✧ 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
✈️ The Visa That Sparked a Dream
For weeks, I refreshed my email more than I’d like to admit. The visa application sat in my mind like a pending exam result. When it was finally approved, the anxiety dissolved instantly. I wasn’t just excited—I felt chosen.
Round-trip tickets? Booked. SIM cards? Arranged. A list of every K-Drama filming location I could find. Partly categorized. But as any solo traveler knows, the best stories start where the spreadsheet ends.
The 4 AM Reality Check
At 4 AM, stepping into Incheon’s bright, polished halls, I felt something settle in my chest. This wasn’t a K-drama scene anymore. It was real. I had crossed borders—literally and figuratively. It’s quiet, efficient, and—as I quickly learned—a little lonely when your ATM card decides not to cooperate.
I stood there, staring at a screen that refused to give me Won, until a fellow traveler stepped in. A quick “Salamat, kabayan!” and a pointed finger toward a working machine later, I was back on track. It was my first reminder: solo travel doesn’t mean you’re always alone.
🚆 AREX to Seoul: Sleepy Commutes and Sub-Zero Welcomes
I boarded the AREX (Airport Express) for the 55-minute dash to Seoul Station. I’d love to tell you about the scenery, but I slept through most of it. I was eventually nudged awake by a polite train crew member—the only other souls left on the train were me and a quiet couple.
Stepping out of Hoehyeon Station, the “Seoul Winter” finally hit me: -7°C. 🥶. I was officially not in Southeast Asia anymore.
🏠 Dream Guesthouse: My Cozy Base in Seoul
I settled into Dream Guesthouse, a cozy spot tucked near Namdaemun Market and Hoehyeon Station Exit 3. It had everything: free coffee, a warm common area, hot and cold showers, private lockers, an elevator to the third floor, and even laundry service, and… a dormmate who didn’t understand the concept of headphones. Hahaha!
As I lay there on my first night, listening to the stray audio of someone else’s videos, I realized this was the “authentic” experience I wanted. It wasn’t a polished K-Drama montage; it was messy, freezing, and perfectly real.
🇰🇷 Best Tourist Spots for First-Timers Visiting South Korea: A Winter Soulful Guide
⛪️ Myeongdong Cathedral: A Moment of Peace
My first stop: the beautiful Myeongdong Cathedral. Just a short walk from Myeongdong Street, this Gothic-style Catholic church offered a quiet escape from the city buzz. It was serene—a place for prayer, reflection, and even a bit of fangirling, knowing it’s been a filming location for several K-Dramas.
As I stood in its courtyard, surrounded by stained-glass windows and solemn architecture, a calming sense of reverence washed over me.
🏯 Gyeongbokgung Palace: History in Motion
From Myeongdong Station, I took subway Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station, then walked to Exit 5. The “classic” move here is to rent a hanbok for a free entry and a perfect Instagram shot. But at -7°C, the freezing wind dictated a different path. I traded the flowing traditional dress for heavy thermals and a KRW 3,000 entry fee.
Walking through the royal residences of the Joseon Dynasty without the pressure of a “photoshoot” allowed me to actually see the intricate details of the pavilions and the way the Bukhansan Mountain looms over the palace walls like a silent guardian.
Gyeongbokgung is one of the Five Grand Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty. Some parts were royal residences, while others served as venues for state affairs, banquets, and rituals. Many K-dramas and films have also featured its historic grounds—no wonder it felt both majestic and familiar.
🗽 Gwanghwamun Square: In the Heart of History
From the palace, I walked to nearby Gwanghwamun Square, a symbolic and cultural center of Seoul. It’s also the main gate to Gyeongbokgung Palace.
The square is a favorite among tourists and locals, with wide open spaces perfect for photos, cultural events, and people-watching. Its centerpiece: a towering statue of King Sejong, the creator of Hangul, Korea’s alphabet. Nearby stands Admiral Yi Sun-sin, a revered hero in Korean naval history.
And in the background? The majestic Bukhansan Mountain.
🌆 Myeongdong After Dark: Lights, Life, and Late-Night Bites
That evening, I returned to Myeongdong Street. Neon lights. Street food aromas. Skincare shops galore. The energy was infectious. The street was lit up with food stalls, fashion boutiques, skincare shops, and bright neon lights.
The buzz was infectious. Whether you’re in the mood for shopping, people-watching, or just indulging in street food, Myeongdong never disappoints.
I grabbed a bite at Burger King (don’t judge!), freshened up at the guesthouse, and tried to settle in. Sleep didn’t come easily—one dorm mate’s video volume was a little too enthusiastic. The joys of shared spaces, right?
💤 First Night Feels: Guesthouse Life
My first night in Seoul was a mix of excitement and a bit of frustration. I couldn’t sleep right away because someone in the dorm was watching a video—volume on. That’s the guesthouse experience: a mix of shared space and new encounters. Sometimes charming, sometimes not.
*** 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.***
