What Makes Seoul So Cool

Seoul, South Korea. It’s hard to believe that not even 70 years ago, devastated by the Korean War, this place was more rubble than building. Now, one of the most technically advanced cities in the world, it’s truly one of the greatest success stories of the last century. Thanks to what’s known as the Hallyu, or Korean Wave, visitors now flock here even more than when I visited for “Places to Love.” It’s really got everything you could want and then some. If you’ve never thought about visiting, allow me to introduce you to why Seoul is so cool.

Watch our Seoul, South Korea episode below

 

What Makes Seoul So Cool

An Abundance of Trendy Neighborhoods 

Home to over 24 million people, Seoul is massive. It’s divided into 25 districts (gu) and each of those districts is divided into neighborhoods (dong). As you can imagine, cities are constantly changing and there are always trendy neighborhoods emerging! Just look to see where cafes are popping up and where the university students are gravitating towards. When we visited, that was Yeonnam-dong and one of the cafes we tried was Lucha libre-themed!

If you’re not sure where to start, Hongdae is one of those areas that will always be somewhat trendy. With three major universities – Yonsei, Hongik, and Ehwa – surrounding the district, there’s always something new going on… at all times of the day.

A Love of Food

If you leave any restaurant in Seoul hungry, chances are that restaurant will not last long. Food culture is strong whether it’s wandering around a market to pick up groceries, sitting down to a table flooded with smaller dishes known as banchan (all complimentary), or popping into a red tent and sampling different street foods… be prepared to eat to your heart’s content. 

Heck, even if you wake-up starving at 3AM, there are 24-hour convenience stores like CU, GS25, or 7/11 where you can make yourself an entire meal with only a few thousand won.

A Blend of Tradition and Modernity 

One of the coolest things about Seoul is how they manage to so seamlessly blend traditional culture with modern culture. The best way to see this is by visiting one of the five palaces right in the heart of the city. Go to Gyeongbokgung, the largest of the five, and right across the street you’ll see modern architecture. Next door is Bukchon Hanok Village where you can wander around traditional-style homes that, yes, are still lived in. 

Even today as technology has created a bali-bali lifestyle (fast-fast), you’ll find many places that focus on preserving traditional practices like jogakbo or Korean patchwork.

A Love for Each Season

Korea, and especially Seoul, has four distinct seasons, and they know how to lean into every single one right down to the music. Spring is for cheerful brightness, summer for slowing down, fall is for nostalgia, and winter is for coziness. 

I happened to be there when spring was starting and the cherry blossoms were in full bloom. There are hundreds if not thousands of trees all around Seoul covered in these pretty pink blooms, and it really does feel magical getting to walk with the crowds to admire them. Yeouido is one of the most popular spots but really you can find them anywhere. Be sure to add “Cherry Blossom Ending” by Busker Busker and “Bom Bom Bom” by Roy Kim to your playlist while you stroll.

The 5 Stages of Drinking

When Seoulites let loose, they really let loose! You don’t just go out, you go out. I quickly learned about the “5 Stages of Drinking,” and sometimes I think I’m still recovering! For the uninitiated, they are:

1. BBQ with your friends. You know the drill – pile around an open grill and have the most experienced of your crew manage the grilling. Pile your meat into a lettuce wrap with some ssamjang sauce- delicious. Maybe drink some soju but know that this is only stage 1.
2. Chimaek. Or chicken and maekju. Or fried chicken and beer. In Korea, they have two words for chicken, dalk-gogi for regular chicken and chik-en for fried chicken. We’re talking about the latter here. Korean fried chicken has become popular for a reason, and it goes best with a nice, cold beer.
3. Drinks & Snacks – Head to another bar for more drinks and more snacks. In our case, we had some rice wine and dried fish while also experiencing Hongdae nightlife. 
4. Noraebang – Time to move on from the bars to a noraebang place. Noraebang, which translates to “song room” is exactly what it sounds like – a place to sing your heart out! And don’t worry, you won’t be on stage. Instead you and your party will get your room and you can sing song after song while drinking.
5. The Nightcap – If you’ve made it this far, you’re determined! Most will go home after noraebang, but for those that want to keep going, you can find a quieter bar, a tent, a convenience store, or even a club to keep the night going. 

Just don’t forget to get some hangover soup tomorrow morning!

An Eagerness to Share Their Culture

One thing I’ve found, and that many other visitors have discovered, is that most Koreans love to share their culture. Even if you never leave Incheon Airport, there’s a whole culture center with hands-on activities. You’re encouraged to dress up in their hanboks to explore the palaces. Depending on the season, you can join in on all sorts of events like kimchi-making, jogakbo-making, or even learn about the games they would’ve played back in the day. And don’t be afraid of practicing your annyonghaseyo or gamsahamnida – they won’t jeer or embarrass you if you pronounce them incorrectly! 

For such a massive city, I found Seoul to be so friendly and welcoming. I loved learning what makes it so cool. Anything you’d add from your experience? Let me know!