarded by stone and urn.

Walking through its grounds felt like stepping into a quieter, more reflective side of Seoul—one that gently contrasts the city’s modern energy.

Traditional Korean palace building in Seoul with a curved tiled roof, colorful wooden panels, and a stone platform, framed by a large tree and modern buildings in the background.
In Seoul, painted eaves rise above stone—heritage framed by trees and towers in the city’s living contrast.
Traditional Korean palace with wooden architecture and tiled roofs in Seoul, South Korea, contrasted against modern high-rise buildings, including the Koreana Hotel.
In Seoul, tiled roofs rise beside glass towers—heritage and modernity sharing the same horizon.

🚌 Airport Limousine Bus vs AREX: My Ride to Incheon

After about an hour, I returned to the guesthouse, collected my luggage, and headed to the bus stop near Namdaemun Market.

This time, I chose the airport limousine bus—something I had always wanted to try.

Traditional Korean palace building with tiled roof and wooden architecture in Seoul, South Korea, set against modern skyscrapers, including the Koreana Hotel.
In Seoul, tiled roofs and stone courtyards meet glass towers—heritage and modernity sharing the same horizon.

While the AREX (Airport Railroad Express) from Seoul Station is faster and more budget-friendly, the limousine bus offers a different kind of comfort—especially for travelers with heavy luggage. With spacious seating and no need to transfer, it turned out to be a smooth and stress-free ride to Incheon International Airport.

✈️ Seoul to Manila: Not Goodbye, Just “See You Again”

As the bus moved along the highway, I watched the Seoul skyline slowly fade into the distance.

My heart felt heavy—but full.

South Korea gave me more than I ever expected: courage, healing, and memories I will carry for a lifetime.

Ornate traditional Korean gate pavilion in Seoul with colorful wooden beams, tiled roof, decorative figurines, and stone platform surrounded by trees and modern buildings.
In Seoul, a painted gate rises above stone—heritage framed in color, standing resilient beside the city’s modern skyline.

This isn’t goodbye.

Just a “see you again.”

Annyeong for now, Korea.
Kamsahamnida—from the bottom of my heart.

💭 Reflection: Intermission, Not an Ending

This trip may be coming to a close, but its impact will stay with me for a long time.

Despite the challenges and unexpected moments along the way, I am grateful for the lessons, for the growth, and for the courage I found within myself.

Traditional Korean palace courtyard with wooden buildings and tiled roofs in Seoul, South Korea, contrasted against modern skyscrapers, including the Koreana Hotel.
In Seoul, palaces and towers share the skyline—heritage stones standing firm beside glass and steel.”

I arrived in Korea searching for something.
I left with pieces of myself stitched back together.

Autumn park in Seoul, South Korea, with vibrant red, orange, and brown foliage, fallen leaves on the ground, and modern buildings visible through the trees.
A serene park in Seoul with colorful foliage, fallen leaves, and city buildings in the background.

This journey reminded me that sometimes, the places we dream of visiting don’t just change our surroundings—they change us.

This isn’t the end.

It’s only an intermission.

📌 Travel Tips for Your Last Day in Seoul

If you’re planning your final day in Seoul, here are a few practical tips:

  • Start early—maximize your remaining hours before your flight
  • Choose luggage-friendly transport—the airport limousine bus is ideal if you have bulky bags
  • Visit a nearby attraction – Places like Deoksugung Palace are perfect for a short, meaningful visit
  • Stay near transport hubs—areas around Seoul Station make departures easier
  • Leave buffer time—Seoul traffic can be unpredictable

This helps avoid stress and lets you end your trip on a calm, memorable note.

Traditional Korean palace building in Seoul with red wooden pillars, green lattice windows, and decorative painted eaves on a raised stone foundation.
In Seoul, painted eaves and red pillars rise above stone—heritage carved in color beside the city’s modern rhythm.

*** I wrapped up 2023 with an adventure to the land of K-Pop—a journey that felt like a dream yet came with its own moments of truth. A few unexpected mishaps added some spice to the trip, but in the end, I was beyond grateful to finally tick South Korea off my travel bucket list; a place that once sparked a dream becomes the one that reminds you how far you’ve come.***

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