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South Korea Travel Diary and Itinerary

  • Oct 13, 2023
  • 13 min read

Updated: May 10

Our long-awaited trip finally made it out of the group chat! Woohooo ✈️ We spent 11 days, 10 nights in South Korea exploring Jeju Island, Busan, and Seoul and going with friends made it so fun! and seriously, South Korea is literally a girl's heaven!!


Keep reading to find out the breakdown of my trip!



Flew with Singapore Airlines from Melbourne, went in September so it was pretty much the start of autumn, but it was still pretty warm from the summer months.



Day 1: Arrive in Jeju Island (4 days, 3 nights)

🛌 3PM Rent car rental and Check in at Asia Hotel

Address: South Korea, Jeju-do, Jeju-si, 특별자치도, Noyeon-ro, 53 호텔 아시아 제주


🍲 6PM Dinner at Hwaro Hyang situated on Black Pork Street (흑돼지 거리), a popular street where you can find a wide range of restaurants that specialise in Jeju's famous black pork

Address: 1399-2 Geonip-dong, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea


🍡 7:30PM Jeju Dongmun Traditional Market - Jeju's largest and oldest traditional market. Go to the markets and make sure to end the night with a hotteok (씨앗호떡). You will not regret it! It's a small circular pancake filled with honey and brown sugar. It was my favourite snack to end the night every day!!


😴 10PM: Sleep

Morning: Getting to Udo

  • 8:00 AM - Seongsan Port (1 hr 4 min drive from hotel Asia)

    • Must bring passport & international license

    • Ferry departs every 30 mins from 8:00 AM

    • Ferry ride to Udo takes only 15 mins

    • Look for 승선신고서 작성대 to register

    • Passenger ticket: ₩8,500 round trip

  • 9:30 - 10:00 AM - Rent an electric car

    • Available at Udo arrival port, surrounded by rental shops


Daytime: Flexible Sightseeing on Udo

  • Seobinbaeksa (서빈백사 / Sanho Beach)

    • Address: 2565-1 Yeonpyeong-ri, Udo-myeon

    • Unique white shell beach (not sand)

  • SoSeom JeonBok (소섬전복)

    • Address: 329 Yeonpyeong-ri, Udo-myeon

    • Famous for abalone porridge

  • Udo Botanical Garden (우도정원)

    • Address: 1964 Yeonpyeong-ri, Udo-myeon

    • Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

    • Admission: ₩3,000

  • Blanc Rocher Café

    • Address: 712-1 Yeonpyeong-ri, Udo-myeon

    • Hours: 11:00 AM - 5:30 PM

    • Must-try: Peanut latte

  • Hagosudong Beach (하고수동해변)

    • Address: 1200-11 Yeonpyeong-ri, Udo-myeon

    • Known for crystal-clear waters; often called Udo’s most beautiful beach

  • Geommeolle Beach (검멀레해변)

    • Address: 1132 Udo Haean-gil, Udo-myeon

    • Must-try: Peanut ice cream (Udo specialty)

    • Optional: Boat ride to nearby sea caves

  • Udobong Peak (우도봉)

    • Address: 7 Udobong-gil, Udo-myeon

    • Scenic views of land & sea

    • One of Udo’s five lighthouses located at the top


Evening: Return & Dinner

  • 5:30 PM: Return Ferry (check latest schedule before leaving)

  • Dinner: Jejumadang Restaurant (제주마당)

    • Address: 663-1 Iho 1(il)-dong (approx. 1 hr 15 min drive from ferry)

    • Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM


    • Highlights:

      • Galchi Jorim (hairtail fish stew) served in long metal pot

      • Jeju pork donkatsu

      • Omegi rice cakes as refillable banchan

    • Tip: Wear comfy clothes, meal is very filling!

Morning

  • Asia Hotel - Start point

  • Jamae Guksu (자매국수)

    • 11 min drive from hotel

    • Famous for sisters’ noodle soup (very popular local spot)

  • Handam Coastal Walk (한담해변 산책로)

    • 25 min drive from Jamae Guksu

    • Scenic seaside walking path

  • Aewol The Sunset (애월더선셋)

    • 1 min from Handam Coastal Walk

    • Coastal café, great ocean views

Midday

  • Osulloc Tea Museum (오설록 티뮤지엄)

    • 32 min drive from Handam Coastal Walk

    • Famous for green tea desserts, tea fields, and cultural exhibits

  • Innisfree Jeju House

    • Walking distance from Osulloc Tea Museum

    • Skincare/beauty experience + tea café

  • Camellia Hill Botanical Garden (카멜리아힐)

    • 15 min drive from Innisfree Jeju House

    • Large garden with camellias and other seasonal flowers

Afternoon / Café stop

  • Cafe Tangerine Flower Attic (귤꽃다락 Gyulkkot Darak)

    • 25 min drive from Camellia Hill

    • Hours: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

    • Address: 34 Ieodo-ro 1027beon-gil, Seogwipo-si

    • Known for: tangerine-inspired desserts & drinks, cute/Instagrammable atmosphere

Evening

  • 수복강녕 (Subokgangnyeong)

    • 1 hr drive from Camellia Hill

    • Reservation required (closes at 7:00 PM)

    • Specialty: Teokgalbi (grilled short rib patties)

  • Chill & evening walk - free time after dinner

  • Check out of Asia Hotel, Jeju


  • Noraba Restaurant (the seafood was so fresh!!)

    • 26 min drive from hotel

    • Address: 100 Gueom-gil, Aewol-eup, Jeju-si

    • Opening hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM


  • Cafe Siroco

    • 33 min drive from Noraba

    • Address: 626 Seohaean-ro, Jeju-si

    • Cute café, great for photos with planes flying overhead


  • 3:20 PM: Return car & Flight to Busan

    • Airline: Jeju Air

    • Flight: Jeju → Busan

    • Time: 3:20 PM – 4:20 PM (1 hr flight)


Evening : Busan

  • 4:20 PM - Arrive in Busan

  • 5:30 PM - Check-in: Shilla Stay Hotel

    • Freshen up and head out for dinner

    • Transport options:

      • Taxi: ~1 hr 17 mins, approx ₩30,500

      • Train: Buy T-Money card, then walk 6 mins

    • Tip: Download the Naver Map app to check buses/fares


  • 6:00 PM – Dinner: Haeundae Amsogalbi-jip

    • Address: 32-10 Jungdong 2-ro 10beon-gil, Haeundae-gu

    • Famous for Hanwoo beef BBQ

    • Getting there: Ordered a taxi from the hotel


  • 8:00 - 8:30 PM: Haeundae Traditional Market

    • 6-min walk from the restaurant

    • Explore the market stalls

    • Optional: walk around Haeundae Beach to chill with drinks

    • Must do: Find and eat hotteok (씨앗호떡) at the market. You won't regret it!!


  • Rest – End of day

  • 10:00 AM - Start at Shilla Stay Haeundae


  • 11 AM: Gamcheon Culture Village (감천문화마을)

    • 13 min drive from Jagalchi Market

    • Address: 200 Gamnae 1-ro, Saha-gu, Busan

    • Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

    • The super famous iconic hillside village filled with colourful houses, painted murals, quirky shops, and cafés


  • 4:00 PM: Coffee It House (커피잇집)

    • Address: 115 Okcheon-ro, Saha-gu, Busan

    • Walking distance from Gamcheon Village

    • Relax with coffee while still enjoying views of Gamcheon (great photo spot)


Evening: Famous Sky Capsule Scenic Ride & Dinner

  • 5:00 PM - Sky Capsule Ride (Mipo → Cheongsapo Station)

    • Departure: Mipo Station (12 min from hotel)

    • Address: 13 Dalmaji-gil 62beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan

    • Duration: 25-30 minutes one way

    • Tip: Buy tickets in advance! it's a very popular tourist attraction

    • Ride along the coast in colorful retro sky capsules with amazing ocean views. Love the pictures I took here


  • Dinner: Haeundae No.1 Grilled Clams (해운대1번조개구이)

    • Location: 1st & 2nd Floors, 48, Cheongsapo-ro 128beon-gil, Haeundae-gu

    • Hours: 11:00 AM - 4:00 AM

    • Just a 5-minute walk from Cheongsapo Station

    • Modern tropical vibe, unique compared to traditional seafood restaurants!

    • Specialises in grilled clams & seafood platters


  • Go back to hotel to rest

  • Morning: Check out

    • Wake up and check out of Shilla Stay Haeundae.

    • Leave luggage at hotel concierge for convenience.


11:00 AM: Jagalchi Market (자갈치시장)

  • Travel: 38-41 min by taxi (~₩30,000) from hotel

  • Address: 52 Jagalchihaean-ro, Jung-gu, Busan

  • Hours: 5AM - 10PM (daily)

  • What to Expect: This place is a world-famous fresh seafood market with stalls, fishmongers, and restaurants.

  • Suggested Dish: People come here to eat soy marinated crab or live octopus!


Afternoon: Explore Haeundae Market Area

  • Return to Haeundae area after Jagalchi.

  • Stroll through Haeundae Traditional Market (해운대시장) for local snacks, souvenirs, and casual eats before your flight.

  • It was quite relaxing to walk around the area just steps away from the hotel and beach.


2:00 PM: Depart Busan to Seoul

  • Pick up luggage from hotel.

  • Take a taxi to Gimhae International Airport (김해국제공항).

  • Fly to Seoul in the late afternoon.


5:00 PM: Arrive in Seoul (Gimpo Airport)

  • Land at Gimpo International Airport (김포국제공항).

  • Take public transport (fastest way shown in screenshot, approx. 1 hr 15 mins) to Myeongdong Station Exit 3 (명동역(우리금융타운)3번출구).


6:30 PM: Check-in Airbnb

  • 🛌 We stayed in this airbnb at a fantastic Myeongdong location near the train station (sleeps 4 people, x2 in each room, female hosted)

  • Check in and settle into the Airbnb near Myeongdong.

  • Drop bags, refresh, and get ready for dinner.


Dinner Options (near Myeongdong, all famous & highly rated)


There were so many options in our itinerary this day, here is the list we had.

🍜 Jongno Sujebi (종로수제비 명동본점) (We ate here)

  • Address: 14 Myeongdong 9-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

  • Hours: 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM

  • Specialty: Sujebi (수제비) – hand-pulled dough soup, hearty and comforting.

  • Korean: 종로수제비 명동본점


🍖 Manjok Ohyang Jokbal (만족오향족발) – Michelin Guide

  • Address: 134-7 Seosomun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

  • Hours: Open until 10:00 PM

  • Specialty: Jokbal (braised pig’s feet) - rich, savory, and highly recommended.

  • Tip: Booking recommended.

  • Korean: 서울특별시 중구 태평로2가 318-1


Chill in Myeongdong

  • Explore the lively Myeongdong streets - shopping, street food, K-beauty stores, and late-night atmosphere.


End of Day

  • Easy night - chill around Myeongdong and rest up for a full day of exploring Seoul tomorrow.

9:00 AM: Cafe Onion (Anguk branch) ☕

  • Location: 5 Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 계동길 5)

  • Start the morning with coffee and a pastry in a renovated hanok-style café.


10:00 AM: Tosokchon Samgyetang 🍲

  • Location: 5 Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 자하문로5길 5)

  • Famous for samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) - one of the best in Seoul.

  • Opens 10:00 AM (arrive early to avoid queues).


11:00 AM: Hanboknam Gyeongbokgung (Hanbok Rental)  👘

  • Location: 133-5 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 사직로 133-5)

  • Hanbok rental shop near Gyeongbokgung Palace.

  • First come, first served - choose your outfit before exploring!


Optional: Gyeongbokgung Palace  🏯

  • Location: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 사직로 161)

  • Just a 5-min walk from Hanbok rental.

  • Korea’s grandest royal palace for stunning for photos, especially in hanbok.


Bukchon Hanok Village 🏘️

  • Location: Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 계동길)

  • Traditional hanok houses, narrow alleys, and cultural vibes.

  • Same area as Cafe Onion Anguk.


Cha-teul (Tea House) 🍵

  • Location: 26 Bukchon-ro 11na-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 북촌로11나길 26)

  • Peaceful tea house with traditional Korean vibes.

  • 8-min walk from Bukchon Hanok Village.


Greenmile Coffee Bukchon ☕

  • Location: 64 Bukchon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 북촌로 64)

  • Another café option with modern & cozy interior.


Ssamzigil (쌈지길) 🎨

  • Location: 44 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 인사동길 44)

  • Art & craft shopping complex with quirky handmade items.

  • Open until 8:30 PM.


Must-Go: Ikseon-dong Hanok Village 🌸

  • Location: Ikseon-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 익선동)

  • 10-min walk from Insadong.

  • Trendy hanok alleys with cafés, bars, boutiques.

  • Closes around 9:00 PM.


Dinner: Insadong Sujebi (인사동 항아리수제비) 🍲

  • Location: 14-1 Insadong 8-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 인사동8길 14-1)

  • Famous for hand-pulled noodle soup (sujebi) served in traditional earthenware bowls.

  • Closes 9:30 PM.


Evening Walk – Insadong Cultural Street 🌙

  • Stroll along Insadong’s main cultural street which is the perfect place for tea shops, galleries, and souvenirs.


Flexi Options:

  • Namsan Tower (N Seoul Tower) 🌃 – Romantic night views of the city.

    Korean Address: 서울특별시 용산구 남산공원길 105

  • Cheonggyecheon Stream 🌊 – Scenic stream walk; can head towards Namsan Tower for a chill night stroll.

  • Korean Address: 서울특별시 종로구 청계천로 1

This itinerary includes north to south of Gangnam, starting cheap (Goto Mall) then moving upscale (Apgujeong / Cheongdam luxury), ending with food & drinks.


but before that, let's talk about my korean facial experience!


Early morning

Korean Facial Treatment

It's not a true Korean trip experience without a Korean facial treatment!

I did a lot of Tiktok research on which facial clinics to go and decided to go to LIENJANG at Gangnam.


I chose this place because they had english speaking consultants, tourist friendly and the costings were pretty attractive for the value they offered.


  1. You book via whatsapp through their website

  2. You attend on the day, and a consultant will check your skin

  3. You can tell them what you want to target and they will recommend you a treatment

  4. They recommended me a PHA water peel + Cryo Skin care + LDM treatment, or Local Dynamic Micro-massage

  5. Costed me about AUD$192.45


My skin felt super clean and the LDM treatment cleared out all the nasties on my pores. Felt so refreshed after!


Early morning:

🛍 Goto Mall (Express Bus Terminal Underground Shopping)

  • Location: 194 Sinbanpo-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 서초구 반포4동 신반포로 194)

  • One of Seoul’s largest underground shopping malls — affordable fashion, accessories, and home goods.

  • Best visited in the morning before it gets too crowded.

  • Travel: ~30 min from Dongmyo flea market by public transport.


👓 Gentle Monster Flagship Store (압구정)

  • Location: 23 Apgujeong-ro 10-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 강남구 압구정로10길 23)

  • Must go!! Korea's iconic eyewear store with futuristic and art-installation-like interiors.


Lunch

🍲 Hojokban (호족반)

  • Location: 39 Eonju-ro 164-gil, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 강남구 신사동 언주로164길 39)

  • Known for hearty Korean comfort dishes and modern vibes.


Afternoon: Explore & Shop

🌳 Garosu-gil Street (가로수길)

  • Location: Use Cafe Kitsuné Seoul (서울특별시 강남구 도산대로13길 23) as landmark

  • Trendy street lined with cafes, fashion boutiques, and lifestyle shops.


🏬 Starfield COEX Mall

  • Location: 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 강남구 영동대로 513)

  • Asia’s largest underground mall, mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment and the famous instagram COEX Library is here!


🌳 Cheongdam-dong Park (청담동 공원)

  • Location: 66 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 강남구 청담동 66)

  • Small park in the middle of the luxury shopping area — perfect break spot.


✨ K-Star Road

  • Location: 517 Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 강남구 압구정동 517)

  • Iconic road with GangnamDol statues of K-pop groups. Great for photos!


🏬 Galleria Department Store (Apgujeong Rodeo)

  • Location: 343 or 407 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 강남구 압구정로)

  • Famous luxury department store, don’t miss the food basement.


🕶️ Optional – Gentle Monster Apgujeong (second store) if you skipped the flagship.


Tea Time & Snacks

🍵 Nudake & Grove (by Gentle Monster)

  • Location: 50 Apgujeong-ro 46-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 강남구 압구정로46길 50)

  • Modern dessert café concept with unique pastries. Home to the mini croissants


🍔 Quick Bites Nearby – Isaac Toast, Kyochon Chicken, or Mom’s Touch (all close by).


Evening: Dinner & Drinks

🦐 Shrimp Industry (새우산업)

  • Location: 25 Apgujeong-ro 54-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 강남구 압구정로54길 25)

  • Always packed so make sure to go early!

  • Specialises in shrimp dishes, located next to Times (club) in Apgujeong.


🍸 Zest Bar (제스트) 

  • Location: B1, 26 Dosan-daero 55-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 강남구 도산대로55길 26 지하1층)

  • Ranked among the Top 5 bars in the world. Perfect spot to end the night with cocktails.

8:30 AM – Gwangjang Market

  • Famous traditional market (this was featured on Netflix).

  • Great for breakfast and morning food crawl.

  • Location: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (14 mins from Myeongdong Station Exit 3)서울특별시 종로구 창경궁로 88


9:00 AM – Dongmyo Flea Market

  • Huge thrift market with vintage clothes, random treasures, and old-school vibes.

  • Open 9 AM – 8 PM.

  • Location: Sungin 2(i)-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul (7 mins from Gwangjang Market) 서울특별시 종로구 숭인2동


Dongdaemun Area

  • Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) – Iconic landmark with futuristic design.

  • Dongdaemun Market – Massive fashion wholesale/retail market.

  • Location: DDP: 중구 을지로 281 | Market: 중구 종로 272


Tea Break – Pungnye (풍년)

  • Cute café stop before heading back.

  • Location: 233-79 Sindang-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul 서울특별시 중구 퇴계로70길 10-3


Afternoon: Rest & Recharge at Accommodation 💤


Evening: Hongdae Vibes

  • Location: Hongdae Station (Hongik Univ.)

  • Explore Hongdae’s lively streets: buskers, shops, bars, youth culture.

  • Korean Address: 서교동 365-8, Mapo-gu, Seoul


Late Night – Clubbing at Aura Hongdae

  • Popular club spot for locals & tourists.


Morning: Street Food Start

  • Mangwon Market : Famous for affordable street food and local snacks.

  • Location: 27 Poeun-ro 6-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul 서울특별시 마포구 포은로6길 27


12:30 PM: Lunch

  • Myth Jokbal: Known for delicious braised pig’s trotters (must-try!).

  • Location: 123-1 Eoulmadang-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul 서울특별시 마포구 어울마당로 123-1


Afternoon: Explore Hongdae

  • Hongdae Shopping Street - Trendy fashion, street performances & quirky shops.

  • Location: 365-8 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul 서울특별시 마포구 서교동 365-8

  • Daiso (7-storey flagship) - Shop everyday finds & cute Korean goodies.

  • Location: 182 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul 서울특별시 마포구 양화로 182


Tea Breaks (Pick One or Both!)

Sinleedoga  - Traditional tea house with hanok vibes.

  • Location: 20-12 Jandari-ro, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu 서울특별시 마포구 잔다리로 20-12

    Perception - Stylish café in Hapjeong, perfect for coffee lovers.

  • Location: 16 Eoulmadang-ro 1-gil, Hapjeong-dong, Mapo-gu 서울특별시 마포구 합정동 어울마당로1길 16

Dinner Options

  1. Hongik Gejang: Famous for raw marinated crab (ganjang gejang).

    Location: 59 World Cup buk-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul 서울특별시 마포구 월드컵북로 59

  2. Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market: Seafood paradise, pick & eat fresh.

    Location: 674 Nodeul-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul


Evening: Chill & Drinks

  • Gyeongui Line Forest Park: Leisure stroll, lined with cafés and greenery.

    Location: 133 Donggyo-ro 51-gil, Mapo-gu 서울특별시 마포구 동교로51길 133

  • Makgeolli Salon: Cozy spot to end the night with Korean rice wine.

    Location: 358-92 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu 서울특별시 마포구 서교동 358-92

Morning: Check Out

  • Pack up and check out of Airbnb.

  • Leave some time for last-minute shopping in Myeongdong & Jung-gu area.


Shopping Stops

  • LOTTE Department Store (Main Branch) – Luxury brands, duty-free, food hall.

    Location: 81 Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul 서울특별시 중구 남대문로 81

  • Nike Seoul (Flagship) – Limited edition drops & Seoul-exclusive designs.

    Location: 14 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul 서울특별시 중구 명동길 14


3:20 PM – Departure Prep

  • Head to the airport, check-in & get ready to fly back to Melbourne ✈️

📍 Jeju (Day 1–2)

  • Explore Hallasan, U-do Island, beaches, Seongsan Ilchulbong, and Osulluc Tea Museum

  • Food: Black pork BBQ, seafood abalone stew

📍 Busan (Day 3–6)

  • Haeundae Beach, Sky Capsule, Jagalchi Market, Gamcheon Culture Village, BIFF Square (discovered hotteok which I LOVE, dakkochi).

  • Shopping: Gwangbok-ro Fashion Street.

  • Chill at local cafés and seafood spots.

📍 Seoul (Day 6–11)

  • Historic: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Ikseon-dong, Insadong.

  • Food musts: Tosokchon Samgyetang, sujebi, bibimbap, jokbal, gejang.

  • Shopping: Apgujeong, Gangnam (Garosu-gil, COEX Mall, Gentle Monster, Gotomall, Rodeo Street).

  • Fun: Hongdae nightlife & clubs, Dongdaemun & Gwangjang Market.

  • Chill: Cafés in Bukchon, Cheonggyecheon Stream, Namsan Tower views.

  • Highlights: Trying Korean facial!

Final Days (Day 10–11)

  • Mangwon Market, Hongdae shopping, Noryangjin Fish Market, Forest Park stroll.

  • Last-day shopping at Lotte Dept Store & Nike Seoul.

  • ✈️ Fly back to Melbourne.





🌸


✨ Public Transport Pass

Get a T-money card! you can use it for subways, buses, even some convenience stores. Super convenient and saves time reloading tickets.

✨ Google Maps = Hopeless. Like seriously, Google Maps doesn’t really work in Korea. Instead, use KakaoMap or Naver Map. Pro tip: search places by phone number – it’s often more reliable than typing the address in English. (That’s why I’ve included all Korean addresses in my itinerary ✨).

✨ Cash & Card are equally important! Cards are widely accepted, but keep some cash for markets, small eateries, and taxis.

✨ Restaurants & Cafés, my observation is that many don’t split bills. Decide who’s paying, then sort out later with your friends. And don’t expect water bottles everywhere, most places give free self-service water.

✨ Download translation apps before you go. Not everyone speaks English, but most are super helpful. Translation apps (Papago > Google Translate) are your best friend.

✨ Passport for tax refund!! Bring your passport when shopping in bigger stores, you can often get instant tax refunds at the counter.

✨ Seasonal Food is a thing. Food culture is very seasonal! Some dishes you love in Melbourne (like budae jjigae) aren’t always common in Korea year-round. I went in “autumn” but the weather still felt like summer, so we saw menus reflecting the season like cold soybean noodles!

✨ SK is a Girls trip trip 👅💕 Korea is an amazing spot for a girls trip. Also going in a group of 4 is perfect – easy to share food, fit into one car/Uber, and split accommodation comfortably.


🌸 Reflections & Observations

  • Koreans take style & presentation very very seriously. Fashion, skincare, and even café interiors are all about the aesthetic.

  • Service culture is efficient like staff won’t always “check in” on you at restaurants, but that’s normal. you call them when you need something.

  • Café culture is HUGE not just for coffee, but for hanging out, studying, or taking photos.

  • Nightlife never sleeps from BBQ places to bars to clubs, the city feels alive even late at night.

  • Respectful & orderly society. I realised that people queue properly, stations are quiet, and you’ll notice everyone naturally stands to one side on escalators.

  • Overall: Korea felt like a blend of tradition and trendiness, making it the perfect mix for foodies, shoppers, and culture lovers.


I LOVED IT



 
 
 

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