The Beauty of Seoul Is Uniquely Seoul

My first solo international trip gave me the opportunity to visit Seoul, South Korea. The city is up-to-date and leads in design, entertainment, and beauty trends. A location on many bucket lists, the city is almost fully commercial: the best pharmacies for skincare and cosmetic surgery, the largest entertainment hub for movies, TV shows and music (most notably: K-Pop).

Planning for the trip had me expect a level of saturation for skin brighteners, nose jobs, media promos, and more. Of course, the hole-in-the-wall beauty of small restaurants, cafés, clubs, and bars added mystique and excitement to the whole trip, but it was beyond a good time. It was a learning experience in a different culture. In my eight days in full tourist mode, Seoul whispers of familiar places but makes a unique experience described as Seoul.

Gyeongbokgung (경복궁) Palace

This is one of five palaces located throughout Seoul. Most popular for its location and historically where the king of Joseon resided, Gyeongbokgung Palace has a rich history and beautiful design to tell its story.

Originally built in 1395, this palace served as the center of power during the Joseon dynasty until the Imjin War. During the Japanese invasion, the palace burned down. Changdeokgung Palace took over as the main residence for Korean royalty after the fire, and the ruins would remain untouched for hundreds of years.

The Korean government rebuilt Gyeongbokgung in 1868 with a skillful combination of Chinese and Korean architecture. This was largely different from the original palace construction.

Japan later occupied Korea again, largely dismantling and destroying the 1868 reconstruction, including Gwanghamun gate. The Japanese built their General Government Building just north of the gate in 1926, which stood until 1995.

The Korean government is still in the process of rebuilding the beauty of Gyeongbokgung Palace, though what is already there can paint a fraction of the greatness the Joseon Dynasty constructed.

Gwanghwamun (광화문) Gate & Square

Gwanghwamun Gate, built in 1395, is one of the most visited attractions by tourists in downtown Seoul. The granite gate has three separate entrances, where Gyeongbokgung Palace resides.

An ancient Korean mythical creature with the power to pass judgment guards the main palace entrance at the gate. Haetae (해태) are as a goat-unicorn-lion-like creature.

Gwanghwamun Square has countless visitors since it’s located along the main street of Seoul, Sejong-ro. The square harbors a park and two statues of the most famous Korean figures in the country’s history: King Sejong the Great and Admiral Yi Sun-Shin.

King Sejong the Great (1397-1450, reign 1418-1450) was the fourth king of Joseon, a dynastic Korean kingdom that lasted over 500 years. His greatness is attributed to scientific and technological developments, territorial expansion, and the creation of the Korean script, Hangul (한글), in the 15^th century.

Admiral Yi Sun-Shin (1545-1598) was a naval commander known for his service during the Japanese invasion of Korea, known as the Imjin War (1592-1598). With a recorded 23 victories, he is largely recognized as one of the greatest generals in Korean history.

Though both statues differ greatly in style, they both hold incredible cultural and historical significance to the city. Both figures rightfully are on a pedestal to show their contributions to what made Seoul—and South Korea as a whole—what it is today.

Bukchon Hanok Village (북촌한옥마을)

This village is known for its traditional houses (hanok) that date back to the Joseon Dynasty. Many of these spaces morphed into cultural centers, tea houses, restaurants, and more for an in-depth historic cultural experience. It is also an active village with private residences, so guests are encouraged to stay quiet and respectful.

The narrow roads, low roofs, and small alleyways are just a few examples of the historic Korean architecture that bled into more contemporary spaces and made my trip more immersive. Though some may call it claustrophobic, it was almost therapeutic for how close-knit but peaceful the village was when walking through it.

Cheonggyecheon (청계천) Stream

Cheonggyecheon Stream is a perfect example of the beauty of urban waterways. This stream runs right through Seoul, with walk-able pathways, seating areas, and greenery to (kind of) escape the chaos of the city.

The stream was a natural resource from a nearby mountain, which was used for sewage and waste until after the Korean War. In 1958, the stream was filled in with concrete and became a 10-lane freeway, called the Cheonggye Expressway.

It wasn’t until 2003 that a renewal project dismantled the freeway to return a natural resource and a kind of oasis to the city.

Especially in the summer months, the lowered platform and bridges offer escape from the sun and heat, along with the trees, branches, and elevated steps that many use as seats. It’s a perfect place to sit and relax, away from traffic and a place to stick your feet into some cool water to beat the heat.

Dongmyo Flea Market

One of my favorite activities during my trip was thrifting and antiquing. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the luggage space or the budget to take home everything I fell in love with, but it was tempting.

Dongmyo Flea Market happens every weekend, with hundreds of stalls selling pre-loved tech, analog media, clothing, and famous street foods: Tteokbokki, Gilgeori Toast, and so much more.

I’m a huge fan of outdoor markets, and Dongmyo Flea Market does not disappoint. Imagine anything off the top of your head and a stall in Dongmyo is selling it: cameras, pagers, shoes, tables, tape, stationery, imported foods—anything!

The Smaller Sights

Here is a gallery of my other escapades and what caught my eye, big and small.