Take Twelve Trips is a travel challenge I joined back in December of 2015 in order to maximise my travels. For this month’s edition I am sharing Seoul Highlights, a city I have visited many times and had great experiences. It was the first city I did a long haul solo flight, it was both terrifying and exhilarating.
Solo traveling was not something I ever considered and because of that I wasted years waiting on others. Earlier in the year I decided to restart the travel challenge and so far it has been absolutely incredible. In my latest escape I went off to Seoul, South Korea with a travel buddy turned friend and confidant.
Friends that travel together stay together, no truer statement has ever applied to my travel buddies and I. If traveling is an addiction then I happily and willingly participate because it allows you to expand your horizon.
Traveling has allowed me to meet some incredible people who have since become incredible friends. One such friend is L whom I met back in 2016 in Seoul and recently we went back together. It’s been such a surreal friendship, since we met we’ve gone on couple of trips together. Our latest being a walk down memory lane back to Seoul where it all began.
Here are some of the Seoul Highlights, from 17 hour flight to drinking all day.
Take Twelve Trips May 2018 Seoul Highlights
Disclaimer – this post will not talk about must see places in Seoul but rather a highlight of our time. If you wish to read some must see places in Seoul, read Korea Day 0, Korea Day 1 and Korea Day 2-3.
Our Korean adventures started with a 17 hour flight from London Heathrow to Inchoeon Seoul with China Eastern. Having flown this route so many times I knew what to expect in terms of foods and service. Flying together with L to Seoul was a first, it was an interesting and fun experience. Our flight left at 8pm on a Sunday and we arrive 3pm in Shanghai before boarding our 5pm flight to Seoul.
We arrived in Seoul gone half 8pm and the shenanigans started as soon as we touched down. Since our friend had moved house it was easier to take a bus than use Seoul subway system which is incredible. We arrived around 11pm, headed out for dinner and drinks, got back home 9am the next day. This was the longest time I had been out after such a long flight and it’s not something I am likely to repeat.
Age is just a number…
Gone are the days of going to Korea to be a tourist, we are so used to living like a local it was second nature. Everyday we were there, we woke up late, spent hours in a cafe, had dinner and went out. This was on repeat from the moment we landed until we left. Whilst it is not our usual way of traveling and doing things, Seoul somehow makes us feel younger.
Whenever I visit Seoul, I don’t feel old, I feel like my 18yo self and its amazing being that energetic again. Things I get up to in Seoul (Eating, Drinking & Shopping) are not an everyday occurrence in the UK. Truth be told I go out on the town once a year in the UK, somehow the environment has changed since university days.
If you ever plan on visiting Seoul, I would recommend staying in HongDae or Wangsimni. Both are great locations, impressive cafes and easy to get to and a good night life.
Kara says
Seoul looks amazing. My Mum went a couple of years ago and I would love to visit
Hayley Warren says
Seoul looks so amazing, I would love to visit Asia one day and Korea looks beautiful!
Musings of a tired mummy...zzz says
I love that this trip reminded you of your younger self even though your actual experience was very different this time around.
Kira says
Wow what an incredible trip. Scott has been but I haven’t , it looks amazing though x
Jade Bremner says
I’ve never thought of this place but it looks different from the norm. I think a nice break with the other half would be good here x
Lynne Harper says
I have never been but what a trip. I love doing different things and exploring when I’m away x
Jon says
Crikey, what an adventure. You did well to survive that 17 hour flight to Seoul from Heathrow without going crazy being stuck on a plane that long!
Rhian Westbury says
It’s really good that this was a different type of holiday for you and that you did things you wouldn’t do at home x
nicol says
Seoul has been on my list to visit for a long time. I really like how it made you feel young!
Yeah Lifestyle says
I have never visited Seoul before but its on my travel list of places to visit. Loving your suggestion on HongDae and Wangsimni as well, will try to visit both these cities too.
Bella and Dawn at Dear Mummy B says
We’ve heard that Wangsimni is a great place to stay and its definitely on our bucket list after reading this x
Treasure Every Moment says
Oh wow – my Dad has visited Seoul a few times and always says how incredible it is. It’s on my bucket list of places I’d love to visit 🙂
Hayley Warren says
Seoul looks so amazing, I would love to visit Asia one day and Korea looks beautiful!
Kara says
Seoul looks amazing. My Mum went a couple of years ago and I would love to visit
Musings of a tired mummy...zzz... says
I love that this trip reminded you of your younger self even though your actual experience was very different this time around.
nicol says
Seoul has been on my list to visit for a long time. I really like how it made you feel young!
Kira says
Wow what an incredible trip. Scott has been but I haven’t , it looks amazing though x
Bella and Dawn at Dear Mummy Blog says
We’ve heard that Wangsimni is a great place to stay and its definitely on our bucket list after reading this x
Jade Bremner says
I’ve never thought of this place but it looks different from the norm. I think a nice break with the other half would be good here x
Lynne Harper says
I have never been but what a trip. I love doing different things and exploring when I’m away x
Rhian Westbury says
It’s really good that this was a different type of holiday for you and that you did things you wouldn’t do at home x
Yeah Lifestyle says
I have never visited Seoul before but its on my travel list of places to visit. Loving your suggestion on HongDae and Wangsimni as well, will try to visit both these cities too.
Jon says
Crikey, what an adventure. You did well to survive that 17 hour flight to Seoul from Heathrow without going crazy being stuck on a plane that long!
Treasure Every Moment says
Oh wow – my Dad has visited Seoul a few times and always says how incredible it is. It’s on my bucket list of places I’d love to visit 🙂