Hi there! We are now in the second half of my stay in South Korea, a really charming country in East Asia. It is the country of my first lone trip - a destination I still chose to visit despite a major shift in my life when I was Exploring Shibata City in Niigata, Japan.
If you read the first part of this two-part series. I have narrated there the reason why I traveled solo. But if you haven’t, that’s okay, you can still read it here: Solo in Seoul, South Korea - Part I
For the first 5 days, I visited a Flower show, the iconic N Seoul or Namsan Tower, the busy streets of Hongdae and Myeongdong, the lively city center, the magnificent Dongdaemun Plaza, and the historical museums, National Museum of Korea and War Memorial of Korea.
Here’s a continuation of my wanderings in South Korea...
Day 6 - A walk to South Korea’s past
On the 6th day, I decided to go on a cultural walk to Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village.
Gyeongbokgung Palace was the first and largest of the royal palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty. I was in awe of the grandeur of this place!
I loved the painted ceiling at the entrance. I even stopped there for a while to appreciate its beauty. Every door in the courtyard is like a passage to the past.
The details of the palace structure are admirable. It gives more elegance to the place.
Another thing worth watching is the palace exchange of guards ceremony. It felt like I was transported to a historical drama while watching the parade of locals in their traditional clothes.
Hyangwonjeong Pavilion, located in the center of Hyangwonji Lake served as a relaxation area for the royal family.
If you are visiting the Gyeongbokgung Palace, make sure to wear comfortable shoes because there will be a lot of walking. Speaking of walking, after walking inside the Palace grounds, I continued to the next destination, Bukchon Hanok Village.
I love this path that leads to the traditional village. Do not be deceived, it is not very near from the palace.
Bukchon Hanok Village is a traditional Korean village located not so far from the palace. It is an actual neighborhood that’s why visitors are advised to be respectful while roaming around.
To date, some of the houses have been turned into guest houses or restaurants that offer a traditional experience to tourists.
After a long day of walking and sightseeing, I passed by the statue of King Sejong, the great ruler of Joseon Dynasty of Korea who is also the inventor of the Korean writing system called, “hangul”.
Day 7 - Trip to Busan
Spoiler: No zombies on the train to Busan!
I hopped on the earliest train to Busan on the 7th day. Busan is another large city in South Korea.
Unfortunately, since I was lacking sleep, I had no energy to roam around other places in Busan. I just stayed in Haeundae Beach, one of the most famous - if not the most famous in the country. There were street performers not so far from the beach but I’d rather sit on the sand and watch people.
These youngsters remind me of a coming-of-age Korean drama.
To be honest, everything felt like a scene from the k-dramas that I used to watch.
Day 8 - Gangnam Style!
I decided to visit a place not so far from my accommodation, Gangnam, another famous district in Seoul.
I went there to experience the largest underground shopping mall in Asia, Coex Mall but I am not really a big fan of malls so I decided to just pass on it but then, I saw the Coex Aquarium.
Never been to one so I must say I enjoyed it a lot. Afterward, I went out on the street looking for anything interesting. It started pouring again. Good thing Bongeunsa Temple is just walking distance from the mall.
It is considered the oldest and most famous temple in Seoul. The location really intrigued me but I learned later on that it was originally constructed somewhere else and was moved to where it is now.
The temple grounds is really charming. Even the muddy road gave more character to the place.
Day 9 - Unplanned hike at Mt. Bukhansan
I never planned for this - well, I never planned for anything in Seoul - but on the morning of my last day in South Korea, I found myself on the train bound to Bukhansan National Park.
After a few minutes on the train, I realized that the passenger count became lesser.
Before reaching my desired station, I was traveling with mostly elderlies in their full hiking attire!
I did not know what to do next. I just kept on following what the locals do. I saw them crossing the road, I crossed, too. I saw them buying gimbap, I bought, too! Haha. And there was the sign that I was able to make it to the jump-off point.
A few minutes from the entrance, hikers were welcomed by this beautiful scenery.
The hike is getting serious. At one point, I wanted to go back. But there was an elderly behind me who kept pushing me (perhaps I was realllly slowww).
He realized I’m not Korean so he volunteered to take a photo of me while I was resting. Talking about being unprepared, I did not pack hiking clothes so I climb the mountain wearing jeans.
I believe this is the Buddhist temple. I did not enter because I am too pressed for time.
A few more photos and then this view.
I can’t believe I made it up to this point.
Next is the resting area where I ate lunch. Good thing I bought gimbap at the national park’s entrance. Else, I would be starving halfway through.
I really wanted to reach the 3rd peak but I have to go back to Seoul after lunch to meet a friend. Two Koreans accompanied me on the hike, one became an instant photographer and the other an instant translator. It was a really fun hike because I got to know these locals.
Chasing waterfalls on my way back and a snap at the signage for a legit Korean hike photo op.
Stopped by Jingwansa Temple, another lovely temple in Bukhansan Mountain.
It was mid-afternoon when I reached Seoul where my friend and I watched some performances at the plaza. We also went to Itaewon to buy souvenirs. No photos at that time but I really love the small alleys that we passed by.
Day 10 - Thank you, Seoul.
On my last day, my friend accompanied me to the airport. It was really nice of her even though we only met for almost a week. She has become a really close friend until now. I even stayed at her place when I went back to Seoul a few years later.
My trip to Seoul had an uncertain start. I went there with a broken heart. Was I able to move on? Not really. But I was able to see the world in a different light, and my heartbreak as a blessing. You see, this is a solo trip but throughout my stay in South Korea, I was never alone. I met a few amazing girls (my roommates) and random big sisters. I also became friends with locals - one does not speak English at all! And I don’t speak Korean, even a bit!
If I were not on my own, I probably would not have made a lot of friends. I would not have tried random things. I would not have been in Busan nor in Bukhansan. I would have prepared an itinerary and stressed myself every morning to follow it.
There is beauty in being alone - especially when traveling.
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