Exploring Seoul through Four Seasons: A Blogger's Perspective

Discover the insights shared by travel blogger Audrey Bergner on experiencing Seoul throughout the four seasons. Mytour presents Audrey's journey, sparking new ideas for your exploration of the capital of South Korea.

Experiencing Seoul's Charm Year-Round

Greetings! I'm Audrey Bergner, born in Canada, raised in Argentina, and currently living in Seoul. During my time here, I've mastered the Korean language, enjoyed singing with friends at karaoke (noraebang), and relished samgyeopsal BBQ in the winter. I adore this city and always say, 'Seoul is my city.' Now, let me take you on a delightful journey through this charming city in my own way!

When friends or anyone visits me, the first place I take them to is the Gyeongbokgung Palace. Although there are five grand palaces in the city built during the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeongbokgung, in my opinion, stands out the most.

Late spring is the perfect time to explore 'my city' as it hosts numerous festivals, and the streets are adorned with brightly lit lanterns shaped like lotus flowers, symbolizing Buddha's birthday celebration. You'll witness monks, traditional dancers, and join parades throughout the city streets.

For a panoramic view of Seoul, the 63-story skyscraper known as “Building 63” is the go-to spot, standing tall as one of the city's highest skyscrapers.

In my opinion, skip the city center square and head to Namdaemun Market—the city's oldest and largest outdoor market—for a much more exciting exploration.

Ssamziegil store in the Insa-dong pedestrian district is where you can find intriguing souvenirs for your friends.

My favorite museum to frequent is the National Museum of Korea, the largest museum in South Korea, preserving a plethora of historically valuable artifacts from ancient times to the present day.

The traditional Korean Folk Village in Yongin is an intriguing destination for those interested in exploring the cultural arts and life of the Korean people. It replicates the lives of people from centuries past, allowing you to admire traditional architecture, participate in fine arts and crafts workshops, and witness acrobatic performances.

Don't worry if it's your first time using Seoul's subway system; it's very convenient with all instructions in English, and the station names are also noted in English for easy identification by travelers.

During leisure moments, I often cycle along the Han River, relishing the fresh and serene atmosphere. Along the riverbank, you'll find bike rental shops and numerous food stalls serving in the area.

For a lively night out, I head to the Gangnam district, as it's one of the city's wealthiest areas with plenty of upscale bars and restaurants to choose from.

Caffe Bene is my favorite spot in the mornings, with delightful cinnamon nut pastries and green tea gelato.

If you're up for a late-night feast, head to the shops in Myeongdong and don't miss the chance to try pajeon—a crispy, fragrant pancake loaded with plenty of green onions.

Jogyesa Temple is where I go when I want to escape the bustling crowds. Located in central Seoul, once you step inside, it's easy to forget you're in a modern city.

The dish that represents Seoul for me is samgyeopsal, marinated and grilled pork served right at the table. Enjoying it with a bit of soju makes it truly fantastic. This is a must-try culinary delight.

In spring, cherry blossoms will bloom abundantly throughout the city. Yeouido Park, where the most cherry blossoms gather, hosts a spring flower festival, attracting many locals and tourists to admire the blossoms.

But in summer, I usually avoid the seasonal rain and dizzying heat by wandering in COEX mall – the largest underground shopping center in Asia, offering both restaurants and cinemas.

In autumn, climb to the top of Namsan (preferably with a loved one) and behold the changing colors of the trees, with leaves gracefully falling in the breeze. Namsan Tower atop the mountain is a romantic spot, adorned with thousands of love locks symbolizing enduring love.

In winter, the area in front of Seoul City Hall transforms into a giant ice rink, illuminated by colorful lights. Many gather here for the most enjoyable winter activities.

All these are just a small glimpse of Seoul, 'my city,' evolving every day, and I'm always surprised by it. Visit Seoul with a smile, and you'll find it beautiful beyond measure.

By San San (Source: Intelligenttravel)

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Reference: Travel Guide from Mytour