If you happen to be in Seoul/Busan

Introduction

I was recently in South Korea with the fam. It was a two-week trip full of walking (my non-walkable city could never), eating, and listening to great stories my husband's dad recounted when he used to live there 30+ years ago. Because we got to explore a good amount, I thought I'd put a list of spots you would want to see if you happen to be in Seoul or Busan any time soon—a combination of touristy and local spots.

I wanted to put together this guide of the things I liked that I think are worth sharing if you ever find yourself in Seoul or Busan.

Getting Around South Korea

• Public Transportation in Seoul and Busan:

This is personal preference, but because roaming is so fast in South Korea, I usually get a roaming card at the airport. When you purchase a roaming package, they automatically give you a T-money card, which you would use for public transportation (subway and bus systems). The easiest way to load your T-money card is at a convenience store; they request cash for this transaction. I've heard that you can have a virtual T-money card on your phone, similar to Apple Pay, but I didn't get a chance to try it myself.

For subway and bus maps and schedules, download NAVER Maps from the App Store. The directions are in English, and it provides the best options to get to your destination via subway or bus. It also offers suggestions of what's trending, such as restaurants, cafes, pop-up stores, and hot spots.

• Taxis and Ride-hailing:

Kakao Taxi is a popular app for taxi-hailing, but to keep it simple, I used the Uber app when I needed to go to certain areas. I only used it for trips to and from the airport. Everywhere else, I relied on the incredibly efficient public transportation of South Korea (cries in Floridian).

• Walking:

But the best way to get to know the area is by walking. I got so many steps in that my Oura Ring had to make sure it was me.

Spots I went to

• Seoul Highlights:

Gyeongbokgung Palace – historic royal site with changing of the guard ceremony.

Bukchon Hanok Village – traditional Korean houses in the city.

N Seoul Tower – panoramic city views.

Insadong – cultural street with art and crafts.

Take a walk by the Han River, you can even bring food for a nice picnic in the afternoon or night time.

The Han River at night.

Apgujeong Rodeo Street - a wealthy neighborhood, nice for luxury shopping.

Inwangsan Mountain - it features ancient fortress walls and various hiking trails.

Cheonggyecheon Stream - A waterway that stretches over 11 km with lush greenery and art installations.

• Busan Highlights:

Haeundae Beach – iconic beach and seaside culture.

Watching the sunrise.

Gamcheon Culture Village – colorful hillside village with street art.

Jagalchi Fish Market – largest seafood market in Korea.

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple – unique and beautiful seaside temple.

Top 5 best pictures I've ever taken, maybe I should get this framed.

Food/Restaurants I tried

When exploring Korean cuisine, there are some must-try dishes that should be on your list. Start with Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), hotteok (sweet pancakes), and fish cakes. Each offers a unique taste of Korea's vibrant street food culture.

For a more authentic experience, I highly recommend visiting a pocha—the little red tents that serve delicious soju and eomuk tang (fish cake soup). It's a fantastic way to soak in the local atmosphere while enjoying some classic flavors.

This was in Busan near Lotte Hotel Busan in downtown.

Now, I know this might sound unexpected, but I found myself craving Italian food during my trip. This led me to a delightful place called Ikseon Chwihyang, which offers a unique Korean/Italian fusion menu that you won't want to miss.

To cap off your culinary adventures, make sure to visit the famous Sooyeonsanbang Teahouse. Although there may be a bit of a wait, it's absolutely worth it for those seeking an authentic experience in a traditional Korean teahouse.

Museums and Cultural Experiences

• In Seoul:

National Museum of Korea – extensive historical exhibits.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza – architecture and design hub.

War Memorial of Korea - exhibits of the military history of Korea.

• In Busan:

Busan Museum of Art – contemporary works.

UN Memorial Cemetery – historical significance.

Nightlife and Bars

• Seoul Nightlife:

Itaewon district for international bars and clubs.

Hongdae for live music and youth culture.

The bar scene in Seoul is amazing, the following cocktail bars are highly recommended:

• Bar Cham

• Le Chamber

• Germanium

• Busan Nightlife:

Seomyeon area for vibrant bar scenes.

Beach bars near Haeundae.

Skincare and Beauty in Seoul and Busan

When it comes to top shopping districts for beauty products, Myeongdong in Seoul and Gwangbok-dong in Busan are hard to beat.

Although I didn't indulge in any beauty clinics or spas for treatments during my trip, I made sure to visit some pharmacies and the vibrant K-beauty shopping district in Seoul to restock my essentials before heading back home. One brand that has been making waves lately is Dr. REJU-ALL, along with anything related to PRDN. I found these products at Sun Pharmacy, which was a great spot for my beauty haul.

You might be wondering, what exactly is PRDN? This remarkable compound aids in skin regeneration and boasts potent anti-aging properties. After a quick Google search, I discovered that PRDN is a regenerative, anti-inflammatory compound derived from salmon DNA, known for its ability to stimulate cellular repair and enhance collagen production. Here’s a glimpse of my little beauty haul! (attach picture)

Reflecting on Memories

Overall, memories were made, and I'm truly thankful for the time I got to spend with family. If you're planning a trip, I hope you have the greatest time learning and experiencing all that South Korea has to offer. The vibrant culture, delicious food, and rich history await you, making every moment an opportunity for new adventures and cherished memories.