Seoul's Neighbourhoods

I am restraining myself from punning, of baring my heart and Seoul, of Seoul searching. Yikes, too late. This city has an energy that's hard to put into words. What's possibly the best thing about it is something I experienced in going to New York City for the first time. It's that popping up into a new part of town and experiencing a completely different neighbourhood. Every district has a distinct tone. On our five-day stay we didn't make it to every part of the city; but what we did see felt like a unique piece of a gigantic puzzle waiting to be solved. 

In Gangnam, we witnessed more plastic surgeons per-capita than people. Girls with bandaged noses dotted cafe tables, trendy shops abounded and you could practically feel the dance craze down the streets: 

 

Bukchon hilltop village was perhaps my favourite. Antique shops, trendy stationery shops and tiny clothes shops dotted the ancient lanes. The streets wound up and up offered good views of the city below: 

 

 

 Traditional houses and rooftops dotted the landscape and even the odd artist took inspiration. It's very probable that one neighbourhood blended into another here but I think that was part of the fun.

 

Nearing Gyeonbokgung Palace, we were greeted with some odd art, statues linked to the signs of the zodiac:

This, according to our local experts, is a nod to some childhood game. We were relieved...

 Gyeonbokgung Palace itself was also quite impressive. Its location in the middle of the city made it easy to dip in, enjoy the fresh air, and pop out the other side.

 

 

 The changing of the guard:

 

 

Hongdae, the district we're staying in, is considered the hip and trendy part of town. Its location near the university district helps this quite a bit. Street markets, at night and day, restaurants, both cheap and more expensive, and a series of shoe shops, clothes shops, dessert shops make it the place to be.

 

At Insadong, a wide pedestrianised market cuts off into little side streets. We didn't have enough time to explore this area but it's definitely worth a look for all those bowties, art supplies and hipster gear you might want:

 

 

For a taste of the outdoors, head to Myeongong, pass the hordes of shops, hang a right and take a leisurely hike. You can take the lift or walk up to the heights of Seoul Tower, where glorious views of the city await: 

 

 

At the top of the tower, you can post a letter from the highest point in the city. And let's be honest, who wouldn't want to do that? 

 

 

A brief wander through Itaewon takes you to the War Memorial of Korea and the vast complex built in commemoration of the lives, many American, lost in the conflict. I've never seen so many American servicemen anywhere outside of the US.

These pictures don't even do half the city half the justice. Given more time, or perhaps another trip, there's a million more neighbourhoods to shop, things to eat and definitely streets to pause and people watch. What a place.