By 變美體驗官 Going on a trip to Korea and tired of the standard “check-off tour”? This guide to Seoul, based on real experiences, helps you organize your meals, shopping, and practical tips. It’s not just a cold list—it’s more like a friendly friend giving you advice on how to enjoy the local culture and food.
I. Korean cuisine at its best: from nut pasta to late-night fried chicken
To put it simply: Korean food is far more than just kimchi! The several specialty stores I discovered this time offer such a rich variety that you’ll want to return again.
1. Breakfasts and special snacks:
- Exal Nuts Pasta: For just around 6,500 Korean won, you get incredibly flavorful pasta with tiny pieces of nuts. The rich dairy aroma mixed with the nutty flavor is a true delight for carb lovers.
- Nourishing chicken soup: One pot costs 20,000 Korean won. The soup is creamy and thick, with tender meat that melts in your mouth. Drinking it on a cool morning can really boost your energy.
2. Late-night romance in Myeongdong:
- Late-night fried chicken: Myeongdong is still bustling at midnight. Just walk into any fried chicken restaurant—you’ll get crispy crust with juicy meat inside. Pair it with a cold Coke or soju—it’s the essence of Korean nightlife.
- The octopus restaurant with three floors: Although the food is spicy, it’s very unique. Be sure to try the **“pearl rice”**—it contains lots of seaweed and sweet crab, which balances the spiciness and makes it extremely delicious.
3. Cafes and desserts:
- Hello Kitty Cafe: With its three-story pink decor, it instantly touches my girlish heart! Not only is it perfect for taking photos, but the surroundings are also meticulously designed.
- AM Cafe: I highly recommend their signature creamy coffee – the thick layer of white cream melts in your mouth, with a perfectly balanced sweet and bitter taste.
- M Choco World: Their coconut flour, Oreo, and strawberry-flavored desserts are absolutely famous; every bite is a delight full of calories.
II. Shopping and Check-ins: Beauty products, cultural goods, and a Y2K vibe
Conclusion first: Don’t just focus on big department stores – the small shops and cultural brands in Myeongdong are the real treasures, with incredible value for money that will make you keep shopping.
1. Trendy Clothing:
- Mardi Mercredi: One of the hottest chrysanthemum T-shirt brands in Korea right now. The material is very durable and comfortable, and the fit has that typical Korean casual style.
- Nudake: Indeed, besides their desserts, their bags are also highly recommended! The designs are very stylish, and the prices range from around HK$100 to HK$200 – the quality is definitely on par with big brands, making them a great deal.
2. Sophisticated Lifestyle:
- Fragrance Care: When shopping in Myeongdong, be sure to look for those specialty fragrance stores. Their hand creams and shower gels have very luxurious scents, but note that some products need to be purchased in pairs, making them ideal gifts for sharing with a friend.
- Four-frame Photos (Studio): I recommend JamST and Silver P Studio. The retro Y2K style is very popular right now, and these studios come with built-in skin-smoothing filters – they’re the perfect souvenirs to take home from your trip to Seoul.
- Late-Night Shopping at Dongdaemun: If you’re up for it, go to Dongdaemun around 1 a.m. Many wholesale stores stay open until 5 a.m., and although some don’t sell to individuals, the bustling atmosphere of shopping at this time is definitely worth experiencing.
III. Practical Tools and Tips: Say Goodbye to Chaos
Here’s the bottom line: Getting a card, exchanging some money, and finding a good barber can increase your enjoyment of this trip by 200%.
1. Transportation and Payment (Essential):
- WOWPASS Card: Highly recommended! This is practically a lifesaver for traveling in Korea. It functions just like a local bank card and can be used at convenience stores, shops, and on the subway. You can activate and top it up at the machines at stations, so you no longer have to carry around piles of coins.
2. Money-Saving Tips:
- Money Exchange Strategies: Trust me, don’t exchange too much money at the airport or in Hong Kong. The exchange rates in Myeongdong are usually the best, especially at the shops near the “Embassy Exchange” area. Take the extra time to compare prices; you’ll save enough money for a meal of fried chicken.
3. Accommodation and Transportation:
- Geographical Location: It is recommended to stay in hotels near Myeongdong. Double rooms usually cost around HKD 600 per night, which provides great convenience for travel.
- Strolling in Bukchon: It takes about 15-30 minutes to walk from Bukchon Hanok Village back to Myeongdong. Along the way, you can enjoy looking at old houses and charming small shops—it’s a really relaxing experience.
4. Experiencing Korean Hairstyling:
- Myeongdong Hair Salons (especially those starting with the letter “M”): Famous salons like M-Myeongdong are a great option. Make sure to book in advance through Instagram. The stylists are very professional and will recommend a hairstyle that suits your face shape, instantly enhancing your appearance and giving you that classic Korean drama heroine look.
- If you want to make a reservation, you can use the BeautsGO app—it’s very convenient and fast.
This guide covers everything from basic necessities to entertainment, from transportation to shopping. In fact, traveling to Korea doesn’t require too much elaborate planning. Just follow this list and wander around the streets of Myeongdong, and you’re bound to discover some unexpected surprises!
