Solo Traveler's Guide To Seoul - Things To Do Alone

Seoul Sky Observatory

The 5th tallest building in the world, the Lotte World Tower has 123 floors. That may seem like a lot (and it is), but the elevator inside will get you to the top in just 3 minutes (a literal world record). And why would you want to go the top? The 123rd floor boasts the Seoul Sky Observatory and what is probably the best view in Seoul, and at around 7pm in summer you can see the sun setting in a spectacularly incandescent orange. If you’re a bit of an adrenaline junkie, head down to the 17th floor. This floor features a glass deck that allows you to see right the way down to the below you. Get vertigo? This probably is not for you. A photo looking down with your shoes in the frame is bound to be Instagram worthy. At around 63 floors, the Yuksam building seems dwarfish by comparison, but the view from the top floor rivals that of the Sky observatory, for different reasons. I recommend the Yuksam on a sunny day, though there are plenty of features inside for a rainy day too. The facade of the Yuksam glows an impressive gold despite its age, and is something to behold when the light catches it just right. Inside you will find an IMAX, an aquarium, a wax museum and a variety of restaurants - great spot for a lunch.

Itaewon And Hongdae

Hongdae is a University district, with four universities – the Hongik, Yonsei, Sogang and Ehwa. As a student hangout, it is also one of the trendiest places in Seoul and is full of quirky and unusual things to do, such as the Hello Kitty Cafe, one of the famous pet cafes. Built around student budgets, the plethora of street food outlets are bound to give provide a delicious and cost-effective meal that is best enjoyed while watching one of the indie bands that commonly play throughout the Hongdae area. If you’re not too shy and looking to party, you definitely have to give one of the Noraebangs a try. A Noraebang is a karaoke bar – somewhere you are bound to make some friends at, however awful your singing voice may be. If you’re really opposed to singing, don’t worry, there plenty of good ol’ bars to hang out at. For the afterparty you may want to head over to Itaewon, a district known for its multiculturalism. Here you are bound to bump shoulders with all manner of international citizens while partying the night away.

Myeongdong

Korea is famous for its shopping and Myeongdong is famous even in Korea as a shopping Mecca. Seeing over 2 million shoppers a day, the Myeongdong area is packed with shops catering to the beauty crazes of Korea, from the latest clothing store to cosmetics, massage parlors, jewelry stores and all manner of curious shops selling items you will likely not see anywhere else in the world. Top international brands and unique Korean brands alike call this place home, and there is something for everyone. In between browsing, there are multitudes of Korean street food vendors and fine-dining restaurants to choose from for meals, snacks and luxury dining experiences. If you aren't too partied out after Hongdae, then Myeongdong will welcome you with a thrilling and diverse nightlife. If you are looking for some quietude, take a walk to the Myeongdong Cathedral. The cathedral will immediately strike you as being very out of place with its sweeping gothic architecture. This cathedral is home to the Roman Catholic church of Korea, and is an unusually beautiful sight.

Sightseeing In Jongno

Jongno is home to no less than four of the five grand palaces of Seoul and is guaranteed to be one of the highlights of your Seoul solo itinerary. Gyeongbok-gung, Changdeok-gung, Changyeong-gung and Gyeonghui-gung are the four palaces and each one is a breathtaking sight. Amongst them are a plethora of shrines, temples, parks and historical neighborhoods. A must-visit is the Bukchong Hanok village, a 600 year old residential neighborhood in Jongno gu Seoul. You may spot people wearing traditional attire in this area – these are Hanbok, traditional dresses. If you are looking for a more tactile experience, you can rent a hanbok near the National Folk Museum of Korea and this will guarantee you free entrance into the museum which is a fascinating recollection of how the people of Seoul used to live in ages gone by. Changdeokgung palace, which is adjacent to Gyeongbok-gung, is one of the more popular of the five grand palaces. It has 110 buildings stretched over a staggering 110 acres.

Gastronomy In Seoul

Traditionally, Korean food culture has centered around eating in a group. Menus for two that are so typical in Korean restaurants are a good indication of this. However, and this is good news for anyone undertaking Seoul solo travel, there is a new trend in Korean food culture that caters for the introvert (or solo traveler). Honbap is the practice of dining alone, and there is a booming trend in Seoul for Honbap restaurants. Many of these feature single booths with a miniature grill over which one can grill their meat while watching the televised entertainment. There are also restaurants that serve ramen for single people, but these take dining in privacy to a whole new level. Known as Ichi-men, these restaurants feature private, closed off booths where a person can sit and enjoy their meal. To order, one simply purchases their meal at a vending machine on the way in, and passes the slip through a hatch in the one wall of the booth to the kitchen, where a silent chef takes it and prepares the meal accordingly. Another must-see for the gastronomist is Nandaemun market. As South Korea’s oldest and largest market, Nandaemun is a constant hive of activity and somewhere that you are guaranteed to find the most authentically Korean food.

Practical Tips For The Solo Traveler

As a solo traveler, not only should you be armed with a list of things to do in Seoul alone, but also with a list of tips and tricks to ensure a seamless journey. Firstly, use public transport wherever possible. It is safe, efficient and cost effective, making it the best way to travel in Seoul. The subway is the best form of public transport and will get you within walking distance of anywhere that you need to be. Get yourself a T-money card and pre-load it so that you don’t have to bother with tickets. Try couch surfing or airbnb to arrange a stay with a local family. Koreans are very hospitable people and it always helps to have a friendly face when travelling solo. A hostel will also do in a pinch, although this may be less glamorous. Bring a selfie stick - Seoul is one of the most photo-worthy cities out there. And lastly, enjoy. Seoul is a safe, friend, accommodating and beautiful city and you will not regret your visit.