seoul searching in south korea


in 2016 i had the opportunity to go to seoul, south korea to test airbnb's next thing: airbnb trips. what an opportunity, right? i brought along my bff, chris white, for some work and fun in a city i knew little about but had heard amazing things!

in 2018 i got to go back as part of my 4 month asia adventure to spend 2 weeks in seoul. i really love it here. the energy is electric, people are so warm and there's a lot to do. the city is huge but the public transportation is amazing and there is really great hiking. i fell in love with this city and hope to spend more time here (and with the people) in the future!

things to experience: 
  • mangwon market - great local's food market
  • mapo agricultural & marine products market (next to world cup stadium) - VERY local. buy a crab (or other seafood) and have them cook it; enjoy it in the secret restaurant upstairs
  • hongdae neighborhood for lots of shopping, street performers, local college scene
  • bukcheon neighborhood - traditional style korean houses with great views
  • ride bikes along the han river
  • gwangjang market - very cool local market. fabric, hats, lights... plus great food carts at nighttime. 
  • myeong-dong neighborhood - street food vendors, lots of shopping + ice cream; lively area of seoul
  • mangwon market - don't miss this local market for all the best food! 
  • korean bathhouse (jjimjilbang): http://www.silloamsauna.com (this one is GREAT and very tourist friendly); get a scrub and go to the formentation rooms (bad translation for sauna)
  • GO HIKING! (listed two airbnb experiences below but you can go on your own too... SO much good hiking)
  • dongdaemun fabric/craft market (link) - super amazing craft and fabric supplies if you're into crafting. i spent $76 on rhinestones. oops 
  • art box - cute gift store in hongdae
food to try:
  • korean bbq, duh. lots of good places in hongdae and near hapjeong station
  • hotteok - pancake thing with brown sugar and oats inside. you can find at mangwon market
  • dakgalbi - spicy chicken dish with cheese river in the middle
  • misugaru - best weird drink made of 6 - 12 beans + oats. don't miss this! super good at 3go coffee 
  • tteokbokki - spicy rice-cake thing. i personally didn't like it, but you'll see it everywhere and you should try it!
  • bibimbap 
  • coffee shop hopping in mapo district (love DEEP coffee)
  • pajeon - traditional korean fried pancake (savory)
  • fried chicken! try this little spot near itaewon called OTTO on usadan street
  • eat delicious rolls and bread, recommend bakery cafe aoitori in hongdae (try the matcha roll and the weird roll with noodles inside with hotdogs on top, so good!)
  • all the ice creams (ones that come in fish cones, ones that squash out of little cups, 32 cm tall ones)
  • rice beer in green bottle! so delicious! try it with fried food!
  • chapssal donut (a fried glutinous rice donut) - get it at mangwon market
  • soju!
restaurants/cafes: 
  • siktam - near iteawon and seoul central mosque on usadan street. super good traditional food. lots of cute shops on this street
  • OTTO - fried chicken near itaewon on usadan street; SUPER good!! 
  • 3go coffee - so cute and awesome, amazing misugaru! 
  • see pictures below of pajeon + korean bbq place. not sure they'll be helpful though
  • doomesangol (두메산골) - next to the korean bathhouse. they have this stinky tofu soup but its SUPER yummy
  • deep coffee in hongdae
  • bread comma in hongdae 
  • coffee shop hopping in hapjeong: arthracite coffee, bean brothers, mu
a few things to note: 
  • the public transit system is AMAZING! get a t-money card at a 7/11 and use to to transport yourself around + buy stuff at local markets. 
  • google maps doesn't work, especially for walking directions. try citymapper app for getting around. 
  • beauty products are really good and cheap in seoul.
  • socks are really good quality and cheap in seoul.
my airbnb experiences (look on the new airbnb app):
  • go on a mountain hike with climber: link. pretty challenging hike but you won't regret it. highly recommend this! 
  • really really recommend this night hike: link. i didn't actually go on this experience but my friend from work took me on the same hike and it was SO AMAZING!
  • the retro eye w/ soomin (analouge photography) - amazing experience & human; pics and process are awesome (link here for immersion or here for single experience)
  • river traveler w/ jaewon - new friend, really cool peak into hipster life in seoul + han river, local insights (link here for immersion or here for single experience)
  • west side foodie adventure (or food whisperer) w/ daniel - legit food man; will take you to all delicious eats in seoul (link here for immersion or here for single experience) 
airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/23624776 (highly recommend this listing/host)



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