Local Lens Korea

  Introduction Seoul can feel overwhelming at first.   There’s too much to see, too many places to go, and honestly, not enough time. Most guides will give you a strict plan. This one won’t. Instead, here’s how to explore Seoul depending on what you actually enjoy. You already have your itinerary. This guide is for everything in between — the moments that actually make your trip feel real. Instead of listing places again, I’ll show you how to experience the city depending on what you enjoy. For History & Traditional Atmosphere If you want to understand Korea beyond modern buildings, spend some time in the older parts of Seoul. Gyeongbokgung is the main palace and the easiest place to start. It’s large enough to explore slowly, and the atmosphere changes depending on the time of day. Nearby, Bukchon Hanok Village feels completely different. It’s quiet, residential, and not built for tourists — which is exactly why it feels more authentic. If this is your first time n...

  Introduction If it’s your first time visiting Seoul, things can feel pretty easy at first — the city is safe, clean, and well organized. But even so, there are a few common mistakes that first-time visitors often make without realizing it. They’re not serious, but they can make your trip a bit less smooth than it could be. As a local, I’ll keep this simple and realistic. These are things I’ve seen a lot — and a few I’ve heard from friends after their trips. 1. Not Getting a T-money Card If you're planning to use public transportation more than a couple of times a day, not getting a T-money card is probably the most common mistake. You can buy single tickets, but it gets inconvenient quickly. A T-money card works across subways, buses, and even some taxis, so it saves time and makes things much easier. If you're not sure how it works, I’ve explained it step by step in my guide on how to use a T-money card in Korea . 2. Staying in the Wrong Area Seoul is bigger than it looks on...