Local Lens Korea

  Introduction If you're visiting Seoul for the first time, deciding what to eat in Seoul can feel a bit overwhelming. Korean food is incredibly diverse, and honestly, it’s hard to go wrong. The real challenge is choosing what to try first when you have so many options. As a local, I’ll keep this guide simple and realistic — these are foods people actually eat, along with a few personal favorites I often recommend to friends visiting Korea. 1. Korean BBQ (A Must-Try Experience) Korean BBQ samgyeopsal is one of the most popular foods in Seoul, especially for first-time visitors. You’ve probably heard of Korean BBQ at least once before coming here. You grill the meat yourself at the table and eat it with lettuce wraps, garlic, and sauces. One thing that might surprise you — don’t be confused if you see scissors on the table. They’re used to cut the meat into bite-sized pieces. I’ve heard that using scissors at the table can feel unusual in some countries, but in Korea, it’s completel...

  Introduction If you're visiting Seoul for the first time, planning your itinerary can feel a bit overwhelming. The city is large, busy, and full of places to explore. The good news is that three days is enough to experience many of Seoul’s highlights, especially if you plan your route by area. And if you have one extra day, you can slow things down and explore a different side of the city. As a local, I usually recommend focusing on a mix of: Historic landmarks Modern neighborhoods Local food and street markets Relaxed spots where you can just enjoy the atmosphere This itinerary is designed to be simple, realistic, and easy to follow without rushing too much. If you're still planning your trip, you might also want to check how to get from Incheon Airport to Seoul , how to use the subway , and whether you need a T-money card to get around. Day 1: Historic Seoul and Traditional Culture Your first day in Seoul is a great time to explore the city’s historic side. Many of the mo...

Introduction If you're planning a trip to Seoul, one of the first questions you might ask is: When is the best time to visit Seoul? One thing people quickly notice about Seoul is how different the seasons feel. The city looks completely different in spring, summer, autumn, and winter. From cherry blossoms in spring to colorful autumn foliage and snowy winter streets, the atmosphere of the city changes dramatically throughout the year. Because of that, the “best” time to visit really depends on what kind of trip you're planning. As a local, I can say that every season has its own charm. Some months are perfect for walking around palaces and parks, while others are great for festivals, food, and unique seasonal experiences. In this guide, you'll learn what each season in Seoul is like, the best months to visit, and a few local travel tips to help you plan the perfect trip. If you're visiting Seoul for the first time, you might also want to learn how to get from Incheon Ai...

Introduction If you're planning a trip to South Korea, you might be wondering: Is Seoul expensive for tourists? Seoul is a large and modern city, and at first glance it might seem like an expensive destination.  However, many travelers are surprised to find that visiting Seoul can actually be quite affordable compared to other major cities. In this guide, I'll walk you through the typical travel costs in Seoul — including accommodation, transportation, food, and attractions — so you can get a better idea of how much to budget for your trip. Is Seoul Expensive Compared to Other Cities? Compared to cities like Tokyo, New York City, or London, Seoul is generally more affordable. Accommodation and transportation tend to be cheaper, and food prices can be very reasonable, especially if you enjoy local restaurants or street food. However, Seoul is still a major global city, so certain things like luxury hotels, fine dining, or high-end shopping can be expensive. Overall, most travel...

  Introduction If it’s your first time visiting Seoul, choosing where to stay can feel confusing. Seoul is a pretty big city, and each neighborhood has a completely different atmosphere. Some areas are packed with shopping streets and tourists. Some are trendy and full of young energy. Others feel modern, polished, and business-oriented. As a local, I get this question all the time: “Where should I stay in Seoul?” So in this guide, I’ll break down the three most popular areas for first-time visitors: Myeongdong Hongdae Gangnam I’ll explain the vibe, transportation, convenience, and who each area is best for. Quick Answer: Where Should You Stay? If you don’t want to read everything, here’s the short version. -  First time in Seoul?  Stay in Myeongdong - Y oung, social, nightlife vibe?  Stay in Hongdae -  Modern, upscale city atmosphere?  Stay in Gangnam Now let’s look at each area in more detail. Myeongdong - Best for First-Time Visitors If convenience is...

Introduction If you’re visiting Seoul for the first time, the subway map might look overwhelming. So many lines. So many colors. So many stations. But here’s the truth from a local: it’s actually one of the easiest subway systems in the world to use. When I traveled to Japan a few years ago, I remember feeling completely confused by the subway system. I had to think about different companies, ticket types, and even whether my transfer required exiting the station. It felt complicated. Maybe that’s because I’m not Japanese — but still, it was stressful. In Korea, you really don’t have to think that much. Transfers are simple, signage is clear, and everything works within one integrated system. In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to use the Seoul subway step by step — and what tourists often get wrong. If you’re coming straight from the airport, you might want to read my complete guide on getting from Incheon Airport to Seoul first . Is the Seoul Subway Easy for Tourists? Sh...