You know how sometimes you think you've got everything figured out for a trip, but then something totally unexpected just changes everything? That was my experience in Seoul. I went there armed with a mental list of the best things to do in Seoul, but honestly? Some of the most amazing moments were the ones I didn't plan at all.
This Spot? Total Surprise.
So, I land in Incheon, heart racing with excitement, and I honestly feel like a little kid. I'm scrolling through my phone, trying to remember which subway line takes me to my hotel, and I suddenly second-guess myself. What if I mess up? What if I find myself lost in a strange city, not speaking the language, and totally out of my depth? But once I made it through customs, hopped on the train, and stared out at the passing scenery, I realized I wouldn't let doubt ruin this trip.
After unpacking, I decided to hit the nearby neighborhood of Hongdae, thinking it was just going to be a quick stroll. I turned a corner and bam! There it was, anawesome street performance. A group was break-dancing and drawing a crowd. I don't know why I ended up just standing there with this wide grin plastered on my face for thirty minutes, but it felt like pure joy.
They were so talented! I bumped into a couple of locals who told me this was the kind of spontaneous art scene that Hongdae thrived on. I was expecting some commercialized downtown area, and here I was, soaking up this raw, vibrant energy that made me feel truly alive. I even cheered when one of the dancers transformed into a human rubber band. “Look at him go!” I think I might have screamed it out. No regrets.
The Afternoon That Changed My Whole Mood
There was one afternoon that started off almost disastrous, and I still can't believe how much my mood flipped. I'd planned to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, thinking it would be a pretty standard tourist stop, but then I got there and the line was insane. I was already feeling a little cranky, you know?
So I turned around, thinking maybe I'd just grab a coffee and a little street food before heading to a museum. But then I stumbled upon a tiny teahouse that looked so unassuming. I don't know why I went in—it was like some quiet little door whispered my name.
Inside, the air was thick with the fragrance of herbs, and I plopped down, feeling out of place initially. But then… I was presented with this mind-blowingly delicious honey citron tea. I swear it felt calming in the middle of the chaos outside. I found myself chatting with the owner, who shared stories about the teas and sometimes about his life in Seoul. It was such a warm little moment, so human. I felt like I'd discovered a hidden gem that wasn't in any travel guide.
I sipped my tea slowly as I watched the rain begin to drip outside. I felt my earlier frustration melt into a gentle nostalgia. I remember thinking, “Who would have thought a little detour like this could lift my spirits so high?” From that moment on, I decided it didn't matter if plans went awry; I'd embrace whatever came my way.
I Almost Missed This, No Thanks to My Bad Sense of Direction
Do you ever get that feeling when you're wandering and just sort of hope you can magically find your way? Yeah, that was me one evening. I thought I'd check out the Dongdaemun Design Plaza since it was supposed to be stunning at night. Spoiler alert: I got lost. Like seriously lost.
There I was, walking through alleyways, dodging bikes and random street vendors, wondering if I was ever going to make it to my intended destination. I swear I was close to a meltdown when I spotted a small food cart selling gimbap—and thank the food gods, I stopped. As I plopped down on a little stool, inhaling that warm, savory seaweed roll, I couldn't help but laugh at myself.
The vendor must have sensed my desperation because he offered me a free bite of something he'd just made. I can still feel that first explosion of flavor. It was grilled squid with this spicy sauce, and I was in heaven. If I hadn't gotten lost, I wouldn't have thought to stop, and I would've missed out on sheer deliciousness.
Eventually, I got directions and managed to hit the Design Plaza, which was gorgeous, but honestly? That little unexpected food detour made the adventure so much richer.
I Don’t Know Why I Thought I Wouldn’t Like This
Then there was this day when I decided to check out Gwangjang Market. Honestly, I wasn't expecting much. I mean, markets can either be super touristy or just chaotic in a frustrating way, right? But as soon as I stepped inside, the energy hit me like a wave.
The first thing I noticed was the smell—so many spices and sizzling food. It's hard to describe how alive it felt, but I was just swept up in it. I tried bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) for the first time, and wow! Crispy on the outside and bursting with flavor inside. I felt like I was in a foodie utopia.
Then I ventured deeper into the stalls, past fabrics and handmade goods. While I was browsing, I chatted with this older lady who was selling some beautiful textiles. She spoke broken English, but we totally connected over her bright-colored fabrics, and I ended up buying a little handmade purse. I think it cost me twenty bucks, and when I think about it, I realize it wasn't just the purse I got, but a little piece of her warmth as well.
This trip wasn't just about ticking off the best things to do in Seoul; it was about immersing myself in moments.
So here I am, back at my favorite coffee shop, reflecting on Seoul. The good, the bad, and those unexpected turns that brought a simple trip to life. I'll be sipping my coffee, letting those memories wash over me as I wonder when I'll be back. Maybe next time, I'll focus a little less on what I think I should do and embrace whatever surprises the city has in store.
