North Seoul: Your Unforgettable Korean Adventure Awaits!
North Seoul: Your Unforgettable Korean Adventure Awaits!
North Seoul: My Korea Kick-Start (and Everything in Between) - A Totally Honest Review
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I just got back from North Seoul and I’m still processing it. This wasn't just a trip; it was a vibe. And, let's be real, a bit of a rollercoaster. So, here's the real deal, warts and all, on North Seoul: Your Unforgettable Korean Adventure Awaits! (Spoiler alert: It mostly lives up to the hype.)
First Impressions: Accessibility & Getting There (The Good, the Slightly Sticky, and the "Help Me!")
Right off the bat, North Seoul makes a decent effort at accessibility. Finding the front door wasn’t a complete maze; an Elevator is a huge plus, and the Facilities for disabled guests hint at some thought going into it. Airport transfer was arranged without a hitch, thank goodness, because navigating Seoul's public transport with luggage (especially after a 13-hour flight) is, frankly, a trial. Speaking of which, there's Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site] which is a definite perk for those driving (or renting a car, because, let's be honest, it's the easiest way to explore outside the city center). The Check-in/out [express] option is gold after a red-eye! They also have Cash withdrawal available which is a huge convenience. However, the website didn't scream about specific wheelchair access, which is always something to clarify beforehand.
Safety & Cleanliness - Breathe a Sigh of Relief
Okay, so pandemic times, right? North Seoul takes things seriously. The Anti-viral cleaning products were definitely in use, and I caught staff diligently wiping down surfaces. The fact that they have Daily disinfection in common areas and even Professional-grade sanitizing services gives you a sense of security. The Rooms sanitized between stays is a definite plus. I also noticed the Hand sanitizer stations everywhere. The Food delivery option was super convenient too (though it seemed like every other delivery guy was on a scooter, whizzing past at Mach 1!). Plus, the Front desk [24-hour] manned and the Security [24-hour] and CCTV in common areas helped keep me feel safe. They even provide First aid kit and a Doctor/nurse on call which is always a plus.
Rooms: Cozy Cocoon or Just a Room? (The Truth!)
My room? Pretty damn good! The Air conditioning worked a charm (thank you, sweet baby Jesus!), the Blackout curtains were ESSENTIAL for fighting jet lag, and the Bed… oh, the bed. Seriously, the Extra long bed was a godsend after those long days of exploring. I sank right in. It had a desk, a coffee/tea maker (important for the early mornings), and a mini bar, though I may have slightly overdid it on the snacks at 3 am.
What I really appreciated? The Wi-Fi [free] (praise be!) and Internet access – wireless, Internet access – LAN. No dropping signals, no buffering – crucial for uploading all those Insta-worthy moments. They even have Internet if you like to work. There’s even a Laptop workspace which I can't ignore. The Bathroom phone was a little unnecessary, but hey, options! The Additional toilet was the best. The Private bathroom, the Separate shower/bathtub, the Bathrobes, Slippers, and the Toiletries. Everything was perfectly clean and fresh, too. I found Smoke detector and Fire extinguisher which made me feel safer, and the Socket near the bed was genius.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: A Deep Dive into the Sauna (And My Panic Attack in the Pool)
Okay, this is where North Seoul shines. The Spa is the real draw. Like, full stop. The Pool with view is lovely. The Sauna alone is worth the price of admission. Going from the icy cool of the Swimming pool [outdoor] to the sweltering heat of the Steamroom was an experience! I mean, the Foot bath, chef’s kiss. Pure bliss. The Massage was… well, let’s just say I'm still considering a return! And the Gym/fitness center for the energetic folks. The Body scrub and the Body wrap are an option too.
Rambling on…My Pool Panic
I have to admit, I almost had a minor panic attack in the Swimming pool [outdoor]. It's stunning, yes, with views that'll make you say "wow." But, and this is just me, the sheer gorgeousness made me suddenly feel ridiculously underdressed in my slightly-less-than-brand-new swimsuit. You know, the ones you've been meaning to wear for years, but never got around to it before.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food Glorious Food! (Again, The Truth!)
Restaurants: Absolutely. Options galore! Restaurants (plural), and the variety is impressive. They have a Bar which has Happy hour, Poolside bar, and even Coffee shop.
Breakfast: Okay, here's where it gets interesting. The Breakfast [buffet] was an Asian and Western feast. Yes, a Western breakfast and an Asian breakfast are available! You get Coffee/tea in restaurant, but what if I want a Breakfast in room? The food itself varied a bit. The Korean options were generally fantastic (especially the kimchi!), but some of the Western stuff was… well, let's just say it wasn't Michelin star quality. The Breakfast service was reliable, and the Breakfast takeaway service was convenient for those early morning excursions. You get Bottle of water, Complimentary tea, and Essential condiments!
Dinner and Beyond: The A la carte in restaurant was a great option for the more adventurous eaters. There was a Vegetarian restaurant too. I loved the Snack bar which was perfect for the late-night munchies. Plus, the Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver on a few occasions.
A note on COVID protocols: They've got it down. Individually-wrapped food options, Safe dining setup, and the staff were all masked up. The Sanitized kitchen and tableware items were reassuring.
Services and Conveniences: Little Touches That Make Life Easier
This is where North Seoul truly excels! Daily housekeeping kept my room pristine. Laundry service and Dry cleaning were a godsend. Concierge was incredibly helpful with booking tours and making recommendations. The Convenience store on site was perfect for grabbing snacks and essentials. Currency exchange was also super convenient. Yes, you could even get Food delivery!.
For the Kids:
No kids for me, but I did notice they have all the Family/child friendly stuff. They even had all kinds of Kids meal and Kids facilities.
My Honest Rating and Recommendation:
Honestly? I'd go back. The location is great, the rooms are comfy, and the amenities are top-notch. The staff were generally friendly and helpful. The accessibility is mostly there, which is fantastic.
Rating: 8.5/10 (Minus points for minor inconsistencies in the Western breakfast and the slight lack of clarity on full accessibility details)
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Escape to Paradise: Mexicali's Hidden Gem, Motel Las Fuentes!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your sanitized, perfectly-planned travel itinerary. This is a dive into the beautiful, chaotic, and occasionally kimchi-fied reality of surviving, and hopefully thriving, in North Seoul (which, let's be honest, sounds pretty much like Seoul to me!). Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotion, questionable decisions, and enough ramen to make your arteries weep.
The "Seoul Searching" Itinerary (with a healthy dose of "WTF?")
Day 1: Arrival & Jet Lag Tango (and the Curse of the Delayed Suitcase)
- 7:00 AM (Seoul Time – or what time is it, even?): Landed at Incheon International Airport. Wow. Just…wow. Giant, gleaming, ridiculously efficient. Felt like I'd stepped onto the set of a futuristic Korean drama. Immediately got my bearings and found the transfer to the city.
- 8:00 AM: Immigration. Smooth, no drama. Thank goodness, because I was already picturing myself in a Korean prison for not knowing the correct customs declaration!
- 9:00 AM: The airport train. It's clean! It's fast! It has WiFi (hallelujah!). And then… disaster. The luggage carousel vomited forth everyone’s bags…except mine. My precious, beloved suitcase. Full of essentials like dry shampoo and my lucky socks. Apparently, it's "still in transit." Sigh. Insert dramatic eye roll here.
- 10:00 AM: Check into my AirBnB in Myeongdong. Small apartment, questionable plumbing, but it’s got a bed. Thank the heavens. Now the real problem- jet lag is kicking in. I think I’ll take a nap, but the lure of Korean street food is too strong…
- 12:00 PM: Wandering Myeongdong. Okay, Myeongdong is straight-up insane in the best possible way. Think: a crowded street festival, with the aroma of everything from fried chicken to fish cakes wafting through the air. The face mask stores are overwhelming. I mean, are there too many options? Can you overdose on collagen? Bought a handful of masks just to be safe, even if I can't remember what they're for. Now I'm off my feet.
- 2:00 PM: The Ramen Quest. Found a tiny, hole-in-the-wall ramen place based on a yelp review I found while roaming around Myeongdong. The owner barely spoke English, but the ramen? Oh. My. God. The broth was a rich, salty symphony. The noodles… perfect. It wasn't just a meal; it was an experience. I may have devoured two bowls. Regret? Zero.
- 4:00PM: More Myeongdong madness. Got lost in a maze of cosmetics stores, feeling like I was in a K-beauty tutorial I didn't sign up for. Ended up buying a snail mucin serum. Don't judge me until you've tried it.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner with a Korean friend. We explored a Korean BBQ restaurant with all kinds of sides including kimchi, bulgogi, and the famous fried chicken.
- 8:00 PM: Crash and burn. Exhaustion descended like a dark cloud. Crawled into bed at 8:00 pm and passed out.
Day 2: Temples, Tea, and the Unexpected Art of Dodging Traffic.
- 9:00 AM: Woke up feeling surprisingly human, or at least a slightly less jet-lagged version of myself.
- 10:00 AM: A visit to the Gyeongbokgung Palace. Majestic. Impressive. Filled with too many tourists. I took a ton of photos, but the real highlight was the changing of guards ceremony. They looked like they were stepping straight out of a history textbook.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch in Insadong. Found a cute tea house. Tried a traditional Korean tea ceremony. It involved meticulous pouring, a small cup, and a whole lot of zen. I was failing at the zen part, mostly because I was terrified of spilling it. Then I had bibimbap. Delicious.
- 2:00 PM: Explore Bukchon Hanok Village. Charming traditional houses. The best part? Getting lost in the labyrinthine streets and accidentally stumbling into a tiny art gallery. The art was cool, and it was a nice escape from the crowds.
- 4:00 PM: The Subway Conundrum. The Seoul subway system is amazing…until you realize you're going in the wrong direction. Twice. Ended up on a platform, surrounded by intensely focused commuters and wondering how I'd ever get back to my AirBnB. Eventually, I figured it out, but the stress aged me a solid five years.
- 6:00 PM: Dondaemun Design Plaza (DDP). I wanted to be cultured. I wanted to be cool. It was big, futuristic, and…I didn't understand half of it. But the architecture was stunning. And I took a lot of pictures.
- 8:00 PM: Exhausted and starving. Found a street food stall in Dongdaemun and devoured spicy Tteokbokki (rice cakes). My mouth burned. I didn’t care.
Day 3: The DMZ and the Emotional Roller Coaster (with a Side of Kimchi)
- 8:00 AM: The DMZ Tour – A Deep Dive into History (and My Own Feelings). I really, really wanted to see the DMZ. I went to the DMZ today!! Honestly, it's an emotionally draining experience. The sheer weight of history, the reminder of the ongoing tension… it's powerful. Seriously, go. But brace yourself. They show all these videos of war footage, and it’s a heavy experience. And the guide was super informative, even when my brain started to feel overwhelmed.
- 12:00 PM: Back in Seoul. My brain needed a break. I needed… Kimchi. So I went to a restaurant near Insadong. The kimchi was incredible.
- 2:00 PM: Relaxing and reflecting on the DMZ/ Trying to sort out my emotions. It did not go well. The experience messed with me, but at the same time, I was so glad that I went.
- 4:00 PM: Shopping spree! I bought a ton of beauty products. What else is new? You can’t go to Korea without buying face masks and trying every product possible.
- 6:00 PM: Tried a small cafe in Gangnam to eat. I had a good time there and met some interesting people.
- 8:00 PM: Back at the AirBnB, feeling emotionally drained but also exhilarated.
Day 4: The N Seoul Tower and the Un-Romantic Reality of Being Alone.
- 10:00 AM: Hiking up Namsan Mountain to see the N Seoul Tower. The view was spectacular, but the hike was brutal. My legs were screaming. I could barely breathe. The tower itself was packed with love locks (romantic, right?). But being surrounded by couples while I was traveling solo? Let’s just say it wasn’t the most uplifting experience. I started to feel the loneliness creep in. Stupid love locks.
- 1:00 PM: Found a cafe near the tower with a view. Ordered a coffee and tried to get my mood back up. It helps. I need to get my head in the game.
- 3:00 PM: Wandering through the Itaewon neighborhood. International vibes, delicious food. I found a small restaurant that was advertising pizza. I went and had a really good time there.
- 5:00 PM: I need to go to the spa! After all of the days of touring, my body hurt so bad.
- 8:00 PM: Feeling pretty good.
Day 5: Departure (and the Great Luggage Reunion?)
- 8:00 AM: Checked out of my AirBnB, feeling sad to leave.
- 10:00 AM: Airport bound.
- 11:00 AM: Found my suitcase! At last!
- 1:00 PM: On the plane home. Overall, great trip.
Final Thoughts:
Seoul is a city that will grab you by the throat and shake you until you're dizzy with wonder. It's confusing, chaotic, and utterly magical. Did I get lost? Yes. Did I eat too much? Absolutely. Did I laugh? More than I thought possible. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Just maybe with a slightly better sense of direction and a less dramatic relationship with my luggage.
Uncover Lishui's Hidden Gem: The Mystical Wan Di Ancient House!
North Seoul: Your Unforgettable Korean Adventure - Seriously, You Won't Forget It (Probably!)
So, North Seoul? What even *is* that exactly? And is it, you know, *safe*? I keep hearing things...
Okay, deep breaths. "North Seoul" isn't actually a specific city. It's more like... well, imagine Seoul, the *mega*-city we all know, and then *zoom!* in on the areas north of the Han River. Think Gangbuk, with its own vibe, its own history, and, yeah, its own distinct set of… challenges. Is it *safe*? Look, I've wandered around late at night, and I'm still standing. Common sense applies, right? Don't go flashing wads of cash, watch your surroundings, and don't get hammered to the point you think you can fly a kite off the top of Namsan Tower (I'm not saying *I've* thought about that, just… hypothetically). But honestly? The biggest dangers I faced were probably the kimchi jjigae-induced food comas.
Is there a *best* time to visit (besides, you know, avoiding a rogue North Korean missile). And is it *expensive*? Because my bank account is currently weeping.
Okay, missile talk is a valid concern, but let's be real: you're probably safer there than dodging drunk tourists in Times Square. The sweet spots are spring (cherry blossoms!) and autumn (gorgeous foliage!). Summer is hot and humid – not ideal for trekking around ancient palaces unless you love the feeling of your clothes clinging to you. Winter? Beautiful, but freezing.
Expense-wise? Seoul's a mixed bag. Compared to, say, Paris or New York? You can definitely do it on a budget. Street food is your friend. Public transport is *amazing* (seriously, get yourself a T-money card, life-changing!). Accommodation can range from dirt-cheap guesthouses to five-star hotels that’ll make your wallet spontaneously combust. I stayed in a really funky guesthouse in Hongdae once, and I swear the guy running it thought I was a long-lost relative. He kept feeding me mandu. It almost made me cry. Almost.
What REALLY makes North Seoul different from South Seoul (other than geography)? And how do I even *get* there? The subway map looks like a plate of spaghetti.
Okay, the subway map. It *is* spaghetti. Embrace the chaos. (Google Maps helps, I promise). North Seoul, for me, feels… I don't know, *grittier*? Less polished, maybe? It just has a different energy. South Seoul feels more… modern, shiny, and packed with those skyscrapers that make you feel tiny. North Seoul is where you find the old palaces, the traditional markets, the quirky cafes, and a history that isn’t as sanitised. It's got layers. It's got hidden gems. It's got the best darn bibimbap I've ever tasted (seriously, that was in Bukchon Hanok Village).
Getting there? Metro, baby! Even if you get lost, it’s part of the adventure. And trust me, you *will* get lost. It's a rite of passage.
Okay, okay, I'm listening. But what should I *do*? Give me some concrete ideas, please! I'm easily overwhelmed.
Alright, buckle up. Here are some must-dos (in my completely biased opinion):
- Gyeongbokgung Palace: Because, duh. Rent a hanbok (traditional Korean dress) and feel fancy. Just be warned: the crowds are epic. I nearly lost my phone in the throngs of tourists, and I was ready to scream. But the palace? Beautiful. Worth it. Maybe.
- Bukchon Hanok Village: Wander the narrow streets, admire the traditional Korean houses (hanoks). Take photos. Eat bibimbap. Get lost. This is where that biblical bibimbap was. I still dream of it.
- Insadong: Shop for souvenirs, drink tea, browse the art galleries. It's touristy, sure, but still charming. And the tea's delicious. Get a traditional tea ceremony experience. It's a nice break from the chaos.
- Myeongdong: Okay, not *strictly* North Seoul (it's border-adjacent!), but it's a shopping mecca. Skincare heaven. Eat all the street food. Be prepared for sensory overload. I once spent an entire afternoon in a skincare shop and walked out with approximately twelve different sheet masks, all promising to make me younger. Spoiler alert: They didn't.
- Hike up Namsan Mountain: The views are amazing. The walk... well, it’s a hike. Worth it for the panoramic city view. Plus, the N Seoul Tower is up there, a classic tourist trap, but hey, the view is good.
- Hongdae: The land of indie art, clubs, and cute cafes. Definitely a place to explore at night (But be warned, the late night dance scene is not for the faint of heart). This is your late night hangout, your artistic escape. It's a blast!
Food! What about the food? I live to eat (and I'm perpetually hungry.) Any survival tips?
Food is EVERYTHING in Korea. Seriously. Prepare to gain a few pounds. It's worth it. Here are some essential experiences:
- Street Food: From tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) to hotteok (sweet pancakes), embrace the street food. It's cheap, it's delicious, and it's everywhere. Just be careful with the *very* spicy stuff. My mouth once burned with such ferocity, I genuinely considered calling an ambulance. I'm not exaggerating.
- Korean BBQ: A must-do. Grill your own meat, eat mountains of side dishes, and learn to use those tiny metal chopsticks. The joy is real. The potential for a food coma is also real.
- Bibimbap: (I mentioned this, but it warrants repeating.) Get it everywhere. Try different variations. It's the ultimate comfort food.
- Kimchi Jjigae: Spicy, savory, soul-warming stew. Perfect after a long day of exploring. I may have had this for breakfast, lunch, and dinner on one particular trip. No regrets.
- Don't be afraid to try new things: Order things you can’t even pronounce. It's part of the fun! Even if it's a wriggling, live octopus (sannakji). (I’m still not entirely sure how I survived *that* experience, but I did. And it tasted… interesting.)
Pro-tip: Learn a few basic Korean phrases. Even "hello" (Annyeonghaseyo), "thank you" (Kamsahamnida), and "delicious" (Mashisseoyo) will get you a long way.
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