Unforgettable 9 Days in Seoul

This is part of my 30-day backpacking trip in South Korea. I went back to Seoul twice during this trip.

Klook.com Day 1: Annyeong, Seoul!

After a long, delayed flight and an overnight at the NAIA, I finally landed at Incheon Airport at 12PM. Despite the travel fatigue, my spirit soared, South Korea at last!

Bought and reloaded my T-Money Card from Family Mart at 1F Arrivals, my must-have pass for getting around.

I hopped on AirportBus No. 6011 from Gate 5B, aiming for an afternoon adventure.

At the bus stop in Seoul, I was greeted by Lee Dong Won, a fellow Couchsurfer and a kind local from Seoul. We wasted no time, dropped my stuff at the guesthouse, and went straight for a comforting bowl of guksu at a mandu restaurant near Changdeokgung Palace. It was a delicious start!

Although I couldn’t finish the Secret Garden tour in Changdeokgung Palace, I headed back to the guesthouse for a quick shower to prep for my Goguan Studio pictorial in Insadong. I even had fun with some Chinese ladies in hanbok!

Evening highlight? A long scenic walk to Grace’s house (Dong Won’s friend). Warm hospitality, a beautiful view, chimaek (chicken + beer), lots of kwentuhan, and a sweet gift (a Korean fan).

Bus ride home. Walked in at midnight and crashed at 2 AM. What. A. Day.

Day 2: From Suwon’s Fortress Walls to Seoul’s Neon Nights

Started the day bright and early with my classmate in grade school, who I haven’t seen for donkey's years. Our plan was Suwon at 10 AM. It was my first subway ride in Korea! Classic rookie mistake: hopped on a train bound for Incheon, so I had to transfer at Gimpo. Oops! Still fun though.

I made it to Suwon Station and met my classmate. We walked to the Suwon Information Center, but sadly missed the tour bus (which only runs at 10 AM and 2 PM). So, we decided to explore on our own and ended up wandering around the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, surrounded by cheerful ajummas and ajussis on their own outings.

Grabbed lunch at the market. Spicy and flavorful! Almost triggered my cough allergy, but powered through. Made it back home by 3 PM and took a well-deserved nap.

Got invites from two directions: Dong Won for Yeouido and Ryan (a Korean guy I met during the delayed flight) for Gangnam. I chose Yeouido, and what a good call!

We did the scenic E-LandCruise on the Han River, then passed by the KBS Building, where I spotted an actress who was the DJ that night on a radio show. I just finished watching her K-Drama at that time! Yoo In-Na is a goddess in person. Total fangirl moment.

Later, headed to Hongdae, the heartbeat of youth. Had samgyeopsal with soju (got complimented on my soju pouring skills!). We strolled around Hongik University, dodging dance groups and snack carts. At the metro station, we saw a drunk young soldier swaying beside us. Took the last metro home.

Another unforgettable day in South Korea.

Day 3: Nami Escapade, Stamps, and Shisha

Slept in and hit the road late. Dong Won drove the family car. We reached Nami Island by 2 PM. But who cares? Indulged in jjajangmyeon before taking the ferry to the island. It was gorgeous. Took our signature jumpshots, laughed way too much, and ate strawberry ice cream. Classic!

Next stop: Petite France. A charming, European-style village tucked in Gapyeong. I completed a stamp hunt and was rewarded with a postcard. Explored quirky antique toys and watched a marionette show that had us captivated.

At the Garden of Morning Calm, it got really chilly. The garden was peaceful and stunning. I made a wish at the stone tower I made... but it toppled, so maybe the universe said “try again”.

On the way back to Seoul, we stopped once for a pee break. Then funny stuff in Itaewon: hit a house fence and a scooter while parking! I’m bad at reversing, but Dong Won was worse. I had to jump out and guide him. Itaewon parking is brutal.

Ended the day at Dubai Restaurant: he had kabsa lamb, I had chicken biryani. I wanted him to taste Arabic food. After that, we had gahwa, cardamom tea, and of course, shisha.

Oh, when I got back to the guesthouse, I had two roommates! Not alone in the dormitory room anymore.

Back to Seoul from Sokcho 

Day 1 – Dorm Dilemmas, and a Sweet Surprise

I left Sokcho around 3 PM and caught the 3:50 PM bus to Gangnam, then took what felt like the longest walk to the subway. Thankfully, the guesthouse was only 10 stations away and all on Line 3. Small blessings. But when I got off the station, I couldn’t find the exit. Ugh. Total babo moment.

Arrived back at the guesthouse only to find it was overbooked. They wanted me to transfer to a youth hostel across the street, but I declined. I’d already dragged my dizzy self across Seoul. I wasn’t moving again. So now, I’m staying in a men’s dorm with a father and his young son. It's free-of-charge, which is nice, but wow, the dad snores like a freight train. Earplugs, where art thou?

On the bright side, J Seorjung’s pastor brother messaged me, and we’re planning to meet tomorrow. Something to look forward to. J Seorjung is a Korean friend based in the Philippines, and wanted me to meet his brother in Seoul.

Despite today’s exhaustion, my heart melted a little when eomma in Sokcho gifted me a pouch this morning. That small gesture of kindness made all the messiness of the day a little easier to bear.

Today was messy, loud, and still, somehow filled with moments of warmth and care.

Day 2 – Sketches, Seagulls, and Sweet Goodbyes

Started the day bright and early with a meet-up! Met my classmate Marlon again at around 10 AM at Dongmak Station. So nice to see a familiar face in the sea of strangers again.

First stop: the Incheon Landing Operation Memorial Hall. A little slice of Korean history wrapped in solemnity and national pride. We took our time walking around, taking photos, trying to soak it all in before hunger struck.

Next up: samgyeopsal lunch! Grilled pork belly, wraps, sauces, laughter, and stories from home.

Then we headed to Wolmido, a lively seaside escape filled with the sound of waves and screeching seagulls. Lots of them. It had that retro boardwalk charm, and the highlight, I had a sketch of my face done by a street artist, complete with a frame. A small crowd gathered to watch as he worked. It felt a little surreal, like being a celeb for five minutes!

The rain rolled in just after, so we ducked into a café to escape the drizzle. I ordered cherry tea. Warm, sweet, and perfect for the cozy atmosphere.

We headed back early, and when I returned to the guesthouse, I found out I’d been moved to a new room. This time, the upper bunk bed. Not ideal, but I’ll survive.

Later that evening, I met up with J Seorjung’s pastor brother, and we went out for a beef BBQ dinner nearby. Next, we went to the cable car station to ride to the Namsan Tower. The line was soooo long, and he was worried about missing the last subway train. So, we decided to just head home.

Before parting ways, he gifted me a fan. Such a thoughtful little surprise. It’s moments like this that stay with you long after the trip ends.

Klook.com Today was filled with familiar faces, new memories, unexpected rain, and simple, sincere gestures. The kind of day that feels like a warm hug.

Day 3 – Palaces, and Pinoys

The morning started with the changing of guards at Gyeongbokgung Palace. While exploring, I met two fellow Pinoys who work in Seoul. We hit it off instantly and ended up having lunch together somewhere near Samgakji Station. Nothing beats bonding over bulgogi and kwentuhan in a foreign country.

After lunch, we visited the Memorial Park, a peaceful stop to reflect and walk off the full tummies. I left them around 2 PM and headed to Dong Seoul Terminal to catch a bus to my next destination.

Back to Seoul from Chungcheongbukdo

Day 1 – Soyosan Hike and Seoul Goodbyes

Left Eumseong at 10:00 AM, catching the 10:15 AM bus and arriving in Seoul by 11:45 AM. From there, it was a mini metro marathon to get to Soyosan. Two transfers, plus another one because the train terminates at Yangju.

Once I finally made it to the station, I spotted my classmate Marlon on Platform 10-3, right on time! We grabbed a warm lunch of kalbitang (yes, again... no regrets) and then began our hike around 3 PM.

Now here's the funny part: we’re still not sure if we actually reached the top or not. There were no signs, no summit marker, just trees and trails, and then suddenly, we were going back down.

On the way down, we talked about a classmate, laughing and swapping memories. It was the kind of conversation you can only have when you're slightly breathless and coming off a trail. The entire trip from Soyosan to Seoul takes about 1.5 hours, and we didn’t get back to the city until 8:30 PM. First thing I did was check in again at the guesthouse, had to claim that lower bunk before someone else got it!

For dinner, we had takeout chicken stew. A comfort food delivered straight to the soul. And my classmate, ever the gentleman, paid for everything. Nakakahiya! (I felt so shy/embarrassed!)

We tried to go to Namdaemun Market, but it was already closed. Guess I’ll just carry those cravings home with me.

Back at the guesthouse, I packed my things while talking to a friend on the phone. The line was awful, so we barely managed 15 minutes of conversation.

But now, I’m getting sad. Just like that, this beautiful, soulful trip is almost over. And I’m not ready to say goodbye. 💔

Today felt like a mix of mountain air, missed market, and moments you want to pause forever. But time keeps moving even if your heart stays behind.

Day 2 – Palaces, Shopping Spree, and Joo Won for real!

Woke up knowing it was my second-to-last day. Bittersweet already. Headed out around 10 AM to visit Changgyeonggung Palace, strolling through its elegant courtyards under grey skies. From there, I made my way to Deoksugung Palace, just in time to catch the changing of the royal guards. A spectacle that never fails to impress.

While I was soaking in the history, an American guy asked me to take his photo, and of course, he returned the favor. A little travel moment captured by a stranger-turned-insta-photographer.

After that, it was time to shop like it was my last day in Seoul. Just because. Went to Namdaemun Market and, well, let’s just say my wallet got lighter real fast. I spent ₩165,000 on shirts and a pair of heeled shoes (I needed a pair of shoes for the night).

Then, the cherry on top, I saw Joo Won in person! I watched his Ghost Musical. I was so thrilled to see him. After the show, I had to leave as quick as possible to catch the last metro trip. It was raining when I got back to Seoul.

Since I was already drenched, I made a quick detour to the nearby bus stop to check the airport limousine bus schedule for tomorrow. Reality is hitting hard now.

By the time I got back to the guesthouse, it was past midnight.

It was already 3 AM, and I still couldn’t sleep. My backpacks were packed, but my heart wasn’t ready. The rain outside felt like Seoul trying to hold onto me for just a little bit longer.

Today was a mix of nostalgia, last-minute thrills, wet shoes, and aching goodbyes. Tomorrow… I leave. But tonight, I’ll remember everything.

Day 3 – Wandering, Last-Minute Shopping, and a Bittersweet Goodbye

Woke up at 9:53 AM. Thank God! Just a few minutes before checkout. The sleepy panic is real when you realize the front desk might knock any second.

Left my luggage at the guesthouse and went off for some last cultural stops. First was Jongmyo Shrine, but apparently, you can only enter on a schedule, so I just wandered around its peaceful wall, taking in the stillness. I thought I was lost for a bit, but somehow magically ended up at Changdeokgung Palace, like Seoul was gently guiding me to one final moment of beauty.

Next up was Bukchon Hanok Village, but I didn’t realize how huge it was, so I gave up halfway and redirected myself to Jogyesa Temple. On the way, I stumbled upon Insadong, and you know what that means. Shopping happened.

If only I had more cash and less luggage, there were so many beautiful things I wanted to bring home. Still, I snagged a few souvenirs, then popped into GS25 in Insadong, grabbed two burgers and coffee, and returned to the guesthouse.

Ate quietly in the kitchen, then chilled a bit in the TV room, soaking in the last few cozy moments before reality set in. I suddenly remembered I hadn’t bought gochujang powder for kimchi-making yet. I ran back out for one last grocery run.

Back at the guesthouse in Sokcho, my host/friend was busy setting up a BBQ, and in the middle of all the bustle, he sent me tons of photos. It felt so warm and thoughtful, like a tiny farewell gesture.

Dragging my two heavy backpacks and a sako bag to the bus stop was an Olympic-level effort, but the universe gave me a sweet send-off. I met Mina and Teresa L (mother and daughter), two kind Pinays who were in Seoul for an 11-day conference. They gifted me a book, and when I opened it, page 9 was about marriage. Destiny? A message? LOL.

Then came the twist: they offered me life insurance. Only in Korea do you get blessings, a book, and an insurance pitch in one go.

We chatted the whole bus ride, including about tax refunds. They had no idea! I shared my travel hacks, and the conversation helped distract me from the growing lump in my throat.

I talked to local friends before boarding, squeezing in one last moment before I flew away.

As I sat back and watched the lights of Seoul disappear below me, I felt it. That quiet ache. The kind that only comes from knowing you’re leaving a place that changed you.

Messaged all my hosts, all my new friends. Thanked them. Remembered them.

On the plane, I sat beside Mark, a 48-year-old British guy who opened up about his dislike for “whites” (yes, that was awkward) and his thoughts about his mom remarrying. Let’s just say it was an interesting final convo to wrap this trip.

Day 30 wasn’t just the end of a trip. It was the end of a chapter I’ll keep rereading forever.