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My Sleepy Introduction to South Korea

2021-11-17

24 Images available in this Post by Ryan Brooklyn

After the long flight, I checked into my hotel, and let me tell you, that first day was nothing but a blur thanks to jetlag. I hit the pillow and was out like a light. But, gotta give credit where it's due, the hotel room was a cozy retreat, making my crash into dreamland quite the pleasant one. Plus, the staff were super welcoming, which always helps when you're in a new country.

The Quest for Coffee

Morning came, and with it, the quest for coffee. I wandered into this spot called Coffee Bean. Now, I've got to say, they've got this whole coffee thing down to an art. The way they serve you, it's like you're getting a little gift with each cup. I've got some pictures up, take a look, it's all in the details. And if you're a coffee aficionado, you'll appreciate the rich flavors they've got brewing.

Alright, so I finally made it to Seoul.

A Delightful McDonald's Experience

Then, I was starving. Found myself at a McDonald's by the Seoul Metropolitan Library. And wow, was it clean or what? Fast food, but make it five-star and Michelin. I was pleasantly surprised, to say the least. They even had some menu items you wouldn't find back home, which was a fun twist on the familiar.

Exploring One Heart of Seoul

This area around City Hall, the library, and this McDonald's on Mugyo-ro, it feels like the pulse of Seoul. Lucky me. You've got businesses, cultural spots, and you're a stone's throw away from some of the city's historical gems. Places like Changdeokgung Palace or the Jongmyo Shrine are just a leisurely walk away. If you're planning a visit, I'd say book your stay around here and nowhere else. You're at the crossroads of everything Seoul has to offer, and the vibe here during the day is just crazy.

City Air

A note on the air – it's got that big city vibe, a bit smoggy. Heard it might be blowing over from China, but who knows? If you're used to city life, it's probably nothing new. But it does add to the whole urban feel, and locals seem to just take it in.

Yongsan Station

For shopping, I checked out some local spots like Lotte Mart, which was like walking into a familiar store but with a Korean twist. Different, expensive, yet the same, with products that made me feel both at home and like a tourist. Then, Yongsan Park Mall became my daily go-to. It's pretty close to where I stayed, super convenient with buses getting you downtown in about 15 to 25 minutes. The mall? It's got everything. Free Wi-Fi in most areas, coffee shops where you can chill, and shopping options from 'just browsing' to 'I deserve this'. Worth a visit for sure, especially if you love fashion or tech.

Final Thoughts and Tips

So yeah, if you're thinking about Seoul, stay central, enjoy the mix of old and new, and don't miss out on that 'I Love Seoul' sign at Seoul Plaza for your Socials. It's not just a photo op; it feels like a rite of passage. And hey, swing by my YouTube channel to see what I'm talking about. Seoul's got this relaxed charm, and I'm just starting to just enjoy the surface. Trust me, there's a beauity to this city that you'll want to discover it.

Enjoy the pictures:

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