Seoul My Soul

Traveling abroad alone for the first time? Choose South Korea! Preparation: Passport, visa (single or multiple entry), European standard adapter (two round pins), T-Money card (can be used on buses, subways, and in convenience stores throughout South Korea, can be purchased or recharged at any convenience store), bank card (UnionPay or Visa), Korean won (10,000 won = 55 CNY) Transportation: As a student of Yancheng Institute of Technology, I feel very lucky that there are direct flights from Yancheng to Seoul. There is a direct Asiana Airlines flight from Yancheng Nanyang International Airport to Seoul every 2–3 days. I arrived at Incheon International Airport in Seoul at around 2 pm local time. Incheon International Airport is one of the largest, newest, and best-equipped airports in South Korea and the world. Note that the airport is located in Incheon, not in Seoul, and is an international airport shared by Seoul and Incheon. There are two options for getting to downtown Seoul: either use a T-Money card to take the Seoul Subway Gyeongui-Jungang Line (stopping at every station) to downtown Seoul, which takes a long time (about 1 hour), or buy a ticket (T-Money card cannot be used) to take the Airport Express train directly to downtown Seoul (non-stop), which takes about 40 minutes but is more expensive. Since I had prepared a T-Money card in advance, I took the Gyeongui-Jungang Line subway to Seoul and strolled around Hongdae, which was nice. Accommodation: Since I was traveling alone, I recommend solo travelers stay at Apollo Guesthouse, which offers single rooms with private bathrooms, about 8–10 square meters, but very clean and tidy. The accommodation fee is more than 200 CNY per night, which I think is very affordable for a single room in Seoul. Apollo Guesthouse is run by an American and has hosted young travelers from all over the world. The communal kitchen has a refrigerator, microwave, dishes, and a dining table. The walls are covered with messages from travelers from all over the world, including China, Japan, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, the UK, the US, Canada, Russia, and even as far away as Chile! Recommended attractions: 1. Gyeongbokgung Palace. This is definitely the first stop for visitors to South Korea, a time-traveling encounter with the Joseon Dynasty 700 years ago. It is recommended to take the subway to Gwanghwamun Station and take a photo with the statue of King Sejong. King Sejong was the fourth king of the Joseon Dynasty, and during his reign, he worked hard to govern the country. His greatest achievement was the invention of "Hunminjeongeum", which made it easier for Koreans to learn. King Sejong is held in high esteem by the Korean people, and his portrait is printed on the 10,000 won banknote. The invention of King Sejong is on the left side of the statue. After taking a photo with the statue, continue walking forward, and you will reach the square of Gyeongbokgung Palace after passing Gwanghwamun. I was lucky enough to see the changing of the guard ceremony of the Joseon gatekeepers. There are hanbok rental shops around Gyeongbokgung Palace, and you can visit Gyeongbokgung Palace for free in hanbok! Gyeongbokgung Palace is a series of rooms, one after another, and visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace in hanbok is like traveling back to the world 700 years ago. Exit through the north gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace, and you will find the former residence of the President of South Korea, the Blue House, across the street. The Blue House was the official residence of the President of South Korea until 2022, when President Yoon Suk-yeol decided to move out of the Blue House and open it to the public. Here you can experience the atmosphere of the President's office and the strong atmosphere of international friendship. 2. Namsan Seoul Tower. The tower is located on Namsan Mountain in Seoul and is 380 meters high, the highest point in Seoul. From the top of the tower, you can enjoy the beautiful sunset of Seoul and the stunning night view of Seoul when the city lights up at night. Food: Since I only stayed in Seoul for two days and spent most of my trip in Busan, I recommend you go to Gwangjang Market for authentic and cheap Korean food. Tteokbokki, fried chicken, udon noodles, and other delicious foods are very affordable. In addition, there is a "hole-in-the-wall" restaurant run by a Korean downstairs at Apollo Guesthouse, and the boss lady's "김치찌개" (kimchi soup) is delicious and healthy. In the next article, I will introduce Busan in detail. After visiting Busan, I think it is more worth spending time experiencing its charm than Seoul. After seeing the sea in Busan, there is no bad mood that cannot be cured!